Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin makes my list as one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I have really enjoyed reading about the wars through fictional characters. She does an excellent job at making the historical time period come alive while including fictional characters to tell the story. I learn something new in each of her books, which is one reason I like her. She does her research, but writes it in such a way that the book never feels too heavy with history. She blends her fiction work quiet nicely.

Book #2 focuses on World War 2. I had to pause at several sections of the book because it is so hard for me to still wrap my mind around the pain and worry that almost everyone felt since each person was greatly affected by the war. Sarah Sundin even states that this book is set "during the darkest days of the war." I appreciate that her story tells the story of those dark days and that she takes the reader into the hurt and pain so many experienced.

Arch and Lillian are not new characters to the series, but they are now the main characters in this book. However, if you haven't read it then you will not be missing any huge details. (Of course, you should still definitely read the first book in this series! It was great, too!) 

One of the bigger surprises for me was the suspenseful part of the story. I knew it would be full of suspense with the war playing out. However, I didn't not expect there to be a whole other reason for the suspense. She did a good job at not dragging it out too long but gave the reader just enough to make them say "just one more chapter."

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/SSundin.

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ANCHOR IN THE STORM BY SARAH SUNDIN | BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

Author: Sarah Sundin

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

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Anchor in the Storm (Revell, May 2016)

One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including "Anchor in the Storm." Her novel "Through Waters Deep" was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in "Where Treetops Glisten" was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.

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

Minecrafters Bible

• This Bible has not left my son's side all day. I knew it would be difficult to track this Bible down once he got a hold of it!

I was very hesitant at first to request to review this Bible because I'm not one to mix hobbies with the Bible. I'm not sure why I don't particularly like it, but it's just not something I typically do. So when I saw Minecraft on a Bible, I wasn't certain whether to go for it or not. However, knowing my son's love of Minecraft, I decided to get it to see if it was something I'd let him have.

I'll be honest. I had my review written in my head a few days ago. My mind was pretty much made up and I had even told my husband what I intended to write in my review. However, once I got the Bible, held it in my hands, and looked at it, my review completely changed. The reason I was so certain my review wouldn't be glorious is because it had said it came with gaming pages inside. I wasn't all for that. In my head, I guess I was picturing gaming pages of things that had nothing to do with the Bible. Oh, did they have a surprise for me!

Having read this particular version before, I didn't spend too much time going over the Scripture because I knew I'd obviously approve of that part of it. I searched out the gaming sections first. I mean I really flipped through each one and I got more and more excited to give this to my 7-year-old. I knew he'd be so excited.

The gaming instructions are beautifully done in a way that leaves the boys (and girls) wanting to hop on Minecraft and build the tabernacle, or the Garden from Genesis. I loved how they brought these stories to life in a way where they can read it, build it, and it sticks with them. This is another way that I can get involved in discipling them. I'm not much of a Minecraft person, but I can definitely talk about the Bible with them as they create the scenes from here. 

So from a sceptic, well-done. I should get bonus points for sneaking this out of his room after he fell asleep just so I could write this review. In fact, I've never had a review written as quickly as this one!

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

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my go-to authors in Amish fiction. I have not been disappointed by her yet, and I honestly never expect to be disappointed by her.

I did not realize that I had missed the first book in this series. Usually I stay on top of her releases, but one slipped by me. With that said, I was curious if I would know what was happening in this book without having read book 1. I never felt like big holes were missing in characters or in the storyline because I hadn't read book 1. Although, I have already bought book 1 because I didn't want to miss out on this series.

Jacob was a man whom I greatly admired. He gave up so much just to come and help his parents. I couldn't help but really like Lukas and his story. I love that Rachel followed her dreams and was ultimately given a blessing over her wish to follow her dreams. A relationship with Jacob was never a part of the plan--and definitely not any sort of love relationship.

I wouldn't say this book is full of twists and turns. However, it's the style that it's written in that makes it a book to grab after a long day. It's an easy read that is just perfect for summer. I absolutely cannot wait to read book 3 soon! First I have to finish book 1 though!

Read more reviews of this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Enter to win a copy of A Daughter’s Dream—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 8th on Shelley’s blog!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

A Daughter’s Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Learn more and purchase a copy

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

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

Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett

This has very easily become one of my favorite series to read. Considering I don't know too much of the history of San Francisco, I have really enjoyed the historical elements of this series. Karen Barnett does an interesting job blending history and fiction and leaving her readers with a good understanding of the time period.

