A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

I  have had my eye on this book since I saw the updates to the book list of what was being released this month.  I couldn't wait to review this one.  I think it was the cover that had me so excited.  I just knew it would be exciting and sassy.  Well, that and I loved the other books she has written.  Her humor in the books have me laughing out loud and I really enjoy her style of writing.  It flows perfectly together and keeps me engaged throughout the entire time.

The funniest parts to me was all the meddling between the parents.  I couldn't help but get Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice out of my head during those scenes.  I really did like Grayson and how his personality clashed with Felicia's. 

I also liked the comparison between who Felicia wanted to be and who she really was.  It's always easier to see it in fictional characters when it's not always easy to see it in myself.  I could relate to Felicia some (not because of the man search), but just trying to be someone I'm not all the time when I really want to be myself. 

I am so glad to add this book to my collection on the shelf that I know I will never be giving away!  I hope there are more in this series.  This book is the third in the Ladies of Distinction Series.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Bargain by Stephanie Reed

Stephanie Reed is a new author to me so I wasn't certain what to expect.  I have to admit that I'm partial to certain authors when it comes to Amish fiction, so I'm more hesitant to like new authors in this genre.  I really liked this book, though!  It was written in an era that isn't typically written about with Amish fiction, which I think helped to set it apart from the other authors.

The Vietnam War meant that the Amish were being called up to be drafted for the war.  The Amish were being directly affected by the war, as was the rest of America. 

Betsie is not only seeing the effects of the war, but she has been left alone as her family as decided to follow Christ outside of the Amish community.  This decision has left Betsie trying to hold her family together at a time when it seems everything is falling apart.  She's also trying to help an English family that is dear to her and one that she has come to love.  They aren't perfect and don't hold to her beliefs exactly, but she knows God has placed them in her life for a reason.  Betsie can't limit her interactions with the English because she has to learn from them so her cousin's business can begin.  However, she might just learn more from them than she really ever thought possible!

I really liked all of the characters of this book because they were real.  None of them were perfect and some were even hiding mistakes and secrets.  They dealt with stress, family dynamics, and outside influences.  They also saw God in the midst working out the details.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  It's a great beginning to the new series, Plain City Peace.

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

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About the book: Book one in the Plain City Peace series.

It's 1971, and Betsie Troyer's peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but.

When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth-a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie's marriage to Charley Yoder.

Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/ptivJ

About the Author: Stephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, "Across the Wide River" and "The Light Across the River."

Learn more at Stephanie's website: http://www.stephanielreed.com/

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

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

This is another book that I think has a stunning cover that must be commented on.  It is beautiful and sets the stage for the story inside.  I could hardly wait to read this book when I got it and made myself wait until I had finished a few other books first.

I am a big fan of Lisa T. Bergren's Grand Tour series.  I felt like I have traveled with the characters through Europe and have seen the many sights that they have seen.  I've been put back into 1913 and have thoroughly enjoyed it.  I have yet to be disappointed from a story told by Lisa T. Bergren. 

One of my favorite parts of this book is the historical notes section at the end.  I love reading not only how the story came to be, but about the struggles that Bergren had in writing this book.  I also liked the history she shared about certain places and people.  I like to read this part first so I can understand more of the story and then I re-read it at the end so I can understand more after I had encountered these things in the book.  It does have a group discussion page too, if you are doing a book group.

Each chapter tells the perspective of a certain character.  Cora is embarking on a trip that is THE trip of her life.  She has a lot on her plate, from choosing between two suitors, building relationships with her new found siblings, and then there's the wealth that she has accumulated recently.

William loves Cora and really wants to be with her but struggles to get past the issue of her money.  I really liked getting to know the perspectives of both William and Cora.  I think it added more depth to the story.

The book itself is 443 pages long, so it's a rather long story.  It's a story, though, that shouldn't be missed!  I like that I've read the other books in the series because I've anticipated this book, but it can also be read by itself.  It is a beautiful ending to this series, in my opinion.  It has suspense, threats, love, and life-altering decisions to be made.  This book truly has a little of something for every reader.

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

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About the book: Lisa T. Bergren's popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America's newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are tracking the news story of the decade---"Copper Cora," the rags-to-riches girl---and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn't going to claim Will's heart, she might just 

try . . .

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pvxTP

About the author: Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.

