The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey

Women's rights and duties have come a long way since the 1800's where most women of title we're educated on how to land themselves a suitable husband and increase their financial holdings. They were refrained from sharing their personal opinions especially among the men, and there were certain things they could and could not do, especially if one's family was of the upper social elite class. I can't imagine a time, when if you failed to do any of those things, you were banished as an old maid, but not only your family, but also society as a whole. Those friends you grew up with could no longer consort with you because society deemed that something you have done, or rumored to have done, now has caused great shame not only for you, but on your families name as well.

I found myself favoring the character of Miss Clara DeLancey, who found herself rejected by a suitable man she had dreamed of marrying. After that, it seems like every single season just brought more and more disgrace to the DeLancey name. She can't imagine trying to fit in again with another season of London, but her mother seems determined to find "someone" suitable to marry her. Unfortunately for Clara, she has resolved to stay an old maid at 25 rather than go through all the fake smiles and acting, just in hopes that someone will marry her. Her heart remains broken by the one man she thought she would be spending a lifetime with.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley has finally returned home after years of being away at sea. Hailed as a hero when his ship went down in an unexpected storm, he hopes he can finally put that behind him and try to find a future for himself. He knows his youngest sister has her heart set on finding the right man to marry as their oldest brother is a baron, so she can attend some of the social functions in London. He just never expected to find the perfect woman of his dreams falling into his arms when he rescues her from falling from a cliff. Was it merely an accidental mis-step or had she been trying to kill herself. With her running away from him, all he can remember about her is her raven hair. Now if he can only figure out just who this mystery woman is, and perhaps find a way to get to know what could drive someone to end their life so suddenly. Surely nothing can be that dire!

I received The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller compliments of Kregel Publications. I have had the glorious opportunity to read every single book in this series, and I am sure that this might just be my favorite because of how strongly I felt about Clara. To be pushed and pulled in so many directions and nothing she does right means much in her mother's eyes except to find the right man, and the right title. She refuses to allow her to socialize with anyone she doesn't not approve of, including Benjamin's sister Tessa, whom she adores. They accept Clara without any pretense and that is something she is desperate for, not all the foolishness of trying to find the right man to marry. This is the third novel in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series and am looking so forward to her next series!!! For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I am a traditional regencies fan, so this series really appealed to the romantic at heart in me.

For more information about The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Carolyn Miller or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today,

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey by Carolyn Miller

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To read more reviews on The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

If We Make It Home

I love finding a new novel from a debut author that is simply so great I feel the need to tell everyone. If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson is one such novel. It is a novel that conveys friendship, loyalty, faith and hope as its central themes. The novel is about sorority sisters from Emery House, that find themselves strangely all returning back to their house based on an invitation that the house is about to be closed. Each of them has a very different reason for attending.  For Ireland, a tree-hugger, vegan, activist, she has been offered a speaking position at the local college and is strongly advised to do so by her present Professor who is trying to deal with a potential lawsuit involving Ireland and a former student.

For Jenna, a middle aged, empty nester who can't seem to find the meaning and purpose to life now that her three kids have left home. She is overweight, but happily married and struggles with self esteem issues even though her husband Mark supports her in everything she wants to do. She feels like her only purpose as a mom raising her kids is over and doesn't know what to do. For Victoria, a successful wife and mother who heads up one of the leading ministries devoted to marriage and family, suddenly learns that her husband is having an affair with her assistant and leaves town without a note, hoping they might get worried enough to find her. She knows once word gets out about her marriage, her career is over.

The one thing that didn't plan on, was the unexpected and unannounced news that their sorority sister Hope, has passed away from breast cancer. They learn from Hope's daughter that she always wanted to take a survival trip into the Oregon Cascades with trail guide Glenda who operates this trips, but was too ill to ever go. The three sisters, who have not spoken in 25 years, decide to take a trip in honor of Hope. However, these three are the worst prepared to undertake this journey. Jenna is completely out of shape and her only real fitness challenge has been walking around her home as of late, Ireland is a vegan who is probably the only one who might make the trek considering they have to live off the land, and Victoria, a beauty queen who can't live without looking perfect has bought just about everything they would need but hasn't figured out how she plans to carry it all. The group is in store for more than anyone could ever bargain for and I will leave this review at that, because this is where the novel gets going and never lets up until the very last page.

I received If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson compliments of Kregel Publications. This is such a great novel because as a reader, I found myself a part of this group having to endure everything that happens to them. I could smell the pine trees and struggle with the rocky terrain they have to hike in. I found myself relating quite a bit to Jenna's character because I am facing that empty nest soon as my youngest will be leaving home very soon. I could understand the struggle of wanting to give up and dealing with friends you thought you knew in college but lost touch with afterwards and now find themselves struggling to truly be themselves as they once were. I will be adding Christina Suzann Nelson to my watch list, because if this is her debut novel, I can't wait to see what comes next. 5 out of 5 solid stars for this novel!!!

For more information about If We Make It Home, Christina Suzann Nelson, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

If We Make It Home by Christina Suzann Nelson 

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To read more reviews on If We Make It Home, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Liar's Winter

"Kindness if from the soul. It's gived 'cause it can't help but be gived."

That about sums up Liar's Winter by Cindy K. Sproles who has given us the first novel in her Appalachian series. It is about judging people simply based on their looks without looking at their heart. For poor Lochiel Ogle, she has had to endure the cruelest kind of abuse at the hands of those who raised her. Being found by Gerald, her 'brother' and given to his Momma in hopes it might help with the loss and grief she had been experiencing but all the babies she had only to lose them moments after being born. However that was not the case, because Lochiel was different. She had a mark that covered her check down to her neck and the entire family made sure to tell Lochiel that it was the mark of the devil. It was the reason why bad things were blamed on her that happened to the family. Even losing more babies after Lochiel came to live with them.

They kept her locked away whenever the family had to go to town. Her only boundaries were those self imposed on her by the rope that her Poppy tied to her waist to keep her from wandering off. If you think that was cruel, you might just want to see how Gerald treated her when others weren't looking and of course hiding the blame. Gerald wanted Lochiel dead and he would try numerous times to get rid of her, until one day she ran. She ran with the help of a strange man named Walton, who was a half-breed white man whose father was an Indian. He would help Lochiel hide from Gerald even if it meant constantly being on the run and never far enough ahead for Gerald to find her.

At this time of the year she wasn't sure if the weather would turn to more snow or spring was just around the corner, thus the name Liar's Winter. Now living with Walton and his mother Edna, she found what kindness, faith and love were really. Those terms she had been led to believe were a far cry from how she had been raised, like an outcast, someone different that had to be hidden from the world and no matter how she tried to believe she was good inside, she couldn't help understanding that she was forever marked by the devil and his imprint remained on her face where it would always be seen and thus judged in an instant as being worse than she was on the inside. It would take more love than she had ever known to change her life, if she could stay one step ahead of Gerald, who wanted her dead.

I received Liar's Winter by Cindy K. Sproles compliments of Kregel Publications. There are so many good words of wisdom the reader will come across and like me, highlight or mark those places so when I need a kind or wise word in my own life I can find it. One of my favorites is, "You never know the hardships others carry. Looks is deceivin so you love and respect everybody. Even the ones who do you wrong." I reckon I couldn't have learned a stouter lesson, since I had walked in the shoes of one judged." Even Lochiel (pronounced Lo-Kill) learns something by the end of the novel about God is, "He give me eyes to see the best in folks, even when it looks bad. He give me love and I know now that love changes everything." Perhaps that is why the Bible reminds us that love is the greatest gift! It even outlasts time! I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Liar's Winter, Cindy K. Sproles or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Liar's Winter by Cindy K. Sproles

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The Soldier Who Killed A King

"What would it have been like to live in the geopolitical center of the first-century world, when donkeys and camels were the cars and trucks, conversations over goblets of wine were the social media, and religious conflict influenced every facet of life? What would it have been like to live under pagan, political domination of Roman tyranny, while also under the oppressive ritualistic control of hypocritical religious bigots? What would it have been like to live in the very week that this dark, confused world was invaded by heaven - a week when history shifted from BC to AD?

