Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

This storyline is probably a mother's worse nightmare. To have your child taken from you and never knowing if he/she is okay would be awful. I imagine that I, just like Kelly, would never stop looking for my baby.

Nattie is just plain adorable. She's a spunky 9-year-old and full of life. Jack is a sweetheart of a man who doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to dating or girls. However, with Kelly he is the perfect gentleman. I admired him for what he does for Nattie and all he gave up to be her guardian... or dad-a-kins. He has such a special relationship with her. Laura was the perfect nanny, but I'm glad things ended the way they did. It was absolutely perfect.

David and Beverly Lewis have once again written a top notch novel. It's a story that pulls at your heart as you root for a mother whose heart has been broken. You understand some of her less-than-ethical approaches, knowing that you would be tempted to do some of the same things. Your heart aches for a girl who just wants a mom because her life has been turned upside down twice and people keep leaving. You also cheer for the man who steps out of his comfort zone to try to give Nattie the life she needs and wants. I don't think this story could have been told any better than it was. I found myself dreaming about this story at night!

As always, I can't wait to see what's next with Beverly Lewis.

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

A Dream of Home by Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston has been an author that I always enjoy. I keep track of when she has her new books coming out because I certainly don't want to miss a single one. She does a wonderful job moving the story along at a good pace, engaging the reader with just the right amount of detail, and using characters that are real and easy to relate to.

Madeline and Emma's relationship are probably one of my favorites. I understand why Saul might be a little cautious in letting Emma develop a close relationship with Madeline, but I'm glad that he finally relented. After all, she had so much that she could share with her. Both Madeline and Saul have faced major heartbreak and have had to grieve in their own ways. Moving on isn't easy for either of them, nor should it be. Despite never having been in their shoes, I felt like I was walking through these difficult trials with them.

Having read the previous books, I appreciated seeing some old faces and getting new updates on how they are doing. However, don't be deterred if you've missed the first two books in this series. You will easily be able to read this book and not feel as though you are missing out on anything.

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

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

As I finished the first couple of chapters in this book, I could tell already that I was not going to be happy if things kept on the path they were headed. I so wanted Bess to be with the one she loved,  Billy, and not the man she kept trying to love, Amos. Amos was a good man and treated her wonderfully, but I had a soft spot for Billy.

I liked the facts on the roses, but there were a few times where I felt that the story was a little bogged down because of those facts. It seemed to stall for a few sentences and then pick back up once it moved past the facts. That was just my opinion, though, as I was reading it. To real rose lovers, they probably loved those parts of the book the most.

I liked how the mysterious rose brought two people together and caused them to have to patiently wait as it prepared to bloom. It was sort of similar to the relationship Bess desired to have with a certain man. The story of reconciliation was a beautiful part of this Christmas story.

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

Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Don't we all know that grandmothers know best? They've been there, done that. This is exactly what Sara's grandmother hopes Sara will come to realize soon. After all, time is running out for her grandmother to see to it that Sara is happily married and taken care of. Having just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her future is uncertain. But one thing is certain... Sara needs someone to sweep her off her feet. And she knows just the person... if only Sara would cooperate with her.

Sara couldn't be less interested in the man that her grandmother deems as worthy of her granddaughter. He definitely didn't seem her type and he makes brooms. He's also nothing grand to look at, either, and might be just a tad bit scary looking. Andrew just wishes he didn't like Sara. Both are caught up in their first opinions that neither of them are willing to consider the possibility that things may not be as they seem. It was a good reminder on first impressions and not "judging a book by its cover."

Having just watched my parents be caretakers for my grandparents, this book hit home. The sacrifice, the joy, the struggles, and the decisions can all be overwhelming. It's something that they, nor I, would ever regret. I was very impressed with Sara and her attitude and love for her grandmother.

The book is a sweet romance that flowed so easily to the reader. As much as the romance was enjoyable to read about, the relationship between Sara and her grandmother were equally enjoyable.
This is a book that will have you thinking about your grandparents!

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/hillov.

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About the Book

                       New from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series | Swept Away
Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.
Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.
Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.
Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.

L. Hilton / C. Loven

*Laura V. Hilton* is an award-winning author and a professional book reviewer. A stay-at-home mom and home school teacher, Laura lives with her family in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. *Cindy Loven* is active in the church and writes from her home in Conway, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and their son.

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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.

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

I am a big Robin Lee Hatcher fan. I was so glad to be back in Kings Meadow and to see Chet get a second chance. The story captured me right from the start and I had a hard time setting this book aside.

The book tells the story from 3 different character's perspectives. Chet shares his side, Kimberly shares hers, and then you get more of a back story from Anna. I liked Anna, but then again, who couldn't. She was a courageous girl led into the safety of a wonderful family.

Kimberly had seen her life fall apart after her husband's death. I was glad Janet, her best friend, was blunt and talked some sense into her. Her relationship with Tara hung in the balance with the wrong decision.

Chet seemed like a sweetheart. He was a hard-working cowboy that loved the ranch. His boys had a wonderful attitude, despite the way their mom treated them.  Instead of being angry, they worked hard.

I'm very much looking forward to the next book that will be set in Kings Meadow, too! Read more opinions on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/love-without-end-robin-lee-hatcher.

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More about Love Without End}

Love Without End || A King’s Meadow Romance (Thomas Nelson, November 2014)
Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?
Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.
Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.
Learn more at Robin’s website.