Learn more about Lisa here: http://lisatawnbergren.com.

 

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

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser

The first thing I need to say that I like about this book is the cover.  I love the rustic look of it and how the back is just as beautiful as the front.  I know covers don't define the inside story, but it sure makes the reader more excited to read a book when the cover is attractive!

This is part of the American Tapestries series.  Lots of research has gone into this book and it's quite obvious that she did her homework.  Nancy Moser makes her story flow seamlessly from chapter to chapter and from character to character.  She gives an air of mystery around one of her characters, Lewis, which makes the story have a bit of suspense to it as we wait to discover Lewis' true identity and how Josephine will respond to him.

I must say that I did feel a little bit sorry for Lewis, since he was so alone.  I didn't like his relationship with Josephine, but I hated his poor circumstances.  Hudson was very easy to like and I appreciated that he was trying to take care of his family and had a sense of duty about him.  Josephine's mom drove me crazy at times, but I can imagine that a mom's sense of mourning really doesn't go away ever and the desire for others to mourn with them must be strong.  When I forgot her reason for mourning, I found myself getting tired of her.  I had to keep reminding myself that she had lost a son and that would put me back into perspective with her.  Her dad was very easy to like and I liked him from the very beginning. 

I am definitely looking forward to reading more by Nancy Moser.  I felt like I had climbed back in time and truly enjoyed the period of the Transcontinental Railroad.

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

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About the book: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pq47s

Meet Nancy: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.

Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/.


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

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

This was a beautiful Christmas story!  I think it was different than several of the books I've read in this Quilts of Love series.  Perhaps I really liked it because it was the Amish fiction that I love to read.

Vannetta Chapman tells a beautiful story of a quilt that resembles growth and discovery.  It represents hard times, good times, and trying times.  It represents both family and friendships.  When this quilt is looked upon, you know that it has a story.  The book didn't have a lot of drama, except it did as far as a much anticipated birth.  I liked the close friendship between Leah and Annie and how they walked this road together.

Both Annie and Leah are expecting babies.  Leah is expecting twins after Christmas and Annie is expecting one later in the year.  Things were going well, minus the poor relationship that had developed between Leah and Adam.  A trying time involving Adam and Leah and their babies brings the two closer together and helps them to grow closer.  Each have things that they need to work on in their relationship and God uses this time to develop some fruits of the Spirit in them.  It's not easy, but they have a relationship to be desired by the end of the book.  The quilt represents this time in their life as it was a product of all that they had went through.  Meant as a gift from Annie, it becomes something that Leah and Annie look forward to working on and brings many discussions and lots of growth from the two.

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Christmas Quilt Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013) by Vannetta Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.

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

Greetings from the Flipside by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay

I expected this book to be funny just from the title and the cover, and I was correct.  I loved the humor found in this book, along with the romance.  The idea of having her write greetings cards was wonderful.  You usually hear about a book being involved, so this idea was new and refreshing.

It did take me just a little while to get into the book because of the writing style.  It's written in both third person and in first person.  Once I got the hang of the writing style, I was hooked.  I'm not really sure why it took me a little while to attach to it, but it did.  I think I knew that I really wanted to like this book, so I kept going, knowing that I would soon grab hold of the style that can be a bit confusing at times.

The story itself isn't necessarily what the back of the books says it is.  That's where the flipside comes in.  I'm afraid to reveal too much more because I don't want to spoil the book.  But I will say that one style of writing is in reality and the other is in her head.

It's not your typical romance novel where you are dealing with 2 actual people, except you are.  It's hard to explain without giving away the story!  However, it is a fun book that does leave you thinking about it at the end.  The book has definitely set itself apart from many of the books I've read just because it is so different.  That in itself is refreshing.

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Greetings from the Flipside B&H Books (October 15, 2013) by Rene Gutteridge

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rene is the author of seventeen novels. She also has extensive experience writing comedy sketches, and worked for five years as the director of drama for a church. She has a degree specializing in Screenwriting, for which she earned the Excellence in Mass Communication Award, and graduated magna cum laude.

She is married to Sean, a musician and worship leader, and has two children. They reside in Oklahoma, where Rene writes full time and enjoys instructing in college classrooms and writers conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope Landon has been rewriting other people's greeting cards since she was six years old -- there's always a funnier caption. She's all set to chase those creative dreams with her musician fiance in New York City until he leaves Hope at the altar, deciding he must not really love this girl if he can't write a song for her. That may give her something to write about . . .

