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.

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.

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.

A Treasure Concealed by Tracie Peterson

I hated to finish this book knowing that I'd have to wait awhile longer to read the next book in the series. I absolutely loved this book and the complete storyline. I think I experienced the wide array of emotions throughout the book. At one point, I couldn't help but cover my mouth at the shock and horror of what had taken place. I just wanted to cry for Emily Carver and her dad and mom. In fact, there were several instances when this reaction happened, which surprised me because I don't normally have such a strong reaction to books unless it is well written.

Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I enjoyed the setting in Montana, following the life of a miner and his family, who is hoping to strike it rich. Caeden easily won me over by his sweet spirit and his generosity towards the Carver family. I was endeared forever towards the end of the book and how he treated Emily and her father.

I had nothing but disgust for a few characters. I couldn't believe how brazen they were and complete tricksters. I couldn't stand the thought of them continuing on in this story because of how mean they were!

Tracie Peterson did a great job at engaging me from the very beginning of the book. There was never a boring point in the story where I felt like I wanted to just set the book down for awhile. I am really looking forward to this series.

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

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

I should preface this review by saying that I am not a girl who enjoys mystery books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wouldn't necessarily qualify it as a mystery book because the history and the humor definitely was the main focus. However, there was some mystery but only enough to make the story so incredibly hard to put down. I found myself looking for excuses to be alone so that I could just read!

I have read some books by Jen Turano so I fully expected this book to be just as good (if not better) than her previous ones. I absolutely love her writing style because they are a good mixture of humor and serious. She is engaging and draws the reader in to her story from the very first pages. I also appreciate that she continued to bringing other characters from her previous books. I hate not knowing what previous characters are up to in a series! I'm endeared to an author when they tie the whole series together with some familiar things from book 1.

Although this book is the third book in the A Class of Their Own series, it definitely can stand alone. The reader wouldn't have the same level of excitement over seeing some familiar names pop up from the previous books, but they would definitely not be lost and could enjoy the book. I'm pretty certain, though, it would make them go out and by the first two books in the series! I am always impressed when authors write a book in a series that can stand alone and doesn't leave the reader confused and frustrated and trying to figure out who is who.

Now I'm left waiting to see what Jen Turano writes next.

To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/playing-the-part.

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JEN TURANO

Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

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.

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

I had completely forgotten how much I enjoy reading Regina Jennings. I had completely forgotten she had written of my top books, such as Sixty acres and a Bride, Love in the Balance, and A Most Inconvenient Marriage. I always find myself laughing throughout the book and she just knows how to make her readers enjoy her books.

The opening pages of this book had me engaged from the start. I couldn't go a few pages without laughing.. In fact, it was the parts of humor that made me flip to the back to remind myself of what books Regina had written. I love that laughter triggered that memory for me.

Miranda Wimplegate is just a fun character. She tries to restrain herself and stay "in her place" but she keeps finding herself in situations where she needs to intervene. No matter what she does, Cornelius continues to pursue her in marriage. If only Miranda felt the same way about him. She's resolved to the fact that he's probably who she will end up with, but her heart just isn't in it. To prove Cornelius wrong, and to right a wrong, she travels with her grandfather to find something that should have never been sold by their auction house.

Wyatt Ballantine just added more humor to the situation, I think. The poor man had to deal with two people who had no clue about livestock or how to make that business run. Miranda isn't afraid to speak her mind and her grandfather has been having more "episodes." Imagine trying to make something work with these three characters! Antiques and livestock don't really have a lot in common!

I cannot wait for Jennings to write more books. She can't write them fast enough, in my opinion. I got done and wished there was another book I could read by her already! In the midst of stressful days, her book was just what I needed to wind down with.

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

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At Love’s Bidding (Bethany House, December 2015)
She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of "A Most Inconvenient Marriage," "Sixty Acres and a Bride," and "Caught in the Middle," and contributed a novella to "A Match Made in Texas." Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.

