5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz

5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit is a book that left me encouraged and challenged. I walked away really appreciating the honesty and transparency that Nicki Koziarz shared within the pages of the book. She didn't hesitate to share the good and the bad. I look for authors who are transparent and honest because I know they aren't afraid to share their struggles. That encourages me so much.

Nicki Knoziarz takes the book of Ruth and brings out something in it that I've never seen: Ruth was not a quitter. She could have been, but she did not. I never really noticed that aspect of Ruth. She has 5 habits that she has found through Ruth:
Habit One: She accepts the assignment of refinement.
Habit Two: She follows through with her commitments despite how she feels.
Habit Three: She stays open to the movement of God.
Habit Four: She gives others what she needs.
Habit Five: She moves forward in faith.

There so many nuggets of wisdom throughout this book. I loved the part on comparison because I am easily intimidated when I compare myself to others. Then I shy away from what I know God has called me to do because I begin to compare myself to others who are doing something similar.

Another thing I loved was when she talked about giving people what you need. That has stuck with me in the heat of my frustrations... and it even works with my children, too!

This book would make a great book for women to use as a study. It offers many opportunities to be real, honest, and transparent: something I know that so many women are looking for today.

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

Mom's Night Out and other things I miss...by Kerri Pomarolli

This would be a good baby shower gift.  New, first-time moms may not fully appreciate it at the time, but they would eventually.  It would be an encouraging gift for new and old moms, especially those with little ones.  I would also pair it with a devotional that has more Scripture, since that's what is most important.

My only dislike about this book is that it's more like a self-help book in a way.  I wouldn't classify it as a book that points you back to the Word and encourages you to spend time in the Word, even in those desperate times during parenting.  This book wouldn't be what I would read to grow in my relationship with the Lord.  It does have Scripture verses before each devotional.  I feel like so much more could be brought out in the Scriptures to those moms who feel at the end of themselves.  I think that's where we need to be pointed to our eternal purpose in parenting.

With that said, it is a book that has lots of devotions.  The devotions themselves can be read in less than 5 minutes.  Then it has a section to think about.

To read more reviews, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/moms-night-out-and-other-things-i-miss-devotions-to-help-you-survive.

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Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive
As a Mom, couldn’t you use a good laugh?
Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God’s gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.
Whether you’re running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it’s Monday (again), you’ll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath… This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There’s never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kerri’s site.

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 I received this book free from B & H Books and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mom's Night Out by Tricia Goyer

I read this book and saw the movie and absolutely love them both!  Tricia Goyer did a wonderful job sticking to the movie.  This is one book that resembles the movie very closely, which I'm thankful for!

I found these circumstances hilarious.  I had no problem relating to Allyson.  I felt like at some times during the story, I was reading about myself and my family!  I've had that desperation feeling and I've had that longing for adult interaction.  I've also had those planned trips that never turned out like I thought they would.

I liked the discussion questions at the end of the book. I think this would be a fun book club book to discuss. I can even imagine moms getting together and reading it and discussing it... then perhaps having a mom's night out to watch the movie again.

I hope more movies/books are put out that are like this one! It as encouraging, hilarious, and even brought tears to my eyes.

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

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About the Book

Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.

The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).

Learn more and purchase a copy at Tricia’s website.

Tricia Goyer

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

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

Dating, Dining, and Desperation by Melody Carlson

I am enjoying this Dear Daphne series by Melody Carlson.  It takes the reader on some unexpected twists that are just enough to throw you for a loop.  In this book, it took me awhile to figure out Jake.  I was just as confused as Daphne about whether he liked her or not during certain times in the book.


Sabrina was a ball of energy.  It tired me out just reading her words and imagining her energy.  I'm more of an introvert, so that personality is a bit overwhelming to me at times.  I found it funny that it was overwhelming to me in a book, too!  She was a good character and I liked her, but I had to get used to her stories and energy.


The deal behind Daphne getting to keep the house and car is a bit far-fetched, I think, but I'm not one of those who has to read a book just for real life stories.  In fact, sometimes the unrealistic ones are the ones that are my great escape and let me be free to open my imagination.


I liked Appleton.  If it looks anything like the cover, it seems like such a fun town to explore and settle down in.  The cover was well done to capture the imagination of the reader.  In fact, to be honest, that was the reason I started this series.  Lock, Stock, & Barrel had a fun cover, plus I like Melody Carlson. 