Hope disappears alone on what was supposed to be the couple's month long honeymoon. Upon returning she learns of her funeral -- everyone in her life concluded Hope must have killed herself after being jilted. Needing a fresh start more than ever, she heads for the Big Apple only to discover it's not that easy to rent a place when you've been declared dead.

Taking shelter at the YWCA, Hope soon lands a job at a Christian inspirational greeting card company as an assistant to Jake, a guy who shut down his organization's humor department. She has lost her faith in love; he needs to find something or someone that will make him laugh.

Is there anything in the cards for these two? Find out in the truly original Greetings from the Flipside by authors Rene Gutteridge (Boo) and Cheryl McKay (screenplay for The Ultimate Gift).

If you would like to read the first chapter of >Greetings from the Flipside, go HERE.
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I received this book free from CFBA and B & H Books in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes

I have looked forward to this book since I finished reading the first two books in this series, A Necessary Deception and A Flight of Fancy.  Honestly, I was hooked on the books by Laurie Alice Eakes since her Midwives series.  One thing that I love about her books is that the covers are so beautifully done.  It always gets me excited to read them because they catch my eye and draw me in right from the start.  Even the back of the cover is simple, yet artsy. 

This whole series has something for almost every reader.  It's full of both romance and suspense and twists and turns.  Honore Bainbridge has finally chosen which man she wants to be with and has no doubts about it at all.  That is, until she's given some new information that makes her doubting definitely seem reasonable.

I have always liked Honore for some reason.  She's the complete opposite of me, so maybe that's why--since opposites attract.  She makes me laugh when I think about her personality and try to describe her.  She is the opposite of what Lord Ashmoor needs in a wife, but they desire to be together.  However, the people that they need to support them the most don't seem to want to and have no desire for the two to become one.

I do think a lot of Downton Abbey when I read these books.  I think it's the era and how they are written.  Any fan of Downton Abbey or any of the other shows like it will definitely like this series.

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

Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena B. Miller

Since I read my first book by Serena B. Miller a few years ago, I have looked forward to reading her books.  I keep my eye out for her new releases, knowing that I definitely want to add them to my bookshelf!

This book was a little different from the others that I have read because it focuses on the Chippewa.  I really liked this because I know absolutely nothing about them.  I really liked the end part of the book where Serena B. Miller tells her readers where her idea for this book came from and why it is so dear to her heart.  I always tend to read that part first because I find that the story becomes even more dear to me, as well.  The fact that Moon Song held a special place in her heart made Moon Song extra special to me, as well.  I'm fascinated by all of the things I learned about the Native Americans.  So much research went into this book!

Moon Song is a widow and belongs to the Chippewa.  She finds herself in the middle of the white man's world when she comes upon their lumber camp.  The weather isn't conducive to much since it's so cold and winter is upon them, so she has to stay in order to be safe.  She knows her time is limited, though, and honestly, she wants to return back to her people where she knows their culture and their way of life. 

Skypilot is the one who is entrusted to get Moon Song safely back to her people.  Along their journey, they have to rely on each other for so many things.  They each see how their world could be if they did fall in love, but there are many differences that they would have to work through.  To be honest, it seems almost impossible for these two cultures to come together without a lot of compromise.  But love can make compromise desirable!

Full of adventure and romance, this book had me turning page after page.  It has a little something for all types of readers. 

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

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears is an author to be watching to appear on the bestsellers list, in my opinion.  I'm won over already by her writing and can't wait to read more by her.  Having not heard of her name, I was a little worried that she may be just an okay writer with a good storyline.  I was incredibly wrong.  I was hooked from the beginning and found myself laughing and cringing throughout the book (at different moments, of course).  I wanted to smack one man who couldn't take his eyes of Julia and I wanted Everett and Julia to talk it all out and get their problems to the front.  I liked the humorous (well, not quite so humorous if you're Everett) of his mail-order bride situations he kept finding himself in.

