Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

I enjoy light-hearted romance books! Debra Clopton had me laughing out loud in certain parts of this book. It'd been awhile since I've actually done that! Maggie Hope was a true character. She's a girl who is stronger that she actually realizes she is. Who would have ever thought that she'd need a horse and a cowboy in order to figure out just how much she could handle. Needless to say, she learned that falling out of the saddle didn't mean being down forever. She learned to pick herself up again and move forward.

Tru is a cowboy that any girl would love to know. He's a sweet gentleman who has been through a lot. His love for his brothers and grandfather is beautiful. He lives in a small little town, called Wishing Springs, where everyone knows everyone and is full of wonderful, fun people.

Betting on Hope isn't just romance, though. There is a little bit of tension throughout the book because neither Maggie, nor Tru, have a clean past. They both have to come to the realization that they can trust each other in order for them to move forward. For Maggie, that's hard to do when it's out of her hands.

I'm glad I don't have long to wait for the next book in this series to come out..... August 2015!

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/betting-on-hope-debra-clopton.

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A bet gone wrong. A small town’s meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.
Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it’s beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie’s bosses know this is the opportunity she’s been looking for to launch her career—and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.
Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he’d like, but he knows it’s the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru’s fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do—for her own good.
In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Debra’s website.

{More About Debra Clopton}

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.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.

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

At first, I wasn't certain I would even like this book. I had liked The Traitor's Wife, but usually this type of fiction isn't one that I gravitate to. I finally decided I'd go ahead and give it a try because sometimes it's good to branch out of my normal genre. And guess what?! Probably one of my top books that I've read so far this year.

I enjoyed all of the historical facts that were throughout the pages. It flowed perfectly within the story and never felt like a bunch of historical facts. I was surprised at myself when I at first liked the emperor and then I couldn't stand the man by the end. However, I will admit, I still have a soft spot for him, hoping things turn around.

And forget about the emperor's mom. I can't stand the woman. I'm not certain how the real Empress Elisabeth was able to stand her. I kept wanting Sisi (a.k.a. Elisabeth) to fire out some comments to her or stand up for herself more than she did.

I appreciated the interview at the end of the book that really helped give me more of a perspective on what drove Pataki to write this book, as well as more of a background. Normally I read that part first, but I waited this time because it made more sense to read it at the end, after all of the characters in the story had been solidified for me.

My only caution about this book is the fact that there were a few times that certain words were used that I thought could have been left out. I understood some of the behaviors because that was the time period and that was the culture. However, the story would have been just as beautiful without the added colorful words in the story.

Pataki has hinted that Sisi has more to her story. I sure hope so! Now I want to know more about this Empress who is so fascinating.

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

Where Rivers Part by Kellie Coates Gilbert

I learned a lot about food contamination in this book, without even realizing it. I was small when the Jack in the Box outbreak happened, so I don't remember much about that. However, I have heard about it and read about it at various times and was curious as to how the contamination happens and does so more often than we think it should.

The bottled water company that Dr. Juliet Ryan works for is considered to be a top-notch facility. In fact, they hired the best person to ensure their water was safe. Dr. Juliet Ryan doubles and triple checks her work and speaks at conferences to bring more awareness to water and food contamination and the need for diligence.

To say that Dr. Juliet Ryan is placed in many uncomfortable circumstances, some of her own doing and some from others, would be an understatement. She has to learn to forgive when forgiveness seems next to impossible. She has to turn to the one person she despises the most and finds the most unforgivable in order to expose a scandal that is so big and so wrong and that can change her course in her career drastically. When her reputation is drug through the mud, she needs only one man standing up for her, but that comes at a cost.

I forgot that Kellie Coates Gilbert had a law background and about halfway through the book I became impressed with her vast knowledge of the law. I flipped to her bio and realized that no wonder she was so fluent.... that's what her passion was! It never got bogged down in heavy details and the storyline kept moving at a fast pace. Just when I thought that I had a grip on one part, something else would happen and make it fall apart.

I'm looking forward to reading book 3 in this series!

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

I Choose You Today by Deb DeArmond

I really enjoy marriage books like this. It's great to have one thing to focus on for one day or one week, depending on how long you want the chapter to last and how long you want to focus on each chapter specifically.

The title of the book is one that speaks truth. We make the choice to choose our spouses each day. We choose our attitudes and what we focus in each other. 31 choices can greatly improve your love for your spouse. These choices aren't just for you choosing to love your spouse; it's also challenging the reader to choose to open up and be even more transparent with their spouse.

At the end of each chapter, there are choice questions that are meant for reflection and action. After all, choices aren't meant to just be pondered on, but they are meant to be lived out. The questions aren't necessarily easy if you force yourself to be honest in your answering of the questions.

Lastly, there is a prayer that is written that you can pray or you can write your own prayer. It's an important ending to each chapter because our choices can be fulfilled when God changes our hearts.

With Valentine's Day coming up, this was such perfect timing to read. I can see this being a great book for any married couple to read, whether the marriage is new, old, or just starting out or been going on for years.

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

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Book info

About the book: I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last (Abingdon Press, January 2015) Married for nearly 38 years, author Deborah DeArmond and her husband have made the spoken declaration, "I choose you today" a regular part of their communication. It's when we least feel like saying it that we need to remind ourselves that love is a choice, not a feeling. I Choose You Today features 31 scriptural principles that support marriage and help couples develop healthy biblically based behavior. Built on an introductory anecdotal story, each chapter has an inspirational takeaway of not only what to do, but how to begin applying the principles immediately. Thought provoking questions create talking points for couples to explore their own choices and experiences in each area serve to generate open dialogue of discovery. I Choose You Today is not a book of "shoulds," but one of clearly identified choices that each individual can make to grow their marriage and align it with the word of God. Every saying ends with a conventional wisdom quote. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/HLFvU   About the author: Deb DeArmond is an author, a speaker, and relationship coach-helping her clients improve their interactions at work and at home. Her first book, Related by Chance, Family by Choice: Transforming Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships, was released in November 2013 by Kregel Publications. Find Deb online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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

Devotion by Marianne Evans

I struggled through the first part of this book, but not because it was boring. I struggled because I could see what was coming and I so didn't want it to happen. I liked Kellen and wanted him to make the wise decisions that would honor God and his wife. To watch his decisions unravel his life and the consequences he would face was heartbreaking.

I also hurt for Juliet. I can't imagine what it would be like to overhear some of the things that she did. Nor do I judge her for how she kept her heart at a distance for some time. However, I loved the redemption part of the story. I loved watching both of them have to work through this difficult time and invest in something they may not have wanted to even continue in.

With Valentine's Day approaching, this is a book that makes you really think about your marriage. We may not relate to every detail, but I do think we can relate to taking our spouses for granite and letting other things crowd in to the point where our spouses have been crowded out of our schedules and lives. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking about how intentional you have to be in marriage in order to safeguard it from Satan. The temptations are real and everywhere.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:
My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series...and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my 'best seller' portfolio. What a blessing!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

'Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Devotion, go HERE.
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I received this book free from CFBA and Harbourlight Books in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

I think I've mentioned this in my previous reviews of the books by Liz Tolsma, but I must say it again. I absolutely love the covers on her books, including this one. In fact, that is the reason I first picked up her books. I think this look has defined her and set her books apart. I can spot one of her books right away!

I had never heard of the Santo Tomas Internment Camp, located in the Philippines, until this book. I had no idea of the life they were forced to live under the control of the Japanese. It was not pretty. I enjoyed the history note at the end of the book but am shocked by the one reason no one died from. What they existed on was absolutely absurd.

There were a few times where I was nervous about Irene's safety. She was a girl that took risks and knew no home, since she was a missionary with her aunt. She had to come to terms that her mother and father might not have loved her.

I liked Rand as the story went on. I'll admit that I was a bit unsure about him in the beginning. It was necessarily that he was a bad guy, but that he was a womanizer focused on growing his bars. He was not a one-woman man. I liked his compassion and the risks he took. I cringed at some of the decisions he made that got him in trouble with the Japanese.

I was carried away on a story full of history, love, and oppression, as well as death. I'm quite interested in learning more about this Internment Camp. There is a little mystery involved and a big secret to be revealed at the end of this book. It didn't necessarily end exactly how I'd hoped, but that's okay! It was a wonderful book, nonetheless.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/remember-lilies-liz-tolsma.

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{More about Remember the Lilies}

Remember the Lilies (Thomas Nelson, February 2015)
Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Liz’s website.

{More About Liz Tolsma}

“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.

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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.

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

I was so excited to walk through Advent with some daily readings from John Piper. He is challenging to read and his love and passion for Christ flow off the pages. I knew that I would get a lot from his reminders of what Christmas is truly about and what it's not about.

As I expected, it was challenging. It was challenging in a different way than I expected. It made me want to keep my focus on Christ instead of on material things. With the loss of my grandfather right before Christmas, the cancer journey took over much of our life since June, as well as grieving my grandmother's death at Thanksgiving. With that said, I wasn't really in the "Christmas mood." This reminded me that it was okay to not feel all into the lights and traditions like I usually do. What did matter was my love for Christ and the joy Christ gives.


I read this book in about a week (could have been a lot faster), but since I was catching up front the first part of December I wanted to be sure to end by Christmas. Each day is very short and takes just a couple of minutes to read. I found that I wanted to sit and meditate on the Scripture and journal, so it took it a little longer.

This is a great book for the Christmas season, but I honestly think it's great for even those times when you just need to be reminded of the purpose of Christmas and the joy God gives.

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