The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

I feel like I had been in a reading slump over a few weeks and had been finding it difficult to find a book that just absolutely grabbed my attention. I knew I needed to read this book, and wanted to, but I was afraid of being disappointed in it. You see, I've been reading a few authors that usually never disappoint me and for some reason lately, they have. Maybe it's me and a new season in my reading life. I don't know. So I was nervous when I picked up this book by one of my favorite authors.

I slowly opened the book, intending to only read maybe a few pages and set it down. To my delight, I was sucked in immediately and couldn't put it down! It has been awhile since a book grabbed my attention from the get go. It was like I had just been dunked into water on a hot day! It was so refreshing to enjoy reading!

I loved the rawness and the dialogue between the police officers. I loved the topics she dealt with, even though it was a touchy topic. And so long after 9/11, I really was thankful that she wouldn't let her readers forget that horrible day or the effects it still has on people today.

Beck was a refreshing character. She wasn't perfect! She was a real life, hot mess, like all of us are. I think that's why I clicked with her. She was dealing with some really hard things in the midst of some really hard things. She had to overcome so much, but was also in a way, given a fresh start.

Dear Everliegh was a beautiful story woven throughout the pages that I never expected. I couldn't figure out how these two ladies lives would cross each other. Her story was so tragic, especially in light of some of the recent tornadoes that have swept the nation in the past few weeks.

And then we meet Don, who is just as raw as Beck. Another thing that I really appreciated about these characters are that they live in worlds that I don't know a whole lot about. I don't know a lot about the world of a police officer or the one of a sports agent. So that kept my attention as I was learning of the interactions each was having in their own fields, too. I will say, my heart absolutely broke over Beck's circumstance and one of her co-workers. But once again, that was part of what gripped me....how would God redeem this story?

I've read so many of Rachel Hauck's books, but I think this one is my favorite so far. It's definitely one I highly recommend!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

Fit to Be Tied by Debby Mayne

I am absolutely enjoying the Bucklin Family Reunion series. I cannot wait for the third book to come out. Everything about this series shouts southern charm, from the cover to the story. It has everything you could want, from drama to humor. Needless to say, this is one family that won't let you down when you're needing a good laugh or just some good characters that you can't help but love.

Staying true to the format of her first book, each chapter tells the story of a different character. She balances going back and forth seamlessly, never leaving the reader feeling frustrated that things are left undone. She gives the reader time to adjust to the characters so it flows nicely.

I really can't pick out a favorite character, but Bucky surprised me in this book. I was so proud of his wife and the changes she had decided on. And I really didn't expect the ending to be like she chose. Picking up where this book ended, I'm curious to see the romance and drama in the next book! I'm so excited for what I lovingly call "my girls," meaning the three cousins in this book....Shay, Sally, and Sara. I feel that the story was more focused on the twins this time, but you do get your fill of all of the other characters that you grew to love from the first book.

Debby Mayne has a hit with this series, in my opinion. It was a fantastic idea with great characters and so many places that you can go. Please don't make me wait long for Book 3 and don't stop yet!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts

What first drove me to this book was the cover. It was beautiful and relaxing and had a curious title. I wanted to know what water had to do with a story! That led me to reading the back of the book to get a synopsis of the story. I was immediately interested and couldn't wait to receive it!

This book did not disappoint. The story matched its beautiful cover. I was hooked on this story from page 1 and found myself sneaking away for a few minutes throughout my day just so I could read another chapter. I loved that the chapters were short because it made justifying "I'll just read to the next chapter" a lot more doable with a busy schedule.

This story was a beautiful telling of two unlikely people becoming friends. Your heart is broken at the beginning as Delilah has to leave her son's grave when they move to a new place. Her husband is hoping for healing but Delilah just doesn't think that's even a possibility. Not to mention, she is holding a lot of anger in and it's all directed at the one she thinks is responsible. Your heart can't help but break over the loss and the relationships damaged.

Then we follow Emma, who is Amish. Her family has known deep loss, too. Her family has also learned to keep deep secrets and her family isn't exactly all that everyone thinks it is. She's left in a marriage where she's left with what seems like little choice.

The way these stories come together is beautiful. It focuses on the 1950s and the division between the white, black, and the Amish communities. I really have never thought about the Amish communities being a part of this division during this time, so that was interesting.

With all of the secrets each family is holding near to their heart, they have to learn to trust. Whom will they trust? Can they learn to forgive or is reconciliation impossible? Will relationships be mended or destroyed?

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

Saving Each Other by Stacy Mitchell

I'll admit that I wasn't hooked on this book in the first few pages. I didn't like the way that the prologue started, with scenes that didn't necessarily have to be in the book. I wish the first prologue had been a different story from Ean's life. I almost set the book aside because I thought it would be too much of a romance book, and I'm not a lover of a lot of romance.

I appreciated the raw emotion that filled the pages. I felt like I could easily place myself there and feel what each of the characters were feeling. I was a little surprised at how easily I was able to do that within the first couple of chapters.

This is a story of two people who have had their lives torn apart by a drunken driver. Dani Adams loses her husband on her anniversary. Ean Montgomery loses his pregnant wife and son during the same accident.  This has pushed them to visit a grief counselor to help them process what has happened and to help them learn how to move forward.