Everett has lost 3 other mail-order brides to different men and believes he isn't good enough to be a husband since they keep leaving him.  He has vowed to never ever sign up for a mail-order bride again.  However, his friend's wife, Rachel, didn't get that memo and she sets him up with one.  She has been corresponding with Julia for a while and really likes Julia.  When Rachel finds out that Julia has run away, she tells her about Everett and Julia agrees to come to town to marry him.  The hitch in the plan is that Rachel doesn't tell Everett about Julia, and has failed to mention the fact that he's to marry her. 

Julia has a past and has been incredibly hurt by a man.  She has a difficult time letting her walls down and opening up about her pain.  This means that Everett has to guess at what has happened to her and he has to try to win not only her trust, but her love.  Julia has set certain limitations on their marriage that Everett finds quite difficult to oblige by.  Since he has given her his word to do so when they first agreed to marry, he spends much of his days outdoors and away from temptation!  Julia just thinks that he doesn't want to be near her!  Julia has a few more issues that she has to deal with along her journey to overcome her past and to move forward.

Since this is the first book in the Unexpected Brides series, I can't wait for release of book #2.  Please tell me I don't have to wait too long.  I'm already attached to these characters and I'm curious if we'll see more of them!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Bride for Keeps Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013) by Melissa Jagears

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels.

My husband and I have been married since 2001 and have a daughter and two little boys. My husband shares my fascination with traditional living except for being more hands on. He loves blacksmithing, knife smithing, traditional archery, hunting, etc. Generally whatever a mountain man does, he does it or has or wants to attempt it. He comes in handy for research! And of course, the rest of the family gets involved. I have my own blackpowder rifle, named Calvin, that my husband made for me. And I’m pretty sure my daughter is probably one of very few her age who can instruct adults how to shoot a longbow properly. The boy digs random holes in my yard to make “cement” with dirt and water making our yard a tripping hazard. The baby does what babies do.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Tender Tale of Love on the Prairie Perfect for CBA Readers!

Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won't humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again--not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She's the prettiest woman he's ever seen, and it's just not possible she's there to marry a simple homesteader like him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she's determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.

Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride for Keeps, go HERE.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Christmas Rose by Tricia Goyer

This was a beautiful Christmas story of redemption and adoption and how God takes care of our needs even when we don't understand the full story.  It's also a wonderful love story about how God wants us to follow Him and not follow rules.  Of course, these things are specifically mentioned, since it's not a preachy book!  That's just the messages I gleamed from this book.

Rose loved a boy who had decided to enlist in World War II.  He stuck to his Amish beliefs as far as no taking a life goes because he enlisted and served as a medic, thus saving lives.  The Amish community thought that he was stepping too far into the English world and wouldn't be back.  Jonathan always had the intention of coming back to the Amish community though.  But the Amish community doesn't forgive easily when it comes to serving in the war.  Rose struggles with forgiving Jonathan for leaving her and then she comes to learn a shocking secret about herself.  The reunion at the end is precious and I love the gifts she received for Christmas.  It was the perfect ending to the story!

This is a short Christmas read, but so much fun to read.  Tricia Goyer has a wonderful writing ability.  I've yet to be disappointed by any of her books.  This book definitely got me in the mood to read more Christmas books...which is a problem since it's only October!

 

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

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Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl  About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

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

Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

I simply cannot believe that this is a debut novel by Elizabeth Byler Younts.  This book is written so well and hints that she has such a gift at writing.  There was no point in this book where I felt that this book was written by a first-time author!

I have always been fascinated by the Amish and how they handled the different wars through the years.  I knew that they had been drafted for WWII, but I wasn't certain how the community reacted to them being a part of the war.  I think that's why this book was so intriguing.  Not only that reason, but also because Elizabeth Younts is a former Amish girl who left the Amish when her parents left the Amish church when she was a child.  She writes with so much knowledge of the Amish lifestyle and added so many new insights into the story that I have yet to see brought up in other Amish fiction.  That set this book completely apart from the rest of the Amish fiction I've read.

Miriam has fallen in love with Henry, but Henry has been drafted for the Civilian Public Service because of his beliefs.  However, once Henry has seen how the outside world treats the Amish for them not fighting, he decides to enlist.  That means that Miriam and Henry have to postpone their wedding.  Miriam battles with whether or not she is to stay by Henry's side or give into the pressures of the Amish community and move on and forget Henry since he has chosen to enlist.  They considered him too far gone and didn't expect him to return back to the Amish community.  Henry is convinced God wanted him to enlist, and by the end, you see why God might have wanted him to enlist.

