Penny Wise by Neta and Dave Jackson

I have enjoyed every book I have read so far by Dave and Neta Jackson.  I especially like the Yada Yada Prayer Group series and all of the spin offs because of the diversity in cultures and the focus on prayer.

This book is no different.  This is the 3rd book in the Windy City Neighbors series. I could sympathize with Michelle and I think many people could, too.  She's busy doing a lot.  And I mean A LOT!  Her and her husband have opposite schedules and trying to be involved in church ministry and work doesn't leave a lot of time for their own family.  If they don't take care of their own children, the kids on the street would be glad to fill in their role for them.  But Michelle and Jared don't want their children to be "street kids." At some point, choices will need to be made as to what to say "no" to and what to say "yes" to. Their journey isn't as easy as it sounds, just like ours isn't.  Michelle and Jared are your typical American family in today's world.

I liked seeing some familiar characters in this book, such as Estelle and those from the Manna House. It's always fun to see what old characters are doing.

My only dislike in this book was that there was a little bit of too much information in one of the bedroom scenes.  I understand that they're married and that's a natural thing to do in marriage.  However, there was one sentence that I wish had been left out completely because it didn't flow.  It felt completely out of place and it was a little strange to read.

Other than that, though, the book is very good.  I'm looking forward to seeing what book 4 holds!

Read more opinions on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/dnjackson.

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About the Book

                       Penny Wise | A Windy City Neighbors book
Michelle Jasper doesn’t have much time to hang out with her neighbors—not with thirteen-year-old twins, another teen with hoop dreams, a full-time job as a caseworker, volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, and heading up the women’s ministry at Northside Baptist. Her husband’s constantly changing shifts as an air traffic controller at the world’s busiest airport—Chicago’s O’Hare International—and responsibilities as a trusted deacon at Northside only add to the juggling act at the Jasper household.
Her new neighbors, Harry and Estelle Bentley, mean well with their friendly efforts to bring people together, but how can she deal with neighborhood concerns—like Greg Singer, who lost his job and is now trying to recruit sales reps from the neighborhood for his new venture—when she’s confronted with tragic family situations daily in her job? Like little Candy and her baby brother Pookey, victims of neglect . . .
With the “tyranny of the urgent” crowding out the important, Michelle is blindsided by danger involving her own kids—and a personal crisis that calls into question the very values she holds dear. How could this happen? Does God even care?
As her life unravels, a missing penny—and a “penny from heaven”—give her a shred of hope. But will God just laugh at her penny test?
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

Dave and Neta Jackson

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set. As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
 

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

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I have missed Stoney Ridge!  I felt like I was back home as I met up with familiar faces and sweet friends.  I like how there was so much going on in this book.  The focus was on Naomi King, but truly the book is about the entire King family.  I feel like I know so much about each one in the family.

And then there are the courtships some are in or are wanting to be in.  We get to see Galen and good old Jimmy again.  And then there's Tobe and Danny. 

I was glad that Jake was back because I hated how he had gotten Tobe in trouble previously.  I had no idea how manipulating he could be! Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job incorporating some suspense within the story about halfway through.  And I would never have expected so many paths to cross like they did. 

I hate to think that this book is the last in the Inn at Eagle Hill series that is set in Stoney Ridge. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters.  Jimmy was left a little unfinished so I hope that means that we get to dive back into Stoney Ridge and our favorite characters!

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Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can’t see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don’t know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.
When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can’t ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work– something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.
As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments’ downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Suzanne’s website.

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

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I have missed Stoney Ridge!  I felt like I was back home as I met up with familiar faces and sweet friends.  I like how there was so much going on in this book.  The focus was on Naomi King, but truly the book is about the entire King family.  I feel like I know so much about each one in the family.

And then there are the courtships some are in or are wanting to be in.  We get to see Galen and good old Jimmy again.  And then there's Tobe and Danny. 

I was glad that Jake was back because I hated how he had gotten Tobe in trouble previously.  I had no idea how manipulating he could be! Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job incorporating some suspense within the story about halfway through.  And I would never have expected so many paths to cross like they did. 

I hate to think that this book is the last in the Inn at Eagle Hill series that is set in Stoney Ridge. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters.  Jimmy was left a little unfinished so I hope that means that we get to dive back into Stoney Ridge and our favorite characters!

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

A Plain Man by Mary Ellis

I loved Caleb Beachy. He is the prodigal child that you are so glad that came home. We first meet Caleb in the book Sarah's Christmas Miracle. It's not a must to have read it in order to understand this story. I liked the back story, though, which I think is why I liked Caleb even more.

I liked how real Caleb was. He wasn't the perfect Amish man who dealt with little issues.  He dealt with things that we have to deal with every day... believing that Jesus has truly forgiven us of our sins, no matter what it is.  I also liked what was hidden under his arm sleeve of his shirt.  I have yet to read an Amish book with that aspect. Josie was one strong woman to forgive and love him.  I liked her and the way she related to Caleb.

Sarah and Adam were always a sweet couple, but there were times that Adam got on my nerves a little.   I liked Sarah's attitude and wonder if another book will come out that includes the Beachy family again. I hope so!

Mary Ellis has become an author that I search out.  She never fails to have me laughing and when I finish the book, I can't help but say how good of a book she writes.

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

Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

I like the cover of this book. I have read most books in this series and think that the covers get better with each book.  That's hard to do considering I have really like most of them.  I also like the different stories that each author tells. That's what makes this series a lot of fun to read... the uniqueness of each story all tied together with a quilt.

I can't say that this book is full of surprises, but it's still a great read.  I think it would be an excellent choice for the beach because it  was a light book, but fun.

