Blessed, Blessed, Blessed by Missy Robertson

I really enjoy Duck Dynasty and respect the Robertson family a lot. They are such a strong, Christian family who have been through the fire and been refined and have given so much glory to God for their lives and the journey they have walked.

Missy and Jase faced some major decisions when it came to the birth of their daughter Mia. She had a cleft lip and palate and needed surgery. This surgery would not just occur once at 3 months old, but would continue at different stages of her development. This wasn't a one-time fix. It was going to be a long journey. Missy did an excellent job explaining the problems it causes, the possible problems that I didn't know could occur with a child who has cleft problems, and even how the entire family had to adjust to the new family normal. Even the boys took on a few responsibilities and I loved it! Sometimes I wonder if I expect too much from my older two kids and this book showed me I didn't.

I love how all of the books the Robertson have written with such honesty and transparency. Missy shares about her thoughts and where her heart truly was throughout the different stages in the journey. She also shares how Jase struggled and how he felt through the different surgeries and doctor appointments. It was sweet to see a daddy's heart and his love for his daughter.

This book really shows how God took what was a bad situation and how God has used it for good and for his glory. Mia is going to do great things as she grows up! Thank you for sharing her story and for raising awareness about the challenges kids with cleft lips and palates face.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes

I have not read anything by Gina Holmes before, but now I want to search her books out. She engaged me in the first paragraph and I was hooked on the story. I felt like I was connected to each character and felt the pain that each one was experiencing, as well as their joy. The story flowed easily and I never felt like the story as stuck and not going anywhere. Each character was well-developed and I liked the different perspectives on each character.

Holton was probably one of my favorite characters for some odd reason. I liked Libby, too. I found it funny how Libby met him and still stayed with him. The commentary from Holton's head did make me laugh. I would have never put together a blood test, though, in order to realize life wasn't what I had always been told. I learned something new.

The cover of this book is beautifully one and eye-catching with its simplicity. I really like the font for her name. It really sets it apart from the title, but still blends in nicely.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes is the founder of Novel Rocket, regularly named as one of Writers Digest’s best websites for writers. Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain was a Christy Award finalist. Her latest novel, Wings of Glass has been named as one of the best books of the year by Library Journal and was a SIBA Okra pick and a finalist for Romantic Times’ Reviewers Choice Award. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.

ABOUT THE BOOK

He made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore. When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world, living a life of seclusion, making drifwood sculptures and drowning his pain in gin. Until twenty-three-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of his late wife. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife he’d given saint status to was not the woman he thought he knew.

Together Holton and Libby form an unlikely bond as the two struggle to learn the identity of Libby’s father and the truth about Adele, themselves, and each other.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Driftwood Tides, go HERE.

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



When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Book

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

Susan May Warren

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

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

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

I've looked forward to this book ever since I read the first on in this series.  I like the mysterious covers and the great story inside.  Mark of Distinction picks up where the first one left off.  I'm glad that she sticks with Julia instead of introducing another main character.  I really like it when authors let us really connect with a few characters that continue throughout a series.

Julie now knows who her father is, but danger is still all around her.  She's not being treated as the valued woman that she is.  Instead, she's being used to form the wishes of other powerful people.  She wants to be free of all of this, but it's not that easy.

The mysterious covers of this trilogy is not by accident.  There are so many secrets and so many people who are threatening to tell the real truth if they don't get their way.  The secrets are the action and it leaves you turning pages far longer than the time set aside to read "just a few pages."

I am looking forward to book 3 in the series. I hope it's not to long to wait!

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

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

The Christiansen family reminds me of the Baxter family (Karen Kingsbury's creation).  In fact, those two families I have enjoyed reading about and following. I'm so glad that Deep Haven hasn't been buried and is alive and well, still producing wonderful stories within.  The Christiansen family is a family who has had a tough time.  They have had their share of difficulties and triumphs.  However, they are still loving God through it all.

I think what makes the Christiansen family (and the Baxter's) so fun to read about is that it is real life.  There is life, death, problems, illness, fires, and accidents.  Love is real and grows into something believable instead of something that happens quickly.  I liked watching the development of Jace and Eden and how they each had to work through their own issues and problems.

The Christiansen family makes you want to be apart of them.  Even as Owen is dealing with what could be career loss and Eden is dealing with being constantly overlooked, you can't help but enjoy the love their family shows.  Eden's brother Casper made me laugh with his talk with Jace.  The funniest scene was the drive through the snow, I thought!  Poor Jace was just so hot!

