The Well by Stephanie Landsem

I like the cover of this book.  I think it fits perfectly with the story itself and the darker colors seem to  fit the emotions of the woman at the well.  It's in humble colors that are not very bright and the woman is not in clear focus.

The woman at the well is a fascinating story in Scripture and I liked how well this book depicted that scene.  I had forgotten how often the children are held responsible for the sin of the parents, whether they were guilty of the sin or not.  For some reason I remembered it in the Old Testament, but forgot of that in the New.  Seeing Nava stoned and not forgiven by those who should have been the first to forgive was sad.  It always makes me mad when I read of those who were "religious and followed laws" instead of Christ and His teachings.  Then I remind myself that I have the whole Scripture and they didn't, so who knows what I would have thought had I been there.

I wanted to reach through the pages of the book to help Mara.  It was hard to watch her struggles, knowing that someone should help her!  I was glad when she found Jesus because then I knew she'd have all she ever wanted and/or needed.  

Stephanie Landsem turned this beautiful story into a journey where the readers get to imagine what the woman at the well was feeling and perhaps some of her thoughts/feelings/struggles.  She takes you through the scriptures and writes a book based on a true biblical account.  It was fun to think about a woman that I so often read about and never stop to think about or ponder on.  Her life dramatically changed when she met Jesus and how fun it was to think about that transformation and excitement!

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

To be perfectly honest, I almost didn't want to read this book.  The cover of the book did not really appeal to me at all.  The colors were eye-catching, but it just lacked the visual appeal for me.  That said, I'm glad that I didn't judge the book by its cover.  

I liked Kate in this book, once I was able to set aside the fact that she didn't really like how she looked.  I know that often I struggle with my appearance (I'm not for sure what girl doesn't), so I had to remind myself that Kate was in her daily struggle.  It didn't help at all that the cosmetic surgeon could immediately tell the things that he could fix on her.  That would make me a bit self-conscious, too.

I liked the humor in this book.  I found myself laughing and just visualizing some of the encounters became quite hilarious in my head!    I really like chick-lit and I think this book falls under that category.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of her books.  I hope they are as funny as this one!

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

This is one of my new favorite Amish series.  I remember seeing the first book in this series in the bookstore, but I never bought it.  Needless to say, I'm not going out to purchase that book this weekend so I can own this series.  

I really like the style in which Tricia Goyer writes.  She adds enough tension in the book to create the problem and leaves some mystery as to what the real issues are that the characters are dealing with, but she doesn't create some huge needless drama.  I was grateful for that.  It was nice to read something that was a little bit predictable, but still had some surprises in it.  

I also liked the promises in this book.  Many Amish books tend to focus on the shunning and the forgiveness coming only AFTER the people return to the Amish community.  I loved the grace and understanding shown in this book.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I was seeing relationships in light of how God truly wants us to see others, Amish or not.  I liked all of the promises and lessons.  They were sweet and not over the top at all.  The scripture verses fit perfectly.

I can't wait to read book #3 in this series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.  It's hard to say goodbye to Lydia and Gideon, though.  I became quite fond of them and Gideon's special way with Blue.  I felt bad for him feeling looked over as a child, but liked the lesson of letting go of the past with my children and focusing on the future.  Who knew I'd gain parenting insights in a fiction book!  

To read more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for 

my honest opinion of this book.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

The cover of this book told me right away that I'd be in for a romance that was quite possibly filled with humor.  I was so excited to read this book.  I could hardly wait to flip it open when I got it.  There was just something about the cover that made me REALLY want to read this book.

I'm glad that all of my excitement over this book didn't vanish when I completed this book.  I liked 

conflicting emotions between Meg and Bo.  I appreciated Bo and his determination to straighten out the farm.  I was a little surprised by what the "threaten force" was in their relationship....that thing that could possibly break apart a chance of a relationship.

The romance came pretty early in the book and I was a bit worried that it'd kill the book for me.  It 

didn't, though.  She somehow made it work and still had me wrapped up in their relationship but not making it so sappy that it's overkill.

I'm definitely looking forward to the second book in this new series, The Porter Family.  I keep hearing good things about her first book she wrote, My Stubborn Heart, so I found it in the bookstore 

and am about to read it now!

Read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/BWade.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Place to Belong by Lauraine Snelling

This is the first book I have read by Lauraine Snelling and I was very impressed with her knowledge of the Wild West.  It was obvious she had done her research, right down to the terms that were used for "mother" and "father."  I don't read a lot of western books, even though I like them when I come across them, so that may be common knowledge to many readers.  To me, it was new.

Having not read any of the books in this series, it was a bit difficult for me to keep up with the characters and what their job was and the relationship to Cassie.  I think I finally got it all straightened out towards the end, but for some reason I kept having to go back and figure it out.

I like the air of mystery and romance in this book.  I was a little surprised by which man won Cassie's heart.  I was totally sold on one man until his heart starts to stray from Cassie and back towards a former lover.  But the man whose heart turned towards Cassie was the one I didn't even foresee in the beginning.

I liked the whole setting of the ranch and the Wild West show.  That is new to me, too, so it was quite refreshing to read a book that was set in a completely different setting and time period.  I liked picturing sharpshooting Cassie in my head....the same girl that lacked a few of the homemaking skills that would help her be a fit wife.

I think I'm going to start this series from book 1 and put all the pieces together.  It seems like a fascinating series and one that I would really enjoy.  If you're a fan of westerns and romance, this books is one to add to your list.

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Biking Across America by Paul Stutzman

I am so glad that Revell publishes these type of outdoor adventure books.  I still find myself thinking about Paul Stutzman's first book, Hiking Through.  I felt like I was taking the journey with 

him in that book.  When I saw he had written one about biking, I knew I would love it.

Paul writes in a way that is informative, yet exciting.  He captures each personal story and makes you feel like you're sitting there talking to these people.  He takes you on the long, long journey with him and when I close his books, I feel as though I've seen what he's seen.  I know I haven't, but I envision it so clearly that I feel like I have.

I'm so thankful that Revell gave his books a chance.  I was shocked by the first book and how much I liked the outdoors book.  I've thought a lot about it because I keep trying to figure out what is so refreshing about it.  I review a lot of books and I have yet to see any other author writing about these journeys that are in the Christian genre.  It's a nice break into a different type/style of book and one that will shock you in how much you like it.

Biking Across America is about his journey from Neah Bay, Washington to Key West, Florida.  In my mind, I had a hard time grappling with that distance.  It's a 5,000 mile ride.  Wow.  Paul is honest in his struggles and I like all of the detail he puts into his books.  I liked reading about his encounter with Hell's Angels.  Paul just seems like a down-to-earth man that can relate to anyone.  I even like hearing about what he ate and the times he needed to stop for more protein to help fuel his rides.  I'm not an adventure person but like to read about other people's adventures and I'm always amazed at how flexible they are and they are willing to sleep wherever they can find.  They aren't even afraid of interacting with so many different unknown people. 

I can't wait to see what challenge Paul Stutzman takes next.  I'm sure it'll make a great 3rd book and I'm awaiting to hear of his next adventures.  I saw he has a fiction book out called The Wanderers that apparently shares some of the lessons he's learned along his two long journeys in a fiction story.  I'll have to add that book to my reading list now!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

The cover of this book told me right away that I'd be in for a romance that was quite possibly filled with humor.  I was so excited to read this book.  I could hardly wait to flip it open when I got it.  There was just something about the cover that made me REALLY want to read this book.

I'm glad that all of my excitement over this book didn't vanish when I completed this book.  I liked 

conflicting emotions between Meg and Bo.  I appreciated Bo and his determination to straighten out the farm.  I was a little surprised by what the "threaten force" was in their relationship....that thing that could possibly break apart a chance of a relationship.

The romance came pretty early in the book and I was a bit worried that it'd kill the book for me.  It 

didn't, though.  She somehow made it work and still had me wrapped up in their relationship but not making it so sappy that it's overkill.

I'm definitely looking forward to the second book in this new series, The Porter Family.  I keep hearing good things about her first book she wrote, My Stubborn Heart, so I think I need to be reading that book now!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus

From start to finish, I was reminded of the show Downton Abbey.  It wasn't because it was the same storyline, although there was the similarity of the whole division of the social class and marrying for wealth vs. marrying for love idea.  However, I love Downton Abbey, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it reminded me once again how much I like reading and watching about this time period, but I would have hated to live through it.

I felt bad for Nora and really hoped that Christopher would find a way to provide for her.  I just wanted to see her happy after all she had done over the years in helping Sir Anthony's family.  I also wanted Kate to fall in love with the gardener and him somehow become wealthy or a way would 

be provided for him to be accepted into her social class.  I truly wanted them to marry for love and not to worry about the social rules.

The title of this book fit it perfectly.  I can't think of a better title that clearly lays out the focus of

this book.  Despite the Dearings being sent to England to marry for wealth, will they choose money over love?  

