Leaving Oxford By Janet Ferguson

Leaving OxfordSouthern Hearts Series ~ Book 1

Escaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn't.A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.

Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university's offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together--until he falls for a woman who won't leave town.As the deadline for Jess's decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth's heart only grow stronger. But it's time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.

 

Pick up your copy here...

https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Oxford-Southern-Hearts-1/dp/0997482206/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511582768&sr=1-1&keywords=leaving+oxford

 

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children's minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

 

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children's minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

 

My Thoughts...
 

 I can tell that this was Freguson first book, the dialogue was difficult to follow and it made this a hard read.
The story would have been a good one if not for that.
The characters were well thought out and most were likeable. A few I could connect with.
The cover was done well, I can see it's a nice cover.
I gave this book three stars. I am going to read book two in the  Southern Hearts series and see if I connect with the characters.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
 

 

Christmas at Grey Sage By Phyllis Nichols

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There's plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn's owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year's guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won't be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues--and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends--proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Grey-Phyllis-Clark-Nichols/dp/1683701283/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511564260&sr=1-1&keywords=Christmas+at+Grey+Sage

Phyllis Clark Nichols believes everyone could use a little more hope and light. Her character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions from within the simple lives of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a love for nature, art, music, faith and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment, often through surprisingly serendipitous events.

Phyllis was raised in the deep shade of magnolia trees in Cairo, Georgia. Now she lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband, where red birds and axis deer are her ever-ravenous neighbors. She is an English major, , concert artist and co-founder of a national cable network for people with disabilities. For over a decade she has worked in the orphanages of Guatemala and currently serves on several non-profit boards where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most.

Phyllis is the author of THE CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT and CHRISTMAS AT GREY SAGE.

My Thoughts...

Looking for a Christmas book to get in the mood for the season? You may like  Christmas at Grey Sage. It's  one that can be read in one sitting is a small book full of joy, love, peace and hope. You  will love sitting by the fire and  with a cup of hot cocoa and devouring this little gem.
I would love to be snowed in at a nice bed and breakfast with a group of different people.
This was a unique Christmas story not one that is a retold story.
I gave this book 4 stars. I hope that you will check it out the Christmas season.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Interview with Stephen Mizell Author of The Long Walk back

Failure is something we have all experienced. We have also watched the public failures of people that resulted in many lives being affected. It is painful to watch someone's life as their career, family, and finances go to shambles because of their poor choices. It is even more painful to experience all that personally.
There are consequences to every choice we make. Failure can be devastating. The losses seem almost impossible to overcome. But nothing could be further from the truth. There is a path back to success and fulfillment. The question is, will we take it?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-Back-Recover-Failure/dp/151278740X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511579883&sr=8-1&keywords=the+long+walk+back

Stephen Mizell is the Lead Pastor at Open Door Church. Stephen and his wife Barbara, along with their children, started attending Open Door on Easter Sunday 2005. In January of 2008 he came on staff and became the Lead Pastor in October, 2010. Stephen believes he has been specifically called to impact northeastern North Carolina with life-giving congregations in rural communities.

Stephen is a gifted communicator who is committed to sharing practical truths from God’s Word. He is committed to raising up leaders both locally and around the world. As a part of John Maxwell’s organizations EQUIP and the John Maxwell Team, Stephen has been able to teach leadership principles in many countries around the world. He is also an entrepreneur and has owned several businesses over the last 20 years.

Stephen and Barbara reside in Edenton, NC. They have four children and three grandchildren. They enjoy traveling the world and serving people wherever they go. You can follow Stephen’s thoughts on ministry, life and leadership at www.StephenMizell.com. His brand new book about his personal story of redemption entitled “The Long Walk Back” just released and is available here on Amazon.


Welcome Stephen...

1) What sparked your decision to journey down the path of writing The Long Walk Back?

I had been able to help some other people one on one and knew this would be a way that I could help people that I would never have the opportunity to sit down with one on one. I have a real desire to help others who are struggling with failure and also to help people avoid some of the pain I experienced.

 

 

2) Share with us one tip on how to get out of the mess we may have found ourselves in.

The most basic decision is to want something different than what you have. The next needed decision is to surround yourself with the right people

 

 

3)  Can everyone recover from failure?

The simple answer is yes, but the recovery doesn't always mean restoration. Your recovered life may look nothing like your previous place.

 

 

4) What is your favorite Bible verse?

This one is tough. Being a pastor, there are a lot of verses I identify with. As I have signed this book, I have used Ruth 4:14 but I was not left without a redeemer

 

 

5)  Tell us a little bit about your family.

I grew up in a pastors home, so the life I have is not completely foreign to me. My wife Barbara and I have been married for 12 years and we have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. All of our children live within an hour of us.

 

 6) Will The Long Way Back by your only self help  book or will others follow it? If so can you share a little bit about what's next.

I am currently working on a book on parenting. Helping families is a real passion for me. It is where I have found my greatest struggles and I want to share the lessons I have learned.

 

 7) Pastor, what is your favorite comfort food?

 Fried chicken or ice cream

 8) If you could have one wish what would it be?

That I leave a legacy that makes an impact long after I am gone

 

 9) Where can my readers keep up with you?

