High Cotton by Debbie Mayne

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy

Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama’s family—folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.

The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunion . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.

Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

 

 

About the Author

Debby Mayne is the author of more than 60 novels and novellas. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so Debby enjoys featuring characters with Southern drawls, quirky mannerisms, and a deep appreciation for down-home cooking. She and her husband currently live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.

His Risk by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

About the Book:

An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.

Alice shouldn’t like-or want-Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.

When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

About the Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

His Risk by Shelley Shepherd Gray

An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.

Alice shouldn’t like-or want-Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.

When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

His Risk is another enjoyable read in The Amish of Hart County series by Shelley Shepard Gray. This is Calvin story. Calvin Fisher has been away from the Amish community for 14 years, only returning because his brother is ill and needs him. But then he meets Alice, and his life now has meaning, like never before. But will his dangerous past keep Calvin from ever having someone in his life like Alice?

I think ‘His Risk’ is my favorite of this series so far. I liked Calvin from the start, because even though he had this bad-boy attitude, you can still see his deep down roots of being raised in an Amish home. As Calvin’s life begins to unfold, it seems he so far in over his head that there is no hope for him. And I kept thinking, how will Ms. Gray unwind this story and come to a likeable ending. But as always, this author keeps you on the edge of your seat, makes you think you know where the story is going, and then throws a few major twists and turns to the story and comes up with and ending that really Wow’s you!

I encourage you to pick up a copy of His Risk to read for your enjoyment! 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:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

REMEMBERING CHRISTY….

With Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

See Video Here

 

MY REVIEW 

Christy (50th Anniversary Edition) (Evergreen Farm, October 2017)
New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!
The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.
But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.
Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?
Learn more, get a free map of Cutter Gap, and purchase a copy.

My thoughts on this book

I so much enjoyed reading this 50th Anniversary of the classic and so well written book Christy. Catherine Marshall was a master storyteller, and with this book, wrote the story about her mother, making this an even more intriguing read. In Christy, as Ms. Marshall’s own mother left home at the age of 19, moving to North Carolina Mountains, so did main fictional character Christy Huddleston. Fulfilling a need in her own life, Christy gives up her own life of luxury to a life of hard labor under the most difficult of circumstances in order to do her mission.

As the Mountain people grew in Christy, so they did on my as well. They took primitive to a whole new level, the true meaning of primitive. I never knew the horrible, horrific life these people lived. At some times I had to skim over the worst of it. But this is a book everyone should read. It will sure leave you being so very thankful for what you have. These were hard people living a hard difficult life. But in the mist of it all, there was such a hunger for learning, and it was so wonderful to read this. There is so much in this book there is no way to start describing it all. So I highly recommend Christy to everyone! This is a book that everyone needs to read at least once in their lifetime! However there is one thing that is just so sad, and I can’t get it off my mind. And that it, with all the death these people were forced to endure, the preacher there could not answer their questions about what happened after death. And where their loved one was now that they were gone. So sad that people hungry for answers and for the truth, they couldn’t find it in the man sent there to tell them about Jesus.

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.

 

The Melody of the Soul Review Giveaway and Facebook Live

Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don’t miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna’s flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

The Melody of the Soul is an emotional, heartbreaking read, but yet interesting as we meet Violinist Anna Zadok, a Christian Jew, and her grandmother. With the Nazi’s occupation in Prague, Anna and her grandmother lost family, and Anna lost the right to play her beloved violin. When Nazi officer Horst Engel hears Anna play, enjoys the music so much he makes a way for her to keep playing.

As one that plays several musical instruments, I always enjoy books where music has such a huge part in the lives of its characters, as did this book. And the soft side of a Nazi officers love of music was a special touch to the story as well. The characters are well developed as the story progresses. And the author does a fantastic job of weaving the beautiful historical scenes of Praque and the horrors and graphics of WWll, making an enjoyable read for everyone. If you love WWll stories, This is one you want to check out!