I can't wait to read book 2 in this new series, The Great Exhibition.

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I received this book free from B & H Books and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mountain Homecoming by Sandra Robbins

I like the sleek look of this book.  The girl on the cover fits beautifully with the mountains behind.   I think it's a wonderful depiction of what the story within is about.

I liked the setting of this book as the Smoky Mountains.  Knowing that Sandra Robbins lives  here and sees this every day makes this a book of experience.  Having been there many times, it was easy to picture in my head.  I could easily relate to Rani and her ideas of her future husband because I think we, as girls, tend to make that list as we are growing up.

I liked how Matthew dealt with his past, but wanted to protect Rani.  He protected her at great cost, even giving her up.

Robbins writes both with history and suspense and adds her own flair to her book that was refreshing.  I like reading authors that I've never been introduced to before because it's nice to experience new styles of writing.  It changes things up and is quite refreshing.

This is the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series.  I am looking forward to reading book #3 and checking out book #1 in the series.

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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White

Wow!  I was hooked on this book from the beginning.  I loved how Roseanna M. White explored the first spy ring in America and was able to add historical accounts into this fictional book.  You could easily see that White had spent a lot of time researching these accounts. 

Set in 1779, I immediately like Winter Reeves but my heart pounded on all of her spy escapades!  I found myself flipping pages just to make sure that she's safe and isn't caught.  Bennet Lane is easy to like and likes the challenge of Winter.  I liked seeing Winter through his eyes, as a girl who is full of mystery but just can't seem to tear himself away from her...despite being on the opposite side of the fence as her.  With Winter helping the spy ring and Bennet looking to expose the spy, it makes for an intriguing, fast-paced story that will have you turning page after page and pulling long nights.  Yes, I might have just described myself while reading this book!

This is the first book in her Culper Ring Series.  This was a refreshing book in a time period that I haven't read about in a while.  I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Love Comes to Paradise by Mary Ellis

I think the cover of this book is beautiful and bright.  It's eye-catching and it kept drawing me to read it.  Well, that and the fact that I am a big fan of the books by Mary Ellis!

I have been waiting for this book to come out ever since I read the first one in The New Beginnings Series.  This book picks up with Nora King who goes off to chase Elam Detweiler.  Leaving Harmony, she goes to Paradise to track down Elam.  This is where the twist happens.  A new boy, Lewis, finds her intriguing and is up to the challenge of winning her heart.

I never bonded to well with Elam in the last book and didn't really think he deserved Nora.  I was pulling for Lewis and hoping that his tactics would make her fall for him and not send her running to Elam.  I was impressed that Nora thought that she could give up Lewis just because she had made some wrong choices earlier in her life.

Mary Ellis writes with such beauty.  Many times, with lots of series books, I have to hunt down the previous ones to remember what had happened in the book before.  I didn't have to do that with this book at all and I was very impressed that she jogged my memory with such few words!

Any Amish fiction lover needs to grab this whole series.  Now...to wait for book #3 due out in September.

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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

I could not put this book down and am ready for the other books in this series to be released promptly!  I really like all 3 of the Gregory girls, even though I was sad for them in the beginning. They each have such different personalities and gifts that made reading about them so much fun.  

Hannah's personality was funny to me.  I could just see her stomping off after insisting Mr. Lincoln take her money.  I laughed in certain spots because I could so vividly picture what Lorna Seilstad was  wanting me to picture in my head.

I have read several books by Seilstad and have enjoyed each one.  I do know that I'm 

hooked on this series now.  The only way I can think to describe her writing is "fun."  She has such a great way with words.

Another thing that I thought was a plus for her book was all of the other wonderful, well-known authors (all from different genres of fiction) that reviewed her book.  That made me want to read this 

book even more when I saw that some of my favorite authors enjoyed this book too.

I liked the history in this book.  I never knew anything about working as a switchboard operator, 

so that was an interesting story for me.  The strict rules were funny in a way and I liked watching 

Hannah struggle with Lincoln.  It was fun to watch her swallow her pride and for Lincoln to kind 

of put her in her place a bit and make her realize her need for help!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson

What a sweet story of Jennifer and her true love, Tom Peterson!  I absolutely love Jennifer and and I think her relationship with Tom was picture perfect.  I liked how slowly the relationship developed 

and how it centered on friendship.  I felt like I was a friend watching this relationship bloom and

it was perfect.

I was heartbroken at the end when it reveled a huge block in Jennifer's life and something that could change many decisions in their life.  I hated to see the ending but knew something good would 

also bloom from it.  I know it would make it easier to relate to her patients.