The Soldier Who Killed A King by David Kitz, is a gripping story that offers its readers front row seats from which we can see the action. It's a hidden camera on the helmet of the primary witness of the history-altering drama when the Sovereign of the Universe, quietly riding a lowly donkey, overthrew the pomp and dominion of the most powerful kingdom this world has ever known. More than that, it's a look into the mind and heart of a man, not unlike you or me, who wrestled with the meaning and purpose of life.

As you read the thoughtful eyewitness account of Marcus Longinus, the Roman centurion, the soldier who killed a king, you'll feel his anxiety and anguish as well as the exult in his ultimate answers because - despite the differences of time and culture - his story is our story." ~ Dr. Barry Buzza

The Soldier Who Killed A King by David Kitz is a work of historical fiction. Like other works in this genre, there are points where imagination is essential in order to round out the characters and fill n the details missing from the historical record. However every effort has been made to tell this story in the biblically accurate manner. Frequently, when the story narrative intersects with the biblical account, direct quotes from the Bible are used. This book marks the week of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, a pivotal week in human history. Time and date entries at the head of each chapter acts as road markers as you work your way through the week. Most historical and biblical scholars situate this epic drama during the Passover week of AD 30, and if this is so, then we can pinpoint the many events to within minutes of this occurence.

I received The Soldier Who Killed A King by David Kitz compliments of Kregel Publications. This is such a wonderful book because as the foreward states, you feel like you are seeing these events as they occurred through the eyes of the Roman centurion. As you near the crucifixion, the reality of what really happened begins to cause your chest to tighten as if you were actually there. You feel the nails being pounded into the flesh of Jesus even though he uttered no words while this barbaric death was performed. This is one of the reasons I love biblical fiction because it takes those notable events from the Bible and takes the reader right into the heart of the action. I will be keeping this one tucked away in my permanent library and well worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Soldier Who Killed A King, David Kitz or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Soldier Who Killed A King by David Kitz

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To read more reviews on The Soldier Who Killed A King, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

The Captivating Lady Charlotte

My love for regencies came when I first read Pride and Prejudice along with being captivated by the series, Downton Abbey. A time where all the power went into what a man could acquire not only on his own, but through a successful and smart marriage match. If a woman did not have an heir through marriage, all her property and wealth went to the next suitable male figure even if it was a distant cousin. Women didn't have any rights, and in most cases, even those marriage matches were based on accumulation of wealth and title while love was cast aside.

For Lady Charlotte Featherington this is a fate she wishes would not be her future. Being in a loveless marriage just for the acquisition of wealth and title. She vowed despite her parents wishes that she would find a man suitable enough for marriage even if he wasn't a duke. A title her parents desperately wanted for her even if it meant marrying a much, much older man. At least she wouldn't have to be married long for that. When she sets her sites on Lord Markham, a very attractive man, her parents are appalled and try in vain to do whatever they can to ensure that she does not comprise her reputation and be forced to marry that man. But even if it means going against societies rules, she isn't about to let her mother or father tell her what to do.

William, the ninth Duke of Hartington has seen what a loveless marriage can do. His wife had spent her remaining days in the arms of other men, leaving him to deal with the aftermath of catching her red handed. In order to ensure his honor was maintained, he was forced into a duel with the despicable man who has taken everything he worked so hard to attain. Now a widower, all that remains of his former life is a child that isn't even fathered by him. One he keeps locked away with servants to care for her not certain what he will do. All he knows is that he will only marry again to someone who has his complete trust and one who can love him like a wife should. Yet he isn't sure that woman even exists.