Through the Shadows was one of the books that left me researching a few things on my own as the story unfolded. I absolutely love when books make me curious enough to hop online and dig a little deeper.

One of the things I most admire about this book is how it focuses on something most would rather sweep under the rug and pretend doesn't exist. I love how she brought to life these brothels and revealed them for what they are and how they run. I also appreciate the courage Elizabeth has in facing dangers to help those in these places. There were a few times that I found myself with my heart racing as I wondered how things would turn out.

Charles was just as an enticing character as Elizabeth. He has his own struggles and has been beaten down, despite his family name. He's left doing a job that he'd rather not do, in more ways than one.

I hate saying goodbye to the King family, but I do look forward to the next family Karen Barnett introduces us to and the next historical time period she chooses to let her readers learn about.

Read more about this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/kbarnett.

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Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!

{More about Through the Shadows}

Through the Shadows (Abingdon, May 2016)
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.
The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.
Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.
Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

{More About Karen Barnett}

Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.

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I received this book free from Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publ
icity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Someone Like You Giveaway!

Add Victoria Bylin's new book, Someone Like You, to the top of your must-read list and discover if life offers a second chance at love. As Julia and Zeke, former college sweethearts, work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of Zeke's resort soon depends on their success. When they are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

Enter to win a copy of Someone Like You—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 1 on the Litfuse blog!

Five winners will receive:

—One copy of Someone Like You

Enter today! But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/31. The winner will be announced on the Litfuse blog on 6/1.

Find out what readers are saying about the book HERE.

Due to publisher shipping restrictions, the giveaway is open to US residents only.

**By entering, entrants agree to opt-in to receive promotional emails from Victoria Bylin and Bethany House. If at any time you wish to unsubscribe, you can do so through the unsubscribe instructions on one of the emails. Learn more.**

Go to https://promosimple.com/ps/9939!

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

The cover of this book is what attracted me to this book. It is beautifully done with a lot of contrasting colors. It definitely catches my eye and made me curious as to what the story was about since I don't typically read the back of the book to find out. I like surprises!

It has been a while since I've read a book like this one. It is a romance, but not in the way that many readers would think. The characters have messy lives, like we, the readers, have daily. I say it's not the typical romance novel because there's an ex-husband involved and Julia is a single mom. Needless to say, she has her guard up.

Zeke, the man who has liked her before, now realizes that his feelings for her never went away. However, he has his own struggles to deal with. They each have to figure out if a relationship is possible and worth tearing down their walls or if they would rather leave them up and walk out of each other's lives. 

Messy. I like that kind of book because it is so relatable. In fact, it reminds me of conversations I've had with friends or acquaintances about their lives. 

I must say that I was a little surprised at the humor Victoria Bylin threw into this story. How wonderful it was to actually laugh in a book. Those are the books that leave you feeling good and making you wanting to pick it up and not put it down.

Read more reviews about this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/vbylin.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Someone Like You (Bethany House, May 2016)

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate. 

A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?CTORIA BYLIN

Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

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

Finding God in the Hard Times by Matt and Beth Redman

We have all either just come out of the desert or are being prepped to head into the desert. Hard times are not far away in this life. Having been through hard times for an entire year, I remember well the desperation and how I made it to the last trial and felt like all I could do was utter the Lord's name. I had nothing left in me to give and I didn't even know what to pray for anymore. I had to stand on who I knew God was. With that said, this book would have been so perfect for that time...for many reasons.

The first reason is the length. In the midst of pain and suffering, attention span tends to be nonexistent. The daily choices and responsibilities and decisions drain you to the point of wanting to stare at a wall. The length and the intentionality of the chapters was perfect.

Of course the topic would be the second reason. I'm currently walking through a dark time with a friend whose son has cancer. It's not easy. Having walked the cancer journey before, I remember well the struggles to know does God care and why does it seem like my prayers aren't being answered. It's a dark road where it seems to be no light. I immediately told her about this book and am giving it to her because it is encouraging for those in that season. It's encouraging for everyone, but I knew it would speak to her heart. I appreciated that Matt and Beth Redman were real. In fact, I wouldn't say that they shared anything particularly mind blowing or something most don't already know. However, how easy it is for us to be thankful in the good times. How easy it is for us to gloss over the small things and think He's failed us when we only focus on the big things.

If you know anyone going through a trial or suffering right now, this would be a very encouraging book for them to read. It reads really fast, but is full of lots of hope and reminders about who God is.