I am sad that the publishers are only doing ebooks for books 3 and 4 in this series.  It would be nice to have the paperback versions, too.  I'm not certain why they are not printing, unless it's to save costs.  I'm glad that Carlson took the time to explain that to her readers because I would have been searching the bookstore for them.  I do hope they change their minds, though!  Either way, I'll be sure to read 3 and 4, which are supposed to be coming out soon.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column. But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

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

Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard

I really like the bright colors on the cover of this book.  It is a very attractive cover and eye-catching.  The pages inside are just as well done as the cover.  This is the third book in the Clover Ridge series.  I've come to like each character in this book, but Gabriel and Rachel very quickly grabbed my heart.  I understood why Gabriel didn't want to be married and Rachel's attachment to her goats. With all that Rachel had lost in her life, I wanted her to finally be happy and have her dreams come true.

I did want them to realize they were perfect for each other and get over themselves quicker!  I guess that because I saw it, I wanted them to realize it and move forward a little quicker than they really did.  I guess that because I saw that she was the answer to his housekeeping problem and him the answer to her staying, it was obvious.  However, I know in life that we sometimes miss the obvious, so it was a good reminder for me.

I think my favorite person in this book though was Gabriel's 6-year-old son who liked old people because "all old people have peppermints."  I liked that he had a disability and was still loved and valued and not pushed away by his brothers.

Amy Lillard is such a good writer of Amish fiction.  I'm looking forward to what she writes next.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown. As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin. Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel's Bride, go HERE.

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



For the Love of Pete by Debby Mayne

I'm new to Bloomfield, but I was lost in its charm throughout this book.  I really like the cover of this book and it gave me a clear idea to picture as I thought about and tried to visualize what Bloomfield looked like.  I haven't read any other Bloomfield Novels, but I did download them when they went on sale the other day.  I'm looking forward to reading them, as well.

Debby Mayne reminds me a little of Jan Karon.  She has that same down home feel that Karon brought with the Milford Series.  Neither were fast-paced reads with an intense storyline, but were rather good, calm, and settling books for those days when you just need a place to settle in and relax.  The beginning of this book took a little longer for me to feel attached to the book, but after a few chapters, I was involved.

Bethany and Pete were realistic people, but I struggled some with their mothers. I'm not certain I could have handled those two!  I kept thinking, "I'm glad my mother isn't like that.". I'm sure many people could relate to the over involved mothers, but I couldn't.  That was probably why there was a little disconnect for me at times.  Overall, though, I really did like this book and it was fun to imagine Pamela and Andy and that silly bird.  Besides Bethany and Pete, Gina was another favorite.  I liked her temperament.  The whole parade and 10,000 people in Bloomfield idea was funny, too.  Sadly, I do know people become obsessed like that when they are in small towns. 

I'm looking forward to diving back into Bloomfield with the rest of the books I bought.  It already feels like home to me!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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


ABOUT THE BOOK

Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.

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

Songs of the Shenandoah by Michael K. Reynolds

I'll be completely honest....when I first opened this book out of the envelope, I grimaced at how long this book was.  I was afraid I wouldn't be able to read it all in time because there were over 400 pages.  Not knowing if I'd like it anyway, I braced myself when I started the first page.  What I didn't expect was to be sucked in and reading over 100 pages a night!  I didn't want this story to end.  No wonder it's so long!  There was a lot of story to tell.  In fact, I liked this book so much that when it went on sale for the kindle, I bought this one and the first two books so I could see what I had missed.  With that said, I never once felt like I was missing something by not having read the first 2 books.

I normally have a hard time getting into these books, but I really want to like them.  That said, I always like to give them a chance to be read.  I am so glad I did with this one.  I've never read anything by Michael K. Reynolds, but he is an excellent storyteller.  He brought the Civil War alive for me.  Brothers fighting brothers, the horror of the slaves, and so much more.  I didn't really know that the Irish immigrants had been involved in any way and was shocked at how they were treated and how they treated others.  (I'm Irish myself, so I really found that interesting.)

The love between Seamus and Davin towards the end blew me away.  Davin's selfless act was beautiful.  I was shocked by Murial and never saw through her secret and never ever expected for it to be what it really was.  My heart broke for Cassie towards the end as hatred is taken out on her.  I loved seeing the church come together for the cause of the newspaper and watching miracle after miracle take place through the book.  It's really hard to sum this book up in a few sentences because it's one of those that just leaves you feeling complete.  Bad things happened, but you see God's hand through it all.  Relationships are formed, people die, and wars occur.  But God is still there and is still answering prayers and still working.

I am definitely looking forward to going back to read the first two books and can't wait for him to come out with another series.  I'll expect it to be a big book this time, though!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.

Michael is the writer and producer of an Emmy and Telly award-winning series of documentaries titled, Crystal Darkness. These thirty minute anti-meth films have been heavily promoted and broadcast in cities and states throughout the United States and Mexico. They have been viewed collectedly by more than 10 million people and the message has reached more than 30 million to date.