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

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis

I have never read a book by Beverly Lewis that I haven't anticipated or disliked! Sometimes authors who have written many books fall into a rut and don't improve after their first couple of books. Beverly Lewis is quite the opposite, in my opinion. She seems to keep building on her previous books and each book that I read I say is my "new favorite."

I could not imagine the heart-wrenching pain when Eva looses her sister because she has chosen to run away. The pain is very easy to relate to as a reader because we all have experienced something similar in our own families, I'd be willing to guess. I'll be honest... Eva's brother got on my bad side at the start because of how he talked to Eva and his sisters and how he made them make choices they shouldn't have had to make.

I absolutely love Jed and how he is introduced to Eva for the first time. That was such a wonderful idea to write into the story. It was beautiful!

As always, I didn't want to see this book end. I finished the last page already anxious to start another book by Beverly Lewis. They just never seem to last long enough!

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

Now & Forever by Mary Connealy

When I picked this book up and started reading, I immediately remembered the first book in this series and every detail. I remembered the Wilde sisters and Tucker and Sunrise and Counter, and of course, Aaron. I'm an avid reader, so for me to remember each of these character shows me that Mary Connealy did an excellent job with making strong, unforgettable characters that I immediately was able to recall. It's not uncommon for me to have to look back at a previous review to see what I had forgotten about each book in the series. I absolutely did not have to do that at all with this series. Who can forget Shannon's love for sheep and the argument about how useless and stupid those creatures are!

The Wilde sisters are hilarious. I was hooked from the opening chapter of this story. Connealy does a wonderful job adding lots of humor into her characters and making them easy to connect to. The dialogue between Tucker and Shannon had me laughing at certain points in the story.

I wouldn't say the story is suspenseful, although there is a little suspense. I had it narrowed down to two choices by the end, with a pretty good idea of what was going to happen. With that said, there's enough twists and lots of humor and story to tell, that this book is anything but boring.

I'm looking forward to reading the third book in this series. I'm assuming it will focus on Bailey because her story hasn't been told yet. I imagine more will come out about what they saw at war, too. Right now, she's probably my least favorite of the Wilde sisters for some reason. However, I'm sure that will change.

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

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

I must commend the artist who did the cover of this book. It is very well done and the simplicity of the colors draws readers to the cover. It has several pictures on the cover, but it doesn't look cluttered. In fact, to me it did the opposite. I was excited to read what all three of these things had to do with the story.

 

To say that the world that Silas has known is forever changed when he receives news of a son would be an understatement. He finds out not only about his son, but he also learns there's a chance that it may not be his son. To say there's a bit of drama is an understatement!

 

Kate has been the caregiver of Silas' "maybe" son and has learned to love him like he was her own. Because of that love, she is quite determined to shield him from as much as she can. That does include the two men who could possibly his father. She wants to do all she can to make sure that he doesn't get hurt.

 

I enjoyed the twists in this book. I was actually a little surprised that Melissa Jagears was able to keep the plot moving and there wasn't a moment reading this book where I wasn't engaged.

I appreciated some of the humorous scenes that were placed into the story. It always does a heart good to laugh, I think.

 

I have truly enjoyed reading this series and am looking forward to what Jagears has in store for her readers next.

 

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/a-bride-at-last.

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A Bride at Last (Bethany House, July 2015)
Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.
Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she’d been deceived about her intended groom, she’s now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she’ll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony–until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy’s father.
Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony’s wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of "A Bride for Keeps" and "A Bride in Store," is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly.

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

 

 

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

I was excited to read this book after receiving it in the mail. I'm fascinated with book on midwifery and the cover of the book intrigued me enough to want to read it quickly. This is the first book in the At Home in Trinity series. I wouldn't say it started out as a fast-paced book, but it didn't have to. I was engaged from the very beginning.