I had so many emotions throughout this book while I saw the families experience the loss of a soldier.    My heart broke for Kathryn at different times throughout the book.  I couldn't wait to see if Henry would return home and in what shape he would return. 

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long!

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

An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus

After reading the first book in The Great Exhibition series, I knew I had to continue to read this series.  I was hooked on that book and was so excited to see the next one had already come out.  The same things that I liked about the first book are the same things that I enjoyed in this book.

Set during the time of the Great Exhibition during the Industrial Revolution, Kaye Dacus writes a book that I think is great for anyone who likes Downton Abbey or any of those other British shows.  

Romance is budding in this book.  We meet up with Caddy Bainbridge who is a skilled seamstress and is quite generous in making sure that she sews for those who don't own appropriate dresses whether it's because of lack of money or just finding themselves in bad situations.  She  has two men that are chasing after her love.  The decision is made more complicated because both of the men aren't being completely honest with Caddy.

There's another side love story with Edith Buchanan, who is wealthy and searching for a man with a title.  No other men need apply for the job of her husband.  

This is a complicated love triangle in which many secrets will be revealed, many twists are made, and the conclusion of the book leaves you feeling in anticipation for the next book in the series.  

Kaye Dacus is an author that I never knew I'd like until this series.  Now I don't think I'll ever pass her books by on the shelves!  Now I want to go back and re-read the first one again.

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

For Every Season by Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy Woodsmall is one of my top Amish fiction authors to read.  She has never disappointed me and I don't expect that she ever will.  The Amish Vines and Orchards Series have been fabulous and are written well.  Cindy Woodsmall paints beautiful pictures with her words and leaves me feeling like I'm on the Amish farms right in the midst of these characters.  I'm glad that another book is coming out in this series because I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Byler family yet.  I don't suspect that I'll ever be glad for this series to end!

This is the third book in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.  It picks up with the family moved to Maine and trying to start their orchard there.  Rhoda is left feeling lonely and feeling as though she must go home to be free of the tension between Samuel and Jacob King.  Rhoda just can't seem to let go of the orchard, though.  It's her passion and what she was born to do.  

Jacob is hiding some things from his past that if he would only share with Rhoda, then she could understand why he goes missing for days at a time.  He was who she was supposed to marry, but without him explaining his leave of absences, it's left her wondering if she knows him at all.  Since Jacob's brother, Samuel, is left picking up the pieces while Jacob is away, he begins to form a relationship with Rhoda.  So the next book will probably reveal who she chooses, or at least I hope it does!

I liked both of the guys so I'm having a really hard time deciding who she would be happier with.  I liked Jacob because he was first but I just wanted him to tell her where he's been!  I admired Samuel for being there to comfort Rhoda when she felt unloved and I liked watching his love for her come as a surprise.  

The most helpful part of this book is the very first pages, which offer a review of what happened in the first and second books so far.  I think every book in a series needs to have this.  It's so hard to keep track of what happened when so much time passes between a book in the series.  Usually, I have to hunt down the first book and peruse the pages to jog my memory.  I liked that I didn't have to search my shelves and it was right there for me to read.  Please do this in every book for every author! 

Now...to wait until April 2014.  

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

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

I have absolutely enjoyed this series.  Mary Connealy keeps me interested in every one of her books.  I love the humor, the story line, and the setting.  The covers are beautifully done and are eye-catching.  That honestly attracted me to the first book I read by her.  They show just enough of the story to pique my interest.

This book is the 2nd book in the Trouble in Texas series.  It picks up where Swept Away left off.  Glynna Greer has been freed from her mean, nasty husband and a budding romance just may be starting to surface between her and the doctor (who helped free her, by the way).  However, not all of her three children are thrilled about this.  Her son, in particular, is not exactly happy.  After her past marriage that was full of abuse, Glynna has to come to a place where she is ready to have romance in her life again.

Dare has risked his life several times in the past for Glynna and it appears that his life still is in danger.  Since he doesn't know who wants him dead, he is having to balance keeping Glynna and her family safe...again...while dealing with this mystery person who has issues with him.

The books in this series can't seem to come out quick enough for me!  I finish one and want to dive into the next one right away.  Patience isn't my virtue, so she's helping me grow!

To see more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/fired-up-by-mary-connealy.

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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.