He also has wide experience as a speaker and on-air personality and has been interviewed on a variety of newspapers, radio stations and televisions networks throughout the nation. Michael earned his B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, San Diego and lives in Reno with his wife and three children. He is active in marketplace, marriage, small group and men’s ministries as a leader and speaker.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the onset of the Civil War, Seamus heeds his wife’s wishes to return to her beloved family farm in the South, where he takes a post as chaplain for General Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. As Seamus ministers to the troops, his sister Clare ministers in a different way—by being a powerful voice in the Northern cause toward freeing the slaves. All this while their youngest brother Davin, who became wealthy during the Gold Rush, struggles to find love and identity in a fallen world. It’s a clash of loyalties and beliefs that threaten the entire family, each of them trying to hear God’s encouragement in the midst of the tragedy of war. The dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed Heirs of Ireland Series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Songs of the Shenandoah, go HERE.

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

Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker

I love Christmas novels this time of year.  It helps get me in the holiday spirit and ready to decorate my house!  After reading my first book by Sandra D. Bricker, I couldn't pass this one up. 

This book is full of humor and leaves you feeling good after reading it.  It was a great book for me to escape in during the craziness of Thanksgiving.  I couldn't help but laugh all throughout this book because I can picture me and my husband throughout the book.  Granted, he's not he biggest humbug, but he definitely doesn't appreciate all things Christmas like I do (like the lights and decorations).

The cruise was probably the funniest story, in my opinion.  Being part Irish, I was quite fond of Patrick.  It was fun to go back to the beginning of a relationship and remember the awkwardness and the hilarious things that tended to happen while getting to know each other. 

The other story, following Dr. Reese, didn't lack in humor either.  The adventures that she found herself taking part in as she was trying to impress her fiancé was funny, too!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

 In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.

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

Greetings from the Flipside by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

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

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

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

An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lock, Stock, and over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

As I mentioned in a previous post this week, I really like Melody Carlson.  I was really excited to know that she had released two books, both in different styles close together.  It was fun to read 2 different types of books, both by the same author.

 

This book was a great beach read for me, since I was on the beach.  Part of her new series, Dear Daphne novels, we follow Daphne as she goes through trying to figure out what to really do in her life.  She had a dream to be a writer and earns a job writing.  But is that what she really wants to do?  Is the big city life for her?  Or would she be better suited to follow her now-deceased aunt's ideas for her life?  Over the chapters in the book, you follow Daphne as she decides which direction she would rather follow.

 

I personally liked Daphne's aunt's plan for her.  I found the men she attracted to be pretty funny and quite entertaining.  I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. 

 

I also found the cover of the book to be very eye-pleasing.  It was designed to perfectly state what the inside of the book is about.  I like books that do that because I don't usually read the back of the book to read the summary.   I like to guess by using the cover!

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

Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus

From start to finish, I was reminded of the show Downton Abbey.  It wasn't because it was the same storyline, although there was the similarity of the whole division of the social class and marrying for wealth vs. marrying for love idea.  However, I love Downton Abbey, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it reminded me once again how much I like reading and watching about this time period, but I would have hated to live through it.

I felt bad for Nora and really hoped that Christopher would find a way to provide for her.  I just wanted to see her happy after all she had done over the years in helping Sir Anthony's family.  I also wanted Kate to fall in love with the gardener and him somehow become wealthy or a way would 

be provided for him to be accepted into her social class.  I truly wanted them to marry for love and not to worry about the social rules.

The title of this book fit it perfectly.  I can't think of a better title that clearly lays out the focus of

this book.  Despite the Dearings being sent to England to marry for wealth, will they choose money over love?  

I can't wait to read book 2 in this new series, The Great Exhibition.

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

Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard

I really liked the plot of this book.  I was instantly hooked on this book because of the first chapter.  I was intrigued by Zane Carson who was wounded in the Middle East during a journalism assignment. Wanting to get back into his assignments in danger zones, he accepts an assignment to live with the Amish for three months and write about them.

I liked Zane for some reason.  He was honest about how he didn't believe in God at first and then I liked watching his journey.  I also liked Katie Rose Fisher and how her natural beauty caught Zane's attention from the first day.  I'll admit that Zane had to convince me that he was ready for a relationship after the way he treated his "sort of" fiancé.  I thought he was quite self-centered at the beginning of the book but really matured a lot while with the Amish.

I am new to Amy Lillard but I really enjoyed her writing.  She was to the point, which made her book so captivating.  She offered details, but I think it seemed more "to the point" when it was from Zane's point of view.  I actually liked those contrasting way she wrote, whether she realized it or not.  She captured the way the man thinks....that's quite a feat!
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I received this book free from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B & H Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.