Snow Country By Kristen Neva GIVEAWAY!

Shame desperately depends on secrecy for its survival in this multi-generational story of love and loss.

JILTED THREE WEEKS BEFORE HER WEDDING, Beth Dawson escapes sunny California for the snowy Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where a young State Trooper challenges her to let go of her rules for Christian courtship. Her domineering mother chides her to stay single and wants her to talk her ailing grandmother into moving to Los Angeles.

COPPER ISLAND averages over 200 inches of snow annually. The fictional towns of Douglass and Quincy mirror the actual towns of Houghton and Hancock. Although the names of businesses and persons are imaginary, the history, landmarks, and spirit described in the novel are real.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Country-Copper-Island-Novel/dp/0998196207/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486688370&sr=8-1&keywords=snow+country+kristin+neva

KRISTIN NEVA grew up in an old farmhouse on Copper Island in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula where the hard-working, rugged residents persevere through harsh winter weather, sustained by friendship and family, surrounded by natural beauty. As an adult, she lived in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas for seventeen years before returning to her hometown with her husband and two children.
Kristin’s first book, Heavy, co-authored with her husband, Todd, journeys through the first year after Todd’s ALS diagnosis as the Nevas struggle to find meaning, hold on to faith, and discover joy in the midst of pain.

It is this life experience that brings authenticity to Kristin’s fictional works as she explores themes of love, loss, and faith on Copper Island.

Learn more about Kristin and explore Copper Island at KristinNeva.com.

I love Michigan and I found Neva to be very detailed and on point with her writing about it. I like a good romance as well and again Neva did a great job in that department.

I  like books set in small towns, I love how reading this book it felt like I was right there in Michigan.

I am excited to read book two in this series. Bring it on Neva.

I gave this book 4 stars and I hope that you will check out this new author.

I received  this book from the Author for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own. 

 

 

The Author is giving away a copy  of Snow Country to one blog follower that leaves a comment.

Because You're Mine By Colleen Coble

Amid the beauty of Charleston, not all is as it seems.

When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.

Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.

Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?

A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Because-Youre-Mine-Colleen-Coble/dp/0718083806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486499393&sr=8-1&keywords=because+you%27re+mine+colleen+coble 

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

I'm not sure who wrote this book but I'm guessing it was not Coble. I've read all her books and this is not her writing style as Coble writes a wonderful story.

I was so disappointed in this book. It was dark and predictable and not much mention of Jesus. It was not a Coble book, I missed the spiritual themes that she usually has in her books. Predictable characters and predictable story line. I struggled to finish reading the book. 

I sadly gave this book 3 stars and that is stretching it a bit. I hope and pray that she goes back to writing her own books again.

I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own. 

Justice Delayed By Patrica Bradley

It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites her readers to crack the case--if they can--alongside the best Memphis has to offer.

 

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Delayed-Patricia-Bradley/dp/0800727088/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486485368&sr=8-1&keywords=justice+delayed+patricia+bradley

Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum. But her heart is tuned to suspense. Patricia’s romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series set in Mississippi and two sweet romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, Matthew’s Choice and The Christmas Campaign are available on Amazon. She is currently working on The Memphis Cold Case series.

Book 1 of 2 in the Memphis Cold Case Series was a good romantic suspense. I have never read anything by Bradley before so this was a treat for me I like new authors.

This was a face paced suspense story that was different, meaning it was an original story.  I enjoyed the Diamond smuggling, that was certainly different.

There was something missing in the romance department, there was no connection to the characters for me. 

I am looking forward to book two in the Memphis Cold Case series.

I gave this book 4 stars. Give Bradley a try.

I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own. 

The Newcommer By Suzanne Woods Fisher GIVEAWAY!

In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom.

But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World--isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father--his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?

When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not--bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not.

Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Newcomer-Amish-Beginnings-Suzanne-Fisher/dp/0800727495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486338874&sr=8-1&keywords=the+newcomer+by+suzanne+woods+fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher has a specialty: she writes about real people living in faith-based communities. With over 750,000 copies of books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, ranging from children's books ('The Adventures of Lily Lapp' series) to novels ("The Choice") to non-fiction books ("Amish Peace: Simple Living for a Complicated World").

When Suzanne isn't writing, she's probably playing with puppies. She's been involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind for over fifteen years. Raising puppies, she says, is like eating a potato chip. You just can't stop at one.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne's website at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com  

Book 2 in the Amish Beginnings series, The newcomer, continues Anna's story, A story of hope and conviction with a little bit of romance.

Fisher is writing a bit different then her normal Amish books. This one is historical not contemporary like her other Amish books.

