When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This is such a beautiful cover. I don't know if it's because it uses my favorite colors or what exactly, but it screams relaxation to me just by looking at it. Well done on the cover!

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a staple on my bookshelf. I'm pretty certain I've read most of her books and have always enjoyed them. This is the second book in her series Zimmerman Restoration Series.

I always enjoy books that build off a previous one. I feel a deeper connection with the story because the reader grows to know the characters more. This book could be read alone, but has so much more meaning if you have read the first one in the series. However, if you're one of those people who doesn't mind starting in the middle of the series, then by all means, go for it! I think that you'll be able to quickly decipher what all is happening easily enough.

Another thing I appreciate about this book is it's unique writing style. I read a lot so I enjoy when I come across a book written just a little bit differently. This book is written from the point of view of four different people. I like getting each character's perspective on the different situation. It flowed beautiful with the perfect transitions and I never felt like I had been lost in the book.

Now I have to stay tuned to book 3 in this series because I need to have this story resolved. I'll warn you that there's not a definitely resolution yet.... you must hang out until book 3 is released!

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

Attitude littles ones Detangler - 8 oz

My daughter has a sensitive head and absolutely hates me fixing her hair. I've tried using detanglers, but stopped because they just gave off a fruity smell instead of a natural smell. They also left her hair looking a little oily the next day. I was a bit sceptical when I grabbed this because I really did not think I would like it. Of course, my daughter was really excited when she saw this and wanted me to use it on her hair that night after her shower.

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the bottle was that it was hypoallergenic and made without all the chemicals that others are made up of. That was plus number one. I guess plus number two is that it came in a super cute bottle.

When I sprayed it on her hair, she turned around (she's 4) and said "that smells so good." Of course, I had to agree. It smelled fresh and clean and worked wonderfully on her thin hair. It got out every single tangle without her complaining about me pulling.

The next morning I put it on her and it didn't leave her hair oily-looking. In fact, I didn't have to use a lot the next day because it worked so well from the night before.

This is one detangler that I will be purchasing again when I run out. Oh.... and another plus is that it can be found at my favorite store... Target.

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I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

I was excited to read this book after receiving it in the mail. I'm fascinated with book on midwifery and the cover of the book intrigued me enough to want to read it quickly. This is the first book in the At Home in Trinity series. I wouldn't say it started out as a fast-paced book, but it didn't have to. I was engaged from the very beginning.

Martha is a widow and has some personal struggles in her life, as well as in her work life. In order to be in the moment for her patients, she has to set aside her personal turmoil that she feels when she learns that her daughter has joined up with a troupe of performers. I could relate to her wanting to find her because any mother would want to find their baby!

Personal life aside, she also has to deal with the fact that midwifery may be in trouble. Doctors have now come onto the scene. In this small town, Martha is kept busy and her importance is realized and she has long been trusted by her patients. All of that could change, though, with this new doctor.

I am new to Delia Parr, but am definitely going to continue reading this series. I am looking forward to see where she takes the next book.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational
historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's
First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three
grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in
southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, 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.

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This book is the first book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's new series, the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy. I have always enjoyed Sawyer's books and have yet to read one by her that I have disliked. This book was such a wonderful start to this new series. I'm excited to see where she goes with the next two books!

My heart broke in several places in this book. The relationship between Suzanne and her mother was tense, to say the least. I can understand why because of some of the decisions Suzanne made, but the unforgiveness was sad. I can understand the disappointment from her mother, but I longed to see that relationship restored. Even after all of the pain that Suzanne experienced, I couldn't help but want her to have a happy ending.

The story landed itself to irony when Suzanne's brother contacts her. Who would have ever thought!However because of this, her life just may go in a different direction that she ever intended. Or maybe she dreamed of it long, long ago.

 I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series. It'll be a great book to take to the beach with me, I think!