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

8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch

I really debated on whether to read this book or not because you never know what you're going to get when it comes to books like this. I am so glad that I did because I needed to read it just when I did. Needless to say, I see my children in a whole new light and it has made a tough week not as tough. It's helped me to see their little personalities in a whole new way.

We homeschool so I definitely learned a lot about how to change my schooling. I am really excited to apply what I've learned about my picture-smart daughter and my nature-smart son. I even learned some things about myself that made me realize that I'm not strange and that others are just like me!

I also must express my thankfulness to Kathy Koch. I am a music therapist and I loved that in one chapter she actually listed music therapy as a career! There are not many people who know what that is or even will include it in a list of careers. Thank you so much!

I think not only should every teacher and every homeschool parent read this book, but I really think every parent would benefit from this book. You will begin to see your child in a new light and look for those different ways that they learn. You will see their learning as a joy instead of a struggle. Thank you for shedding light on my children's intelligence!

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

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

Beverly Lewis is a household name for those who enjoy Amish fiction. She always writes her stories in such a way where the readers is instantly hooked on the book and has to finish it with late nights! Or at least that's how I feel about her books. She's one of the few authors that keep me up late at night. One particular thing I like is the fact that she uses shorter chapters. It makes it so much easier to set the story aside when I need to, but it also makes it easier for me to say "just one more chapter..."

The Atonement is a beautiful story of grace vs. works. Lucy thinks that she can work her way to forgiveness for her sins. She also thinks that God could never possibly forgive her for the sins that she has committed. She feels so unworthy of a young man she has long loved but who seems to have it all together. Then she meets an Englisher and realizes that she could possibly make the same mistake once again.

Restoration stood out to me throughout this story. I saw her struggle with forgiveness and especially with forgiving herself. However, the ending chapters were beautiful as you saw restoration in relationships and time redeemed. I also loved the story of the "couple on the bridge."

The characters were very easy to like and I enjoyed reading about each one. I don't think there was one that I disliked at all. I could feel the pain of her father and the fear of her mother, as well as the deep grief from Lucy.

Dale was a character that I respected. I was very impressed with him and how Beverly Lewis chose to write his story. I loved it.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

I am always thrilled when I find a new author that I thoroughly enjoy. It has been a while since I've read a new author and I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book. My 7-year-old son wanted to hold this book because of the cover. He wanted to read it because he was convinced it was a cowboy book. I had to convince him it was not a book about cowboys!

The setting of this book was absolutely beautiful to imagine. I could easily see it in my head. Angelina was one of my favorites. She is always speaking her mind and isn't afraid to live wholeheartedly. She had me laughing in certain parts. Colt is just a sweetheart. He gives up a lot to come home to his roots when his father needs him most. Even though he takes his duty to his father seriously, things aren't all perfect at home. He still has some issues that need to be worked out with his father. He still has hurt feelings and can't keep sweeping it under the rug.

This story focuses on Colt, but his two other brothers are primed and ready for a story all of their own. I really hope the other books in the series will focus on the other brothers. However, I hope that they will continue to update readers on Colt and Angelina.

And the best news for readers of this series? You don't have to wait long for the next book!

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

Changing of Hearts by Courtney Walsh

I was drawn to this book by the cover, honestly. I think the picture is beautiful and the font on the cover caught my eye right away. I was very excited to read this book because it was so beautifully done.

I read Paper Hearts and really enjoyed Courtney Walsh's style of writing. I couldn't wait for this book to come out. The story in Change of Heart moved along and kept me engaged from the very beginning. I was even excited to see some "familiar faces" in this book, too.

Evelyn thinks that her world is perfect, until some information is revealed that leaves her wondering if anything will ever be the same. As the lies begin to unfold, my heart just breaks. As a wife, I can't imagine hearing these things being revealed. She has a choice to make and it's a process.

I really liked Trevor. He owns up to his mistakes and stands by Evelyn. He isn't perfect, but he tries to be there to help Evelyn. In the midst of Evelyn's pain, Trevor realizes that he has never lost his love for Evelyn over all these years. Now Evelyn and Trevor have to see if it's too late and Evelyn has to figure out how to trust again.

My favorite thing about this series is that they are romance books, but they are not your typical romance book where the reader is constantly reminded that it's a romance. This is a romance that is unfolding beautifully.

I hope book 3 comes out soon!