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz’s prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of The Melody of the Soul
• A garnet bracelet
• A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz’s Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

This is the way legal thrillers are meant to be—compelling, intelligent, and deeply satisfying.” —Randy Singer, author of Rule of Law

THE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS A MURDERER. EMILIE WESLEY KNOWS THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT HER CLIENT . . . CAN THEY?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

The police, and everyone else think it is a cut and dry murder, but Attorney Emily Wesley knows that her friend Kaylene Adams would never take the life of one daughter and shoot the other one. It had to be something with her abusive husband, but he was acting the perfect dad with his daughter that survived. The only person who knew the real answer was the surviving daughter. But no one could get close to her because of her father.

Imperfect Justice was a very intriguing and compelling story to read. Though the murders looked cut and dry, after reading a bit of the story it was pretty clear to me it wasn’t as the police thought. As the evidence starts changing, tension gets tight with Emily and Kaylene’s brother Reid. It seems at times the real truth will never be exposed, but author Cara Putman does a fantastic job weaving all of the pieces of this story together and giving us readers a fantastic legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! There’s s lot going on in the book, but if I tell any more it will ruin it for you so I will just say, if you enjoy thrillers, Written by Attorneys, this is a book you do not 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

 

Christy 50th Anniversary by Catherine Marshall

Christy (50th Anniversary Edition) (Evergreen Farm, October 2017)
New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!
The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.
But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.
Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?
Learn more, get a free map of Cutter Gap, and purchase a copy.

My thoughts on this book 

I so much enjoyed reading this 50th Anniversary of the classic and so well written book Christy. Catherine Marshall was a master storyteller, and with this book, wrote the story about her mother, making this an even more intriguing read. In Christy, as Ms. Marshall’s own mother left home at the age of 19, moving to North Carolina Mountains, so did main  fictional character Christy Huddleston. Fulfilling a need in her own life, Christy gives up her own life of luxury to a life of hard labor under the most difficult of circumstances in order to do her mission.

As the Mountain people grew in Christy, so they did on my as well. They took primitive to a whole new level, the true meaning of primitive. I never knew the horrible, horrific life these people lived. At some times I had to skim over the worst of it. But this is a book everyone should read. It will sure leave you being so very thankful for what you have. These were hard people living a hard difficult life. But in the mist of it all, there was such a hunger for learning, and it was so wonderful to  read this. There is so much in this book there is no way to start describing it all. So I highly recommend Christy to everyone! This is a book that everyone needs to read at least once in their lifetime! However there is one thing that is just so sad, and I can’t get it off my mind. And that it, with all the death these people were forced to endure, the preacher there could not answer their questions about what happened after death. And where their loved one was now that they were gone. So sad that people hungry for answers and for the truth, they couldn’t find it in the man sent there to tell them about Jesus.

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 

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers

Christmas at Grey Sage by Phyllis-Clark-Nichols

 

“This charming tale will sharpen your appetite for the true spirit of Christmas!”
—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

————————————————————–

This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.

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.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Christmas at Grey Sage started out to be just another Christmas story but as I kept reading I realized it was much more. And a more and more people showed up and got stranded because of the snow storm, tensions begin to fly high. But as the story goes on, it was pretty clear God brought this specific group of people together for a reason, for the good of the people there.

Mrs. Nichols does such a wonderful job of detailing the Grey Sage Inn as well as the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe where the Inn was located. It was a wonderful cozy feeling reading this book even though outside here in November is not that cold and with no snow! All in all this is a wonderful read, one I believe many will enjoy during this Holiday Season. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a good cozy Christmas read!

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 

Phyllis Clark Nichols
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, faith and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment, often through surprisingly serendipitous events. Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South 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 and classically-trained musician, seminary graduate, concert artist and co-founder of a national cable network for the health and disability-related programming. After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three non-profit boards where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most.

A Letter From Lancaster County by Kate Lloyd

ABOUT THIS BOOK 

Two Sisters Get a Second Chance at Life and Love
Angela
Her mother’s untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.

Rose
Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn’t happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn’t be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?
* * *
When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother’s Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose’s romance with a new beau.

Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Though Angela and Rose are sisters, they were completely different. Rose wants so badly to be a wife and a mother, but that roll belongs to Angela, though she sure isn’t happy. When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, the sisters decides to visit their mom’s Mennonite sister. Maybe this is what is needed to draw the two together.