I liked the medical setting in this story and how most of the story happened at the hospital.  Dee Henderson wrote with such knowledge and tugged at my heart when a certain girl takes a turn for the 

worse.

This book is the prequel to the O'Malley series.  Once you finish this book, go right into learning

about the O'Malley family.

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I received this book free from CFBA and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Couponing for the Rest of Us by Kasey Knight Trenum

Couponing can be quite overwhelming and definitely very time consuming.  With 2 small children and a full plate at home, I don't have much time to spend looking for coupons and shopping.  I also don't want to tote the kids to a variety of stores, despite how good the deals are.

I follow Time 2 Save and really like their website because they list it in a quick, easy to read way.  If I want the coupon, I click on it and print it.  If I don't, I've only spent 10 minutes or so looking at 1 site for the best deals.  I was excited to read this book because it's written by the woman who works the website and does all of the workshops.

I really liked the explanations for the different policies and ways to coupon.  I have always been confused on how people do the drugstore coupons and I found that chapter very helpful and she broke down all of the specifics to make it easy to understand.

I also like how she focused a lot of her book on stockpiling in order to be able to give it away to others who need it.  I think that's such a wonderful goal.  I don't like a lot of clutter, so stockpiling goes totally against my nature.  However, I love to give things away, so perhaps that's how I can increase my giving. 

If you know a beginner coupon girl, pass them this book.  They will be ever so grateful!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt

I am new to Beth K. Vogt and her books, but she is now added to my favorites list.  I love her humor that she puts into the book at just the right moments.  I also like the personality of her characters.  She doesn't tell all of the details in the beginning, but leaves some mystery about them so it can unfold at different times during the book.  

Griffin Walker puzzled me a bit.  He was a little stubborn, in my opinion, and a little harsh.  However, knowing about his parents and his illness and what happened because of both of those things helped me to see that perhaps he just might be having trouble dealing with all of this sudden change.  Ian didn't help matters much either, with all of his trying to fit in and taking everything Griffin said personally.  At first I didn't like Ian, but halfway through I saw him struggling and really wanting to be good, but just trying to figure out how to deal with his whole new life.

My favorite character was Kendell Haynes.  I liked her spunk and how the one person who she would end up with is the one person she can't stand at the moment.  She doesn't shy away from sharing her mind with him. I could relate to her because that was what happened when my husband and I met.  I guess I saw a little of myself in her!

Beth writes this book with great medical knowledge about asthma/allergies since her husband is a former Air Force family physician.  I think that is another reason I really liked this book.  We have been walking down the asthma/allergy road with both of my children for a year and I liked the attention she brought to something that sounds so small, but can be a huge deal if it went untreated.

This is the second novel of hers and I've already bought it so I can go back and read it.  I'm anxiously awaiting more of her books.  This is the perfect book to read on a beach or on vacation!

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard

I really liked the plot of this book.  I was instantly hooked on this book because of the first chapter.  I was intrigued by Zane Carson who was wounded in the Middle East during a journalism assignment. Wanting to get back into his assignments in danger zones, he accepts an assignment to live with the Amish for three months and write about them.

I liked Zane for some reason.  He was honest about how he didn't believe in God at first and then I liked watching his journey.  I also liked Katie Rose Fisher and how her natural beauty caught Zane's attention from the first day.  I'll admit that Zane had to convince me that he was ready for a relationship after the way he treated his "sort of" fiancé.  I thought he was quite self-centered at the beginning of the book but really matured a lot while with the Amish.

I am new to Amy Lillard but I really enjoyed her writing.  She was to the point, which made her book so captivating.  She offered details, but I think it seemed more "to the point" when it was from Zane's point of view.  I actually liked those contrasting way she wrote, whether she realized it or not.  She captured the way the man thinks....that's quite a feat!
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I received this book free from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B & H Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

This cover is beautiful!  I'm a big fan of hardcover books so I enjoyed reading this book.  I liked the issues that came up with this book and the angle in which William Kent Krueger explored throughout these pages.

I liked how forgiveness and revenge was brought up when we had been touched by the murder of someone we love.  Our natural desire is revenge, but by the grace of God we can truly forgive.  I liked Frank and the relationships the family had with each other and how strong their bond was.

The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that it included some adult language.  I don't like reading books with language in it because it's the one thing I feel like I don't have to censor.  With that said, the language wasn't disrespectful in nature, but I just don't see the need in expressing yourself in that way.  It's my own opinion and it only took away some of my view of the book.  It probably will not even be a factor to most.  With that issue aside, this book was very interesting and it definitely flowed and the story captured my attention. 