{More About Robin Lee Hatcher}

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Willie's Redneck Time Machine by John Luke Robertson and Travis Thrasher

My 6-year-old son was so excited when I got this book in the mail. He likes Duck Dynasty and was excited to go on an adventure. He carried this book with him everywhere and insisted that only he read this book to us. He did just that. It was fun to see such enthusiasm over a book.

I listened to this book read to me, so my opinion is more from my son's viewpoint. He really liked the "choose your own adventure" at the end of each chapter. I remember liking these type of books when I was younger, too, so I wasn't surprised that appealed to him so much. I think it also made the book go faster for him and he can still re-read it and have a new story each time.

I'm looking forward to getting him the whole set soon so he can read them all. It'll be the perfect present for him.

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

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung

I have long enjoyed the books that Kevin DeYoung has written. He has such a passion for the Lord and His Word and doesn't sugarcoat anything to make it easier to hear. I appreciate that about His writing. It's easy to do in today's culture where many want to hear things that make them feel better about themselves.

I appreciate the topic of this book because I know many who feel that the Bible is irrelevant to today. This whole book centers around what the Bible is, why it can be trusted, and it is relevant to us and our lives.

The other thing I greatly appreciated about this book was that Kevin DeYoung didn't spend time telling you why, in his opinion, we should take God at His Word. He uses God's Word to show you the importance of reading, knowing, loving, understanding, and applying His Word in our life.

I also liked how I didn't feel as if I was reading a theological book. It flowed easily and I found myself anxious to get back into reading the book. It also had me thinking about His Word constantly within the pages and I love anything that can take me back to the Bible.

Can't wait to see what topic is written about next!

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

The Manger Mouse by Sarah Martin Byrd

This is a cute book to read at Christmas. It's from the perspective of a little mouse who trusts his mother about what will be arriving in their stable. The preparation they go to for Jesus' arrival made me think about the preparation in my heart and the anticipation for Jesus' next arrival.

 

I liked how the baby mouse did the job that God created him to do. It was a good example to my children of how God uses different people for different purposes, but they are all needed. This little mouse was to keep Jesus warm in the manger. No one else could do that job because they couldn't fit through the hole. How beautiful it is to be reminded that even the smallest tasks are important to Jesus.

 

My 4-year-old and 6-year-old really liked this book. The pictures held their attention and the story was engaging. I would definitely recommend this as a Christmas book! You can buy it at http://ambassador-international.com/books/the-manger-mouse/.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

 

What really happened the night Jesus was born?  Matty’s mother tells him he will take part in the most important thing ever to happen in history. Why him, a meek and lowly stable mouse? All Matty the manger mouse wants to do is snuggle into the warmth of his mother and fall asleep—but the Creator of the world has another plan for him. Will the little stable mouse surrender to his own needs or bow to the will of the Savior? Children and adults will be touched by Matty’s brave little heart. As the story of that first Christmas unfolds, come join Matty and all the other stable dwellers—portrayed in lush and charming pastel illustrations.

About Sarah Martin Byrd

Sarah Martin Byrd is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. She is a published novelist (Guardian Spirit; The Color of My Heart), newspaper columnist, blogger, and former advertising manager for a regional newspaper. Sarah loves sharing her life story with children of all ages. She speaks at schools, book clubs, libraries, and book festivals. Sarah lives at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina with her husband of 37 years. Her only daughter and grandchild live close by. When not creating new stories, she loves reading, camping, canoeing, fishing, exploring the world, taking daily walks, and spending time with her family.

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

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

I have enjoyed everything about this series, from the look of the covers to the story inside. I'll admit that Bea was one that took me a bit longer than the others to enjoy, only because I had read the previous books. I was kind of surprised to find myself liking Bea more and Molly less in this book! I never would have thought that would happen.

I had to laugh at the competition between Ben and Bea because of the things they argued about. The spelling competition had me laughing because it was definitely a unique idea. I thought the whole poetry parts were sweet, though, even if Ben liked to use it to antagonize Bea.

Ben was one that I liked, despite knowing how he was treating Bea. I could tell that he just didn't quite know, and wasn't for sure, how to express himself to not only her, but to himself. In his own way, he was pretty sweet.

Knowing this is book 4, I don't know there will be any more in this series. I have enjoyed reading about the Courtships of Lancaster County. I can't wait to see what plans Leslie Gould has for her next book!

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

Pound Foolish by Neta and Dave Jackson

Neta Jackson will always hold a special place on my bookshelf. I've loved walking with her many different characters through real-life circumstances. I could relate so much to Book 3 in this series, so I was excited to see what unfolded with Book 4.

Greg Singer was a man that, sadly, is common in our culture. It was so hard to read though as I thought about his wife and all that frustration that she had with him. Not only that, but other topics in this book that are easy to relate to are the economy, money decisions, and hearing things that you want to hear vs. hearing what God is really saying.

I'm not certain what's planned next for the Jackson's, but I know I won't be disappointed by the real, tough issues that are brought up in their books. I also like how familiar characters (i.e. Harry, etc.) pop back up, which just reinforces the relationship readers have with the characters when they've read from the Yada Yada series and on.

Look for more review on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/pound-foolish-dave-neta-jackson.

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{More about Pound Foolish}

Pound Foolish | Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series (Castle Rock Creative, October 2014)
Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?” When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being “pound foolish”?
The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with Penny Wise (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

{More About 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.
Find out more about Dave and Neta at http://www.daveneta.com/.

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