I received The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller compliments of Kregel Publications. This entire series has been a favorite of mine with the first novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison which we see Lavinia and her husband again in this one as she works with Charlotte, a much younger woman to decide what is truly best for her future. Charlotte is unsure of her feelings even if she believes she knows what love is, Lavinia reminds her that is not what love truly is. This novel's theme centers around trust, and in it, both William and Charlotte will be tested to see if their feelings are truly what suits them best, even if it means they may not have a future together. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and traditional regency readers will absolutely want this one! It can be read as a stand alone but trust me, pick up The Elusive Miss Ellison first and then indulge in this one.

For more information about The Captivating Lady Charlotte, Carolyn Miller or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller

You can find Carolyn Miller on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Captivating Lady Charlotte, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Local Poet

I can't imagine anything worse, than being involved in an accident in which someone's life was taken and you are the one who did it. How do you live with that? Even though you had no choice when that person simply stepped out in front of your vehicle in an attempt to end the life they once had. Now what if the police think you were somehow responsible? What would you do to prove your innocence?

These are the questions running through the mind of Robert Seaton, a man who was simply on his way home from work one rainy evening when Laney Grey simply stepped out in front of his van and died from her injuries. There was nothing that Robert could do to avoid the outcome that was to follow. Now the local police are questioning his motives that night. Where was he coming from? Did he know Laney Grey before tonight? What about his involvement in a possible drug ring? Did he intentionally murder Laney to keep her secrets from being spilled?

Robert Seaton attempts to launch his own investigation to figure out who Laney Grey was and the only clues he has to help solve this mystery is through the various poems she wrote. Are they simply just poems or is there something more behind the words that she wrote about her life growing up and the very reason she stepped in front of his van that night. All Robert knows is he has to do whatever it takes to clear his name as the local papers and media are now labeling him as a murderer.

I received Local Poet by Paul Trembling compliments of Lion Hudson Publishers and Kregel Publications. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  This is a short, but concise murder mystery that conveys clues through three books that Laney Grey published along with a mystery poem that was posted to a local librarian the day she took her life. Was Laney leaving clues all along and was communicating to those who really knew her through her poems? You'll have to pick this one up and find out. There is a sneak peek at a sequel coming to this one, but if you love murder mysteries, then this is the book and series for you. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Local Poet, Paul Trembling or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Local Poet by Paul Trembling 

You can find Paul Trembling on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Local Poet, please visit Kregel Publications website.

A Trail of Crumbs

"He got that bread and broke it all to bits. As he and Gretel followed behind their father into the dark woods, he dropped pieces of it behind them, leaving a trail of crumbs so they could find their way back home." "They never went home," Beanie said. "Once you go, you can't never get back." (pg12).

Pearl Spence has had a tough life up to this point in her life. Having survived the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, she wonders if there is such a place in the world that offers anything green anywhere. However when another unexpected dust storm rolls into the town of Red River, this one will devastate the Spence family in ways they couldn't see coming. This time it would claim the life of her sister Beanie whose only goal in life was to be a part of Pearl's world and she stood back and watch as the dust storm consumed her without being able to do anything to stop it.

It was at that moment that the Spence family knew they had to leave while they could. Most of the town was filled with the places people used to live in before and now there were only a handful of families that remained, most of them unable to leave because they couldn't afford it or had no where to go. Pearl's family takes her Uncle Gus and Aunt Carrie up on the offer to move to Michigan at the height of the depression, but for her family it feels like a dream come true to see greenery in a land again and to raise your own food in gardens. However it was a complete change for Pearl's mama who seemed to have physically left Oklahoma but not mentally.

Pearl struggles to fit in where society has already laid claim to who fits in and who doesn't. She watches as her friend Ray makes friends while she is almost considered an outcast. She tries to act tough despite all she has been through, but it's not enough to make friends. She even finds more in common with the boys than with those her own age and her Momma is bound and determined to ensure Pearl acts like a lady, even if she doesn't want to.