Martha is a widow and has some personal struggles in her life, as well as in her work life. In order to be in the moment for her patients, she has to set aside her personal turmoil that she feels when she learns that her daughter has joined up with a troupe of performers. I could relate to her wanting to find her because any mother would want to find their baby!

Personal life aside, she also has to deal with the fact that midwifery may be in trouble. Doctors have now come onto the scene. In this small town, Martha is kept busy and her importance is realized and she has long been trusted by her patients. All of that could change, though, with this new doctor.

I am new to Delia Parr, but am definitely going to continue reading this series. I am looking forward to see where she takes the next book.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational
historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's
First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three
grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in
southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.

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

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series so far, including this one. First of all, the covers are all well done. Just like the other two, this one has beautiful colors that complement the cover well and made me want to pick it up right away to read. The picture sums up the essence of the story well, in my opinion.

I was reading this book over Memorial Day weekend, which was quite fitting. Jake Porter, a former Marine, has seen things that no one should have to see. He fought for America in the war and has the scars to prove it. He's been harmed not just physically, but also emotionally. He has PTSD and feels like he is so undeserving of his childhood friend, Lyndie.

Jake was Lyndie's best friend who helped occupy Lyndie's time while her parents helped with her sister. If it wasn't for Jake, she may not have had a friend. After Lyndie moved away, she never forgets Jake. When she returns back to Texas, she will have to be the one to help Jake see that she will be there with him as he walks this road of healing.

I've always been a fan of Jake's brothers, and even more so in this book. They took on the big brother role when Jake refused to listen or give Lyndie a chance. Lyndie is a sweet, yet stubborn girl who refuses to take no for an answer.

I don't want to say goodbye to the Porter boys just yet. I'm really hoping Becky Wade has some more of their story to tell.

Read more reviews of this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade.

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A Love Like Ours (Bethany House, May 2015)
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.
When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.
Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Becky’s website.

Becky Wade

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

 

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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.

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

The thing I remember most (and look forward to the most) about a book write by Melissa Tag is how she inserts her humor into a book. Her stories are always so enjoyable to read and hard to put down. It's a great summer book! This book has it all--humor, romance, real-life issues, imperfect families and lives, redemption.

Kate Walker is a girl that I liked from the beginning. However, she did frustrate me a little because of her inability to just let go. I understood why, of course, but I wanted her to come to terms with herself and realize what the reader had already figured out about her! She could be happy, if she just chose to take a few risks.

Colton seems to have lost it all. However, it was in losing what he thought was all, where he actually gained more than he could ever imagine. He fit in so well at Maple Valley and there's no way he could go back to his old way of life. Of course, I liked how Colton stayed by Kate's side in the good and the bad. However, he does have to find a way to convince Kate that he's worth taking a risk on. That's not easy to do, by all means, when someone is dead set against it.

I still remember each book I've read by Melissa Tagg. For some reason, they have become unforgettable in my head. I'm not for sure if it's because of the covers or the stories, but she has etched a mark in my memory. Definitely looking forward to 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.

Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Janette Oke holds a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf. Her books were the first ones I ever read in Christian fiction. As a teen, I was given the Canadian West series to read, as well as some of the other books she wrote. I was hooked from the moment I began reading. To this day, she is still one of my favorites and the Canadian West series is one that I still remember despite it being years since I've last read the series. Needless to say, I was very excited to continue on the journey with the Return to the Canadian West series. I had been looking forward to book #2 being released.

The story picks up with Beth Thatcher and Jarrick. Beth takes a cruise with the women in her family and has to remind herself to be excited about the opportunity. Jarrick and Beth have to figure out a way to make the long distance work.

I enjoy the Thatcher family. I was surprised to realize that the character I came to love the most was Mrs. Thatcher. There was one sweet, tender moment between Mrs. Thatcher and Beth that I just loved. Her conversation with her daughter, along with her father's advice, was a special moment in the book.

