Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

I have enjoyed everything about this series, from the look of the covers to the story inside. I'll admit that Bea was one that took me a bit longer than the others to enjoy, only because I had read the previous books. I was kind of surprised to find myself liking Bea more and Molly less in this book! I never would have thought that would happen.

I had to laugh at the competition between Ben and Bea because of the things they argued about. The spelling competition had me laughing because it was definitely a unique idea. I thought the whole poetry parts were sweet, though, even if Ben liked to use it to antagonize Bea.

Ben was one that I liked, despite knowing how he was treating Bea. I could tell that he just didn't quite know, and wasn't for sure, how to express himself to not only her, but to himself. In his own way, he was pretty sweet.

Knowing this is book 4, I don't know there will be any more in this series. I have enjoyed reading about the Courtships of Lancaster County. I can't wait to see what plans Leslie Gould has for her next book!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/becoming-bea.

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More about Becoming Bea}

Becoming Bea | The Courtships of Lancaster County series
Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?
Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.
One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Leslie’s website.

{More About Leslie Gould}

Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller “The Amish Midwife,” a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller “Courting Cate,” first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and “Beyond the Blue,” winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.
Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Promise by Beth Wiseman

I will never forget a good friend of mine recommending Beth Wiseman's book. I enjoyed her writing so much that I have not missed a book she has written since then. She is very impressive as an author because she can bridge so many different fiction genres, like Amish fiction and contemporary fiction.

This cover made me not certain if I'd like this book or not. It looked suspenseful, which I knew was included in the book. However, I was a little nervous at the amount of suspense I was going to be reading, since I'm not much of a suspenseful book lover.

The storyline for this book is AMAZING! I kind of cheated (because I do that) and read the author's note first. I like knowing how the author came to write this story before I read it because it helps me to put it into perspective. I'll say one thing about the author's note...DON'T MISS IT! Wow! The courage Beth had and her honesty in that section made this book even more unforgettable, in my opinion.

I didn't want to put this book down. It is suspenseful, but probably in a different way than you would normally think. Mallory Hammond is a determined girl who has to learn the hard way. It absolutely broke my heart to watch her chose this path for her life, not knowing the amount of fear and consequences she was going to experience. After reading the author's note, I think Mallory will become a dear character to every reader. Tate's selflessness is pretty amazing, too, especially as the reality of Mallory's situation began to hit.

This is a book that has been hard to set aside and forget about. After finishing it, I still find myself thinking about this scenario and wondering how many others have had to learn this lesson the hard way.

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

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

Dreaming on Daisies by Miralee Ferrell

The cover of this book was absolutely beautiful! I was looking forward to reading it just because the cover indicated a beautiful story that would be fun to read. I hadn't heard of Miralee Ferrell and was a little concerned about starting on book 3 in a series. I am always hesitant to do that because I'm not certain if it's going to be a book where I really needed to read the ones before it in order to understand where this book picks up. Rest easy that this book is one that you an pick up and be okay starting in book 3. I'm sure the first two books added a lot of information that would have bee helpful, but I never felt lost with the characters or the plot.

If I had to sum up the characters in one word, I would say: real. Each character had good things and bad things. So many issues were brought up that had to be dealt with. For Leah, she had to grieve over her mom's death. Not only that, but her dad became a man that she didn't even know. In fact, to mention her father leads to so much emotion, frustration, and hurt.

Steven is that night in shining armor, I think! He had such a huge heart and much compassion. His life isn't void of real, hard situations either, though. I really enjoyed this sweet story involving both of them.

Now that I've taken this journey through Oregon, I might need to read the first two books since I enjoyed this one so much!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Miralee and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in Washington State. She loves to minister to women (as a certified Lay Counselor with the AACC) or through her writing, riding her horse, working in her flower beds and playing with her dogs—her 7 lb, long-haired Chihuahua, Lacey, spends a lot of time on her lap while Miralee is writing. Miralee speak at various women’s functions and has taught at writers’ conferences. She’s been writing since 2005, and her first book released in 2007. Since then, she’s had 10 more books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical romance, and she’s had the honor of being a best-selling and award-winning author.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father's debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson's family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah's family secrets—and the pain of her past—come to a head. They could destroy everything she's fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again.

This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman's past.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dreaming on Daisies, go HERE.
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I received this book free from David C. Cook Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, & Sarah Sundin

As soon as I saw these three authors together in the same book, I knew this was going to be an enjoyable book. These are some of my top authors and they did not disappoint me at all. Each author titled the name of their section by a name of a well-known Christmas carol. Of course, that had me singing those songs for while!

This is a Christmas book, but it's thoroughly enjoyable any time of the year. There are three stories that focus on Christmas during World War II. The Turner family has seen a lot of tragedy, but thanks to their grandma, she insists on doing what she can to still celebrate Christmas.

