Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

I always have to comment on a cover that catches my eye or stands out. The simplicity and beauty of this cover had me ready to put this book before some of my ones that I needed to read first. It was hard to look at it and not start turning pages already.


I felt so sad at how Perla was treated. I couldn't help but feel the sadness and pain that she had felt for all of the judging that was going on about her and her daughter. It also reminded me that that's not altogether gone in our society, either. Just as it was easier for the people in the story to cast blame or judgments, so do we often resort to that path.

It was beautiful to watch Casewell come to realize that he could indeed love a harlot. At some point, we have all been harlots in the spiritual sense. I loved watching him realize that yes, Perla was indeed worth his love and a relationship.

I had never read anything by Sarah Loudin Thomas, but I did see that she had a book that may or may not have flowed into this book in some way. Now I want to read that book, too!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a Drought, It's the Darkest Cloud

That Brings Hope

It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor. . .until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Miracle in a Dry Season, 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.

A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson

This is probably one of my top series in chick-lit or contemporary fiction. I've read every book, starting with Bella and her story. I laugh in them and find them a good book to come home to and read after a long day. Janice Thompson does a great job with her characters. I couldn't even imagine up some that she does. For example, the Splendora sisters are a handful and a lot of fun. I'm curious how she has come up with such fun, funny, and very opposite characters.

This book focuses on a Greek family who has come to Texas. Babbas is hilarious with Uncle Laz. However, it was a little sad to watch his relationship with his family turn to one of fear. It showed me how quickly our good intentions and our expectations of our family members can hold them back and make them and us miserable.

I couldn't help but laugh at the many instances where they were cavorting with the enemy. All I could picture is My Big Fat Greek Wedding mixed with an Italian family that I've gotten to know well! And Alex....dreamy Alex.....at least to Cassia he is. I liked how they had problems but the hit it off from the start. That part is dragged out in a lot of books, so it was nice to go ahead and get that out of the way.

I really hope there will be more books with the Rossi's. I've truly enjoyed each one of them!

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

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

This was a book that intrigued me from the start because of the cover.  I absolutely love the black and white cover with the red letters.  It set it apart from every book on my shelf just by that alone.

I had to watch when I read this book because it could be dangerous late at night. Thanks to the recipes and all the talk of food, I would start thinking about either cooking the recipe or eating something similar to what was being talked about! I can't wait to try out all of the recipes mentioned, though.

There are times when words from other languages distract me in books and I have a hard time getting past that. However, that wasn't the case with this book. There were French words used, but the flow remained. I never felt like it was out of place or distracting. In fact, I think it added more to the character of the story.

After the summer I've had, I could understand Juliette.  Things are piling up on her and trying to emotionally and physically handle each issue is hard. (Like I said, this was me!) It was a bit overwhelming to think about if she had to write it out! Then throw a long-distance romance in there and that's the cherry on the top of this whole story.

I am very much looking forward to what's next by Hillary Manton Lodge. I'm sure it will be just as beautifully done as this book was.

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

A Grand Design by Amber Stockton

Ever since I've read a book a few years ago that centered around Mackinac Island, I've wanted to 1)go there and 2)read another book that involves this place.  I pictured it in my head and looked it up because it sounded so neat. With that said, I was excited that this was the setting for this book. I immediately relaxed and settled into the story fast.

I personally felt like this was a nice, light-hearted book.  It was the perfect book to come home to after a long day. The romance was perfect with just enough tension to make it "real."

I think that this quilt was one of my favorite ones. I liked how it came to be by finding different quilt pieces all over the island. They then piece them together and you have a beautiful, historical quilt that is full of lots of meaning. What a treasure! I would love to help my grandmother with something as neat as that!

I look forward to the next book in the Quilts of Love series and other books by Amber Stockton, as well.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Words from the author:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30's, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.

Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author -- Tracie Peterson -- in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn't be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I've been going steady ever since.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists. As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.

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

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

I absolutely enjoy reading this series.  I feel like I'm reading a real-life story. Susan May Warren does an excellent job making her character easy to relate to and helps her reader to bond with the characters fast.

Grace made such a huge transformation. It was fun to walk alongside her in her journey to become a culinary chef. She has all the talent but couldn't see that for herself. How often do we do just that, too?  We can easily discredit ourselves because we don't think we're good enough or because we don't want to get out of our comfort zone.  For Grace, getting out of her comfort zone led to some big things happening in her life.

If I had to chose the character that I was most saddened by, it would be Owen.  I wanted him to have a repentant heart and care, but I don't feel like that ever happened. I hope Susan May Warren has some big plans for him in the future!

Another thing I've liked about this series is the continuity.  Each book flows right into the next one. It makes me want to re-read all 3 together and see what I've missed. I can't wait to see what's next in either this series or a break-off one.

