The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Imagine a wedding chapel that was built for the love of your life who isn't in your life anymore. In fact, you've spent your own time building this chapel just for her. Considering your past and how your mother walked away and you watched your father wanted to build a dream home for her in case she returns, you would think you'd be jaded a bit when it comes to love. However, when you find the one, there's no taking them out of your life. Well... except for a misunderstanding that leads to unforgiveness and bitterness. That's exactly what happens in Hearts Bend.

Now what would happen if a young photographer was able to bring these two people together? Sounds impossible, I know. Especially when you add into the mix that this young photographer just eloped and is dealing with her own marriage issues. To say that she knows it all in the romance department is a huge understatement. She had no desire to get married. When she did, she apparently chose the one person who had a lot of his past to work though and a lot of forgiveness to deal with. Of course, that would mean that her husband wasn't was strong as he wanted everyone to think he was, so she's left wondering if her marriage is even going to make it past the 6 month mark.

My favorite part about this book is that it is told from the perspective of different people. I always enjoy books like that because I don't have to guess at what the characters are thinking. I had no idea where the story was going in some parts because Rachel Hauck did a wonderful job at keeping her readers guessing. Secrets were revealed at just the right time and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire story.

Once again, one of my favorite authors didn't disappoint. I always know that I can read a book by Hauck and enjoy it from start to finish. Read other opinions on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/RHauck.

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The Wedding Chapel (Zondervan, November 2015)
For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.
Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ‘49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.
Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.
When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.
When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

        

Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly and Tenderly," one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

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

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense books, but I really enjoy Shelley Gray. Since I have come to like Gray, I knew that I had to at least give this series a chance or I would always wonder if I would like it or not. I have only ever read her Amish fiction, so to break out into genre of mystery felt like a huge leap for me. After finishing this book, I now want to read the rest in this series, A Chicago World's Fair Mystery.

I'm sure if someone loves mystery with lots of suspense and twists and turns, then this book may not be one of the top suspenseful books you've ever read. However, for me, it was the perfect amount of suspense and mystery. Lydia and Sebastian both have a lot of mystery surrounding them. Sebastian hides a lot and very slowly more of who he is really is exposed throughout the story. The relationship between Sebastian and Lydia's ex-fiancé also holds a bit of mystery for a while. Even Lydia doesn't quite know all of who he is.

The mystery book seems perfectly fitting to take place in a library. It was the perfect setting for this story. Gray did a wonderful job in crafting a story that leaves the reader turning page after page, anxious to understand who Sebastian is and what decisions in the past have lead to who he is now. I also found Lydia's mom fascinating because she has just faded away ever since her husband's death. She has different idea of what Lydia's life should be like because she so desperately wants Lydia to marry for wealth and society.

Not only is there the mystery surrounding who Sebastian Marks is, there is also a mystery surrounding a death.

All throughout the book, I wrestled with which characters were being honest, which ones were hiding things, and tried to narrow down those who could be trustworthy and those who could be lying or manipulative.

I am quite impressed with Gray's ability to write Amish fiction and then to turn around and write this series. I really think that is quite an accomplishment to cross such wide genres.

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

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Whispers in the Reading Room (Zondervan, November 2015)
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), "The Protector," recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

I think I'm a bit partial to this series because I grew up in Middle Tennessee and frequented Nashville. Having known a little history about horses and the Belle Meade area, I was very excited to read this book. Not only that, but I have an Irish heritage so this book drew my interest from just those two aspects.

Maggie is a strong woman who isn't afraid of being a little different. Having had older brothers, she learned to shoot and ride horses with the best of them. She would do anything to help her dad and comfort him as he is aging and not well. Linden Farms is in trouble and is set to go to auction. When a man approaches her dad about his land, her dad brings up a stipulation in order for him to sell the land to this new man. It's a sweet deal for the man, if Maggie can agree to marry someone she hasn't met.

Cullen knows loss and has experienced two painful losses in his life. He's starting fresh in a new area, but didn't expect all of the hostility he received as an Irishman. He had heard about southern charm, but apparently that meant only certain people were met with southern hospitality.

Set in the 1860's, many issues are touched in this story. It was heartbreaking to read how much people discriminated against people from other countries and races. The fact that people came for a new life and ended up not being able to buy land was sad. I really enjoyed all of the history that Tamera Alexander put into this book about thoroughbred racing, and the history of women at this time.

This series is definitely one of my top favorites because it's close to my heart and hometown! I liked how she dealt with some tough issues during this time period and also showed how love can grow despite a marriage starting off in an arranged marriage.

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

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About the Book:

To Win Her Favor (Zondervan, May 2015)
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Tamera’s site.

Tamera Alexander

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.

 

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

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

How do you catch a prince? Or maybe the question could be "how do you lose a prince?" The third book in The Royal Wedding Series features American heiress Corina Del Ray (of the infamous Del Ray family) and Prince Stephen of Brighton. Considering their wealth and titles, you can easily see how they would cross circles. However, that is not how they originally met. They had no idea who each other were.

The story focuses on 5-1/2 years later. A war and tragedy have occurred and have rocked the world of both families. Trying to pick up the pieces and move forward aren't as easy as it seems. There's a secret that only the two of them know about, a little divine intervention and a message from the Lord about how to start living again.

Corina is an easy character to like. Though she put her life on hold, she starts living again after a job offer at an online paper. She had the task of trying to help many others affected by the tragedy of the war to grieve and start moving forward in life.

Prince Stephen had a lot of guilt. I liked him a lot, but he was a bit frustrating when he made some of the choices he made. However, I could easily see his humanness in him. So many hold onto their guilt and have a hard time forgiving themselves. This leads to them thinking they are unworthy for any kind of happiness.

Who couldn't love the royal family in this book. There was so much laughter and a close family unit that it was easy to picture stepping into a family like his.

Rachel Hauck has yet to deliver a book I haven't enjoyed reading. With spring break and summer approaching, it's the perfect book for those travel destinations. I'll warn readers, though..... it's a hard book to put down!

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

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{More about How to Catch a Prince}

How to Catch a Prince (Zondervan, February 2015)
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?
American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.
But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.
Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?
Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.

{More About Rachel Hauck}

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as “The Wedding Dress,” “Love Starts with Elle,” and “Once Upon A Prince.” She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, “Softly and Tenderly,” one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.

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

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

After reading this book, I can easily see why Kathryn Springer is a USA Today Best-Selling Author. I'm a bit surprised that I haven't come across her books sooner, but I'm glad I have now. From the picture on the cover to the story inside, this book captivated my attention.

I must admit that I thought Genevieve (Gen) was one of my favorite characters. She didn't do motherhood perfectly, nor do I, but I loved her attitude. I like it when fiction characters make you think about yourself and she did that to me. I couldn't relate to her story personally, but her attitude made me want to have that, even if the circumstances are less than desirable. I couldn't help but laugh at her humor and sarcasm that so easily came out of her mouth, usually directed at Dan.

Dan was everything I figured he would be: stable, dependable, responsible, loving, and so much more. I would also have to include loyal in that list because he was so loyal to Cody and Evie. He did not take his responsibilities lightly and I would even say he was loyal to Max. Dan's entire family won me over from the first meeting after the football field event, which had me laughing, by the way.

Raine (and yes, I too, laughed at her full name)....Raine Lightly and Cody had to make some grown up decisions. I was impressed with the maturity and their response to the people who judged them within the church. I was reminded again and again of how all sin is equal and no sin is greater than another. We categorize them that way, but God doesn't.

Overall, this book was a hard one to put down. It was a beautiful story. I wouldn't say there were many surprises in it, but it was a story many can relate to easily. It's also a story that reminds us that God loves us no matter our past or our present circumstances. I hope that I respond to my daughter much the same way Genevieve did with hers. It was a great example to me of how to love even when mistakes have been made.

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{More about The Dandelion Field}

The Dandelion Field (Zondervan, January 2015)
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
Find out more and purchase a copy at Kathryn’s website. 

{More About Kathryn Springer}

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Find out more about Kathryn at http://www.kathrynspringer.com.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag by Mike Berenstein

Our family likes to read the Berenstain Bears. It reminds me of the days when I was their age and looked forward to reading them myself. They have also been wonderful books to help teach different character traits in a fun way.

The Biggest Brag was a good read for me and my kids. They could relate to Brother and Sister because they, too, have found themselves bragging and competing against each other at even a young age. We had already been talking about not bragging, so it was a wonderful way to continue our conversation.

After they heard the story, they could tell very quickly that Brother and Sister weren't being nice to each other. We used the questions at the end of the book to further our conversation about bragging and how we are to love.

The questions are very helpful to lead your child into a meaningful conversation about those character qualities that most parents feel are important for them to learn. It helps that this is your classic Berenstain Bears book that draws kids in and makes it easy for them to remember the lessons.

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

A May Bride by Meg Moseley

If you're looking for a short beach read, grab this book. Meg Moseley writes a charming story with such a sweet wedding. Ellie and Gray had a funny first meeting that made me laugh just imagining it. Gray knew what he wanted and Ellie wasn't afraid to take chances. However, in order for Ellie to step out meant she wouldn't always be pleasing her mother.