This was a very interesting and a very different Mennonite story. I like Rose, her personality and lifestyle is enjoyable to get to know. But Angela was a different story for me. It took me a while to get use to her personality, and she wasn’t my favorite of the three main characters. Aunt Sylvia was a sweetheart, and just what the sisters needed. As they spent time with their aunt and her simple lifestyle, it was a pleasure to see the attitudes of the two sisters change, and mending the issues between them. I loved how this book covers both the Amish/Mennonite lifestyle as well as the English lifestyle.

I’ve always enjoyed Amish fiction and though this one is Mennonite, it is very similar. The simple life that Aunt Sylvia lived has a calming affect on both Rose and Angela, making them both take a closer look at their lives. This is an enjoyable book to read and I highly recommend it. 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 

Kate Lloyd is a bestselling novelist whose books include A Portrait of Marguerite and the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy. A native of Baltimore, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in rural Pennsylvania and is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Please visit her at http://www.katelloyd.com.

 

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 The Gift: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, November 2017)
A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series
The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.
Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.
Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Living in their new home, the Schwartz family is happy to finally have a big home and farm. But when strange things start happening to members of the family, it is clear that someone doesn’t want them living there. And across the district, Neil Vance is concerned about his family since they had to sell their farm for such a low price just to pay off their dad’s debts. Neil and just about the entire community harbor hard feelings against the Schwartz family for ‘stealing’ their home as they so think. But when Neil meets Susanna Schwartz, it begins to stir feeling in him that he’s not too sure about.

I enjoyed this plain family, and plain community’s story. Everyone seemed to jump to conclusions when an offer is made on the farm and Mr. Schwartz accepts the offer, blaming the Schwartz family. The incidents that happened clearly showed that someone was forcing them out. Ms Gray does a good job of incorporating twists and turns throughout the story to keep you guessing who the guilty party is. The lovable characters developed well as the story progressed. And the story has a beautiful ending.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group 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  SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

AND FOR THE GIVEAWAY

Enter to win a copy of The Gift. Five winners will be chosen! Click the link or image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced November 22nd on the Litfuse blog!

https://promosimple.com/ps/c558

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton from Litfuse Publicity

Many Sparrows (WaterBrook, August 2017)
Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Lori Benton leaves her Readers in awe once again with this compelling Native American story. Many Sparrows is a wonderfully written story full of emotions, both difficult and happy. Many sorrows, heartaches and difficult decisions were felt by these very hardworking and loyal people. And yet there was much love and happiness. Clare comes to know these people through very horrific circumstances, with the help of Jeremiah Ring. Their way is not easy, Especially since Clare isn’t trained to live in the conditions she is having to face. But for Jeremiah, what would she do.

Clare may be very pregnant and alone but she very well shows she can take care of herself. I love her feisty spunk and determination. And Jeremiah, wow, he’s just that every woman’s man. His patients with Clare was much more than most men would ever be! And he knows how to survive in any situation, whether it be the white man or Indian.

Lori Benton does such an amazing job of detail in this book. From the historical white mans ways to those of the Native Americans, each scene was described so vividly. The people, the land, the Indian community, every scene was historic and amazingly and wonderfully described. It was so realistic. I was so glued to the pages I felt like I was inside that book, living the story. I just can’t say enough good things about ‘Many Sparrows.’ So much happening in this book, that you just have to read it. And if you are a fan of Native American stories, this one is a must.

And I can’t leave out the way Ms. Benton weaves the Christian lifestyle throughout he lives of the character. No matter how difficult the situation, how long prayers are being said, Ms. Benton clearly shows that God is faithful and He is in control no matter what. I love it when authors speak out about Jesus in their characters.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads. It will stay with me for a long time. I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Blog Tours 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.

 

 

LORI BENTON

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of “Burning Sky,” recipient of three Christy Awards, “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn,” Christy-nominee “The Wood’s Edge,” and “A Flight of Arrows.”

 

 

The Pretender By TA’MARA HANSCOM

The Pretender

By TA’MARA HANSCOM

The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise (Reata Publishing, September 2017)
Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.
Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.
It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
​
From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The 1975 Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota setting of The Pretender was interesting. I don’t remember reading a book set in this area, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the area and getting to know this part of South Dakota. The book started of ok for me, but Tillie is a most confusing character. To be in the situation she is in, she just doesn’t seem mature enough for what she is doing. I was just really frustrated from the beginning with Tillie, from the artwork, to her reactions to the situation she witnessed, it was just all something that just left my head spinning. Though through all this, the storyline is good, a good clean story to read. I encourage readers to check this one out, your opinion may very well be different from mine!

