More Than A Promise

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was a beautiful story, written with great emotion. Ruth Logan Herne writes with her heart and soul and that's why her books are so precious. The reader feels the heart of each character, even the children, in her books. And her spiritual themes are just wonderful, too. I enjoyed every minute of this one and am now looking forward to her next book.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The English Son

Before I begin I thought that I had reviewed this book before, but after re-reading it I realized that this was a different book. This book is the first of the Amish Millionaire series by Wanda and Jean Brunstetter. 
Joel Byler, in my opinion, was an impulsive man. He purchased an car which was going to keep him from buying a ring for Kristi Palmer, his fiancee. This has made him act differently to Kristi and this confuses her. 
Joel then goes to ask money of his father, who turns him down. He was going back home when there was an accident.
This book is an easy book to get through and has enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages.
The authors are masters at their trade and I felt this book reflects this.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book review: Cupcakes for Christmas

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I always enjoy a fun Christmas book and when it is mixed with cupcakes, who can say no?
This is a part of a series but I was able to read, understand and enjoy it even though I had not read the other books in the series.
Olivia James owns a tea and sweet shop which had previously been her mother. Olivia has been enjoying the adventure of running this little shop by herself and experimenting with different flavors. When Simon Blacklock comes across this shop she finds she enjoys his personality. At the end of the visit, after he promised he would be back, she found herself looking forward to his next time.
I enjoyed both of the main characters of this book and the way Hewitt has them meet made my heart swell. This does not mean that all went smoothly for the two. The author was able to create realistic issues that they both have to deal with, which make them stronger in the end. I will try to read more books by this author in the future.





Cupcakes for Christmas is the type of book that is just as much heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. The couple within this story were both immediately likable and their meeting and getting to know one another quite sweet. Both however have issues in their lives that are quite heartbreaking and bringing that into each other’s lives only made them seem stronger so overall I found this quite the touching read with a bit heavier subject matter.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Book Review: Christmas with Miss Austen

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Once I saw the name Austen in the title I was sold. I had a feeling I would like this book.
Julia Allen is a busy lady. She is a waitress, a painter and an 1800s authoress. She attends a historical open house as Jane Austen and she loves it. Then she gets locked inside after falling asleep. When she heads home she runs into a stranger, Eliot Weston. Weston thinks he must have imagined that historical figure. In her rush to go home, Julia loses a friends rare copy of Northanger Abbey. Weston finds it but cannot find any identification in it as to who the owner is.
This is a short book, 59 pages, and is a sweet Christian romance. I love the way there are little references to Jane Austen through the book. This is a nice, easy, fun read.

Book Review: The House by the Lake

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The House by the Lake takes the reader from the 1930s to today as the main character, Anna has her world disrupted. Her grandfather, Max, shares a secret with Anna. She is a member of an aristocratic family. During World War II they lost everything and Max left behind something that was very precious to him. Now he tasks Anna with finding it.
Anna is filled with questions. What could be so important and why was it hidden. As she is on her quest she finds Wil. Wil is someone that may be able to help her solve this mystery. Together they discover that the secrets are more than they thought.
I found myself torn throughout this book. At times I wondered, along with Anna, why her grandfather would give this mission to her. Then I would turn around and praise Anna bravery and tenacity.
This is a fascinating book and shows a side of the war that it helps to read about.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The Christmas Town

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a joyful story. It is filled with love, and family, each which were found expectantly.

Lauren Gabriel spent most of her life wishing for her mother to come and get her from each of the foster homes she lived in.  She is now 20 years old and still looking for the ever elusive home. She is a cashier and feels like another Christmas is not what she needs. Trying to avoid her lonely apartment one night, she drives around, until she sees a car accident. This brings her to a small town called Grandon as a witness. Soon she finds herself volunteering for Glory's Place. This is a place which provides assistance to single mothers and families. This feels just right for Lauren. Could it possibly be that she has now discovered home?

The author, Donna Van Liere wrote a story which is engaging and thoughtful. It is filled with hope and I found myself thinking about the rich characters which she made complex and real. I believe I will keep this on my shelf to pull out every Christmas.

