Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

True to the title of this book, love can be awakened whether it's arranged by families or whether there's a rivalry going on between families.  Love isn't always convenient and there are always challenges to overcome...some more difficult than others.

This book is the second book in the Ballantyne Legacy series.  Set in 1822, Ellie Ballantyne finds herself in a lonely place.  Since she's heading out to make some choices on her own, she now decides to follow a passion.  That passion leads her to a man and that man leads her straight into a rivalry between their families.  I did think a little of Romeo and Juliet, just because of the whole no family wanted them together and they had to overcome that.

Laura Frantz is an excellent storyteller.  She takes you through the historical times of the 1800s and I almost felt like I had escaped back to that time period.  It was interesting to watch the slavery and abolitionists come into play.  I knew slavery existed back then, but I didn't think that abolition didn't come around until much later.  That was an interesting fact I learned from this book, along with more things.  I love how she made history fun to read and definitely not boring.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  I'm curious as to how life will continue to guide the Ballantyne family and see if all of the loose ends are tied up in the next book!  Oh, and don't be swayed by the genre of historical fiction.  I think any fiction lover would like this book.

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

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

This is one of my favorite contemporary fiction books that I've read recently.  I laughed throughout this book at the many different webs that we weaved and at the different roles the characters played in the life of Miranda.  The cover of this book is very attractive and eye-catching.  Well done!

I'm hard to believe that this is the first book for Melissa Tagg.  I can't wait to read more by her.  She was able to make even normal, what might be boring, details into something that made this book stand out among so many others.  I can't place my finger on what it is about her writing that was so good, but I was so wrapped up into this book that I had a difficult time putting it down.  Maybe it was the humor!  The story line was excellent and fresh.  I loved her "husband" and found myself wanting 3 different men to make Miranda happy!  They were all just too easy to like, even when they had some mean moments.

Miranda is the star of the homebuilding television show, From the Group Up.  Her network is considering putting her show on the chopping block, even though it is loved by many and is so popular.  In order to gain support, her producer and manager think that it would the perfect idea to let Miranda introduce her husband to the world.  That'd be great, if she had one.  Enter in Blaze who is ready to step up to star in the role of husband.  And Matthew is ready to find out all he can about Miranda and the skeletons in her closet.  However, he has to chose between revealing all or keeping secrets himself.  

I can't wait to read more by Melissa Tagg.  Hopefully I don't have to wait too long!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Made to Last Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013) by Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

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

The Invention of Sarah Cummings by Olivia Newport

I have been so interested in this series because I have learned so much history about Chicago.  I know it's just the tip of the iceberg in the amount of Chicago history, but it has really made me interested in learning more about Chicago's past.  So many things happened there and much of it are things that I never knew.

This is the third book in the Avenue of Dreams series.  The main character, Sarah, was actually a carry-over from the second book.  I struggled some with liking Sarah.  I don't think I ever really had a true attachment to her, except maybe towards the end.  There were several choices that she made that I really wanted her to know the consequences from making those decisions.  I liked the old Sarah from the second book!

Sarah grew up in the orphanage and is now a maid for the Bannings.  She's also a good seamstress and has been given the opportunity to do something with sewing.  Her dreams start to come true when she meets someone in the upper circle of society.  However, in order for Sarah to be accepted, she comes up with a fake story of her past, as well as a fake name.  Since I really dislike lying, I wanted her to be found out!

Olivia Newport has been one of the authors that I've started seeking out.  I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books and I really like her story lines.  She puts so much research into her books and it is just fun to read and learn!

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

Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker

So many people are touched by cancer these days, whether it's themselves, a loved one, or a friend.  That makes this book both sad and sweet.  The prologue is sad and I had so many emotions because I couldn't imagine, as a mom, how I could possibly tell my children bye.  I know that is an all-to-real scene for many though.  

The story picks up a year later when Grayson has a hard time moving forward after his wife, Jenna's, death from ovarian cancer.  Their 9-year-old daughter, Sadie, needs to deal with her grief and loss of her mom in a way that she can relate to.  However, that pulls Grayson out of his comfort zone and places him smack dab in the middle of a support group and in the presence of a woman who has formed a quick and close bond with his daughter.  

Annabelle knows exactly how cancer can ruin a family.  It ruined any possibility of a family for her.  However, she has taken on the project of making a quilt to be auctioned off that has clothing from both cancer survivors and those that didn't.  Sadie longs to help and to include some of her own mother's clothing in the quilt.  And since she's good with scissors, she's allowed to.