There is a side story, but I think it takes on equal importance.  Sam is a friend of Jace's and his daughter Muddy needs another heart.  Readers will walk along with Sam with anticipation of a miracle... a second one, in fact.

In the back, there is a prequel to what started the whole series, I Really Do Miss Your Smile.  I misread it and assumed it was for her next book, but it was really the story of John Christiansen finding love.  It's a good, very short novella.  It even includes a chapter from the first one in the series, Take a Chance on Me.  And the best news?  There's not a long wait!  It's coming in the Summer of 2014. 

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About the Book

                       A Christensen Family Novel.
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan’s website.

Susan May Warren

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

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

Life Support by Candance Calvert

I am convinced that there are two type of Christian fiction that need to be written more.  One would be lawyer books and the other is medical. I absolutely love reading Candace Calvert. Her knowledge about medicine and the ER comes from her being a former ER nurse.  She doesn't use the medical jargon thy is over your head, though.  When the is a case that has some medical word, there is always an explanation on simpler terms. 

I admired Elijah, who is a PA.  He made mistakes, but owned up to them.  His family situation was less than ideal, but he made the best of it.  He fought for what he believed was right.  I really wanted him to repair his relationship with Lauren.

Lauren got on my nerves some because she didn't want to believe the obvious about her sister.  I know relatives often go into denial, so I understood.  I still got frustrated with her, though!

After reading book 2 in this series, I bought the first one. I can't read enough by her.  I hope she comes out with more books fast! 

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

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

For starters, I had this book on my to-read list ever since I saw the cover.  I knew just from that cover that this book would probably be one that I would enjoy. I'm so glad that I was right!  This is definitely one of my top books I've read lately.

The characters are very easy to relate to in this book. I think that's what makes that is what makes this book so good and hard to put down. Even though we all may have different problems than the ones in this book, we all can relate to the need for forgiveness and the guilt and pride that we face way too often in our own lives.  The story isn't new, but it's completely different in the light of being put in the Mennonite community.  Rachel refuses to give up the name of her son's father.  She wants forgiveness, but her pride gets in the way. 

Jolina Petersheim writes in such a way that is refreshing because it isn't seen very often.  She switches between the perspectives of Rachel and a recently deceased bishop.  I thought I wouldn't like the perspective of the bishop because it sounded a little weird, but I did.  It actually added a lot to the book and I can't imagine he book without his perspective.  I saw that she has a sequel coming out soon, and it'll be one I will be anxiously waiting until I can get my hands on a copy!
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I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I can usually tell when I read a book whether or not I'm reading a fairly new author or not.  I'm shocked that Jessica Dotta has not written so many more books.  I'm glad to see that this is the beginning of a trilogy!  She had me liking even a mean old woman that I doubt many authors would 

have been able to get me to like.  I even liked Julia, who I couldn't believe that I did like.  She wasn't the typical person I usually like in books.

Julia has a sense of mystery around her.  Her mother has committed suicide, she's left alone, and top it off with she now will be moving to Scotland in two months to work as a servant--compliments 

of her new guardian who remains nameless and faceless.

That means that Julia has 2 months to find a man to marry.  At first that doesn't seem to hard since 

she is technically betrothed.  One problem, though.  Edward, her secret lover, has had a change of 

heart since she last saw him.  Needless to say, they don't quite see eye to eye on most things anymore because of one major issue.  That issue has driven a permanent wedge between them until 

Julia realizes what mistakes she's made.

I really did like Lady Foxmore.  She was a brutal woman, but I did like her humor for some reason.    

I found it funny that she would send notes at night and wake up the household.  I also found it funny how she spoke to Elizabeth and her mother. 

This book has romance, but it also has suspense and mystery.  It was a book that keeps you wondering until the very last page.  I can't wait to see what the next 2 books consist of.  It'll be hard to beat this book!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Born of Persuasion Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013) by Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

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

The Damascus Countdown by Joel Rosenberg

Joel Rosenberg is the one of the few authors that I read where their books are considered suspense and action.  Normally I don't like those type of books, but I like Joel Rosenberg and how he writes.  I also like how it tailors to Israel a lot and their relationships with other countries.  He has a close tie to Israel and so his books are full of knowledge and information that could only come from a first-hand perspective.

This book had me gripped from the first page.  There were moments when my heart raced and moments when I would pull my head out of the book and be like "whew...it's just a book."  Then I'd remember the state of our country and realize this could very well happen here and now.  Even thought this book is fiction, it still applies to today and the issues the United States faces today.  