I received A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner compliments of Kregel Publications.In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  This novel follows on the heels of her first novel A Cup of Dust where we first meet Pearl and her family. It picks up exactly where the other one left off and we still see the struggles Pearl has to face with dealing with a kidnapping by a crazy man who dragged her off into the cellar. Now she is trying to find a sense of normal in a world that is anything but. When her sister dies, Pearl has only her Momma to connect with, but it seems even she is disconnected from trying to find a new start for the family which again leaves Pearl to fend for herself with only her dad and Ray as crumbs that lead her home. I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and would have liked to have seen more about the Great Depression written into this book, much like the Dust Bowl still makes an impression in not only the first novel but also in this one. For me, it was kinda misleading since the cover states it is a novel of the Great Depression, but you don't really felt like anyone was dealing with it in the novel.

For more information about A Trail of Crumbs, Susie Finkbeiner or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner

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To read more reviews on A Trail of Crumbs, please visit Kregel Publications website.

The Elusive Miss Ellison

I can't say for sure what inspired my love for traditional regency romances. Maybe it was Downton Abbey or any of Jane Austen's novels, but I love the life of the ladies of that era. Responsibilities were much different as was a woman's role. Not so much subserviant but one had to hold her tongue and avoid saying what she thought, especially if one held some financial gain that would make her an agreeable match to the right man. It was much different for someone in service, because that was their lot in life and would look for matches in the same line of work as they were. Never did most of those relationships intermix with upper crust and those of servants. That is until Miss Lavinia Ellison, the daughter of the local Reverend and charitable do-gooder among those in the village of St. Hampton Heath in England.

The only way most of the town's residents life would improve was if the new Earl of Hawkesbury took a personal interest of those who serve his estate. Yet one could hardly be expected to answer that call personally even if Lavinia could inspire such a visit or plead her local charity case. However without his necessary funds to make the most basic repairs, it seems as if the revenue the Earl was anticipating would not be as healthy as he would hope.

It is Lavinia who challenges him to see the needs of those who depend on him, that they are not taking advantage of his good intentions and that in the long run, it will only benefit him. But since they come from two very different sets of circumstances, it is hard for them to see past what they only know of their own circumstances. Lavinia is determined to help those she deems less fortunate even if Nicholas, the Earl of Hawkesbury can't or won't. He is trying to see her side of things but unfortunately for Lavinia, he ability to temper her words with grace, doesn't make it easy for Nicholas to hear her truest intentions. Is there hope for either one of them? Time will tell.

I received The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller compliments of Kregel Publications. This is Carolyn Miller's debut novel into the Traditional Regency Romance, and I can tell fans of the genre will absolutely LOVE Lavina Ellison's gumption, grit and sass! The attention to detail instantly transports readers back to Gloucestershire, England of the early 1800's. I can't wait to see what will happen when Nicholas' mother gets a dose of Lavinia to see if she will applaud the girls determination or will issue the ultimatum most mother's made of their sons at that time in history. For me, this one was a welcomed 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Elusive Miss Ellison, Carolyn Miller or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

You can find Carolyn Miller on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Elusive Miss Ellison, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

Deep Water

We all want drugs to be made available that will cure the world of what is ailing us, even saving the life of someone we know. But just how does all those clinical trials really work? Are pharmaceutical companies really willing to risk whatever it takes to get their newest drugs to market?  That is the latest premise behind Christine Poulson's medical thriller Deep Water.

When a man dies based on the human testing portion of a new drug to target obesity in humans and offer something the world has been waiting for, suddenly everything is called into question. When the lab book goes missing that contains all the necessary information pertaining to the step-by-step processes of those who have been working on the drug and then the lawyer assigned to the case winds up dead, something is going wrong and they are running out of time to uncover what is really happening behind the scenes.