Ben and Molly were two characters that you couldn't help but like.  They were made for each other, only they didn't quite recognize that at first.  Their opposite personalities made them very easy to relate to them. 

I liked the competition in this book. It was a different aspect to a love story that made it interesting and set it apart from others in the series.  It kept my attention and I found myself smiling a lot!

I suspect we'll be reading more from Tara Randel over the next few years.  At least, I hope so!  Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/trandel.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.
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 I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

 

 

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

I have some favorite Amish authors that I tend to read almost all of their books.  Amy Clipston is one of them.  I absolutely love her style of writing, the covers on her books, and the settings and plot lines in her books.  I have never been disappointed by any of them so far!

My heart just hurt for Carolyn. I hated how despite her mistake which led to the blessing of a child, could not and would not be forgiven. I think, sadly, many people can relate to that.  We try so hard to please our families and the pain cuts deep when we disappoint family members.  Carolyn had to have been exhausted trying to please so many people and working so hard to have them forgive her and perhaps try to understand her.

The pressure becomes so much more when her brother has found someone that could fill the role of her husband.  As any girl does, Carolyn wants to be loved and accepted and not forced into a marriage.  She wants to be wanted and cherished.  Joshua might could be the man except he causes a lot of frustration because he doesn't give Benjamin, Carolyn's son, the benefit of the doubt. He accuses Benjamin of something and wants to teach him a lesson.  I could feel Carolyn's frustration and her mother's heart for her son in this situation.

I liked how his book was different than the typical Amish fiction books.  It was a good storyline and kept me engaged from the very first page.  I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

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A Mother’s Secret
Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.
Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?
Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.
His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.
When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.
After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she’s longed for?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Amy’s site.

 

Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

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

Four Weddings and a Kiss by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, & Robin Lee Hatcher

I was really glad to see these 4 author's names on the same book once again.  I had really enjoyed this last book that they all wrote together, A Bride for All Seasons. All four of these authors are some of my favorites and I really like it when they write a good western!

Each of these novellas could stand alone, but they flowed well together. Many books with more than one author can seem more choppy and not as well put together.  I liked their idea to make the stories flow by adding an additional person to the story. This left them room to develop their story freely and independently from each other.

In case you wanted to read just one novella, you can read them separately on the kindle, but I think you'd be missing out! Margaret Brownley wrote "Courting Trouble." Debra Clapton wrote "A Cowboy for Katie." Mary Connealy wrote "Spitfire Sweetheart." Robin Lee Hatcher wrote "Love Letter to the Editor."

Read more reviews by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/brideseasons.

 

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About the Book

                       Four Weddings and a Kiss
Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy
Maisy MacGregor’s reckless ways injured rancher Rylan Carstens, endangering his livelihood. So she signs on as his caregiver – but just until he’s well enough to run his ranch. Maisy’s tender care soon has Ryan falling hard and fast. Can these two willfull souls give up their solitary ways to embrace love?
A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher
Molly Everton writes the most popular features in her town’s newspaper. When newcomer Jack Ludgrove is named the new editor, Molly is flabbergasted. She wants the position for herself and will do what it takes to get it. But Jack is not easily intimidated. He’s determined to change Molly’s mind about him – and win her heart too.
A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton
Katie Pearl must rebuild her ranch after the tornado, but she can’t do it on her own. Treb Rayburn is a cowboy with a serious case of wanderlust. He signs on to help Katie so he can afford a new horse. But once Treb gets to know Katie, will his desire to stay drown out the call of the open road?
Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley
Grace Davenport is a young widow in a heap of trouble. When her son asks attorney Brock Daniels to take on her case, Brock wants to say no, but then he meets the lovely Grace. As Brock and the boy work to free Grace, Brock discovers that her arrest may be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

 

Brownley, Hatcher, Connealy, Clopton :

**Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley **Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher **Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy **Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra's first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

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

Hope Deferred by Elizabeth Maddrey

I was not expecting this book to be one that I had a hard time putting down, but I did.  The short chapters led me to say, "Well.... okay... just one more chapter." I did not read the first book in this series, but I didn't feel lost at all.  I really liked the storyline because it was easy to relate to.  Many women walk through this issue in their marriage, which will be something that will tug at the hearts of many.


The characters were very real to me. June and July and their husbands had real issues that can tend to tear apart a marriage or can make it stronger.  Elizabeth Maddrey wrote with such knowledge that made it seem like she had either done a lot of research on this or has walked this road with either herself or loved ones.  There was a lot of passion in the story and you could sense a tenderness in the way both couples yearned for a child. It was also neat to see their acceptance of something they can't change.

My two dislikes about the book is the one instance where a word is used that I don't like to say or read.  I honestly don't feel like it belongs in Christian fiction books.  I understand that some people don't mind and I understood that the context was when one person was upset. However, they are not words I use in my home and they are not something I enjoy reading.  I almost set it aside after reading it, but didn't.  My other thought is that the pronunciation of July's name should be mentioned earlier.  I went the first half of the book calling July like the month, only to find out much later it's like Julie.

Overall, I liked this book and it will speak to many people. It was well researched and written into a beautiful story.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who loves a good happily ever after.

Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of computers, math, and organization steered her into computer science at Wheaton College, she always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. This continued through a Master’s program in Software Engineering, several years in the computer industry, teaching programming at the college level, and a Ph.D. in Computer Technology in Education. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity.

She lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian fiction for women.
Can pursuit of a blessing become a curse?
June and July and their husbands have spent the last year trying to start a family and now they're desperate for answers. As one couple works with specialists to see how medicine can help them conceive, the other must fight to save their marriage. Will their deferred hope leave them heart sick, or start them on the path to the fulfillment of their dreams?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hope Deferred, go HERE.

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I received this book free from Hope Springs Book and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion.