Robin by Julane Hiebert

It's always fun to read a book by an author that I haven't discovered yet. I was hooked from the first pages. Julane Hiebert did an excellent job creating memorable characters that her readers would instantly connect with. I had a hard time placing this book in a genre because it's a good mix of so many different genres.

At first, I thought this book would develop at a slower pace, but it didn't. Even though it took a little bit to develop (not in a bad way), I still felt connected to the book early on. As a début novel, I fully expect this series to get better and better. I'm very excited to watch Julane Hiebert develop more and more as an author.

Robin was trying her hardest to help provide for her family and had a sense of responsibility to help her family. That's precisely why she moved to Kansas to do nothing other than help on the cattle ranch. Ty's heart is broken, but once he meets Robin in a very much unexpected way, his heart begins to heal. Part of that is thanks to a little boy who has been left orphaned after a terrible storm. When his ex-fiancée decides to show up in Ty's life again, many questions arise.

I definitely look forward to reading book two in this series, the Brides of a Feather.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julane is first of all a child of God. She is also a wife to Bob, mother to two living sons,Kip and Rob, two daughters in heaven, two wonderful daughters-in-law, Becky and Tami, and grandmother to six perfectly wonderful grands, as well as an additional three ‘other grands’. She lives with her husband in a wee cottage by a small lake nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.

Though encouraged by many to pen the story of raising two daughters with an incurable disease, she has chosen to incorporate the lessons learned into the lives of her not-too-perfect characters. Her passion is to present the promises and hope found in God’s Word in down-to-earth, everyday experiences through her stories.

Julane loves reading, decorating, junking, antiques, and chocolate! No particular order, but one would be safe to insert chocolate between all other interests.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1877 the Wenghold sisters inherited an overwhelming debt with their father’s passing. An uncle they’ve never met offers a solution—come help on his Kansas cattle ranch. The oldest sister, Robin, agrees to go.

Ty Morgan has suffered through a year of misery after being jilted by the town beauty a few months before their wedding. But a tornado whirls an unexpected breath of hope into his heart when he rescues Robin, his neighbor’s newly arrived niece, and a small boy who was orphaned by the storm.

Robin’s crippled leg prevents her from being a real help to Uncle John, but she seems to be exactly who Ty needs to heal his broken heart. Until his former fiancée returns and a mysterious, elusive stranger casts worry over the entire community.

A woman determined to honor her obligations, a man entangled in a long ago-made commitment, an orphaned child in need of security . . . Can God guide these three souls to peace and fulfillment together?

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

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

Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

I have looked forward to this book ever since the previous book had come out months ago. I have so enjoyed the story of the Monahan brothers. This has been one series that I have remembered each brother and their wives. I've picked up the books not needing to look back to the previous book to remind myself what had happened. With the number of books I read in a year, I'm always impressed when an author writes in such a memorable way with memorable characters.

Jarrod Monahan has always seemed a little mysterious to me. His other two brothers didn't seem as tough, but Jarrod always seemed to be so focused on the ranch that he didn't have time to meet any woman. But that all changes when Cassidy Starr returns home. She's a spirited girl who has had a lot of heartache. She has also had a past with Jarrod, but that doesn't stop her from speaking her mind. I loved their first meeting when she returns home. I definitely enjoyed a good laugh at that part of the book.

Considering Clapton has written about all of the Monahan boys, I'm assuming that she will not be writing any more about these boys. However, I'm very sad to say bye to this family. I love Pop and his relationship with the boys. The family has worked together to save the ranch and now they are enjoying the fruits of their labor. I hate to say goodbye to this family.

Read more reviews about this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton.

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About the Book

Kissed by a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, February 2016)
Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.
Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.
Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.
Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

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.
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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.





An Amish Market by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Vannetta Chapman

I really enjoy reading these Amish fiction books that include some of my top authors in this genre. It's so wonderful to have four novellas written by each author included in the same book. Each author has a slightly different writing style and it brings such a variation to the book that I simply enjoy.

Love Birds by Amy Clipston is a beautiful love story between Ellie and Lloyd. It was sad to see Ellie and her mom have to struggle so much due to the loss of both Ellie's dad and brother. Now Ellie takes it upon herself to provide for her mother, especially since the man she has dreamed about doesn't seem interested in her.

A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller focuses on Hannah Lynne and Ezra. Ezra thinks he's too old and is set in his ways, although he can't deny that he has noticed Hannah and has even gone out of his way once a week to visit her for a tiny amount of time.

Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin introduces Isabella and Will Glick. I found this story interesting because the location is different from the other stories. It focuses on a southern state.... Texas! I will admit to laughing when Isabella broke a jar, but then I wasn't too fond of Will and his response afterwards. However, as the story continued, I understood more of why he gave that particular response.

Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman brings in Stella Schrock and David.Stoltzfus. This novella is different because David is a widower and is definitely not looking for love at all. In fact, that's the farthest thing from his mind. To be honest, Stella is more focused on the mill and figuring out why someone would want the mill closed and who it could possibly be. However, more is in store for these two who are focused on anything but each other.

Each of these novellas are obviously romance novellas. I wouldn't necessarily say there was a huge element of surprise because you ultimately know the main characters and who will probably end up together. However, I never felt that knowing where the plot was headed ever took away from the enjoyment I had in reading the stories. They have each been different, yet complemented each other in a way that does not leave the reader feeling like a completely different book is being written halfway through.

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

Word-Filled Women's Ministry by Gloria Furman and Kathleen B. Neilson, Editors

I have read the past few books by Gloria Furman on motherhood and the Gospel and have appreciated her encouragement and how she points mothers back to the Gospel and what truly matters. I also saw her at the Women's Gospel Coalition Conference and was so excited to see someone who has helped shape my view of motherhood. I also saw Kathleen Neilson at the conference, too, and heard her heart as she spoke. When I saw this book about Women's ministry, I was excited to read the thoughts of so many godly women who have walked closely with the Lord.

I appreciated the honesty in this book, as well as the encouragement. Each chapter is written by one or two other ladies. The Gospel is the central theme of this book and it clearly shows how big of a responsibility that women have in discipleship, as well as the role women play in the church.

I was challenged as I considered how my own church views Women's ministry and how so many Women's ministries are all about activities and other things besides investing in the lives of the women with the reminder that eternity is at stake for every person. Intentionality is missing in today's culture and in many of our churches. As I finished this book, a sense of urgency and longing filled my heart as I began to see what a privilege we women have in serving in our church. My favorite chapter was the chapter on the younger women and older women in a mentorship and being disciplined. They were beautiful letters included into hat chapter. I also enjoyed the personal stories of people who are living out the Gospel and fulfilling the role that God had place them in, and doing it joyfully and diligently.

Any woman in church, or any woman who is leading a Women's ministry, should definitely read this book. There is something for every woman within the pages of this book.

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



Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

This is the first book that I have read by Johnnie Alexander and I am already anxiously awaiting her next book to come out in the Misty Willow Series. I was instantly hooked within the first few pages of the book and absolutely enjoyed every character in the story.

AJ was probably my favorite because he was that knight in shining armor. He had dealt with a lot, suffered many loses, and been punished but he had never lost his heart for doing the right thing. In fact, it was the right thing that could cost him the thing that he wanted most in this world.

Brett. I was surprised to find my heart turning a little towards him by the end. I was glad to see that the next book picks up on his story because he has so much to tell. He is that boy that can swing either way. He's been that wild boy that charms, but is learning that may not be what he truly wants. I'm excited to see what way he chooses next.

Brett's sister just frustrated me. I'm hoping more of her story will be picked up in later books, as well. All three of these characters have suffered loss and each have their own way of protecting their hearts so they don't get hurt again. She just comes across as very hurtful, even to her family.

Shelby and her girls are the sweetest. I would have liked to know more about her past marriage and have been intrigued by what her deceased husband was like and what their marriage was like. It hinted at the fact that there were some problems, but I would have liked to know more about that. Who knows.... maybe that will be revealed later in the series, too. Family is very important to me, so I loved that quality about Shelby. Her grandparents were very dear to her and their house wasn't just a house to her. It held so many memories and she wanted those memories for her children.

This was a beautiful story of making hard choices, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The characters also wrestle with what God has planned for them, whether it is in the U.S. or on the mission field.

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Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander Can love redeem a broken past? Shelby Kincaid is ready to move forward after the death of her husband left her devastated. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family's homestead, Misty Willow, so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she has her work cut out for her. AJ Sullivan never wanted Shelby's family homestead in the first place. His grandfather left it to him as punishment for not following his wishes, and he's let it fall into ruin. AJ's more than happy to unload it to this spitfire of a woman. But even after angry exchanges over the state of the house, he can't get her off his mind. With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and family history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home--and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other. ______________________________________________________ Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.

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

We Cannot Be Silent by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

In today's culture, it seems like the definition of marriage is getting defined and redefined and expanded constantly. Our culture does not have the same view of marriage as the Bible teaches and so anyone who holds to the biblical view is normally seen as unloving and intolerant and judgmental, among other things. I loved how this book help to lay a solid foundation of truth for anyone who is trying to gain some footing as to what they believe when it comes to marriage.

I was blown away in the first couple of chapters at the amount of in-depth research Albert Mohler has waded through and condensed for his readers. I had my eyes opened on a few things that I never knew happened and the church's response to it when it did, such as birth control pills. I was also very surprised at how clearly he connected the dots to show how the moral revolution happened. I've heard of these events separately but I never connected the dots until I read this book. There was a lot of information but it never felt like a heavy read to me.

With 10 chapters, Mohler lays out the revolution, what started it, how the homosexual movement happened, where the transgender revolution came from, how marriage has dissolved and then he goes back to the Bible. He shows his readers what the Bible really has to say about sex and then he discusses religious liberty and the right we have to be. Christian. And then he gets to the chapter that I think so many Christians have difficulty with: The Church and the Challenge of compassionately speaking out in truth. It has to be done in love, but it does have to be done. Lastly, he doesn't shy away from those hard questions that we wrestle with daily or that we get asked or accused of often.

This book is a wealth of information and it is one that I'll be keeping on my shelves as a great resource in these times that are changing so fast. I definitely want to read it again because I know I missed some things. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Albert Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He does not take this issue lightly and takes his readers back to the Bible as his ultimate authority.

 

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

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

I had never heard of the KonMari Method until a few weeks go when I saw a video tutorial of her folding socks and other clothes to fit into a box. I couldn't stop watching because I was so amazed at how neat and tidy it all looked. And it didn't take up much room and looked like it would make things so much easier to find. So when I saw this book coming out, I was interested enough to grab it!

My first thought as I flipped through the book was "Wow!" I enjoyed seeing the illustrations on how to fold certain items. They were perfect instructions and not one step was left out. I was easily able to figure it out. Believe it or not, it was a lot of fun to do. Who knew that about tidying?!

The theme of the book is about sparking joy, as indicated on the title. Everything she says about cleaning up goes back to joy. She even hits on the sore spot for book lovers--decluttering books and how to choose which books to let go of and which ones to keep on your shelves. My heart may have skipped a few beats as I thought about going through my own shelves.

The book breaks the sections up into very specific parts, including your recreational things, seasonal things, kitchen items, photos, books, etc. If it takes up a spot in your house, you can pretty much guarantee there's a spot in the book that discusses it.

I've kept this book out on my kitchen counters so I am reminded to do just a little bit every day. It is a little time consuming in the beginning, but I am so looking forward to having everything neat and tidy in my house. Well, at least the places where my children aren't located. I went ahead and bought the first book because I wanted to know even more about this method and why so many people are talking about it.

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I received this book free from Ten Speed Press through the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.