It gets personal for Daniel Marchmont, a patent lawyer whose ex-wife Jennifer was killed while investigating this case. Daniel's daughter Chloe will be one of the first patients to benefit from a new drug if the testing can be confirmed to prevent her from having daily blood infusions or else die from her genetic disorder and one that the lab who was also working on the obesity drug is handling. Are corners being cut for the sake of profit or is there something more sinister in the works.

I received Deep Water by Christine Poulson compliments of Kregel Publications and Lion Hudson Publishers. It definitely opens the readers eyes to what really goes on behind all those clinical trials and makes you wonder what might happen if something should suddenly go wrong when it comes to human testing. Is it worth billions if one person dies so others can live? A chilling look at a medical mystery, I only wish it would have closed out the story-lines a bit better, but perhaps a sequel is in the works to continue where this one kinda of left off. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Deep Water, Christine Poulson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Deep Water by Christine Poulson

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To read more reviews on Deep Water, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

When There Is No Miracle

"Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" is perhaps the hardest question Christians are asked. Whether it is from an unexpected death of a family member or friend, the loss of a job at the worst time of the year, cancer diagnosis for the first time or third time, or fill in the blank to any number of things you wish you had an answer for. So how do you answer any of those questions and still give someone hope?

In the book, When There Is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise is a great place to start. I know for me, I have had my own share of questions for God and often times, feel when there is no answer and just never ending silence, it can seem as if God doesn't care or your prayer simply wasn't filled with enough faith.

Yet as Christians we know that Jesus, as the very Son of God, had enough heartache to last an eternity. Not only did He witness it in the lives of the people He came into contact with day in and day out while He walked the earth, but even the brutality He, Himself, would face through beatings, the crucifixion and even His death on the cross. So where is God when bad things happen? Why do we automatically assume God is to blame for both good things and bad?

You might reason that since God is Creator He could heal someone if He chooses or stop a terrorist from killing innocent people, so why doesn't He? Is it possible there is someone else to blame than God? Is there an answer when a miracle doesn't happen for even the most dedicated person of faith? The answer is a resounding yes to all of these questions. For me, this book was a great resource for my own prayer life in helping me to pray for things along the lines of God's will but in also helping me to understand God's expectations of us and what the greater purpose might be in these situations. I believe it should be a resource in any believer's library. Using the Bible, I can now help those struggling to find answers in the world we live in today and to accept the uncertainty we will face in some of those times. One thing is clear, God is always present in all of those situations.

I received When There is No Miracle by Robert L. Wise compliments of Kregel Publications. My reason for wanting to read this book was a dear friend of mine was going through her cancer diagnosis for the third time. After battling this horrible disease twice and winning, it was heart-breaking to see this come a third time. Yet despite it all, the grief was real along with the many tears that followed, but the one thing that remains true is her undying spirit that God has NOT forsaken her, despite an incurable diagnosis. While she might not win this battle, she is looking for the purpose God is using this for. What a great example of getting through dark times, we simply need to turn to the Light and remember while we might not see the miracle this side of life, death is NOT the end for the believer. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to know the "Why's" of life purpose when bad things happen in our own lives.

For more information about When There Is No Miracle, Robert L Wise or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

When There Is No Miracle by Robert L Wise

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To read more reviews on When There Is No Miracle, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

The Name I Call Myself

Some of my all time favorite movies are chick flicks with a touch of comedy added to completely make them memorable. The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran is exactly that and so much more. It involves a complex relationship between Faith Harp and her multi-millinaire fiancè, Peregrine Upperton or Perry for short. For one thing, you would think most women would jump at the chance to marry a handsome rich man who has eyes only for you, but Faith keeps him at arms length due in part to a past she hasn't yet shared with him. It's kinda hard when you have an abusive past with a number of men including your step father and then a roommate of Faith's and her brother Sam, named Snake.

