Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz

True to the title of this book, love can be awakened whether it's arranged by families or whether there's a rivalry going on between families.  Love isn't always convenient and there are always challenges to overcome...some more difficult than others.

This book is the second book in the Ballantyne Legacy series.  Set in 1822, Ellie Ballantyne finds herself in a lonely place.  Since she's heading out to make some choices on her own, she now decides to follow a passion.  That passion leads her to a man and that man leads her straight into a rivalry between their families.  I did think a little of Romeo and Juliet, just because of the whole no family wanted them together and they had to overcome that.

Laura Frantz is an excellent storyteller.  She takes you through the historical times of the 1800s and I almost felt like I had escaped back to that time period.  It was interesting to watch the slavery and abolitionists come into play.  I knew slavery existed back then, but I didn't think that abolition didn't come around until much later.  That was an interesting fact I learned from this book, along with more things.  I love how she made history fun to read and definitely not boring.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.  I'm curious as to how life will continue to guide the Ballantyne family and see if all of the loose ends are tied up in the next book!  Oh, and don't be swayed by the genre of historical fiction.  I think any fiction lover would like this book.

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

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

This is one of my favorite contemporary fiction books that I've read recently.  I laughed throughout this book at the many different webs that we weaved and at the different roles the characters played in the life of Miranda.  The cover of this book is very attractive and eye-catching.  Well done!

I'm hard to believe that this is the first book for Melissa Tagg.  I can't wait to read more by her.  She was able to make even normal, what might be boring, details into something that made this book stand out among so many others.  I can't place my finger on what it is about her writing that was so good, but I was so wrapped up into this book that I had a difficult time putting it down.  Maybe it was the humor!  The story line was excellent and fresh.  I loved her "husband" and found myself wanting 3 different men to make Miranda happy!  They were all just too easy to like, even when they had some mean moments.

Miranda is the star of the homebuilding television show, From the Group Up.  Her network is considering putting her show on the chopping block, even though it is loved by many and is so popular.  In order to gain support, her producer and manager think that it would the perfect idea to let Miranda introduce her husband to the world.  That'd be great, if she had one.  Enter in Blaze who is ready to step up to star in the role of husband.  And Matthew is ready to find out all he can about Miranda and the skeletons in her closet.  However, he has to chose between revealing all or keeping secrets himself.  

I can't wait to read more by Melissa Tagg.  Hopefully I don't have to wait too long!

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Made to Last Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013) by Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

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

The Invention of Sarah Cummings by Olivia Newport

I have been so interested in this series because I have learned so much history about Chicago.  I know it's just the tip of the iceberg in the amount of Chicago history, but it has really made me interested in learning more about Chicago's past.  So many things happened there and much of it are things that I never knew.

This is the third book in the Avenue of Dreams series.  The main character, Sarah, was actually a carry-over from the second book.  I struggled some with liking Sarah.  I don't think I ever really had a true attachment to her, except maybe towards the end.  There were several choices that she made that I really wanted her to know the consequences from making those decisions.  I liked the old Sarah from the second book!

Sarah grew up in the orphanage and is now a maid for the Bannings.  She's also a good seamstress and has been given the opportunity to do something with sewing.  Her dreams start to come true when she meets someone in the upper circle of society.  However, in order for Sarah to be accepted, she comes up with a fake story of her past, as well as a fake name.  Since I really dislike lying, I wanted her to be found out!

Olivia Newport has been one of the authors that I've started seeking out.  I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books and I really like her story lines.  She puts so much research into her books and it is just fun to read and learn!

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

Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker

So many people are touched by cancer these days, whether it's themselves, a loved one, or a friend.  That makes this book both sad and sweet.  The prologue is sad and I had so many emotions because I couldn't imagine, as a mom, how I could possibly tell my children bye.  I know that is an all-to-real scene for many though.  

The story picks up a year later when Grayson has a hard time moving forward after his wife, Jenna's, death from ovarian cancer.  Their 9-year-old daughter, Sadie, needs to deal with her grief and loss of her mom in a way that she can relate to.  However, that pulls Grayson out of his comfort zone and places him smack dab in the middle of a support group and in the presence of a woman who has formed a quick and close bond with his daughter.  

Annabelle knows exactly how cancer can ruin a family.  It ruined any possibility of a family for her.  However, she has taken on the project of making a quilt to be auctioned off that has clothing from both cancer survivors and those that didn't.  Sadie longs to help and to include some of her own mother's clothing in the quilt.  And since she's good with scissors, she's allowed to.

Throughout the book, you watch as a new relationship is formed, grief is dealt with, but love is never lost or forgotten.  Instead, they are each given a new chance at love and happiness again.  This book is in no way a sappy romance novel.  I think it parallels real life and the horrors of this disease.  If anything, I think there is more of an emphasis on healing and moving on than on the romance, even though that is certainly a part of life at times.

I really liked this book and it's definitely one to be recommended.  It was neat to see how the support group rallied around each other and encouraged each other, too.

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

Good News to the Poor by Tim Chester

To be honest, I was drawn to this book for several reasons, but one of the big reasons was the cover of this book.  I've never seen one like it and it looks amazing.  The other reasons I wanted to read this book was because the title seemed like something I was interested in reading, and I wanted to know how to mix social involvement with the Gospel.  I know there are lots of ideas based on cultural and political beliefs, but I truly wanted to step outside the political realm and read something that was based on the Biblical principles.  I was curious to see if it help up to what the Bible taught.  

I was pleasantly surprised that this book contained so much information.  It went far beyond my imagination and opened my eyes to some things.  I began to see the rut that we fall in (and I've caught myself falling into at times) where we share the gospel with a certain group in mind.  We don't necessarily mean to, but we don't normally think of taking it to those who are so desperately crying out for hope and someone to believe in.  

Since Tim Chester is a U.K. pastor, his perspective was very enlightening.  It was also interesting to see how things were similar both there and in the United States.  I also appreciate how Chester doesn't water down his words.  He writes what he means and isn't afraid to make his readers think and perhaps, hopefully, become a little uncomfortable as they think on the different thoughts he has raised.  I'm looking forward to reading more by Tim Chester.

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

Bumper Wipe Clean Activities

My children have thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old.  They couldn't wait to open this book when it came in the mail.  I've been able to take it with us to doctors appointments and other places that I need a quiet activity for the kids.  The size is the perfect size to fit in your purse or a small bag, which is great.  So many activity books are larger and require a big bag to shove it in or else you get stuck toting it!

The pages are very easy to wipe off and come clean with very little effort. There are different activities inside, like finding same/different and puzzles and dot-to-dots, along with many more.  The pen comes with the book and stays nicely in it's pen holder.  Then pen isn't washable, I don't think.  That's the only downside.

I would definitely recommend this book for any mom who needs some quiet, portable activities to take places.  The only problem is they may fight over one, so you may need 2!

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I received this book free from Kregel Publications 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.