‘The Trouble with Patience
by Maggie Brendan
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Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
28 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Maggie Brendan, Revell
‘The Trouble with Patience
by Maggie Brendan
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25 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in CFBA Tour
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
David C. Cook (September 15, 2014)
by
Amanda StevensABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda’s first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment–including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.
Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.
When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This book was somewhat different than my usual genre, but I did enjoy it very much. Marcus and Aubrey’s story will stay with me for a while!
21 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
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18 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
White Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012)
by
Mary MannersABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus – the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.
I’m a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.
I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you’d like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That’s where you’ll find everything there is to know about my books.
I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.
Carin O’Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love…especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.
But when Corey’s antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.
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Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wisdom Tree, go HERE.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is a very good book! When things seem out of control and take drastic turns that change your life completely, God is the only one that you can truly turn to for help. And anyone reading this book can find that help. I encourage every to pick up a copy of this book, because if you are not going through drastic life changes, you know someone who is that you can share this book with.
I received this book from CFBA to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
15 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in LitFuse Blog Tours, Liz Tolsma, Thomas Nelson Publishers
Remember the Lilies
by Liz Tolsma
Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Liz’s website
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Remember the Lilies was a very interesting book, one that I enjoyed much. Thought I have read a lot of books with WWII setting, this is the first book I have read about what happened in the Philippines. And reading about the Japanese internment camp at a university in the Philippines, all of the amazing details the author so amazingly included, it all makes this book definitely worthwhile. The storyline is not always a ‘pretty’ one to read, but you will still be interested in finishing the book to see what happens next. There are a lot of twists and turns that keep you going, keeping the book interesting at its best. This is a great book for the WWII buffs out there, because it is so unusual! One you just don’t want to miss!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally
12 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
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11 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Kathryn Springer, LitFuse Blog Tours
The Dandelion Field (Zondervan, January 2015)
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer’s The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn’t believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning?
Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
11 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Abingdon Press, Cathy Elliot, LitFuse Blog Tours
A Stitch in Crime
by Cathy Elliot
New from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series | A Stitch in Crime
Thea’s first quilt show is coming apart at the seams!
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co‑chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.
Mary‑Alice Wentworth, a much‑loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick‑off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?
When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary‑Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
Find out more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love Books website.
11 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.
11 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Booksneeze, Kathleen Fuller
A Faith of Her Own
by Kathleen Fuller
Jeremiah thought leaving Middlefield was the hardest thing he’d ever do. That was nothing compared to returning home.
When Jeremiah left his Amish community to pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian, he left more than just his faith behind-he walked away from his family and his childhood friend, Anna Mae. Now that he’s returned to help out his mentor and work in a Yankee veterinarian practice, Jeremiah must face his past-and the people he betrayed.
Anna Mae had finally put the loss of Jeremiah and the broken vow between them behind her. Even though she supported her best friend’s pursuit of his dream, she never let on how his departure left her questioning her own place in the Amish world. With his return, new questions arise, along with feelings she’d never fully acknowledged before.
As their rekindled friendship begins to turn into something more, Jeremiah and Anna Mae must examine their own faith and their relationship with each other and their families. With both of them torn between loyalty to their loved ones and being pulled in different directions, they must decide whether to heed God’s call, even if it means being apart forever.
About the Author
Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: http://www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Jeremiah and Anna May’s life took a tumbling fall when Jeremiah left his Amish family, Anna May and the Amish faith for the English world, and their schools, to become a veterinarian. But will his return mean that they can pick up where they left off with their relationship? Life is not that easy! And life for these two young people was not without heartaches and many struggles as they strived to find out what God really wanted them to do with their lives.
I have read many of Kathleen Fuller’s books, and have enjoyed them all! Just as I enjoyed this one, and I’m going to get the other books in this series as well! I fell in love with these characters immediately, and I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey, though they did have their moments. I like that Ms. Fuller shows so much detail to the story and each scene that takes place. This is truly a well written book, and a book that anyone who loves a really good Amish story will want to read!
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
10 Feb 2015 1 Comment
in Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Booksneeze, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman
In the Father’s Arms by Beth Wiseman Ruth Anne Zook is excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne’s baby is born with Down Syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God’s plan.
A Son for Always by Amy Clipston Carolyn and her husband Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child. A teenager when she had her son Benjamin, Carolyn still feels obligated to work to secure Ben’s future, even though Josh adopted Ben. She struggles to realize that Josh will love and protect both of their children equally.
A Heart Full of Love by Kathleen Fuller Ellie’s mother loves to meddle in her personal life-especially now that Ellie’s pregnant. Since Ellie is blind, her mother worries that she won’t be able to handle the baby. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in. Just as everyone reaches the breaking point, a miracle draws them closer to each other and to God.