Turns out that their stepfather Kane, is being released from prison and in doing so has vowed to take revenge out on Sam and Faith for putting him there. To top it off, Sam is struggling with all the mental issues that go with watching your mother brutally murdered and now the man who did it is being released from prison. It's no wonder Sam is a substance abuser and will use whatever he can find to help him escape from his past, but with all his panic attacks, he calls Faith whenever his life spirals out of control and she always comes to his rescue.

Perry's overbearing and controlling mother, wants Faith to wear her wedding gown which she and her best friend Marilyn have dubbed, The Ghost Web because it is so hideous and looks so horrible on Faith, that she would have to be dead to want to wear it. But Faith is a bit of a people pleaser and goes along with virtually everything that happens in her life, until she walks into the church her mother used to attend as a possible wedding venue and gets drafted into the choir. Believe it or not it will change her life in ways she could have never imagined, but first she will need to find a voice if she is to be heard. That is where Helmet head comes into play! Life is about to get so interesting.

I received The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran compliments of Lion Hudson Publishers and Kregel Publications. This novel will have you feeling all kinds of emotions from laughing out loud, to grabbing the nearest box of tissues. It is the perfect blend of comedy and romance to keep things interesting and engaged and I honestly enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. It's like Monster-In-Law meets Pride and Prejudice. It is simply that good. But before you begin reading it, you will want to carve out a few hours so you can enjoy it uninterrupted. My favorite part is the purpose of the choir. Oh how I had one just like it here, I'd sign right up! For me, this one easily hit at 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Name I Call Myself, Beth Moran or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran

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To read more reviews on The Name I Call Myself, please visit Kregel Publication's website. 

 

Lethal Harvest

Who hasn't heard of the latest claims of advocates for stem-cell research? Claims that with medical advancement, diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancers and more might be eliminated with the cloning of human cells to reproduces the cells necessary to reverse these affects. It has all been fiction, until now or is it really?

The current President of the United States is being to show signs that he may not be as healthy as his doctors and the press are claiming and when investigative reporters get a hold of a story, they won't let go. That is precisely why Tim Sullivan is so adamant about finding a cure for a disease known as akenosis, which is a deterioration of the nerve cells that will eventually kill those in whom it affects. In Tim's family it is all hereditary in males around the age of 40 and as the nephew of the President, he has been given government funds to find a cure before the President succumbs to the illness.

But as one of three researchers, working in the Center for Fertility Enhancement, Tim is using his free time to make advancement that his colleagues are unaware of and will have dangerous and deadly implications for them all. When Mexico's mayor decides to proceed with a fertility treatment, is unleashes a lawsuit on the center that will not only threaten to shut them down, but will seeing that those in charge pay with their lives when complications arise with the birth of the twin girls.

I received Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and unbiased opinions. While the plot and characters of Lethal Harvest are fictional, the techniques portrayed in this novel are as real as today's headlines. The liberty of inventing a disease and a few of the technological procedures are fictional, the research portrayed is both accurate and ongoing for the potential of both good and evil as the author's note states. This is chilling to know that this type of research is being conducted with often times private funding to keep the governments hands cleans even though they are fully aware that this is happening. It definitely keeps the reader on the edge of their seat to see how this one will all play out in the end. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and the 2000 version of Lethal Harvest is available for free for the Kindle, but has since been updated for this generation with all the advancements in technology.

For more information about Lethal Harvest, William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

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I Hope You Dance

I can't only imagine how hard it must be to find yourself dealing with the grief of losing your husband, but then learning that you are left penniless and with a mountain of debt you didn't even know existed. With no where to go, Ruth Henderson decides to pack up her stuff and leave her old life behind and move back in with her parents in Southwell, Nottinghamshire along with her 14-year old daughter Maggie, whose way of dealing with what she is going through is coloring her hair wild colors. It doesn't make her all that popular in school and soon she finds herself being teased. Her only outlet is to resort to violence which leads to repetitive phone calls from the principal to have Ruth attempt to curtain her daughter's wild side.