Ellie has saved for her wedding just so her mom doesn't have a say in wedding plans. Ellie wants to prove to her mother that she's not her and that she can make smart decisions. Her relationship with her mother is one that her mother controls. Ellie walks a delicate line of trying to please her, yet become her own person.

Gray pushes Ellie out of her comfort zone with her mother and helps her find the strength to cut the apron strings. It's not easy, but is necessary. Ellie's also the one that usually helps her sister when she needs help. Conflict arises when these issues must be dealt with.

I like this short, fun books in the series. They are quick to read, but still leave me thinking about the characters after the book has been completed.

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

Plain Faith by Ora-Jay & Irene Eash with Tricia Goyer

I am always reading Amish fiction and knew I would definitely be interested in this book as it held an inside scoop into the life of being Amish. I wanted to know more about what they taught and believed and why.

Ora-Jay and Irene had such a sweet heart. I was heartbroken to read about the death of their 2 daughter and how finally, after many boys, they received a bundle of joy that was a girl! They shared how the death of their daughters was a turning point for them. It was neat to watch their faith grow out of this dark time. It amazes me how the Amish are able to simply say, "God must have wanted it to be so." They weren't really expected to grieve, which I can't even imagine.

I appreciated the very personal letters at the end of most of the chapters. It was interesting to read their hearts and what was going on in their lives at that point. You could also easily see their spiritual growth through each letter.

My favorite story had to be how the Lord provided for them when they didn't have the money to pay for some land. The fact they lived in their basement with no electricity or running water was amazing. They truly were living harder then the Amish and they were still judged.

This is such an insightful book for those that like the Amish lifestyle or like Amish fiction. It's also an excellent book if you want to see someone who questioned all he knew and gave it up to follow the Lord. They found freedom in truly following the Lord.

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

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

I have some favorite Amish authors that I tend to read almost all of their books.  Amy Clipston is one of them.  I absolutely love her style of writing, the covers on her books, and the settings and plot lines in her books.  I have never been disappointed by any of them so far!

My heart just hurt for Carolyn. I hated how despite her mistake which led to the blessing of a child, could not and would not be forgiven. I think, sadly, many people can relate to that.  We try so hard to please our families and the pain cuts deep when we disappoint family members.  Carolyn had to have been exhausted trying to please so many people and working so hard to have them forgive her and perhaps try to understand her.

The pressure becomes so much more when her brother has found someone that could fill the role of her husband.  As any girl does, Carolyn wants to be loved and accepted and not forced into a marriage.  She wants to be wanted and cherished.  Joshua might could be the man except he causes a lot of frustration because he doesn't give Benjamin, Carolyn's son, the benefit of the doubt. He accuses Benjamin of something and wants to teach him a lesson.  I could feel Carolyn's frustration and her mother's heart for her son in this situation.

I liked how his book was different than the typical Amish fiction books.  It was a good storyline and kept me engaged from the very first page.  I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

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

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A Mother’s Secret
Book two in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series.
Carolyn Lapp dreams of marrying for love. But will the errors of her past destroy this dream forever?
Carolyn Lapp longs to have a traditional Amish family. But she lives on her brother’s farm with her parents and her 15-year old son, Benjamin. Carolyn has never revealed the identity of Benjamin’s father and lives daily with the guilt and shame of her youthful indiscretion. Her brother simply will not forgive her.
His answer is to arrange a practical marriage for Carolyn to Saul, a widower with a little girl. But Carolyn isn’t convinced that Saul really loves her and believes he is simply looking for someone to help raise his daughter.
When Benjamin causes trouble at a local horse auction, horse breeder Joshua Glick decides that he must be taught a lesson. Carolyn and Joshua are unmistakably drawn to each other, but Joshua mistakenly assumes that Benjamin is Carolyn’s brother. Carolyn fears that if he discovers the truth, her past will destroy their budding romance.
After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. But which of them will give her the family-and the unconditional love-she’s longed for?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Amy’s site.

 

Amy Clipston

Amy Clipston holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two sons and four spoiled rotten cats.

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

The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer

I am impressed with the amount of books Tricia Goyer writes in a year.  She is an excellent writer and switches from various genres in fiction to non-fiction easily.

I really like this series.  The name of the series and the covers drove me to the start of this series and it has made me not want to stop reading the series now until it's completed!  I like how familiar characters come back into the story, but new characters and stories are introduced.

Tricia Goyer painted a beautiful picture of the town Kootenai.  I felt like I was taking part in a mini-vacation every time I jumped into this story thanks to the beautiful scenery. 