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

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About the Book

A Christiansen Family Novel | When I Fall in Love
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.
Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.
Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.
Learn more and and purchase a copy at Susan’s website.

Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com

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

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

I absolutely enjoy reading this series.  I feel like I'm reading a real-life story. Susan May Warren does an excellent job making her character easy to relate to and helps her reader to bond with the characters fast.

Grace made such a huge transformation. It was fun to walk alongside her in her journey to become a culinary chef. She has all the talent but couldn't see that for herself. How often do we do just that, too?  We can easily discredit ourselves because we don't think we're good enough or because we don't want to get out of our comfort zone.  For Grace, getting out of her comfort zone led to some big things happening in her life.

If I had to chose the character that I was most saddened by, it would be Owen.  I wanted him to have a repentant heart and care, but I don't feel like that ever happened. I hope Susan May Warren has some big plans for him in the future!

Another thing I've liked about this series is the continuity.  Each book flows right into the next one. It makes me want to re-read all 3 together and see what I've missed. I can't wait to see what's next in either this series or a break-off one.

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

Odyssey Adventure Club

Our family has enjoyed listening to the old and new recordings from the Adventures in Odyssey.  My kids like to listen to them as they fall asleep. We also like to use them in the middle of the day.  Since my kids don't nap anymore, it's the perfect quiet time activity for them.

Today, you can hear the first episode of album 58 free, which hasn't been released yet.  But join the OAC Club!  When you do that, go to http://whitsendblog.org/2014/06/the-ties-that-bind-part-1/ to hear it.

This club has been something that I can take part in with my kids.  We can listen and then talk about the episode.  I never intend to enjoy it as much as the kids, but I always do.  The storytelling is fantastic and they do a great job with their voices so it doesn't get boring. 

This is a great article in Today's Christian Living that talks about the Odyssey Adventure Club.  It tells you how you can engage your child and why it is such a wonderful thing!  Check it out at http://todayschristianliving.org/s4-features/the-odyssey-adventure-club/.

A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter

I'll admit that at first, I didn't want to like Max Jones.  He was arrogant and not afraid to speak his mind.  In some ways, he felt a little disrespectful.  However, as the book went along, I grew to really like him.  He was someone to admire... especially when he didn't do what another man in the Paralympics did in order to get a date. 

Heather seemed like the normal girl who wanted to help others.  I saw a lot of myself in her because she wanted to see people succeed.  Her plan for Simon was wonderful.  I liked the part where Max had to hold his tongue when Simon's dad was in the picture.  My favorite part was when Max taught Simon how to get off the floor and into the wheelchair with no help.  I was cheering for Simon!

Another thing that I really liked was how Heather paid particular attention to getting in a position so she could talk eye-to-eye with Max. Watching their relationship grow, I knew they would have to end up together!

This was a beautiful, quick story about healing and honesty.  Both had to be honest with themselves and each other as to what they wanted from their relationship.  Both had scars: Max's were obvious and Heather's were hidden.  They needed each other and had to realize it.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Courage To Hope.

Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he's felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max's bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon's self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather's heart?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Heart to Heal, go HERE.

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

Woman of Courage by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I like Wanda Brunstetter.  Her Amish books are so good and I think I have almost all of them.  I actually had seen this book in the store a few weeks ago and had picked it up to read the back.  I was certain I would want to read it because I love reading her books. But then I saw her character was a Quaker.  I normally don't like a lot of books that deal with the Quakers, for some reason.  So I put the book down.  Fast forward to a little later and the book request came for this book. I figured, "why not? Maybe I'll like it." And much to my surprise, I did! I can't believe I ever doubted her book!

First of all, I think the cover is beautifully done.  The images on the front have good contesting colors and the font used blends so well.  The back of the book wasn't left out and it's nice and simple.  To me, that's beautiful.

I really enjoyed pondering on all that Amanda gave up in order to do what she felt God was calling her to do.  She was single and didn't let it hinder her in becoming a missionary to the Nez Perce Indians.  That's easy to read until you start thinking about her going west by herself at a time where women did not do that.  Not only that, but her life becomes at stake in several instances.  She has to learn who to trust all by simply relying on the Lord's guidance. She has no one to discuss thing with until she meets Mary. 

I liked watching the relationship develop with Buck and Amanda.  It was no easy relationship and was full of hardships and difficult situations.  There's one thing holding Amanda back... Buck isn't a believer and she knows she can't be with someone who is not a Christian. After already being heartbroken with one relationship, she's not quite ready to dive into another one where it is certain she will be heartbroken again.

This was a fascinating perspective on the Quakers and in a way that I never thought I would enjoy.  This has made me realize not to doubt her writing again!

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