An Unexpected Blessing by Vannetta Chapman At 42, Etta thought her time of having children was over, but she’s pregnant again. She goes into labor during a blizzard, and complications with the delivery raise fear. Etta struggles to accept Gotte’s wille for the baby and her son, David, who moved away two years earlier in search of what he would do with his life.
About the Authors
Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s The Promise is inspired by a true story.
Amy Clipston is the best-selling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple best-seller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. She and her family live in North Carolina.
Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield.
Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.
06 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Abingdon Press, Amanda Cabot, Elizabeth Camden, LitFuse Blog Tours
Beyond All Dreams (Bethany House, January 2015) Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures? Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help. Luke Callahan was one of the nation’s most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures? Learn more and purchase a copy at Elizabeth’s website.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Anna and Luke were such an adorable couple, even though they didn’t think so themselves. Luke came from a rich but struggling family. His dad a heavy drinker and abuser. Anna’s life has been quite different, with her schedule pretty straight set, and her quiet life as a map librarian. This is the first time I’d read anything about a map librarian, never even heard of it, so this was quite interesting for me. Without all of the technology we have today, those people had a pretty neat way of finding seas and what they held.
This was such an amazing book, well written, the characters were amazing. Ms. Camden is such a talented writer and you can feel her talent in this wonderful heartfelt story. Although Luke Callahan was a goodlooking congressman, and an outspoken one at that, troubles of home were sure to come to surface sooner or later. Bringing more questions about this man Anna had grown quite fond of. Their relationship was pretty complicated, but the romance was sweet, and kept us all on our toes, wondering what would happen, if anything at all. This is a book you don’t want to miss. I have read all of Ms. Camden’s books, and each one gets better and better!
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
About the Author
Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden’s newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth’s 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
03 Feb 2015 1 Comment
in Booksneeze, Vannetta Chapman
Book Description
When a local Amish man is found dead, the Middlebury Amish Artisan Village comes under suspicion. Two amateur sleuths—one Amish, one English—will have to work quickly to keep fear from dividing their community.
As fall blankets the Pumpkinvine Trail with leaves of brown, gold, and orange, a local Amish man is found dead on the path. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—toward the local survivalist group and toward the Amish Village—specifically the village’s knitting shop, The Cat’s Meow. The police call in a federal investigator, and he quickly puts everyone on the suspect list. Amber Wright and Hannah Troyer know who isn’t guilty—they know this community down to the last buggy, but can find the guilty party before someone else is in danger?
While Hannah helps Amber solve the mystery, she and Jesse Miller continue courting. But when Jesse’s prodigal brother returns to their farm, Jesse becomes distracted by family troubles. He and Hannah will have to overcome the tension in order to keep their relationship alive. And Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
A man found dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail had the Middlebury Amish Artisan Village in turmoil! Who would do something like this to one of their own? Since two ladies in this Amish community, Amber Wright and Hannah Troyer, know who isn’t guilty, their job is to find out just who is. Which throws tensions flying, as the Federal police try to do their job as well.
If Vannetta Chapman is the author, you know the story is going to be very well worth your read! I love this Amish community and its people, and I enjoyed a second visit with them in this second book in the series. The real life like characters warm their way into your heart and you will love them as family!! Just like I did! I loved the determination of Amber and Hannah, because they believe in their community and know that no friends and families there would actually murder someone. And finding the guilty person will sure take you on an interesting and entertaining ride! I highly recommend this book for your enjoyment!
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
About the Author
Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.
02 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
in Kathryn Springer, LitFuse Blog Tours, Thomas Nelson Publishers
The Dandelion Field (Zondervan, January 2015)
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
Find out more and purchase a copy at Kathryn’s website.
This is such a really good book! The story deals with many issues that people face today on a everyday basis. Gin was a single mom, working and doing her best making a home for her daughter, but she made sure the walls were always so thick around her that no one could get in. Dan Moretti was the handsome firefighter that was helping to raise Cody Bennett, because Cody’s dad was killed in action years before. Despite the fact that Gin didn’t want to let anyone into her private world, the more time she spent with Dan, the more she wanted a family life like everyone else had. But Dan would never want anyone like her. After all, he was the perfect gentleman, leader in the church, taught Cody right from wrong, he was just so far out of her league. And after all, Gin and Raine was only hear until Raine graduated from the high school here. But then it happened, the time came that brought these two together, and there was no way around it!
Kathryn Springer does a fabulous job dealing with hurtful, heartbreaking issues, and shows how God can take any situation, and work it out for our good, bringing Glory to Himself. There are so many ups and downs in the character’s lives, so many difficult decisions to make, and it was not easy at all. Everyone wanted it to go away. Wanted things like they were before. But that couldn’t happen, it wouldn’t happen, so the issues had to be dealt with. And I so much enjoyed the journey as I read Gin and Dan, Cody and Raine’s story.
I received this book from Litfuse to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.
01 Feb 2015 Leave a comment
At Home in Last Chance
by Cathleen Armstrong
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