I truly liked Rebecca and Caleb and their determination and adventure.  I liked how Rebecca had a heart to help even the Englisch people, as well as the Amish.  Romance was in the book, but it was just the right amount.  I felt like I was watching a relationship bloom before my eyes.

Can't wait to see what's next for Tricia Goyer.   I know she has some in the works!

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I received this book free from Zondervan and Booklook program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book. 

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite contemporary authors. This series has been so much fun to read because it's lighthearted and just plain fun. 

To start with, I'm impressed with Hauck's car knowledge as she opens up the book and introduces Regina.  I am quite certain I would not have been able to make one intelligible sentence when it comes to restoring cars.

The cover of this book is beautifully done. I think it interested me because what girl didn't grow up wanting to be a princess at some point in her life.  It's a cover that takes us back to our childhood dreams.

Regina is probably what most would consider an unlikely princess.  She restores old cars until Tanner shows up to tell her that she is an heir to a tiny town in Hessenberg.  Not given much warning, she has to make a quick decision to go there and leave all she knows back in Florida.  Romance fills the story and some parts where I had to laugh out loud. 

I can't wait to read the next book in this fun, light-hearted series.

Read what others thought about this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck.

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A Royal Wedding Book

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.

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

Pirates on the Farm by Denette Fretz and Gene Barretta

This is such a cute kids book!  My son loves cowboys so I knew this book was one that we HAD to read together.  It has already become a family favorite for us.  The illustrations in this book are really pretty and definitely eye-catching for the young kids. 

The storyline itself is just as good.  As I was reading it, I knew there was a message so I immediately began looking for it.  I really liked how the Dad showed love to the pirates even when they were a bit different than the rest of the people he normally interacted with.  This was a powerful book that hit home with us as we've been talking a lot about loving and respecting people even if they treat us badly.  I like how the Dad never disrespected them, but kept reaching out to them.  It was a perfect lesson for us to talk to about with our kids on a level they understood.

I like the hardback book because it won't be easily damaged, which is good because I plan to keep it!  The back has a definitions page called "Stretch's Totally True Seadog Definition."  It has all of the "pirate speak" defined. 

Overall, this would make a great Christmas present for any child.  My oldest, my son, is 5-years-old and loves pirates.  My daughter is 3 and was engaged through the whole book.  It says on the book that it is geared for ages 4-8.  It is also a part of the new series, The Next Door Series.  Excited to read the next one in February.  For any young pirate-lover, this book is a must!

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

 

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

This is one of my new favorite Amish series.  I remember seeing the first book in this series in the bookstore, but I never bought it.  Needless to say, I'm not going out to purchase that book this weekend so I can own this series.  

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  I really like the style in which Tricia Goyer writes.  She adds enough tension in the book to create the problem and leaves some mystery as to what the real issues are that the characters are dealing with, but she doesn't create some huge needless drama.  I was grateful for that.  It was nice to read something that was a little bit predictable, but still had some surprises in it.  
  
  
  
  
  I also liked the promises in this book.  Many Amish books tend to focus on the shunning and the forgiveness coming only AFTER the people return to the Amish community.  I loved the grace and understanding shown in this book.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I was seeing relationships in light of how God truly wants us to see others, Amish or not.  I liked all of the promises and lessons.  They were sweet and not over the top at all.  The scripture verses fit perfectly.
  
  
  
  
  I can't wait to read book #3 in this series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.  It's hard to say goodbye to Lydia and Gideon, though.  I became quite fond of them and Gideon's special way with Blue.  I felt bad for him feeling looked over as a child, but liked the lesson of letting go of the past with my children and focusing on the future.  Who knew I'd gain parenting insights in a fiction book!  
  
  
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  I received this book free from Booksneeze and Zondervan publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
  
  

A Christmas Rose by Tricia Goyer

This was a beautiful Christmas story of redemption and adoption and how God takes care of our needs even when we don't understand the full story.  It's also a wonderful love story about how God wants us to follow Him and not follow rules.  Of course, these things are specifically mentioned, since it's not a preachy book!  That's just the messages I gleamed from this book.

Rose loved a boy who had decided to enlist in World War II.  He stuck to his Amish beliefs as far as no taking a life goes because he enlisted and served as a medic, thus saving lives.  The Amish community thought that he was stepping too far into the English world and wouldn't be back.  Jonathan always had the intention of coming back to the Amish community though.  But the Amish community doesn't forgive easily when it comes to serving in the war.  Rose struggles with forgiving Jonathan for leaving her and then she comes to learn a shocking secret about herself.  The reunion at the end is precious and I love the gifts she received for Christmas.  It was the perfect ending to the story!