The book has some suspense, romance, and wonderful family moments between the Thatcher family. They come face to face with having to choose whether they will give in to their fears or if they will hand their fears over to God.

Now I'm hoping that book #3 comes out relatively soon and I don't have to wait a year to read it!

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

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

 I have been so excited to read more by Elizabeth Camden ever since I read my first book authored by her. She packs so much into her stories and pulls the reader in from the very first page of the book. I enjoy the history that fills the pages and even the suspense that is a bit unexpected. To be honest, I didn't think there could be much suspense to a missing ship. Don't worry....I was wrong. There was a lot that could happen.

Beyond All Dreams was a wonderful story of a Anna O'Brien. Anna has been alone her whole life due to many circumstances. She has had to learn to stand up to bullies, prove people wrong, and to face her fears. Luke Callahan has a family that doesn't know how to handle anger or alcohol. In order to get out of that situation, he turns to politics. He quickly learns that it's hard to run from something engraved inside of you and it takes God to overcome such things as anger.

I'll admit that I went back and forth with Luke. One minute I'd like the guy and the next, I couldn't stand him. However, I was pleasantly surprised by him in the end and impressed with what he was willing to do for those he so clearly loved.

I am looking forward to seeing what's next in Elizabeth Camden's next novel. They just keep getting better and better!

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{More about Beyond All Dreams}

Beyond All Dreams (Bethany House, January 2015)
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
Luke Callahan was one of the nation’s most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.
From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Elizabeth’s website.

{More About Elizabeth Camden}

Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master’s in history and a master’s in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.
Find out more about Elizabeth at http://elizabethcamden.com.

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

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

I have been so excited to read more by Elizabeth Camden ever since I read my first book authored by her. She packs so much into her stories and pulls the reader in from the very first page of the book. I enjoy the history that fills the pages and even the suspense that is a bit unexpected. To be honest, I didn't think there could be much suspense to a missing ship. Don't worry....I was wrong. There was a lot that could happen.

Beyond All Dreams was a wonderful story of a Anna O'Brien. Anna has been alone her whole life due to many circumstances. She has had to learn to stand up to bullies, prove people wrong, and to face her fears. Luke Callahan has a family that doesn't know how to handle anger or alcohol. In order to get out of that situation, he turns to politics. He quickly learns that it's hard to run from something engraved inside of you and it takes God to overcome such things as anger.

I'll admit that I went back and forth with Luke. One minute I'd like the guy and the next, I couldn't stand him. However, I was pleasantly surprised by him in the end and impressed with what he was willing to do for those he so clearly loved.

I am looking forward to seeing what's next in Elizabeth Camden's next novel. They just keep getting better and better!

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

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.

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.

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!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/becoming-bea.

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More about Becoming Bea}

Becoming Bea | The Courtships of Lancaster County series
Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?
Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.
One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Leslie’s website.

{More About Leslie Gould}

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller “The Amish Midwife,” a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller “Courting Cate,” first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and “Beyond the Blue,” winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.
Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

I enjoyed reading the history that fills the pages in this book. I can honestly say that I knew nothing about brickmaking and all that went into it. It was honestly something I never thought about until now that I've read this book.

Besides the history, another thing I enjoyed about this book was that Ewan was an immigrant from Ireland. As part of my family history, my great-great grandparents came over from Ireland and began a new life here. I'm a sucker for pretty much any book about Ireland or the Irish!

Those two things aside, I would have liked this book anyway. The characters were so easy to love and I was rooting for Ewan and Laura. I wanted them to throw way the past, trust each other, and not let society dictate their relationship. Of course, that's easy for me to say now where we don't have that particular kind of pressure.

I like Judith Miller and really enjoy seeing how her books are different from each other. This is a beautiful story and you can so clearly see God working in their lives.

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

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About the Book

                       The Brickmaker’s Bride
Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia
Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Judith’s website.

Judith Miller

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas 

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