Blog: www.stephenmizell.com

Twitter: @stephenmizell

Facebook: @StephenMizellOnline

 

In the Middle of the Mess By Shelia Walsh

How do you turn your struggles into strengths? Beloved Bible teacher Sheila Walsh teaches readers how the daily spiritual practices of confession, meditation on God’s Word, and prayer result in fresh freedom in Christ.
In her long-awaited new book, Sheila Walsh equips women with a practical method for connecting with God’s strength in the midst of struggle. From daily frustrations that can feel like overwhelming obstacles to hard challenges that turn into rock-bottom crises, women will find the means to equip themselves for standing strong with God. Using the spiritual applications of confession, prayer, and meditation on Scripture to form a daily connection to Jesus, women will learn how to experience new joy as a child of God who is fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted.
In In the Middle of the Mess, Walsh reveals the hardened defenses that kept her from allowing God into her deepest hurts and shares how entering into a safe place with God and practicing this daily connection with him have saved her from the devil’s prowling attacks. Though we will never be completely “fixed” on earth, we are continually held by Jesus, whatever our circumstances.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Middle-Mess-Strength-Beautiful-Broken/dp/1400204917/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511561402&sr=8-1&keywords=in+the+middle+of+the+mess

 

Sheila Walsh is an author, speaker and Bible teacher who has sold over 4 million books. Her heart is to show what happens when your real life meets the Word of God. She is the author of the #1 best-selling line of Christian books for little girls, "Gigi, God's Little Princess." Sheila is the creator of Children of Faith and the Gnoo Zoo, a ministry to children that communicates God's love for them. She is the author of several books for women including "Honestly," "Gifts for Your Soul," "Living Fearlessly," and "The Best Devotions of Sheila Walsh", "The Shelter of God's Promises" and her latest book, "God Loves Broken People and those who pretend they're not." As an accomplished musician, Sheila has recently released the CD "Beauty From Ashes." Sheila, her husband, Barry and their son, Christian live in Dallas, Texas.

My Thoughts...

Life changing book, I don't know one person that has the perfect life. We have all lived in the real world, so we have dealt with a lot.
Walsh is a voice in the Christian world that many can relate to and she has lived it and she wants to share how she got through it. So she wants to help others.
Walsh talks about  the miracles in the middle of our mess. She shares her own personal story with you, it's one you don't want to miss.
This is a very  straight forward book and it's a life saver for all us women that don't have it all together.
I gave this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Witness Protection By Carol Kinsey

“There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed.” Ty Westgate is an ex-lawyer living under witness protection. Brooke Dunbar is a young nurse, struggling to find hope and healing from her past. After four years in hiding, Ty puts his faith in Christ and realizes his moral duty to tell his unsaved parents about Jesus. While this step of faith holds eternal significance for Ty’s parents, it also puts Ty’s life in jeopardy. Together, in this fast paced novel, Ty and Brooke work to unravel the truth behind Ty’s adversaries. Will Ty’s decision to share his faith cost him his life? Will Brooke learn to trust the One Who can heal her past? The price of freedom may be too high.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Protection-Carol-Kinsey/dp/1546907726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511557095&sr=8-1&keywords=witness+protection+by+carol+Kinsey

Carol Kinsey is the author of Witness Protection, available September 2017, Greater Love, Until Proven Innocent, and Under the Shadow of a Steeple. Along with her three Christian fiction novels, Carol has authored a writing curriculum, Creative Writing Through Literature, which launched in 2016. She is also a contributing author for Relationships Under Construction, and several other publications. Carol partners with authors, Amy C. Blake and Colleen Scott, speaking on developing the writer in yourself and your child. Carol, her husband, and their daughters, live on a farm in rural Ohio. She and her husband have been involved in youth ministry for over twenty years and currently serve at a small country church, which inspired her novel, Under the Shadow of a Steeple. Carol has a passion for writing exciting fiction that uplifts, encourages, and gives glory to God.

My Thoughts...

Suspense and romance in one book you say? Oh yes this book has them both.
This is not a slow read it's a fast paced read, one that will take you on an adventure until the very end.
Kinsey can write so that you think you are living in the very pages you are reading.
I enjoyed this book from the first page. You have to pick up copy of this must read.
I gave this book 4 stars, I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

The Gift of Christmas Past By Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them. 
Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire. 



Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.



Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Christmas-Past-Southern-Romance/dp/0998753807/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511406962&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gift+of+christmas+past+cindy+woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written seventeen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.

She's won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer's Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings' Best Books of the Year. She's been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn't realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn't allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy's house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them--afraid that if they didn't, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann's because her family didn't own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults' disapproval and the obstacles in each other's lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy's family moved to another region of the US.

As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities--from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.

If you'd like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

My Thoughts...

If you pick up this book based on the authors name alone you would be expecting an Amish book. But oh no its a contemporary Southern  Romance and it was Woodsmall's best book yet.
It was clean and very well written and the editing was very good. I will say that I have read everyone of Woodsmall's Amish books and they were good. But this one was very good and I hope that she continues  writing contemporary romances.
You have to read this book and find out if Monroe stands up to his parents and see if he and Hadley can find their way back to where they once were! You are going to be surprised with this book.
I gave this book 4.5 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

The Engagement Plot By Krista Phillips

Can Hanna and Will Find True Love amid the Bright Lights of Reality TV?
Perfect for the fans of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette!

Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.
          
William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations.  Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all?  When all seems lost, it’s only with help from above that Hanna and Will may find their happily-ever-after.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Engagement-Plot-Krista-Phillips/dp/1683223160/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511404348&sr=8-1&keywords=the+engagement+plot+by+krista+Phillips

Krista Phillips writes inspirational romantic comedy. She believes a sprinkle of laughter (and a wee bit of chocolate) makes everything a little better! She blogs regularly about life as a wife, mother, follower of Jesus, and mother of a child with a rare congenital heart defect at www.kristaphillips.com.

My Thoughts...

Do you enjoy watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette? Well this is something like that sort of. It is a book for reality TV fans. They are sure to fall in love with this book.
It was a good romantic comedy, It's a feel good read. The first book that I have read by Phillips but not my last. The story line was very well thought out, and different.
I loved Hanna and rooted for her until the very end. You may like the outcome. Read it all the way to the end!
This is a 4 star read. I recommend this book to reality TV fans. And Romance fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.