I don't particularly like to read a lot of books with colorful language, simply because I think words are beautiful and there are other words that you could use to get the same point across. This book does have some colorful language, so that was something that I struggled to get through. It would be a great book with the same level of emotion even if they had been left out. I didn't feel like they enhanced the moment at all. Each person is different, but that's just my opinion and how I felt reading.

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I received this book free from PR by the Book and Stacy Mitchell in exchange for my honest opinion of this book. 

A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

I'm a huge Robert Whitlow fan. I normally shy away from this genre of books, but I have absolutely loved every single book that I've read by him. My mom likes John Grisham and when I told her to read this book, she said he wrote very similar. I've converted a new reader!

A Time to Stand did a fantastic job balancing a topic that has become of conversation (and should) in our society. In A Time to Stand, a policeman of character find himself in a situation that he never dreamed. An African-American boy is in a coma after being shot by a white policeman. It's a small town so news of a "racist cop" shooting an African-American is the headliner in most conversations. Suddenely, the police officer finds himself in the line of fire and his family and his own life is threatened by the very same people he has spent his life trying to protect.

He's almost certain he heard a shot ring out before he shot, but maybe he really didn't. Maybe his mind played a trick on him....if only he could remember each moment clearly.

Adisa Johnson is a lawyer who lost her job and has come back to the small town in Georgia to help take care of her grandmother who raised her. Initially, she hears about this case and sides against the policeman. However, after some time, she begins to feel like she is supposed to help the police officer. This doesn't sit well in the small town that is full of racial tension.  Her community can't understand why she would help this white police officer. She can't explain it either, except she feels deep down that it's what she's supposed to do.

The truth eventually comes out, thanks to Adisa. A Time to Stand focuses on this small community and how things can look when we set aside our differences and love each other for who they are....no matter or race, language, etc. Let us all be people who stand for our friends of different races and fight for unity amongst each other.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author: Sarah Sundin

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

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

One grand prize winner will receive:

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

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

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Anchor in the Storm (Revell, May 2016)

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

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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

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

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase a copy

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

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

Someone Like You Giveaway!

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

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

Five winners will receive:

—One copy of Someone Like You

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

Find out what readers are saying about the book HERE.

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

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

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

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Someone Like You (Bethany House, May 2016)

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate. 

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

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

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

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

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

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

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

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

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

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

Changing of Hearts by Courtney Walsh

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

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

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

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

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

I hope book 3 comes out soon!

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

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips

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

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

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

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

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

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MICHAEL PHILLIPS

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Inheritance (Bethany House, April 2016)

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

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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

Song of Silence by Cynthia Ruchti

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

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

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

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

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Song of Silence (Abingdon, April 2016)

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

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase a copy.

CYNTHIA RUCHTI

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

A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

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

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

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

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

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

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RUTH REID

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Dream of Miracles (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

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

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

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

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

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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

The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

• When I'm looking for a book that is going to be relaxing to read after a long day and provide me some laughs, I know Denise Hunter will never fail me. I tend to save her books to read when I have just finished a crazy week.
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The Goodbye Bride is definitely a sweet romance story. I'm not a huge fan of romance books, but for some reason I love the way Denise Hunter writes her stories. They never seem too sappy or drawn out, which makes me enjoy them so much. The characters are easy to like and i was immediately drawn to Lucy and Zac. I also appreciate that Denise Hunter leaves a little bit of mystery in this book. She doesn't immediately come out and say what all has happened, but instead leaves a bit of mystery surrounding their personal stories. There were moments where I wanted to flip forward just to find out because I'm a bit impatient, but I resisted.

This is the second book in the Summer Harbor Series, but it really can stand alone. However, I suggest not missing a book in this series! And the even better news is that there's another book coming out in September so it's not an incredibly long wait for the next one in the series.

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

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

I'll admit that I was a little on the fence when I first saw this book. I couldn't decide if it'd just one of those dog books that are cheesy or if it'd be something I'd actually enjoy and remember. When it came in the mail, I still was a bit hesitant. However, I'm not one to skip out on a book, so I was determined to keep an open mind and read it. It was an easy book to read and it was quite enjoyable. I liked all of the characters and Cal and Gina were absolutely funny.

This book included some things that I was thrilled, yet surprised to read. It does include a dog, Tippy, but it was wonderful to read about how she included baseball and a few other things. I loved Cal's uncle and all he had done.

As I was reading this book, I thought about how perfectly timed this book was in its release. It would make a perfect beach read or car trip book. It's lighthearted and just a good book to read when you're relaxed. If I had to offer one opinion, it would be about the cover. I understand why the dog is on the front, but to me it just made the book look like it was a quirky dog book. Since I've read the book, I think it's absolutely cute. However, I would suggest adding more than just the dog to the cover to make the readers gravitate towards the book without question.

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

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

DANA MENTINK

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sit, Stay, Love (Harvest House, April 2016)

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you’re ready for a lesson in love . . . Tippy style.

Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother’s elderly dog, Tippy, he’s quick to call on a pet-sitting service.

Gina isn’t thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can’t abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.

As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too…

Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.

Learn more and purchase a copy.