Throughout the book, you watch as a new relationship is formed, grief is dealt with, but love is never lost or forgotten.  Instead, they are each given a new chance at love and happiness again.  This book is in no way a sappy romance novel.  I think it parallels real life and the horrors of this disease.  If anything, I think there is more of an emphasis on healing and moving on than on the romance, even though that is certainly a part of life at times.

I really liked this book and it's definitely one to be recommended.  It was neat to see how the support group rallied around each other and encouraged each other, too.

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

Good News to the Poor by Tim Chester

To be honest, I was drawn to this book for several reasons, but one of the big reasons was the cover of this book.  I've never seen one like it and it looks amazing.  The other reasons I wanted to read this book was because the title seemed like something I was interested in reading, and I wanted to know how to mix social involvement with the Gospel.  I know there are lots of ideas based on cultural and political beliefs, but I truly wanted to step outside the political realm and read something that was based on the Biblical principles.  I was curious to see if it help up to what the Bible taught.  

I was pleasantly surprised that this book contained so much information.  It went far beyond my imagination and opened my eyes to some things.  I began to see the rut that we fall in (and I've caught myself falling into at times) where we share the gospel with a certain group in mind.  We don't necessarily mean to, but we don't normally think of taking it to those who are so desperately crying out for hope and someone to believe in.  

Since Tim Chester is a U.K. pastor, his perspective was very enlightening.  It was also interesting to see how things were similar both there and in the United States.  I also appreciate how Chester doesn't water down his words.  He writes what he means and isn't afraid to make his readers think and perhaps, hopefully, become a little uncomfortable as they think on the different thoughts he has raised.  I'm looking forward to reading more by Tim Chester.

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

Bumper Wipe Clean Activities

My children have thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old.  They couldn't wait to open this book when it came in the mail.  I've been able to take it with us to doctors appointments and other places that I need a quiet activity for the kids.  The size is the perfect size to fit in your purse or a small bag, which is great.  So many activity books are larger and require a big bag to shove it in or else you get stuck toting it!

The pages are very easy to wipe off and come clean with very little effort. There are different activities inside, like finding same/different and puzzles and dot-to-dots, along with many more.  The pen comes with the book and stays nicely in it's pen holder.  Then pen isn't washable, I don't think.  That's the only downside.

I would definitely recommend this book for any mom who needs some quiet, portable activities to take places.  The only problem is they may fight over one, so you may need 2!

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I can usually tell when I read a book whether or not I'm reading a fairly new author or not.  I'm shocked that Jessica Dotta has not written so many more books.  I'm glad to see that this is the beginning of a trilogy!  She had me liking even a mean old woman that I doubt many authors would 

have been able to get me to like.  I even liked Julia, who I couldn't believe that I did like.  She wasn't the typical person I usually like in books.

Julia has a sense of mystery around her.  Her mother has committed suicide, she's left alone, and top it off with she now will be moving to Scotland in two months to work as a servant--compliments 

of her new guardian who remains nameless and faceless.

That means that Julia has 2 months to find a man to marry.  At first that doesn't seem to hard since 

she is technically betrothed.  One problem, though.  Edward, her secret lover, has had a change of 

heart since she last saw him.  Needless to say, they don't quite see eye to eye on most things anymore because of one major issue.  That issue has driven a permanent wedge between them until 

Julia realizes what mistakes she's made.

I really did like Lady Foxmore.  She was a brutal woman, but I did like her humor for some reason.    

I found it funny that she would send notes at night and wake up the household.  I also found it funny how she spoke to Elizabeth and her mother. 

This book has romance, but it also has suspense and mystery.  It was a book that keeps you wondering until the very last page.  I can't wait to see what the next 2 books consist of.  It'll be hard to beat this book!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Born of Persuasion Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013) by Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

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

Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

I have really enjoyed this series, The Days of Redemption.  I love everything about these books--from cover to cover.  I think the covers are beautifully done and the storyline throughout the series has been great and has brought up some unexpected things.  Each book has had the same family, but a different person they were focusing on.  However, I like that you get to see the problems of each resolved in one way or another...even if it's not what I had hoped for.

Speaking of which, the ending of this book wasn't what I had hoped for at all!  I understood and appreciated the ending because it was life, but a part of me wanted the other option to work and have it change Elsie's life.  I like Landon all throughout this book.  He was that stable, loving person that Elsie needed.  There were times that I wanted to scream at Roman and Elsie's family and say that they need to give Elsie more independence.  I was really glad when Elsie stood up for herself concerning her major decision that she had to make.