Book Review: 223 Orchard Street

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Katie and Shannon O'Connor traveled from Ireland to America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Each of them face a world that is different from the world they were expecting. One discovers a calling through serving those that are ill in the slums while the other goes down a path that may cost her her life.
Whereby, the story line was a little predictable, I still felt my heart tug for the lives of these two girls. I realized that many immigrants went through these same struggles when trying to find a new home in a strange country, including going through Ellis Island. It is a romance but I didn't think it sappy or explicit. It fit just right in the world of Christian books.
I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read.

Book Review: The Wedding Shop

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

This book fascinated me from the beginning. I love the way Rachel Hauck made the wedding dress shop the central character of this book. The story tells the story of  Cora Scott in the 1930s. She inherited the shop from her great aunt. Brides would come from far and near to purchase their dress and receive the bridal treatment form this shop in Heart's Bend, Tennessee. Cora, however, was waiting for her love, a river captain, to return to her. She has another in the town, Birch Good who would like to be her special one.

Eighty plus years later, Haley Morgan, an Air Force Captain, decides to fulfill the promise she and Tammy, now deceased, made years ago to own and run the Wedding Shop.

The dreams and love each of these ladies found through this shop is engaging. Rachel Hauck is able to entwine these two stories effortlessly. The Christian message underlies everything without being overbearing. This is a story of forgiveness and living the life God has chosen for you. 

This story of journey is highly recommended by me.  

Book Review: Lone Witness

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
Sophie Dawson has just started working as a prosecutor in the White Collar division in Fulton County. Her first case is to investigate a bank employee who may be cheating customers. Soon she finds that she is the sole witness to a double homicide. This was not what she was expecting, at all.
Cooper Knight, a former police office and now a private security guard has accepted a job of keeping Sophie safe.
Before long, neither of them know who they can trust.
This book places the reader inside both of these legal professions. Dylan has created characters which are strong and complex.
This is the second book in the series. The characters from the first book show up as secondary characters. The third book in this series is due out in 2019.

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Book Review: The Nearness of You

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1952, The Nearness of You is a post-war novel.Lily Denton longs to go to New York City, however, her father is protective of his girl and would like her nearby. She works in the library day-by-day. It seems her routine will never change. then The Fall Festival comes along with the tourists it brings and adventure.
Boone Tatum is a photographer who seems to attract trouble. He meets Lily and his life changes. He wants to stay here and not go wandering anymore.
Lily now has to make some decisions about a new life.
Dorothy Garlock writes romance novels that can place the reader right in the middle of the story. I like how she can make a love story grow naturally without a lot of silliness.
I truly enjoyed this book.

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Book Review: Blind Betrayal

Blind Betrayal is the third book in the Defenders of Justice Series by Nancy Mehl.
Casey Sloan has been in the St. Louis U.S. Marshals Office for a couple of years. Now she is assigned the duty of escorting a reporter to Washington. He is to testify about an environmentalist who vanished. In addition to this, Casey discovers that the Marshal's Office has been under attack and now placed on high alert. Now Casey, the reporter and two other marshals are running while tryingt o keep the reporter safe.
This is the first of the series I have read and it surprised me how quickly I became engrossed in the writing. There is plenty of suspense to keep you reading and the characters were easy to catch up with. Each character has a distinct personality and background which helped make me invested in them.
I will need to pick up the first book in the series so that I can find out what has happened up to now. Excellent book.
I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
Christian Book Distributors HERE
or Barnes and Noble HERE

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Book Review: A Light on the Hill

Morivah had no chance to be married, she was branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods in the Battle of Jericho. However, no she has found the right man but instead she is made to run. She goes to a city of refuge but along the way there are even more

After being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah has had no prospects for marriage--until now. She hopes to please the man, but things go horribly wrong and she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces, and the enemies--and allies--she encounters on her way and within the city.

This is the first book I have read by this author, though I see she has written others. If her others are anything like this, I know I will love them. She has such a way of telling a story. I felt like I could feel the shame, fear and hope that Morivah felt throughout the book, plus I kept hoping that she would find peace and love.