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

Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

I have really been challenged lately in my lack of discipline in my spiritual life. I have also been surprised at my lack of knowledge in certain parts of this area. I'm not certain why it isn't taught on a regular basis in our churches or ministries, but I really wish it was. Since I knew I needed some extra guidance and study in this area, I was thrilled to see a book specifically on this topic and just for women. It was exactly what I needed to read.

This book wasn't a "make me feel good" book. It was challenging and there were parts of it that I wasn't really looking forward to doing. Like a good exercise program, it's sometimes hard to actually lace up those tennis shoes. If found that same problem was true when it came to spiritual disciplines. It requires time and for those of us who are busy (really...who isn't these days...), we have lost the respect for silence and mediation and contemplation that we need to have to help further deepen our relationship with God. The book really required me to be honest with myself.

I have the ebook version of this book, but I plan on buying the physical copy because I really want to highlight it and study it. I think it would be a great women's ministry tool. Barbara is constantly pointing her readers back to Scripture and what God says. This is also a book I'd love to use to mentor other women. So much changes when our eyes are focused on godliness and growing in holiness.

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

Unchanging Witness by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams

Unchanging Witness is definitely a book for our current times. This topic is front and center in our nation today and Christians run the gamut as to what they think God teaches on this topic. Non-Christians stick to the typical verses to try to say "judge not" and all of the other typical arguments. To say that both of these groups are clashing is an understatement. 

Being that I am younger, I had no idea as to when the entire Gay Movement started and what all it entailed. I was surprised by my lack of knowledge towards this history. I appreciated that the authors spent time laying a strong foundation in the history of this movement and how we have gotten to this point in our culture now.

I have not been to seminary but I like to be challenged in my reading choices. With that said, I found this book to be very well written and it included any and every question I could think of. I appreciated that these questions weren't backed by opinion, but were backed by Scripture. Not having a seminary degree or lots of knowledge in the history and culture of certain texts, I really enjoyed this background. 

I wouldn't qualify this book as "light" reading, and I don't think that the authors consider this book to be taken "lightly." It deals with some weighty topics and is counter-cultural. It is definitely a book I'd like to reread because there is so much in it that I'm afraid I've missed!

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

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips

When I see a cover that I think is beautiful, I can't help but comment on it. I'm not certain what it is that is so eye-catching to me, but I found it so appealing. As I read the story, I think it depicted the story beautifully and simply.

Michael Phillips is not a new author to me. I really enjoy reading his books and the way that Michael Phillips writes. He does an excellent job at including just enough details to keep the story moving and interesting. I never felt like I needed the story to move along a little quicker, despite the length of the book. That was the only downside for a mother of little kids....it was a long book and I wanted to be sure to read every word!

I was so impressed with the amount of research Phillips had put into the book. I could tell that he had spent a lot of time researching the period, the language, the culture, and the time period. I knew absolutely nothing of the Shetland Islands, but I learned so much that I found I was hoping in the internet to get a visual of the place he was describing. Any fiction book that makes me do research, as well, is definitely a winner. That doesn't happen very regularly. It was a book that I didn't want to just check off on my list, but I truly wanted to sit and enjoy the entire thing.

This is the first book in his brand new series, so I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the books. I hope he keeps some of the same characters!

Read more reviews of this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/mphillips.

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MICHAEL PHILLIPS

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than 70 of his own titles. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly 30 more books. He is known as the man responsible for the reawakened interest in George MacDonald of the last 30 years. In addition to the MacDonald titles adapted/edited for today's reader, his publishing efforts in bringing back full-length quality facsimile editions also spawned renewed interest in MacDonald's original work. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Inheritance (Bethany House, April 2016)

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale’s Reef into turmoil. 

Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch’s heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David’s grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island’s land. And while Hardy doesn’t enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate’s assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island—and its traditional way of life—hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips’s dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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

Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

I have read almost all of the books by Cynthia Ruchti and I think her books are getting better with each book she writes. I love how deeply she makes her reader connect to the characters and the details she goes into when giving her characters personalities. I could feel the pain Lucy was experiencing all throughout the book and the pain Charlie felt because he couldn't relieve hers by making her dream of teaching music hang on just a bit longer. I forgot how much she infuses humor into situations and I enjoy that about her. The passion that she gave Charlie had me laughing each time as I envisioned him passionately describing his new adventure.

Being a music therapist, I easily related to this book and loved reading it. It was beautiful and raw. It is what is happening to so many music and arts problems around the country. I don't know if she meant to or not, but she definitely is using this book to raise awareness about why the schools need these programs. However, being a therapist, I loved the opening chapter.