This is a short Christmas read, but so much fun to read.  Tricia Goyer has a wonderful writing ability.  I've yet to be disappointed by any of her books.  This book definitely got me in the mood to read more Christmas books...which is a problem since it's only October!

 

To read more opinions about this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl  About Tricia: 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 Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

This is one of my new favorite Amish series.  I remember seeing the first book in this series in the bookstore, but I never bought it.  Needless to say, I'm not going out to purchase that book this weekend so I can own this series.  

I really like the style in which Tricia Goyer writes.  She adds enough tension in the book to create the problem and leaves some mystery as to what the real issues are that the characters are dealing with, but she doesn't create some huge needless drama.  I was grateful for that.  It was nice to read something that was a little bit predictable, but still had some surprises in it.  

I also liked the promises in this book.  Many Amish books tend to focus on the shunning and the forgiveness coming only AFTER the people return to the Amish community.  I loved the grace and understanding shown in this book.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I was seeing relationships in light of how God truly wants us to see others, Amish or not.  I liked all of the promises and lessons.  They were sweet and not over the top at all.  The scripture verses fit perfectly.

I can't wait to read book #3 in this series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors.  It's hard to say goodbye to Lydia and Gideon, though.  I became quite fond of them and Gideon's special way with Blue.  I felt bad for him feeling looked over as a child, but liked the lesson of letting go of the past with my children and focusing on the future.  Who knew I'd gain parenting insights in a fiction book!  

To read more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for 

my honest opinion of this book.

Belonging by Robin Hatcher

I have seen Robin Hatcher's books in the bookstores and they always looked interesting but I never picked one up to read.  I'm not for sure why because I have a feeling that I have really been missing out on some really great reads.  I really liked everything about this book, from the cover to the storyline.

I had never really thought about what happened to orphans back in the 1800s.  The thought that they would just be put on a train to an unknown family and split up from brothers and sisters was so sad.  I couldn't even imagine what life would be like to be put in that place.  I was rooting for her to find her brother and sister.

I found Felicia to be a very likable person and she and Kathleen seemed to have such a beautiful friendship.  I really wanted Felicia and Colin to be together but I also wanted Kathleen to have someone special to take her out of their in-laws house.  That mother-in-law of hers is horrid and grumpy!  I liked that Felicia cared about her students and all that she helped Charity accomplish.

This is the first book in her new series, "Where the Heart Lives."  I am very much looking forward to reading the second book in this series.  I think I'm going to have to find all of her other books now!

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

Every Body Matters by Gary Thomas

Why is it that so many Christians decide that physical strength doesn't matter and doesn't affect their heart, soul, and mind?  Why is it that we make so many excuses for our lack of discipline when it comes to the physical things but we think that we are so disciplined in other areas?  How can we be a disciplined person when this one area is the one that we decide to overlook?

When I was first asked to review this book, I was pretty hesitant.  It took several days for me to think about it because I figured it would be another book on health full of information we all know but many choose not to apply.  However, after realizing that Gary Thomas wrote it and the fact that I love Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting by him, I decided to go for it.  I'm so thankful I did!  I highly recommend this book so that one can begin recognizing the connection between the sin of letting our bodies go so that we are of no further use to the Kingdom of God.  Gary doesn't talk about the fact that obesity is a sin.  Instead, he talks about the addiction of food and how we don't lump it in the same category as other sins of addiction, like alcohol, drugs, etc.  Some say that the Bible doesn't talk about being overweight so it's okay.  I would argue that gluttony is in the Bible and is considered a sin.

Gary brings out some interesting points about how the men of faith, like Paul for example, was pelted with stones, dragged outside the city, and left for dead.  Gary writes "If his persecutors thought he was dead, Paul must have been pretty beat-up.  Yet we're also told that after they left him, Paul 'got up and went back into the city, and the next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.'  The next day!  For the record, Derbe was over sixty miles from Lystra.  A physically weak man could never have recovered like that."  I loved this comparison because we usually think of these men as someone who is strong spiritually and forget that they also had the physical endurance to press on for God.  I think that is why faith is often likened to a race.  They knew perseverance.  But do we?  Do we know perseverance and endurance not just spiritually but also physically?

This book is a great resource and reminder that our bodies need to be in shape.  It's not so that we do the "cultural thing" or so we look more appealing.  It's so our bodies are ready to carry out the work of God.  If we're out of shape, how can we possibly serve to the best of our ability when it comes to the physical things that people in the Church and community need help from Christians to do?

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