From my past reviews, it is obvious that I enjoy reading books set in Biblical times. I would recommend this book very highly to others that enjoy this kind of book. It will become a favorite that will be read again and again. 

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason

This is the second book in the Courage to Dream series. I had not read the first one, so it did take me a few pages to catch up. Once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Maggie Montgomery wished to see Rylan, her brother, and his wife when she traveled to America. In her heart she wants to make this more than just a visit, she would like to stay in America where she can find her fortune and love.
Adam O'Leary, Colleen's brother, has spent time in jail. He is looking to change and to find his way back into his family. He has no desires to fall in love at this time.
This is the story of these two, very different, people and if they are able to bridge the difference and find a life together.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Miller's Valley

This book is set in a valley that is in turmoil. Years ago, the government decided to build a dam to help stop the flooding in this area. Unfortunately, they discovered that they placed the river in the wrong place, so it didn't help at all. Now they want to relocate the people that live here so they can flood the area. Now there are roots set down and lives that are not sure what to do.

This story is told in the honest voice of Mimi Miller. She is an observant girl and the only daughter in a family that scrapes by. By listening through the vent in her bedroom, Mimi discovers many secrets concerning her family and the valley.

Quinlin was able to pull me in with the prologue. Then I did not want to put this book down. I felt Mimi had such a strong voice that she was sharing the secrets she learned with me. The story is a reminder of the pull that the place we grew up has on us all of our lives.

I have a feeling that I will turn to this book several times in my life as a reminder of the lesson that I learned.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Jadah's Wife by Angela Hunt

Leah had a childhood that would not be envied. Her father was verbally, as well as physically, abusive. To escape from this life, Leah marries Judah.

Judah saved Leah and her friend from some boys who would have liked to have their way with the girls. In addition to his physical strength, Judah is also a gentle person.

This area of the world is ruled by Antiochus IV who was one of Alexander the Great's generals son. He expects obedience to his every word. If the Jews do not they face death. This leads to conflict within the Jews as they risk all to follow Moses' law.

Leah is looking for peace while Judah's father starts a war by ignoring Antiochus IV degree. When faced with death he urges Judah to continue fighting.

This story of the Maccabees helped to clarify so much for me. I have read many of Angela Hunt's books and I know that she researches the subject before she writes the novel. The story is filled with the history of this time that I needed to understand the conflicts at that time.

The characters had depth and the descriptions of the people and the time was so concise that I was able to place myself in the time and place. I enjoyed this book very much.

I was given this book by the publisher, Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Heir to the Everlasting

In this book, "Heir to the Everlasting" Janice Daugharty focuses on Big Eddy which is the home of three generations of women from the South. This is their home. Pinkie Alexander's story takes place at the beginning of the previous century. She is a strong-will woman who is also lovely. This strong will helps her to make sure that her family survives on their home. A place that holds the family cemetery as well as secrets from the family past.

Pinkie's story is told through the eyes of her granddaughter as she grows. Pinkie considers the land and Big Eddy as much her family as those that take human form. She knows these will help sustain the bodies and souls of others in future generations.

Hon, the granddaughter grows up. However, she comes back to Big Eddy alone, and with her husband. She sees that her Grandmother Pinkie is aging but the importance of love is still being sowed in her loved ones.

The second part of this book continues with Hon's story, but now she is older. Many know her as the name that Pinkie gave her, Hon, than by her other name, May. We read about Fancy, Hon's sister, and their relationship. This is so tender and loving. We also see that Hon now takes care, part-time, of her granddaughter, Sara Ann. Sara Ann's father, Hon's son, Herman isn't sure how to care for Sara Ann, so he is strict and does not show love to his daughter. Herman's wife left many years ago but Sara Ann does not know the truth as to why. Due to these factor's Sara Ann prefers the company of her grandmother than her father. 

Through this book we see love instilled in others is love that will grow throughout the years. There are good and bad occurrences but these just make up the story of Big Eddy and this family.

There are other characters introduced through the story, who become apart of a woven cloth. They help to make interesting lives. The writer knows how to invest each character with depth to help the reader become involved through the reading. 

The author has spent her life in the location of the story and the love she feels for it is evident everywhere. She researched information and has described the area in such a way that I felt I was there myself.