Song of Silence is a story about a dream that has become silent after so many years. It's about passion and music and pouring into the lives of children. That is, until plans are made and the music seems to stop in Lucy's life. She has to figure out her next step, her new passion, but doesn't want to bury the music. I love that in the end, her dreams is bigger and better than she would have ever imagined at the beginning!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/cruchti.

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Song of Silence (Abingdon, April 2016)

Music taught Lucy love and beauty. Could silence teach her hope?

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they’re committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. Charlie retired early, but Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.

Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her form the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith’s song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.

When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees—and hears—everything.

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CYNTHIA RUCHTI

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 17 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.

A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

Real. Honest. Life. That's how I would sum up this book in three words. Ruth Reid didn't write a cozy, comfy book that takes you to one emotion and leaves you. There were smiles and tears as I read this story. It was real and raw. My heart ached as Mattie experienced so much heartache. I say this book is real because I think we all have seasons in our lives where it feels like we are hit hard with one thing after another. I just came out of a season like that so perhaps that's why my heart ached some through this story.

When Mattie has something happen with her children and looses just about everything, my heart broke. That touched my mommy heart and I can't imagine going through all of that.I know that this story is fiction, but there were a few times where I had to remind myself of that fact. I was so wrapped up into the story that it easily felt like I was reading an autobiography!

Ruth Reid did an excellent job at connecting the readers to her words and capturing the hearts of her readers. That isn't easy to do with me always because I tend to have my reading time broken up and interrupted by children! For me to be able jump right back into the book and feel like I hadn't even left it was a neat thing for me to experience because it happens so rarely.

A Dream of Miracles is the third book in the Amish Wonders Series. I feel like you could easily read this book as a stand-alone, but you really don't want to miss the first two books in this series.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/rreid.

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RUTH REID

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Dream of Miracles (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son’s mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won’t rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo’s worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

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

Simple Pleasures by Marianne Jantzi

I am a big reader of Amish fiction and nonfiction. I am really intrigued by their way of life and enjoy learning what they do during their days. Usually, I only get to read about this in fiction books or when I get the opportunity to read a very few nonfiction books on the Amish. I am thrilled that this series is sharing the thoughts and hearts of so many women. I don't know how I haven't heard of this series before now, with this being book 4! It is so fresh and delightful to read.

Marianne Jantzi is an Amish homemaker with children about the same ages as mine. I enjoyed her stories that were parts of her journal entries. It flows differently than most books because it is grouped together based on themes, not necessarily in order of events. It does mean that the ages of the children and stage of life change throughout the same chapter or the same section, but I didn't find that to disrupt the flow of her stories.

I liked the thoughts that she shared about motherhood, teaching, and being a wife. Her husband seems to be a funny man. One of my favorite stories has to do with the chickens getting a steak dinner! 

The whole book is wonderful, but I really liked the recipes in the back, as well as the FAQ page where she answers questions about the Amish. I was so glad she put a schedule of her day in the book, too. It was neat to see how different it is from my own schedule. It's hard work, but it seemed so much simpler and the calendar less crowded.

This series is allowing Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite writers to share their lives with readers. I've never even heard of Hutterite, so I'm looking forward to understanding more about these women!

Read more reviews about this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/mjantzi.

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

MARIANNE JANTZI

Marianne Jantzi is an Amish writer and homemaker in Ontario, Canada. Formerly a teacher in an Amish school, Jantzi now educates and inspires through her “Northern Reflections” column for The Connection, a magazine directed mainly to Amish and plain communities across the U.S. and Canada. She and her husband have four young children and run a shoe store among the Milverton Amish settlement of Ontario.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Simple Pleasures: Stories from My Life as an Amish Mother(MennoMedia, March 2016)

Young Amish homemaker Marianne Jantzi invites readers into her family’s life on the snowy plains of Ontario.

The mother of four young children and wife of a storekeeper, Jantzi writes about her daily routines and heartfelt faith with equal measures of wit and warmth. Sewing, cleaning, cooking, gardening, and helping to manage the store take up most hours in her day, but Jantzi finds time to pen columns for the Connection, a magazine beloved by Amish and Mennonite readers across the United States and Canada. Never sugarcoating the frustrations of motherhood, Jantzi tells it like it is, broken washing machine and bickering children and all. But through her busy days, Jantzi finds strength in simple pleasures of family, fellowship with her Amish community, and quiet time with God.

Learn more and purchase a copy.