Home to Heather Creek Series

Welcome home to Heather Creek!  These two book are the first two in the Home to Heather Creek series.  I think the covers on these two books are beautiful!  When I took these books out with me in errands, I had people tell me the covers were so pretty and they wanted to know what these books were about.  I think that means great publicity!

Before the Dawn is the first book in the series.  It opens up on a sad note with the death of an estranged daughter and now her parents have to take on their daughter's three children.  Coping with the death would be hard enough, but the children also have to adjust from city life to farm life.  

Sweet September is the second book in this series.  The grandchildren are still adjusting and so are the grandparents.  It's been awhile since Charlotte has had children and it seems she can't work her way past all of their hurt and grief.  The kids are having trouble at the farm, at school, and it seems the family is starting to fall apart.  However, someone is messing around on the farm, which makes this family unite together.

I have never read anything by Kathleen Bauer, but I know that I definitely want to read more and will be watching for the next book in this series!  Since I grew up on a farm, I was especially interested in these books.  I love the farm life, but I can only imagine how hard it would be to go from the city to the country!

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

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

The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

The Courier of Caswell Hall is the fifth book in the American Tapestries series.  I loved the prologue.  It was a beautiful setup to the special relationships that Melanie Dobson would be introducing throughout the book.

The American Revolution is the backdrop to the setting of this book.  I really enjoyed the details in this book that is full of history.  The loyalty lines of the Caswell's became a little blurred throughout the war because of Lydia.  Lydia has met Nathan, who has started to help her form some new ideas.  This leads to Lydia deciding to help Nathan out and playing both sides of the fence.  She has chosen sides, though, but has to be sneaky as she is gathering her information. If anyone found out, she could be in great danger.

Melanie Dobson puts so much detail into her books, like I've said above.  I think that's what sticks with me as I read her books.  She can make a topic that seems a little uninteresting become very interesting.  She an author I tend to seek out when I know one of her books are about to come out.  I have come to look forward to her books because she puts so much depth into her writing.  This book required me to pay a little more attention to just because of the time period it was written in, I think.  The romance is there, but there's so much more going on besides that. 

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

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

The Class Reunion Series by Debby Mayne

This series is such a good concept.  Honestly, who doesn't like to relive their glory days of high school?  However, I think that I would rather read about other people's school reunions than go to mine!

This series includes three books.  The first book, Pretty is as Pretty Does, focuses on Priscilla, Judy, and Laura and their 10 year class reunion.  It was so easy to relate to her simply because I dreaded my reunions just as much as her...which is why I never went!   So much has happened to these girls (and everyone else) and they were a little embarrassed to tell others that they didn't quite live up to the expectations people had set on them in high school.  They are all struggling with knowing and believing that they are more than their past.  

The second book in the series, Bless Her Heart, finds Priscilla wanting to find success around the time time of her 15 year reunion.  When she tries to step out in her attempts at success, she finds out that some former classmates are pulling pranks on her.  Add to that a man who may be interested in her and that's enough to make her head spin!

The third book, Tickled Pink, meets up with Priscilla as she has found success and is a national celebrity.  That celebrity business hasn't come without problems, though, especially when it comes to her mother.

I really enjoyed the writing of Debby Mayne.  She kept me interested in each book and I didn't want to just stop at reading one of the books in the series (so I didn't)!  I can't wait to see what else she decides to write in the future!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.

 ABOUT THE BOOKS 

Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons and no longer has the mousy brown hair, crooked teeth, and discount-store wardrobe, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth—and she may be surprised at what she discovers. 

As Priscilla Slater’s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity… and to flaunt her latest achievement—taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show. As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn’t enough, Priscilla’s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents’ separation. With the once-solid sanctuary of her home broken at the foundation, there’s only one thing Priscilla’s parents can agree on: no matter what sort of accolades their daughter receives as a hair stylist, she’s not living up to her potential. Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news: her offer to purchase one of the best salons in the country is likely to come through. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla’s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. Despite her recent achievements, will Priscilla learn that success doesn’t always result in popularity—or love?