Each author focuses their story on a different member of the Turner family. Cara Putman tells Abigail's story of letting loss go and moving forward with life. Fear of having her heart broken again sends fear throughout her life and she has to make the decision to face her fear.

Sarah Sundin focuses on Pete. Pete hasn't always made the best choices. He has learned that despite a changed life, his sin still has consequences. He has to prove to people that he's not the same man he once was. As a side note, his relationship with sweet, little Linnie and his patience with her "handful" personality is so sweet. I wanted him to be Linnie's new dad!

Tricia Goyer wraps up the story of the Turner family by following Meredith, better known as "Merry." She's a nurse and has been placed in the frontline of the war. She will see and experience much sadness, but God prepares her to help her go forward in life. It isn't easy, but you get to see the beautiful story of God's redemption played out.

In the busyness of the holiday season, grab this book and settle up on the couch for some quiet moments spent with a wonderful book!

Read more opinions on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/glisten.

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About the book: 

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BwVP9

 

About the authors: 

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

Website, Facebook, Twitter

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

I enjoyed reading the history that fills the pages in this book. I can honestly say that I knew nothing about brickmaking and all that went into it. It was honestly something I never thought about until now that I've read this book.

Besides the history, another thing I enjoyed about this book was that Ewan was an immigrant from Ireland. As part of my family history, my great-great grandparents came over from Ireland and began a new life here. I'm a sucker for pretty much any book about Ireland or the Irish!

Those two things aside, I would have liked this book anyway. The characters were so easy to love and I was rooting for Ewan and Laura. I wanted them to throw way the past, trust each other, and not let society dictate their relationship. Of course, that's easy for me to say now where we don't have that particular kind of pressure.

I like Judith Miller and really enjoy seeing how her books are different from each other. This is a beautiful story and you can so clearly see God working in their lives.

Read more reviews by going to  http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmiller.

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About the Book

                       The Brickmaker’s Bride
Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia
Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Judith’s website.

Judith Miller

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas 

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

Saved by the Fireman by Allie Pleiter

I read my first book in this series a little while ago and really enjoyed it. It was a sweet story that I haven't forgotten. Gordon Falls is a charming small town that is a lot of fun to imagine.

This book is a romance book, so readers should definitely expect a love story. It's sweet, even if it is a little predictable. It's good when you kind of know where a book is going but it still keeps your interest.

Charlotte's grandmother was a lady who saw fit to use her money living life, not just to meet daily needs. When she passes and Charlotte is left with money from her grandmother, it come at a time when she's lost her job. Common sense tells her to use that to pay bills. She knows her grandmother wouldn't have been happy with that and would have wanted her to live and enjoy life.

Who couldn't like Jesse? He is innovative and not afraid to take chances. He doesn't let it bother him when people question his choices that don't seem to make sense to others. I liked watching his relationship grow with Charlotte.

This is a nice, sweet, short book that is perfect for a car ride or doctor's office visit!

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Building their future

Charlotte Taylor isn't good at playing it safe. Reeling from the sudden loss of her job and her beloved grandmother, Charlotte knows buying a dilapidated cottage in Gordon Falls isn't exactly practical. Especially since she just hired the one man who may love the property more than she does to help renovate it. Volunteer firefighter and part-time contractor Jesse Sykes can't stay mad at Charlotte for very long. Though she snatched up the home he'd planned on purchasing, Charlotte's dreams are big enough for both of them…if only she'd let him in. Charlotte promised she'd never fall for a first responder, but is it already too late?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town

If you would like to read the first chapter of Saved by the Fireman, go HERE
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I received this book free from Harlequin "Love Inspired" and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.



The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

I have somehow missed the first book of this series. I haven't read anything by Carrie Turansky and was so surprised that I had not seen her books. Now that I've read this book, though, I doubt I'll be missing her books anymore. In fact, I think I have some catching up to do!

I like reading books in this era because life was so drastically different then from what it is today. Not that I'd like to live in it, though, because of all the societal pressures. This is exactly what Katharine Ramsey is feeling. She doesn't particularly want to join the high society, but she has no other choice.

Kate's aunt drove me nuts. She was absolutely horrible to Kate in the way she spoke to her. I was glad Jon was there to help soften some of the after effects of her aunt's words. I know he wasn't in her class, but I really wanted them to forge ahead with a relationship.

Kate's attitude made me laugh. Her entire presentation before the king, queen, and princess made me laugh because I felt like I could have totally done those same things myself! I wanted her to follow her heart and not all of the rules.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series that comes out in October 2015. Wait.... that a whole year away!!

For more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/cturansky.

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About the Book

                       The Daughter of Highland Hall || Book 2, Edwardian Brides (Waterbrook Multnomah, October 2014)
What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?
Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at Carrie’s website.

Carrie Turansky

Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren.

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