Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron

I have only seen the Amish side of Barbara Cameron, so I was definitely looking forward to seeing a different side of her writing.  Having read many books in the Quilts of Love series, I couldn't pass this one up.  It was a book that had me drawn in from the first pages of the book. Barbara Cameron writes in such a way that easily can go from genre to genre.

I personally think I liked the book so much because I love vacationing in the city where the book takes place.  It was easy to remember the area in this book and took me back to a relaxing summer vacation and our upcoming one!  St. Augustine is so rich of history and beauty and one just can't help but enjoy it!

Since I'm not much into mystery novels, this was perfect for me.  It wasn't too scary and it didn't keep me up at night from bad dreams!  I liked the romance and how it depicted real-life relationships.  You never forget that a serial killer is involved, but it's not a terrifying book.  Some may be disappointed in that, but I was grateful!

Now I'm switching over to read her new Amish fiction book that is coming out!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

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

 

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

The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Beautiful book from cover to cover and in between!  I think that sums up my thoughts on this book.  After reading The Heiress of Winterwood, I knew that Sarah Ladd would not fail to meet up to my expectations of this book.  The Headmistress of Rosemarie is the second book in the Whispers on the Moors series. 

I liked William Sterling and I hoped I knew he could change his ways.  Patience was the one I was hoping would end up with Sterling and not O'Connell.  Little Emma was a sweetheart.  I'm glad her story ended happily.

The characters in this book are very well developed.  I felt like I had a good idea of who each person was and I could see their hearts.  Through all of the surprises the different family members revealed, I could see and understand why the other person reacted the way they did because I could see where they were coming from.  I hope that Rawdon and Lydia's story gets told at some point.  I am awfully curious as to how they met and why he married her instead of someone else.  While most of the loose ends were tied up in this book, there were still a few left to be tied.  I'd love for Cassandra to find someone too.  My heart broke for her but it was hard not to like Lydia.

The art on the cover of this book, both the front and the back are beautiful and elegant. It fits the time period perfectly.  It also depicted Rosemere quite well.

I'm definitely looking forward to book 3 coming out!

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/rosemere-by-sarah-ladd.

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About the book:

Patience Creighton has dedicated herself to the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. But the return of the enigmatic master of the estate puts everything she loves at risk.
Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she invests herself in teaching at her father’s school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to make the school successful.
Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin’s edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of property — including the land where Rosemere School is located — but possesses little money to manage its upkeep. When debtors start calling, he is desperate to find a new source of income, even if it means sacrificing Rosemere.
When a fire threatens the school grounds, William must decide to what lengths he is willing to go to protect his birthright. And when Patience’s brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience suddenly finds herself unsure of her calling. After a surprising truth about William’s past is brought to light, both William and Patience will have to seek God’s plans for their lives—and their hearts.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Sarah’s website.

 

{More About Sarah Ladd}

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. “The Heiress of Winterwood” was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.

 

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

For the Love of Pete by Debby Mayne

I'm new to Bloomfield, but I was lost in its charm throughout this book.  I really like the cover of this book and it gave me a clear idea to picture as I thought about and tried to visualize what Bloomfield looked like.  I haven't read any other Bloomfield Novels, but I did download them when they went on sale the other day.  I'm looking forward to reading them, as well.

Debby Mayne reminds me a little of Jan Karon.  She has that same down home feel that Karon brought with the Milford Series.  Neither were fast-paced reads with an intense storyline, but were rather good, calm, and settling books for those days when you just need a place to settle in and relax.  The beginning of this book took a little longer for me to feel attached to the book, but after a few chapters, I was involved.

Bethany and Pete were realistic people, but I struggled some with their mothers. I'm not certain I could have handled those two!  I kept thinking, "I'm glad my mother isn't like that.". I'm sure many people could relate to the over involved mothers, but I couldn't.  That was probably why there was a little disconnect for me at times.  Overall, though, I really did like this book and it was fun to imagine Pamela and Andy and that silly bird.  Besides Bethany and Pete, Gina was another favorite.  I liked her temperament.  The whole parade and 10,000 people in Bloomfield idea was funny, too.  Sadly, I do know people become obsessed like that when they are in small towns. 

I'm looking forward to diving back into Bloomfield with the rest of the books I bought.  It already feels like home to me!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.

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I received this book free from CFBA and B & H Books in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I love Stoney Ridge!  I'm so glad that just because the Stoney Ridge series is over doesn't mean that I have to say goodbye to all of my favorite characters from that series.  I was excited that Uncle Hank came beck on the scene because he was always one of my favorites.  His loudness and carefree personality was always funny to me.  He and Fern had quite a few memorable moments back in the day!

I liked Bethany's spunk.  She reminded me some of M.K. with her personality.  She didn't care at all what others thought.  Her and that scooter cracked me up every time that was a part of the scene.  The scooter depicts her personality perfectly, I think.  She blazes in and blazes out!

Jake has always scared me a little and that still rings true in this book. I'm so ready for him to be caught so he stops threatening people and scamming them.  I want Allen Turner to find him and find out the truth from Tobe.  I might also be hoping for some romance between him and Geena. 

Jimmy Fisher has been another favorite of mine. He has grown up a lot though in this book and isn't the same annoying prankster that gets under the skin of everyone.  He mature a lot.

So many questions left unanswered at the end of this book.  Good thing that I only have to wait until July to read the next book in this series.  I hope Stoney Ridge stays as the main setting for a few more series. It feels like home to me as I read because I see so many familiar characters.  It's always nice to catch up with some old friends!

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

The War on Christmas by Bodie Hodge

I really like the look and feel of this book.  The inside pages are filled with beautiful pictures.  The chapters are laid out in an order that makes sense and that easily flows.  The titles of each chapter are beautifully written and beautifully titled.  I liked the creativity in each of the titles of the chapters.

Nothing in this book is new for Christians.  If you are a true follower of Christ, then you know these things that have been written.  I see this book as being good for those who may be a little confused about Christmas or those who are new to Christianity or are seeking.  As a Christian, I believe in Christmas and the true reason for Christmas.  I don't expect those who aren't Christians to celebrate it with the same reason because they don't believe in God.  However, the political correctness does get bothersome at times.  There were a few times where I didn't agree with the author, Santa being one of them.  I agree our focus needs to be on Christ, but I also think you can incorporate Santa or the elf or the Jesse tree or whatever other traditions, to still have a focus on God. In fact, our elf never cares about behavior.... he simply likes to play with toys and make the kids laugh.  He is a goofy elf.  But we also teach constantly about why we celebrate Christmas and they are very clear in who Jesus is and why He came and my son chose to accept Christ right before Christmas... even with Santa and the elf.  I think it all depends on what you say about them and how you incorporate it into your Christmas season.  When my children ask me if they are real, my answer is "what do you think?". I'm not lying and I'm letting them enjoy that childlike fun I enjoyed as a child.

With that said, I did enjoy reading this book at Christmas.  It was a good book to seamy mindset on Christ and to really keep my focus on God and Jesus.

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I received this book free from MasterBooks Publishers in exchange or my honest opinion this book.



The Big Book of Laugh-out-loud Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott

We have had so much fun with this book!  My 5-year-old had just learned how to do knock knock jokes right before we received this book.  His jokes weren't quite funny yet, but this book has helped him actually tell jokes.  We have enjoyed telling good, clean jokes that I don't have to censor.

The book includes knock knock jokes, question and answer jokes, animal jokes, and even includes some "did you know" information.  It is 181 pages of good clean jokes that even I enjoy telling. 

If you know any child who likes jokes or needs a little help in learning jokes, grab this book.  It was perfect for my 5 and 3-year-old, but I think it'd be good for any elementary age child.

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

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Oh how I love Stoney Ridge!  I'm so glad that just because the Stoney Ridge series is over doesn't mean that I have to say goodbye to all of my favorite characters from that series.  I was excited that Uncle Hank came beck on the scene because he was always one of my favorites.  His loudness and carefree personality was always funny to me.  He and Fern had quite a few memorable moments back in the day!

I liked Bethany's spunk.  She reminded me some of M.K. with her personality.  She didn't care at all what others thought.  Her and that scooter cracked me up every time that was a part of the scene.  The scooter depicts her personality perfectly, I think.  She blazes in and blazes out!

Jake has always scared me a little and that still rings true in this book. I'm so ready for him to be caught so he stops threatening people and scamming them.  I want Allen Turner to find him and find out the truth from Tobe.  I might also be hoping for some romance between him and Geena. 

Jimmy Fisher has been another favorite of mine. He has grown up a lot though in this book and isn't the same annoying prankster that gets under the skin of everyone.  He mature a lot.

So many questions left unanswered at the end of this book.  Good thing that I only have to wait until July to read the next book in this series.  I hope Stoney Ridge stays as the main setting for a few more series. It feels like home to me as I read because I see so many familiar characters.  It's always nice to catch up with some old friends!

You can read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/sfisher.

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About the book: Book Two in the Inn at Eagle Hill series.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher---and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.

When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves---and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/stlG8

Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/stlIM

Meet the author: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Learn more about Suzanne at: http://suzannewoodsfisher.com

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