Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Then Again, Maybe By Susan Tuttle

 

Former beauty queen Belle Thornton knows what it is to think she has it all, only to discover she never valued what was truly important. Raising her daughter and building a thriving thrift shop that helps single mothers like herself has taught Belle what the word beautiful really means. Unfortunately, thanks to her shady landlord, Belle must toss those hard-earned dollars into the money-pit of a rental that houses both her tiny apartment and her business or risk the city closing her doors. When funds dwindle as quickly as her to-do list grows, she is forced to rely on the absolute last rescuer she’d choose: Micah Shaw. Leaving Belle at the altar, pregnant, was the worst choice Micah ever made. He returns home, hoping to reconcile with Belle and their toddler. While balancing his medical residency with caring for his ailing mother, he strives to win Belle’s heart again and ensure her business remains open. Helping with that is the easy part. Chiseling through the rock encompassing Belle's heart is more of a challenge, but one he’s determined to conquer. If only he could get her to realize that a new lease on love may be their best collaboration of all.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Then-Again-Maybe-Along-Came/dp/1645262898/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29R83HYOGG2U0&dchild=1&keywords=then+again+maybe+susan+tuttle&qid=1606586099&sprefix=Then+Again%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1


ACFW Carol Award Finalist, Susan L. Tuttle was born and raised in the Mitten State where she met and married her best friend. A homeschooling mom of three, somewhere along the way she blinked and those three littles aren’t so little anymore. Now she balances their young adult years with directing the women’s ministry at her church and writing new stories. She fully believes that God is the biggest romancer in the world and that He loves each one of us lavishly even in all our imperfections—a belief tried and tested by her own misses at perfection. Never having met a cookie she didn’t like, most days you’ll find her enjoying one for a treat between chauffeuring her kiddos around, attempting housework, contemplating exercise, or coaxing her current characters to talk.

My Thoughts...
This was book two in a series. I did not get a copy of book one, but I will tell you it can be read as a stand alone. I was not lost, I don't feel like I missed anything.
This was such a good romance, it was a clean, fun, fast read. I have found a new author to share with all my friends.
I loved the characters  and  enjoyed the story so much.
I  gave this book 4 stars and I hope that you grab a copy and maybe an extra one for a friend to enjoy.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Magnolia Mistletoe An Edisto Christmas Novella By Lindsey Brackett

 

Hannah Calhoun knows what she wants for Christmas. But before she can become a full-fledged partner in her mother’s wedding planning business, she has to prove she can handle her own shortcomings.

Benjamin Townsend is an entrepreneur always looking out for the next big thing—and if hosting weddings on Edisto is it, he’s all in. Even if that does mean spending a lot of time with Hannah, whose world is way more full of happily ever after than his.

Once the magnolia and mistletoe are hung, will an Edisto Christmas be exactly the magic these two need?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Magnolia-Mistletoe-Edisto-Christmas-Novella/dp/164526291X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27A9CB6UFSMFG&dchild=1&keywords=magnolia+mistletoe+lindsey+brackett&qid=1606527627&sprefix=Magnolia+Mis%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1



Lindsey P. Brackett has read obituaries on the radio, conned middle schoolers into reading Shakespeare, and directed musicals despite not having the ability to sing or dance. These days, she writes southern fiction infused with her rural Georgia upbringing and Lowcountry South Carolina roots. Her debut novel, Still Waters, was an INSPY Finalist and 2018 Selah Book of the Year. Find her podcasting at A Rough Draft Life with novelist Kristi Ann Hunter and stress-cooking on Instagram as @lindseyprackett. Someday, she hopes to balance motherhood and writing full-time. Until then, she’s just very grateful for her public school system.

Join her newsletter and receive a free short story at lindseypbrackett.com.

My Thoughts...
Well lets see where to start. I like most people don't think that great authors should right novellas. Do to the fact that you are always left wanting more.
That being said. I really enjoyed this story and the characters  were great the setting was great and the romance was just right. But I was left wanting to read more story by Brackett.
I gave this 4 stars and I am hoping for some more books from her soon.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, November 23, 2020

Redeeming Love Keepsake Edition By Francine Rivers

 

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.  
 
Then she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.  
 
But with her unexpected softening comes overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does…the One who will never let her go.  
 
A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.


New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...
This is a book that should be given to everyone this year. This would be an unforgettable gift. This hard cover edition is gorgeous. With the film coming out in 2021 so many younger people have not read it yet and need to read it before seeing the film. 
Give this hardcover edition this year to all the book lovers on your list.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional By Rachel Dodge

 

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
 
This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Gables-Devotional-Chapter-Chapter/dp/1643526162/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GADR8J06RHIF&dchild=1&keywords=the+anne+of+green+gables+devotional&qid=1605384527&sprefix=The+Anne+of+Green+Gables+De%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSTU5M0xRUUNaOEJNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDQzNTQ1MVpHUlFQWjdDMFlKRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTAwODA2MzU3WlFEVkZHRzREViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=


Rachel Dodge is the author of Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen (Bethany House 2018) and the Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-By-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits (Barbour 2020). Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen's World blog and Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping families to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God's Word. A kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns. She makes her home in California with her husband and their two children.

Artwork

Original whimsical artwork is placed throughout the devotional to bring the devotions and spirit of this classic story to life.



Devotions

The devotions included explore the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel. Each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions.


Special Gift

Makes a great personal devotional or a thoughtful gift for a kindred spirit and even includes discussion questions that can make this the perfect companion for bible studies and book groups.

   My Thoughts...
Another Great gift idea for Anne of Green Gables fans there are many of us. This would be a fantastic gift. I love the artwork in this devotional and the daily prayers and great for any age. This is going to be a fun gift to give this year. I hope that everyone gets a copy of this and a few extra for those they love.
5 stars from this book lover.
  The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.            

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Redeeming Love The Companion Study By Francine Rivers

 

Venture deeper into the heart of the classic bestselling novel Redeeming Love with this six-week study and discover life-changing Bible truths.

Through Redeeming Love, millions of readers have experienced the captivating love story of Angel and Michael Hosea that illustrates God’s power to redeem even the most lost among us. Redeeming Love: The Companion Study invites you to enter more fully into both the classic novel’s eternal message and the biblical story that inspired its writing. 
 
Each week’s readings include:
• a personal reflection by Francine Rivers about the writing of Redeeming Love and the power of God’s Word
• key scenes from Redeeming Love, selected to illustrate God’s loving pursuit of you
• Bible study lessons that creatively blend story and Scripture to glean fresh insights
• thoughtful reflection questions designed to inspire you to a deeper experience of God

Perfect for both individual reflection and group discussion, this study will draw you deeper into the life-transforming love celebrated in Redeeming Love.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Love-Companion-Francine-Rivers/dp/0525654364/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10DYBPTWZS0LR&dchild=1&keywords=the+companion+study+redeeming+love&qid=1605383935&sprefix=The+Companion+Study%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1


New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...
I have another great gift for you guys that are still looking for the perfect gift to give to that special someone. This would also make a great small group study for the ladies looking for small group studies for the new year.
A fun stocking stuffer or a just because I am thinking of you gift.
5 stars from me and I hope you grab a few copies.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

A Path to Redeeming Love A 40-day Devotional By Francine Rivers

 

This forty-day devotional based on the classic bestselling novel Redeeming Love leads you on a personal, six-week journey into God’s all-consuming embrace.

We know that God loves us unconditionally. So why is it so hard to break free from the past and live in that truth? Inspired by the biblical book of Hosea, Redeeming Love introduces a love so profound that it forever changes Angel, a woman who had viewed herself as broken beyond redemption. With A Path to Redeeming Love: A 40-Day Devotional, you can immerse yourself daily in the truth of God’s unshakable love for you.
 
Personal essays from Francine explore key themes from the novel—Rejected, Resigned, Rescued, Redeemed, Reconciled, Restored—inspired by Scripture. In addition, each daily devotion includes:
 
• an excerpt from Redeeming Love, Angel and Michael Hosea’s classic love story
• Bible verses for meditation
• prompts for Bible study, prayer, and journaling to enhance reflection and application
 
Whether you feel stuck or hurt, confused or lost—or simply want to experience more deeply God’s boundless grace—this devotional invites you into a transformative understanding of God’s redeeming love.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Path-Redeeming-Love-Forty-Day-Devotional/dp/0525654348/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30CMM8E0VLF7N&dchild=1&keywords=a+path+to+redeeming+love+a+forty-day+devotional&qid=1605383081&sprefix=Path+to+Redeeming%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1


New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).

My Thoughts...
This devotional is wonderful. I can see this in everyone's stocking this year. People giving this as a gift would so many happy this year. It would be so much fun to have a small group get together and share their  thoughts with each other.
This is a 5 star gift idea for you all.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Cover Your Tracks By Daco S. Auffenorde

 

Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.

When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and threaten to destroy them.

Cover Your Tracks is a chilling story of love and hate, the devastating power of nature, and the will to survive.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Your-Tracks-Daco-Auffenorde/dp/1684425506/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JGMSJIAN4361&dchild=1&keywords=cover+your+tracks+daco+auffenorde&sprefix=Cover+your+Tracks%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1

Born at the Naval hospital in Bethesda, Maryland and raised in Huntsville, Alabama—also known as Rocket City for its role in building the rocket that took astronauts into space—Daco holds a B.A. and M.A.S. from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and a J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Alabama Writers' Forum, Authors Guild, and Alabama State Bar.

My Thoughts...
All I seem to want to read lately is psychological thrillers. I devour them in just a few hours. I must say that this was a good one to take my mind off all the crazy in the world right now. This was a story of love & hate and I was entertained until the very end. I can't wait to read Auffenorde's next book.
grab your copy of this 4 star read.
 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.