Priscilla Slater shows up at her 20-year reunion as a national celebrity. Her hair salon dynasty has skyrocketed, and to top it off, she has her own line of hair products. She has become a huge success with the “Ms. Prissy Big Hair” line that lets women with the thinnest of locks get the coveted “big hair” look so popular in the South. Her classmates have finally come to terms with adulthood, but they’re handling it with the grace of a Southern woman wearing white after Labor Day. It’s just downright awkward! Asserting the maturity that her classmates have often lacked, Priscilla holds her head high. But she can’t ignore everything. When she catches her mother in the arms of her former high school principal, Priscilla can’t get out of town fast enough. Eager to get back to her more comfortable life, Priscilla runs head on into an ultimatum: Tim tells her they’re not getting any younger—as if she has to be reminded. 

If you would like to read an excerpt from Pretty is as Pretty Does (bk 1), goHERE 
JOIN THE PARTY! Now that all three books have released, let’s party! (Yes, really!) Join our online class reunion the week of October 7, 2013 on Debby Mayne’s Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/events/136447929891169/ Stop by to answer questions about the books, respond to fun polls, join in fun activities to help you reminisce your high school days, and win great prizes. Tell your friends and meet us there!

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

The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

Kate and Caleb were a perfect match, even though Kate doesn't really know it yet.    To Kate, Caleb is just the brother of her best friend.  To Caleb, Kate's the girl he has admired in secret for a long time.  Who's BB?  That's the man who has been sending Kate notes and has comforted Kate during her tough times.  He's also the one who kissed her.  

Kate and Caleb have ended up in the same places as each other and have decided that a friendship is eminent since Bri (Kate's best friend and Caleb's sister) is busy planning a wedding.  Kate and Caleb both think the other is attractive, but Kate refuses to consider Caleb anymore for one reason.  Caleb is still in the military and planning to go to Ranger school.  Kate has seen how the military has messed up the lives of her family and she doesn't want that.  In fact, that's why she gave up her position in the military.

Will BB finally reveal himself to Kate?  And what will Kate say when she realizes the truth about who BB is?  Can she look past the military to a hopeful future?

I haven't read anything by Cheryl Wyatt before.  I really liked this light, fun book to read.  It's part of her Eagle Point Emergency Series.  It's a fast read, but a fun escape into a romance on two people who were meant to be together.

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I received this book free from CFBA and Harlequin publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

I think this is one of the prettiest book covers I have seen in a long time.  I love the little girl in this picture and the love that is so clearly depicted in it.  I have never read anything by Anne Mateer so I was excited to see what she produced in this book.

My heart was pulled as I read about Sadie and the orphanage.  My heart wanted to jump through the pages of this book and help out.  I felt so bad for Sadie as her dreams were realized and then were crushed.  I could feel her heart breaking as she realized that she had to choose between helping those she loved in the orphanage and the man that she wanted to marry.  I really liked Blaine and just couldn't bear the thought of her having to give him up.  It seemed cruel!  I knew Sadie would be willing to do that, though, because that was her personality.  I wasn't surprised by that or that her heart was at the orphanage.  I did like the ending, though.  That's all I'll say about that!

Viola was annoying!  I wanted to kick her off the pages of the book because she got on my nerves with her attitude.  Glad she was a fictional character!

I'm pleased by this book and am definitely going to be looking for the rest of her books.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Preemptive Love by Jeremy Courtney

Wow.  I think I could end my review with those words but I know that wouldn't suffice as an appropriate review.  However, words seem to lack in giving this book a review because it is so good.  I am amazed at this family and in awe of them.  I want God to use me and my family like He has them.

When I first got this book, I thought it would be a comfortable read with heartwarming stories.  It was not comfortable because I kept thinking about what I could do and how important love is and where do I fail to show love and act on it.  It had heartwarming stories, but it was honest and real and eye-opening.  Oh...and did I fail to mention that this family lives in and has set up their ministry to help save children with heart defects and to get them in for heart surgery.

They have experienced so much while living in Iraq.  They have truly had their ups and downs but have trusted God's will for them continuously.  I loved how Jeremy sums up the book in the end because I have honestly battled with those thoughts myself and while reading this book: "I would be so scared to do what they are doing and fear not just for my safety, but my children's."  His answer is beautiful.  He admits his fears and what he is afraid of, but says preemptive love is not about the absence of fear.  We underestimate love sometimes.  

I have read several books by people who have moved to other countries to do things similar to this and each time I finish the book, I can't stop recommending it to others because I can't forget their stories.  This one will be highly recommended to friends, and in fact, already have.

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