Every book by him is good, but I really like this series, The Twelfth Imam series.  If you've never read anything by Joel, check out his nonfiction and fiction works.  His nonfiction is just as good as his fiction and I think that reading it helps you understand his fiction more.

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

The Invested Life by Joel Rosenberg &" Dr. T. E. Koshy

I have a huge heart for discipleship and I have noticed that is something that is so deeply missing in our culture today.  There have been several people who have been bringing discipleship to the forefront of the minds of Christians.  I am so thankful for that because that means that there are more resources to help guide even those younger in the faith who feel that they need some aid. 

I appreciate that both Rosenberg and Koshy don't take lightly the fact that we are to "make disciples as we go."  This is a book that is challenging, that is not comfortable to read (because who really likes going out of our comfort zones), and one that needs to be read by professing Christians everywhere.  In the time in which we live in, it is a must that we make disciples, and that means that our disciples can disciple someone else and it makes a chain.

I also like the name of this book.  Discipleship is about investing yourself in the life of others.  To be honest, that name of this book made me want to read it, along with the fact that I like all of the books by Rosenberg.  The title of this book was well thought out and I think it sums up the book perfectly and it sums up the Great Commission in three words.

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

No Greater Love by Levi Benkert

To say that I liked this book would be a little tough.  This book left me heartbroken and sad and wanting to do something to help.  It was a book that did not have a happy ending, which Levi tried telling me but I just didn't understand how it couldn't until I came to the end and looked back.  This book has left me changed.

Levi and his family left all they had and knew and flew to Ethiopia to work with a tribe that was killing their children because they were "mingi."  They could be declared "mingi" if a child's top teeth came in before their bottom teeth, if the parents were unmarried, or if the married couple didn't  have a ceremony saying that they were going to try to conceive.  They would then kill the the baby upon birth or after they realized their child was "mingi."  One child was a bit older and ran away.  He knew his parents were going to kill him and had no doubt seen it done to his friends. 

The stories of the killings were heartbreaking.  I honestly had no idea that tribes were doing this today.  I knew some were forcing abortions, etc, but didn't know that they were outright killing them because they were afraid of evil spirits.  My eyes were opened to the fact that a mother could hurt for her child, but still allow her child to be harmed.

When I finished this book, which I don't think any review could ever do this book justice, I hopped online to find out more about this organization and how to help save these children.  They need Jesus and the only way they will know about Him is if we help Levi and his family. 

Levi and his family willingly went to Ethiopia, set up an orphanage and ran it, fought through difficulties, adopted a few children out, said goodbye to that orphanage for certain reasons talked about in the book, and began a new orphanage and ministry.  All of this while balancing work, marriage, and 4 kids.

This book is small, a fast read, and is a book that everyone should read.  You won't feel the same about Ethiopia after you've read this book.  I guarantee you will want to be a part of this ministry.  Take a chance and open your eyes to the world beyond America. 

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

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

I love books set in the medical scene.  I love medical shows.  For some reason, it fascinates me.  However, I hate it when people write books set in a medical scene and either write with lots of medical jargon that many people don't understand or they write with no clue about how the medical field works.  I had never read anything by Candace Calvert but I was a little hesitant in checking out this book purely because I thought it would be a disaster due to past experiences.  I'm so excited to say that this book exceeded my expectations and I fell in love with Candace's writing and with the characters in this book.  I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.  I really hope that some of the main characters are carried out throughout the entire series.  I found myself incredibly sad, yet happy at the ending.  Candace is a former ER nurse and has tons of knowledge.  However, she does a great job at not including a lot of medical jargon without explaining it and doesn't create unrealistic problems and incidents within the hospital setting.  She writes from experience with the main character, as well, which I think enhances the character, Riley.

Riley had an incident that has caused her to stop working in the ER as a nurse.  However, that doesn't stop her heart from longing to be back in the ER and she works hard to obtain her goal.  Jack is running from some things in his past and has to find a way to clean up his clinic's name from some bad events happening on his property and in the well-to-do neighborhood located next to his clinic.  When Jack meets Riley and finds out her last name and her connection to a foundation, he realizes this is just the key.  So he offers Riley a chance to work at his clinic, which she jumps on because it's a chance for her to practice her skills.  With each other using each other to obtain their goals, romance is bound to happen.  However, when Jack's past is dug up, will Riley be able to put her past aside and accept Jack?  Or will she really believe that he's done what he's accused of doing?  Will anyone be able to help clear Jack's name?

I've already downloaded the first book in one of her other series so I'm excited to start that series now!  I'm so glad that I found a writer who feeds my desire to read anything medical and keeps it clean!  Thanks Candace!

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