I like the strong characters and the continuing story where book one Anna's Crossing left off.

I gave this book 4 stars and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Clean Christian Romance.

I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own. 

The Seekers By Wanda Brunstetter

Will Heidi's cooking lessons turn into life lessons for five unlikely students?
Heidi Troyer cooks up the idea of teaching classes in the art of Amish cuisine in her Holmes County, Ohio, home. But is it a recipe for drama when five very different men and women answer the advertisement?

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students.

Class members share details of their disappointing lives, work to solve a mystery, and stir some romance into the pot. Soon Heidi’s cooking lessons turn into life lessons as they each share their challenges. . .and their souls are healed one meal at a time. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Cooking-Class-Seekers-Book/dp/1624167446/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486141800&sr=8-1&keywords=the+seekers+wanda+brunstetter

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Oh my you Amish fiction lovers are going to swallow this one up it was very good. I love Amish and I love cooking so this was a one of a kind read.

The Characters are well developed and so likeable, I did not like Ron at first but in the end I liked him as well as the others.

It has a good ending you are wondering there for a while if it will all turn out like you want it to.

I can not wait for the nest book in this series Amish Cooking Class.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.

 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Control Girl By Shannon Popkin GIVEAWAY!

 

Little fights with your husband and kids. Unhappiness when things don't match your version of perfect. Tension, anger, fear, anxiety--it all begins with a heart that craves control. When your perspective of how life should go replaces God's, you doom your quest for security, peace, and joy before it even starts. 

Thankfully, there is a better way.

Join Shannon as she shares what she has discovered about her own control struggles and 
about God from studying seven Control Girls in the Bible. Whether it was Eve's desire to know instead of trust, Sarah's inability to wait for God to move, or Rebekah's controlling hand on her family's future, each of these women's stories contain warnings and lessons for us today. 

Learn how you too can lay down this burden of trying to control everything and find rest in surrendering to the One who truly is in control.

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Control-Girl-Lessons-Surrendering-Burden/dp/0825444292/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485988361&sr=8-1&keywords=control+girl+book

Shannon Popkin is a wife and mom, a speaker and teacher, and a leader of small group studies. As a writer and speaker, Shannon combines her love for humor and storytelling with her passion for Jesus. She has been published by Family Fun, MOMSense, and Focus on the Family Magazine, and is a contributing blogger at TrueWoman.com.

Shannon and her husband live the fast-paced life of parenting three teens. When she's not taking pictures from the sidelines of her kids' sporting events, Shannon loves to be opening the door of her west Michigan home to family and friends.

Find her at www.shannonpopkin.com.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Control Girl
• A Vera Bradley tote
• A rose gold arrow bracelet
• A set of Moleskine journals

Enter to win here: http://bit.ly/2kVxFcU

The winner will be announced February 22 on Shannon’s blog.

 

 

Are we not ALL Control Girls?I loved this book, I read it and reread it.

There is so much valuable info in this little book. Wise wisdom.

Shannon's husband Ken was so much fun to get to know. I really enjoyed this book.

I learned a lot from the very first chapter. The Seven women have a lot to teach us if we really are ready to learn.

This is a must read by every women I know, I hope and pray that you pick up a copy of this book. The scripture and the stories are such an asset to this book.

I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this book.

 I received  this book from the publisher for review. A favorable was not required and all views expressed are my own.

The Garden By Kari Jobe GIVEAWAY!

Grammy nominated Kari Jobe is the premiere female worship leader in Christian music. Coming off her last live album, Majestic, which featured the worship anthem “Forever” and radio hit “I Am Not Alone," Kari Jobe has returned to the studio to record her new album, The Garden, full of brand new worship anthems for the church and for personal reflection. Finding inspiration from life’s joys and hardships, Kari leans into the firm foundation of Christ through it all.

 

Pick up your copy here: http://smarturl.it/thegarden? IQid=fly

This is such a relaxing Cd and peaceful. Its a wonderful worship Cd.

I must say that  Jobe's new cd The Garden is spot on. I enjoyed every song on the album. I have a playlist that I listen to while I pray and write scripture and these songs will be added to that playlist. Jobe has written an awesome collection once again. The songs lean more on the worship style of music but they are great just the same, Each song is peaceful and relaxing.  I recommend that everyone go out and buy The Garden album. It's a 4 star Cd that you will listen to over and over.

In order to be entered to win a copy of this CD you must be following this blog. And you must share this blog post with one other person. Leave a comment if you would like to be entered to win a copy of The Garden Cd by Kari Jobe.

 

* E-mail me your mailing address, Please, in case you are the WINNER!

 themaryreader@yahoo.com  

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.