For those who enjoy reading generational books or books centered around the South, I would recommend they look into this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: The Yuletide Angel

This book is set in the 1890s at Christmas. Violet Madison has an uncertain future. Her home has been inherited by her brother and he is to be married soon. Violet assumes that this means she will not be welcome there when children come. In addition to this, she has been given the title of the Yuletide Angel, a mysterious person who leaves items at the homes of the needy at night. The only one who knows of her nighttime excursions is Hugh Barnes. He worries for her as she goes out to aid others.

Finally, Violet tells Hugh about her uncertain future, who helps by allowing her to sell her goods in his store. When Hugh's brother shows up and show an interest in Violet, he becomes worried. In addition, there is someone that is stalking Violet at night, she fears they will try to stop her good works.

I could rave about this book for a long time. I loved the setting, the time and the characters. The story's pace was good and kept me wanting to pick it back up to read more. I highly recommend this book.

The Yuletide Angel can be found at Amazon HERE!
or
at Barnes and Noble HERE!

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Book Review: Colors of Christmas

This book, Colors of Christmas, has two stories set for the contemporary book reader. Christmas in Gold tells about an older woman who faces the changes moving into a community housing center can bring. She grew up during the time of Hitler, in Germany. She tells about the fighting and not being allowed to ask or say anything. The tale is from her perspective and how her life has brought her closer to others, especially the physical therapist. She also shares Jesus and her telling shows how this was how she broke through to her therapist.

Christmas Blue features Angela who lost her best friend eight months ago and still misses her. Her friend had the joy of Christmas. She would lead decorating and all the special traditions that made this time of year special. Now Angela is expected to take her friends place, which she accepts. Unfortunately, misfortunes keep appearing - a broken wagon, water damage on ornaments that were stored in the basement of the church when a pipe broke and so on. When someone arrives to help, things begin to look better.

Both of these stories are good Christian fiction without being preachy. They each deal with loss and love during Christmas. I enjoyed both of these books. tremendously.

I was given these book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Company in exchange for my honest review. 

These book may be found on Amazon HERE
or
at Barnes and Noble HERE

Book Review: Loving Luther

Katharina von Bora was raised in a convent. It was easy for her to call her father God, after all this was her life. Eventually she takes her vows but soon an uneasiness comes upon her when she finds the writings of Martin Luther. This led her to wonder if this is all that she is supposed to have. She leaves the convent but not the trust she found in God. She finds a shelter through Luther's friends, but still she craves more...a home and a husband.

I have written works by Allison Pittman before and they have all been well-written. I found the research into the people to be well-done. I felt like I was living the life with Katherine. We find how she is shaped into the woman she becomes. I loved this story.

I was given this book by Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Twenty-eight and a half wishes

This is another one of those books that is hard to put down. It is so much fun.

Rose Gardner works at the DMV. One Friday afternoon she sees a vision. In the vision she is dead. This is not unusual, having visions, but they are usually mundane everyday occurrences. this is the first one she has had of herself. Her mother, a person who never showed much love to Rose, is murdered. This leaves two problems: the blood stain and Rose is considered the victim.

With her vision and her status as being a suspect on her mind, Rose decides that she has wasted 24 years. So she makes a list of 28 things she wants to do before her vision comes true. Her neighbor, Joe, helps Rose with the list, except number fifteen - do more with a man. Soon, even though he is new in town, Rose realizes that he has secrets.

Rose has also discovered that someone thinks she has something that they want. They have threatened her, broken into her house, murders someone else, in other words they will do what they have to in order to get the item back again.

The cover pulled me into this book and I was hooked by the middle of the first chapter. The characters are well filled out. We find out about Rose's mom and how she has affected Rose's life. Every character shows imperfections which will make you want to scream at them at times, but if you keep reading the next sentence may make you smile again. The situations which Rose gets into are so hilarious. But there is also a mystery to solve throughout the book.

I feel like this is a fun read that many would enjoy, if you enjoy a cozy mystery this will be a nice additions, also.

I was given this book by the author, Denise Grover Swank, in exchange for my honest review.

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