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I received this book from the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

I like all of the books I have read so far by Deeanne Gist.  She is a gifted author who knows just the right details to share with readers.  I liked this book in particular for that reason.  Based on Chicago's World Fair in 1893, there was a lot of history to be sifted through.  She gave the reader the history facts, but intertwined with fiction.  At the end, she tells you what she made up, what was real, and the historical facts that fills in the pieces that helped to lay the foundation for her story.

I did not know much about the World Fair except for one other fiction book I've read recently that included it as their storyline.  I was excited to learn a little bit more about it.  What set this book a part from most are the pictures that were included in the book.  I found that fascinating.  She showed different pictures from the World Fair.  I thought that was a great idea and it's something that other author's should consider when they are writing historical fiction.  It really helped to envision the environment and helped set the tone.

I liked Cullen and I felt bad for his girlfriend and how he just wouldn't set the date for their wedding. I know that it just probably never felt right to him, but I did feel bad that she was kind of dismissed.  Della grew on me.  I didn't like how she sent Cullen on a hunt from the very beginning, but I understood why.  When I look at the times, especially, I'm sure it was rare for a girl to be alone like that in such a big place.

If you are a historical fiction reader, be sure to add this one to your list.  You might as well read all of her other books too!
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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Duchess by Susan May Warren

There is something about the cover of this book that I really like.  It's mysterious, and eye-catching.  They different fonts really seem to catch my eye and the dark colors in the picture lends itself to mystery.

I really like Susan May Warren.  I have not read a book of hers yet that I have not liked and couldn't stop reading them when I picked them up.  This book was no different.  I have just started reading this series with this book, which is the 3rd (and last) book in the Daughters of Fortune series.  I felt like I came into the book understanding what was going on and that Warren did a good job giving the reader just enough information to catch up but not to overwhelm.  

I really liked Rolfe.  He had so many things surrounding him that he had a hand in and I just loved his personality.  Roxy was a character!  I loved watching her come to the end of herself and see that even with all the world could offer her, it still wasn't enough to fill the hole and take away the empty feeling inside of her.  I liked the acting setting for this story. It was a unique story line that fit so perfectly with the characters.  

Now I guess I'm going to have to find the first two books in this series to read!  To read more opinions about this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/swarren.

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I received this book free from Summerside Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Noble Groom by Judy Hedlund

I absolutely love reading book from authors that deal with their passions or their personal history of either their lives or their families.  Their love for their own story/heritage shine out of the pages and you can't help but be grasped by the story.  This is the case with Judy Hedlund's new book, A Noble Groom.  It is about her father's legacy as the German father who worked hard and is still yielding the crops he has sown.  How beautiful of a dedication of a book is that?!

This book also was a bit more enjoyable for me because my brother and sister-in-law just moved to Germany in December for missions.  I have soaked in anything about Germany.  I guess it's my way of still feeling connected to my brother!

All of that said, this book is rich in the history of German immigrants coming to America.  I enjoyed learning about the history of the 1880s and the conditions that these German immigrants had endured and then endured when they came to America.  I loved Annalisa Werner from the beginning and as much as I know she wanted a husband, I knew Carl would be perfect!  I like watching her come to fall in love with her husband.  It was also very interesting as to all the things she had to do and think about with no husband.  I forget sometimes the amount of manual labor involved back then and how much work women had to do if no man was there.  Just thinking about it is exhausting!

I am looking forward to reading more by Jody Hedlund and hopefully I won't have to wait too long.  She writes beautiful, capturing stories, rich with history and fiction.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Damascus Countdown by Joel Rosenberg

Joel Rosenberg is the one of the few authors that I read where their books are considered suspense and action.  Normally I don't like those type of books, but I like Joel Rosenberg and how he writes.  I also like how it tailors to Israel a lot and their relationships with other countries.  He has a close tie to Israel and so his books are full of knowledge and information that could only come from a first-hand perspective.

This book had me gripped from the first page.  There were moments when my heart raced and moments when I would pull my head out of the book and be like "whew...it's just a book."  Then I'd remember the state of our country and realize this could very well happen here and now.  Even thought this book is fiction, it still applies to today and the issues the United States faces today.  

Every book by him is good, but I really like this series, The Twelfth Imam series.  If you've never read anything by Joel, check out his nonfiction and fiction works.  His nonfiction is just as good as his fiction and I think that reading it helps you understand his fiction more.

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.