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group and the author 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

 

TA’MARA HANSCOM
Ta’Mara Hanscom
Born and raised in South Dakota, Ta`Mara loves to write about the Great Plains and the beauty and people of Italia. While her husband and children manage their two pizza ristoranti, Ta`Mara works full time on The Caselli Family Series, and ministers to women. It is Ta`Mara s prayer that as the readers explore the truths in these volumes, they will come away with a new perspective on love, forgiveness, obedience, and God’s plan for marriage

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bringing Maggie Home (WaterBrook, September 2017)
Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery, and a rift spanning three generations
Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

One thing I appreciate about Kim Vogel Sawyers books is the way she weaves living a Christian life in the lives of her characters. In Bringing Maggie Home, I love the way she eased the Gospel into her story, especially in the life of Sean. I really like Sean, the Christian that stood up for his faith and his God, but didn’t act holier than thou! He was just a nice guy and I was really rooting for him and Meghan to get together. Hazel was the sweetest old lady and my heart ached for her and the heartache she lived for 70 years. Diane was a little different. I did not like her and her arrogant ways and attitude. In the end, I warmed up to her more.

Hazel’s sister Maggie has disappeared when their mother sent Hazel blackberry picking and sent three year old Maggie with her. Despite the community searching effortlessly, Maggie was never found. Hazel and her parents were never the same. Life was hard, bitter and so sad from that day on. Hazel went through life with Maggie’s lost a secret from her family. It was when her granddaughter came to stay with Hazel to heal from an accident that the secret was accidentally brought to surface. Follow the journey of Hazel, her daughter Margaret Diane, her granddaughter Meghan and Meghan Cold Case Crime partner Sean as they investigate this seventy year old case of missing persons.

I received this book from Litfuse Tours Group 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 

KIM VOGEL SAWYER

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the lGayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

His Guilt

by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THIS BOOK 
His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, July 2017)
A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves
Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…
Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.
Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Mark Fisher returning home to Hart County, Kentucky stirs up a lot of gossip in the community. Even though he was found not guilty he, his Amish community still wrongly accuses him of attacking a young lady in their community.

Both working for Henry Lehman, Waneta Cain and Mark spend a lot of time together, and getting to know Mark, Waneta doesn’t think Mark is guilty. But she has no support from the community except her mom and dad, who grow to love Mark. But will his reputation forever be ruined and this Amish community of people who are supposed to be so willing to forgive.

Shelley Shepard Gray returns to Hart County, Kentucky for the second book in her series, The Amish of Hart County. I like the way Ms. Gray writes her Amish stories a bit different that what we sometimes hear of other plain communities. His Guilt deals with tough issues such as assault on women and determining a person guilty before he’s proven guilty. Sometimes the Amish are frustrating, like on issues of forgiveness, they and adamant about forgiving and claim to forgive, yet their lifestyle says something completely different, as they are with Mark in this story, and though this is fiction, is this the way it is with Amish?

I found the story to be pretty predictable, and some of it just wasn’t realistic for me, and the simplicity of some of the scenes was a bit much. But it is an entertaining story to read, and if you enjoy Amish, this is a story you will enjoy! This book was provided by the publisher and Litfuse. I wasn’t required to write a review. The opinions and everything else here is totally mine!

Publisher…Avon Inspire
Genre……Amish
Rating….4 stars
Purchase here Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

The Mark of the King (Bethany House, January 2017)

Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Julianne Chevalier was falsely sent to prison on charges of murder. After a forced marriage, she was sent to New Orleans, in hopes of finding her brother. Life in this new land was anything be pleasant, and Julianna soon finds herself in the mist of the dangers of this horrific and unforgiving place she now called home.