I have liked every book that I have read by Shelley Shepard Gray.  I'm captivated within the first sentence and that carries throughout the book.  The issues are real, the endings aren't always perfect, but that's what I like about her.  I'm looking forward to her next book coming out soon!  To see more opinions about this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/eventide-by-shelley-shepard-gray.

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Enter Today - 9/9 - 9/21! 
Shelley Shepard Gray is celebrating the release of the final book in The Days of Redemption series, Eventide, by giving away FIVE sets of the series. 

Five winners will receive:

• Daybreak, Ray of Light and Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 21st. All winners will be announced September 23rd at Shelley's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 23rd to see if you won one of the book sets!

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I received this book free from Harpercollins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinon about this book.

A Surprise for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

These are some of my favorite books to read to my children.  I liken these to The Little House on the Prairie books, except obviously set in the Amish setting and not the prairie.

 

My daughter, who is 3, likes to take these books off my shelf and look at them.  In fact, I had to keep hunting down this book because she liked to carry it around.  The cover of this book kept drawing her to it! 

 

This is book 4 in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series.  I think that it's a good sign if adults like this book despite it being written for the ages of 8-12.  That's what I have come to like in Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I feel like no matter the book or the age the book is written for, her writing is consistent and good at drawing in readers of all ages.  Just because this book is meant for the younger crowd, it still has a great storyline and well....as the book states, surprises.

 

I like the curiosity of Lily and the predicaments she finds herself in.  She truly does mean well and has good intentions, but since she is a child, she thinks and acts like a child.  This fact alone has made reading these books out loud to my children great discussion starters.  We've been able to talk about the choices Lily made and the consequences.  That alone makes these books a must.

 

I'm impressed with how both writers are able to go back to a child mindset and write these books from a child's perspective.  It makes these books so much more interesting because you very rarely get a child's perspective throughout a book.

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again and again...these books are a must for all little girls and boys!  One of my personal favorites in this book (and in all of them) are the question and answers about the Amish.  I love learning those little tidbits of information!

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

The Promise by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Two of my favorite authors in one book....yes, please!  I've always compared Dan Walsh to Nicholas Sparks and Gary Smalley has a fondness in my heart because of the Karen Kingsbury Redemption series.

 

I was hooked on this new series, The Restoration Series, from the very first book.  The Dance didn't dance around tough issues.  I like that about this series.  In The Promise, job loss and marriage reconciliation are some of the tough issues discussed.  I like how you learn more about relationships in general just by reading these books.  Sometimes its easier to read about relationships and their problems when it happens to someone else.  It's also a lot easier to take when its found in a fiction book, too.  I think that's why these books are such great reads.

 

Tom has lost his job, but has such a huge cloud of shame over his life.  He's carrying a burden alone that he feels he can't even share with his wife or his father.  How can he possibly explain that he lost it and that he was betrayed?  Would anyone really believe that it wasn't his fault?  Can his father repair his relationship with his son and with his wife? 

 

Tom has to tell the truth to his wife at some point.  The lies are starting to pile up and it's taking its toll on him.  However, you can imagine how well his wife took this news after over 7 months of his lying and thinking that he was still at his job.  Not only that, but his child is involved, which makes this ordeal even harder.

 

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  I love that real hard topics are discussed.

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

Trapped by Irene Hannon

IIrene Hannon has remained my favorite and only suspense author that I read.  I don't tend to like suspense books because I can't stand the suspense (corny, I know!) but for some reason Hannon is able to capture me with the first page.  I think that because there is a romance going on helps me because I can focus on the romance side and not just the full-blown suspense.

This is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series.  I like how the part of the story is told in the view of the villain.  That always intrigues me for some reason.  I think it's because I like knowing what's going on inside their heads because I can't even fathom thinking like them.  However, he was very nice and friendly but it goes to show that a person may not be all that they
appear to be.

Time is something they don't have as the search for Darcy heats up.  Bad winter weather is coming in fast so they have to find Darcy before the trails are erased.  The problem is, there aren't many leads.

I am looking forward to the next installment in this series to come out.  I'm interested to see if some of the characters resolve the way I think they should!

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

The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge by Jeff and Lora Helton

My husband and I have had a lot of fun reading this book.  We have been married for almost 8 years and we still learned new things about each other by using this book as a springboard for our discussions.  My husband is rather quiet (I tell him he has a word quota that he allows himself each day), so it's been a good way for us to open up and really talk.  Add in the busyness of 2 small kids, we needed some intentional, relationship-building conversation going on. 