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

London Tides by Carla Laureano

As I reflected back on this book and the title of the book, the phrase "when the tide changes" kept coming to mind. Grace made a choice earlier in life and followed down a path that she thought she wanted. But "then the tide changed." Life happened and some unfortunate events occurred. A new possibility has made her want to change paths again. The tide has changed in her life, but has it changed in the life of one person she's hurt?

Grace is no stranger to conflict or to pain. In fact, you might say her career has been built around that. I thought a lot about grace long after I closed this book. I'm not certain why I liked her so much other than there was something about her that was so easy to relate to.

This novel is the second one in the MacDonald Family Series. I did not read the first one in the series, but now I definitely want to and plan to do so. Other than being slower at realizing the connections between people (simply because I didn't know the characters from the MacDonald family), I don't feel that I missed anything. The book could easily stand alone. However, I'm sure it built on the first novel and provided updates to those who had read the first one.

Carla Laureano has endeared herself to me because she is a writer of detail. It's not the boring, get-on-with-it detail. It's the just-the-right-amount-of-info detail that made this book enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and catching up with the first one.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I studied literature and criticism at Pepperdine University and earned a degree in English in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different industries as a salesperson, marketing manager, copywriter, and small business consultant. In addition to my work for corporate clients, I wrote for publications produced by the World Health Organization.

I love the history, culture, and mythology of Ireland and Scotland, which form the settings for most of my work. I also enjoy incorporating my background in martial arts and fencing into the action elements of my stories.

I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. My debut novel, a contemporary romance entitled Five Days in Skye, was released by David C Cook in June 2013 and went on to win RWA’s 2014 RITA Award for Inspirational Romance. My three book young adult fantasy series, SONG OF SEARE, is being released from NavPress in 2014 and 2015.

I live with my husband and two sons in Denver, Colorado.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

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

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I received this book free from David C. Cook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti

I was captivated by this book front the moment I received it in the mail. I couldn't wait to read it. The cover just screamed relaxation to me and who doesn't like a book like that?! Everything about the cover attracted me to this book.

I was impressed by Cynthia Ruchti after reading one of her previous books. Her writing is engaging and really speaks to the heart of the reader. Her characters struggle with real issues. In this book, it's forgiveness for a reason that most books don't touch.

I absolutely loved that Max and Nick were in the same boat, so to say. They both needed second chances after making a life-changing decision. They needed someone to believe in them and forgive them and give them a chance to prove they had changed. That's easy to say on their behalf, but when you're the wife of a man in jail for 5 years, forgiveness doesn't come easy. It wears on a marriage and leaves thoughts that aren't comforting to think about at all. Add on the humiliation and shame and you've got a lot to deal with in a marriage.

Madeline Island is the perfect retreat to deal with these issues. It seemed fitting to have a little cottage by the water to reflect a new start. But with the new start that Emmalyn is making, she has to decide whether or not she will give her marriage a new start. It's much easier to hang onto bitterness and unforgiveness rather than letting go and forgiving.

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

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As Waters Gone By (Abingdon, May 2015)
How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?
Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.
Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Cynthia Ruchti

Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.

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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.

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

I really liked the cover of this book. With summer setting in, it showed me right away that it would be a nice, romantic book that would be perfect for relaxation. In fact, the water in the cover practically screamed relaxation to me!

Amanda Cabot has done a wonderful job, once again, of captivating me with her story. I was hooked from the first page and had a hard time setting this book down. The issues that this story brought up were something that many people can easily relate to.

Marissa has to struggle to forgive her father. As much as this book speaks on forgiveness, I also think it highlights the relationship a daughter wants to have with her father, whether he is there or not. It also speaks to the fact that sometimes God allows everything to be taken away so we can hear Him more and He gives us what we should have been asking for all along, if we'd only have known the big picture.

I liked how Blake and Marissa were the main characters, but there were several other characters that shared a big part of the book, too. Cabot did a wonderful job weaving their stories around Blake and Marissa and not making it feel like it had been oddly placed within.

I'm looking forward to reading book 3 in this Texas Crossroads Series.

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