When I finished this book, all I could say was WOW! From the very beginning, emotions and tension was at a high level. All throughout this book, I found myself reading, and re-reading much of the story as it unfolded. Because of the excruciating scenes, I also found myself putting the book down to digest what I had just read. The historical scenes are so fully detailed, the characters so well created and developed throughout this story, I was in awe of just how beautifully Jocelyn Green pinned this amazing story. Sometimes I felt like I was playing the scene with the characters, sometimes it was like watching live TV news. As you can very well tell, this was a most intriguing story for me. There is so much here in this story that there is no way to explain even a little bit of it, and it would ruin it if I gave it away. So with that said, if you are a history buff, or if you enjoy an amazingly written story full of action, you will love The Mark of the King. And I really appreciate the way Ms. Green weaves the Gospel and the Christian life even in the most desperate of circumstances.

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity  Blog Tours 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.

 

 

 

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including “Wedded to War,” a Christy Award finalist in 2013; “Widow of Gettysburg”; “Yankee in Atlanta”; and “The 5 Love Languages Military Edition,” which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa

Litfuse Presents Of Stillness and Storm

Of Stillness and Storm (Thomas Nelson, December 2016)

“I felt torn between two worlds. Each with its own mystery. One more captivating than the other, but the other more real and breathing.”

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.

At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

For me, it was difficult to get interested in this story until after the first several chapters, but then, the story opens up into raw emotions about what truly happens to families that go into full time ministry, especially as missionaries to another country. Through fiction, this author shares the feelings and truths of the real family problems that can occur. After reading this, you will feel more of a desire to pray for missionaries you know, as well as any missionaries that give up their lives as they know it to go into an unknown place and share the gospel of Christ. Remember to pray for those taking the gospel to the places in the world that would not hear unless someone comes to tell them.

This is a must read if you believe God is calling you to the mission fields. It could very well help families know more about what to expect.

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.

Author  Michèle Phoenix

Born in France to a Canadian father and an American mother, Michèle Phoenix is a consultant, writer and speaker with a heart for Third Culture Kids. She taught for 20 years at Black Forest Academy (Germany) before launching her own advocacy venture under Global Outreach Mission. Michèle travels globally to consult and teach on topics related to this unique people group. She loves good conversations, mischievous students, Marvel movies and paths to healing.

 

Litfuse Presents Trust my Heart by Carol J. Post

Trust My Heart (Waterfall Press, October 2016)

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…

Learn more and purchase a copy

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Jami Carlisle and Grant McAllister are two fun and very different characters. Grant wants nothing whatsoever to do with love, and Jami already has a boyfriend. But when Jami returns home, there is just something missing with her relationship with Robert. When she has a chance to interview Grant McAllister, she also starts digging into his family’s life. Grant wasn’t close to his family, didn’t even know why his grandmother left him anything, but here he was trying to figure it all out.

This is a beautiful contemporary romance that I really enjoyed. There are a lot of twists and turns in the story that made the plot more interesting and intriguing, with a bit of humor added in. The beautifully created characters were well developed throughout the story. I fell in love with Jami and Grant, and was wishing to get to know them better! Hopefully they will be in another book later. If you love good clean romance, you will love this book, that I highly recommend.

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.

 

Carol J. Post

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post’s résumé reads as if she hasn’t yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children’s publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn’t writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

Litfuse Presents The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Ace Collins

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Abingdon, October 2016)

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year’s Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is an awesome devotional for the month of December. Ace Collins take us through each day of December with a different insight about the one we celebrate on Christmas day, Jesus Christ. I have enjoyed this devotional because each day I am reminded of the birth of or Savior, and it I can read about Him and Worship Him in a new way each day. There is also a lot of fun things throughout the pages of this books. You will find nice recipes, the meaning behind the words of songs, Christmas traditions, Christmas carols and some movies. I am really enjoying my time spent in this little book, and I will save it for years to come.

I highly recommend The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for your special Christmas devotions. received this book from Litfuse to read and review.  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.

Ace Collins

Ace Collins is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than 60 titles, including “The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas,” “Darkness Before Dawn,” and “Lassie: A Dog’s Life.” Ace frequently speaks across the country and on radio and has appeared on national television shows, including “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” “CNN,” “Fox and Friends,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “The Early Show” and more. When not writing, he works as a magazine editor and graphic designer, as well as host for a charity organization radio and television broadcast. Ace and his wife, Kathy, are based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Litfuse Presents A Sister’s Wish/An Amish Family Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray

A Sister’s Wish
by Shelley Shepard Gray

A Sister’s Wish (Avon Inspire, September 2016)

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.