 

Since I was reading this book for review, I did these questions everyday for 2 weeks.  Some days, I would flip through and ask other questions along with the original one we had discussed.  It's actually made so that you talk about one question every Friday...hence the 50 Fridays question.

 

Each Friday starts with a Challenge question.  Some of the questions are harder to answer than others and require some thought.  I love how it tackles the good things, the bad things (like disagreements, things that each of you could change in certain areas), and the comfortable/uncomfortable things.

 

There's a short chapter (like 1 page if it was condensed) that you can read together or separately.  We read it together.  It was a nice way for us to end our work week together, since the week tends to be incredibly stressful and hit or miss sometimes because of work obligations, etc. 

 

I'm planning to revisit this book and I think I just might be getting this for anniversaries of close friends or even for wedding presents.  I mean, who doesn't want a great marriage that reflects Christ?!  I want my children to see Christ when they look at our marriage and that takes effort and conversation....even when we're exhausted.  Thanks for the very helpful marriage resource!

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

 

 

The Secret Keeper by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis holds a special place on my shelf because she was the first author I ever read Amish fiction by.  She was also someone that I remember my mom reading as I was growing up.  That said, I am always first in line to read a new book by her.  I've never read a book by her that I haven't liked.  This series, the Home to Hickory Hollow series, has been one of my favorites.  I think I say that about each of her series, though.

I feel at home in Hickory Hollow.  I love everything about, from the place to the characters.  I like the flip in this book with the storyline.  Usually much of the Amish fiction have to do with someone in the Amish community leaving and turning to the world.  However, I liked the flip of an English woman wanting to become Amish.  I could see myself in this a little because of my longing to live simply.  After watching Jenny though, I'm not certain I'd ever make it!  I forget all of the ways that modern technology is actually helpful.

The part that I like the most in this series is that there's a secret.  I feel like that's where the big suspenseful moments come from, which carries the book through to the end.  In this book, Jenny is told a secret and she has to keep it.  As if learning the Amish ways isn't enough to deal with at this time in her life!

As always, I'm anxiously awaiting another book by Beverly Lewis.  Hopefully I won't have to wait too long!
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston is in one of my top selection for Amish fiction authors.  She has yet to write a book that I don't like or am not excited about.  I really liked this book and am excited to read book 2 in this brand new series, Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.

I liked the storyline, even if it was a little unbelievable in some cases.  However, I don't mind unbelievable because I think that's the fun of fiction.  I read it to get away from the believable sometimes!  The underlying theme is easy to relate to.  Hannah has a lot of decisions to make for herself and her family.  I know that some could see her as selfish, but I saw her as someone who was trying to make the best decision and follow her heart.  But as many of us know, when you choose to follow your heart, it's not always the easiest way.  Hannah has to deal with the consequences of her choices and it touches her family, too.

I do think that this book moved along a little too fast at some points.  I know she had a lot of story to get into the pages of the book, but I felt like some scenes were rushed (i.e. the courtship and several of the decisions Hannah made).  They may have just felt rushed to me because I didn't have a chance to move my emotions about certain characters as fast as the book moved along.  I needed some time to adjust to my new opinions of the characters.

I am definitely excited to read the next book in this series, though!

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and their Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

I love this book!  Okay...I know that doesn't give you a complete summary of this book, but I think this is one of my new favorite books.  Anita Higman had me hooked from the first sentence in this book.  I don't know what it was about Lily that made her seems so easy to relate to.  Whatever it was, I felt attached to her from the beginning.  My heart went out to her because her relationship with her mother.  I wanted to give her mother a good tongue-lashing, not like it would really have helped.  She didn't seem to want to listen to much in the beginning and was so rude.

 

Lily was told some shocking news by her mother when she went to try to make amends with her mother.  That news sends her all the way to Australia on a search.  She so desperately wants her daughter, Julie, to have some kind of relationship with her grandma, but Lily's mom wants nothing to do with her.  She has her reasons, but they don't necessarily make a lot of sense. 

 

Going to Australia by herself has Lily conquering several fears...one is flying and the other is going to the big country alone.  Her journey to Australia grows her and introduces her to so many new things and new people.  When she returns, she is not the same Lily that left.  That's a good thing, in my opinion!  If you'd like the opinions of others on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/ahigman.

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