He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Simon Hochstetler was known as the bad boy of his Amish community because of the life he lived outside of the Amish. Truth was he was really forced out of the community, as well as his older brother and sister because of the abuse from his dad. When he comes back to the community years later, Amelia Kinsinger still attracted to him, even though her brother and sister didn’t approve.

I have to say, I really like Simon. His story is so sad, having to leave home at such an early age and make some kind of life for himself. And sad as it is, someone with nothing usually make the incorrect choices, just as Simon did. I could understand Amelia’s family being protective of her, but they really went a bit too far with it. I think a lot of it was they were comfortable with Amelia taking care of the farm and her brother and sister while they ran their company.

I love Shelley Shepard Gray’s books and A Sister’s Wish is another awesome read from this author. If you enjoy Amish stories, this is a must read. Actually the entire series is a must read. Don’t miss out on these fabulous Amish reads!

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.

 

An Amish Family Christmas
By Shelley Shepard Gray

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love.

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Having just returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi tries to fit into his old life only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

When Julia, Levi’s young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, he finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a task Levi takes seriously. Soon enough, his friendship with Julia grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help harboring doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true . . .

Like Levi, Julia Kemp has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Then she meets Levi and, for the first time, she feels hopeful. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret and eventually . . . perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together in order to find the healing, support, and love they so desperately desire.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This is Levi’s story. Levi left home when a horrible accident happened at their family mill. Several men in the community lost their lives, including Levi’s dad. And the only way Levi could deal with the loss was to leave home for a while and get away from it all, leaving his brother and sister to run the mill, and deal with all of the negative abuse from the community blaming their dad for the accident. Levi’s story was different, and its probably my favorite of the series, though its difficult to pick a favorite. Levi lived in a different home than his family, again, to stay away from reminders of his dad. Julia, his neighbor was a single mom, and the two seemed to always run into each other, but Julia has a secret that she didn’t want anyone to find out, so she changed her story a bit to keep her location a secret.

Again, another awesome story from author Shelley Shepard Gray. I love the believable characters, and the way they develop and grow throughout the story, and throughout the series. The Kinsinger family has lost much, and endured a lot. As I read each book, I found myself wanting to do something to help the characters, to pray for them. And of course this book was wonderful because the story happens during the Christmas season, which I love. And an Amish Christmas story is wonderful because of the way they celebrate with family. If you enjoy Amish stories, you will love An Amish Family Christmas and Levi and Julia’s story. You may even find a bit of violence in here.

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.

 

Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Litfuse Presents The Things We Knew by Catherine West

The Things We Knew (Thomas Nelson, July 2016)

A tragedy from the past resurfaces in this tale of family secrets and reignited love.

After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to harbor animosity toward their father, silently blaming him for their mother’s death. Nobody will talk about that dreadful day, and Lynette can’t remember a bit of it.

But when next-door neighbor Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, he brings the past with him. Once her brother’s best friend and Lynette’s first crush, Nick seems to hiding things from her. Lynette wonders what he knows about the day her mother died and hopes he might help her remember the things she can’t.

But Nick has no intention of telling Lynette the truth. Besides the damage it might cause his own family, he doesn’t want to risk harming the fragile friendship between him and the woman he once thought of as a kid sister.

As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets begin to surface—secrets that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question all they ever believed in.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The mysteries of Lynette Carlisle’s mother’s tragic death seemed to haunt many people in community of Nantucket. Her four brothers eventually left home, as well as neighbor and good friend Nick Cooper. Several years later when Nick returns to Nantucket, the past and its secrets begin to surface. And now their dad’s health and financial issues bring the four brother back home, and more of the past, more secrets caused the family to face secrets and issues they never wanted to think about. Will this family find the answers they need? Will the relationship between Lynette and Nick suffer because of the secrets that surface?

I don’t read a lot of contemporary fiction, and I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Things We Knew’. Lynette is a sweet character that has a very difficult time because of being left to take care of her father alone, and the past that she can not remember. Nick moving in brought tension to the story because he didn’t want to say anything that would come between he and Lynette. But what did he know about her mothers death? You will need to read The Things We Knew to find out! I loved this book, and I think you will too! Be sure to check it out.

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

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.