Ruth knows in order to move forward she has to find a way to pay off the debt without her parents help, even though they offer to write a check to cover all her debts. She wills herself to take a job working for a classmate, who subsequently had an interest in the boy she fell in love with at school and soon retribution occurs when Vanessa, the clothing store owner, takes out her frustrations on Ruth as a way of her coming to beg for a job. Ruth finds solace in her mother's well intentions to get out of the house and make some friends and finds herself meeting with a great group of women once a month, who share their own frustrations in life at the moment over some great food, and plenty of prayers.

Ruth's only regret is the love she left behind even after she married her husband, and that is of her best friend and neighbor David Carrington, who is a TV personality on his own wildlife safari show and comes to town fairly regularly. With trying to find a way to keep her own head above water and keep her feelings for David locked away in the past, you know it is only matter of time before they too come to the surface to be dealt with. It is a story of hope, love, forgiveness and redemption that come with a life well lived.

I received I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran compliments of Kregel Publications. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my own honest and personal opinions. This is the second book I have read from Beth Moran and once again love the escape back to old England to immerse myself in the small town life and English literature that accompanies her books. The characters are well developed and ones that seem truly genuine that you can care about what is going on in their lives. Not only do you find yourself rooting for Ruth and David but the many secondary characters we are introduced to like David's housekeeper Ana Luisa and his father, but also between Maggie and Seth who have more in common than they think. For me, this one deserved a full 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about I Hope You Dance, Beth Moran, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

I Hope You Dance by Beth Moran 

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The Brotherhood Conspiracy

If you have any knowledge of the Bible, there are quite a few biblical artifacts that simply come to an end. Their stories end through various books of the Bible, much like the famed Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark. Yet have you ever wondered if there might in fact be more biblical artifacts that the world simply has not considered searching for? What one biblical artifact would you love to search for and find? This isn't one of those Indiana Jones type adventures but Terry Brennan has really opened my eyes to some of these artifacts that if discovered may in fact be quite life changing. In the Jerusalem Prophecies series, Terry takes readers into uncharted waters throughout the Middle East in a search for what one group of people known simply as the Prophet's Guard want to keep hidden in the second novel of the series, The Brotherhood Conspiracy.

Just returning from his previous adventure, Tom Bohannon has attempted to settle into some sense of normalcy since discovering the Third Temple located beneath the existing Temple Mount in Israel. With it's discovery, it opens up Bible Prophecy to a whole new level and has created much anticipation from the Jews to begin sacrifices in the Temple of God once again. However the Muslims aren't about to allow that to happen. It flies in the face of what they have longed believe that Jesus was not the Son of God. Now with the entire Middle East on the verge of war, the President of the United States once again has need of Tom's expertise. Not only in uncovering the clues left behind on an ancient scroll which revealed the location of the Temple, but in his faith with God helping him get there and back against all odds. The President believes that Tom can find the next artifact that has every group in the Middle East looking for it.

Tom and his team have been asked to locate the Tent of Meeting, the portable tabernacle that Moses used when the Israelites crossed the wilderness and carried the Ark of the Covenant. It was where God resided as fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day. If Israel can find this artifact, they will gain complete control of the Temple area and drive the Muslims out of the area. It will take everything the team has to pull this one off, but the President firmly believes that Tom is the only one who can lead the team and find the artifact before anyone else does. It just might be the catalyst to ignite World War 3 on many levels.

I received The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchanged for my honest review. I loved the first novel The Sacred Cipher in this series, overall more than this one. It took me quite a while to get into the characters even though I had just finished the previous novel before picking this one up. You just honestly never know who the good guys or bad guys are in this group and why certain Prophet's Guard members just show up in the the most unlikeliest of places taking out more of our favorite characters. However, this is certainly an adrenaline laced series and now I am more than happy to dive into the third novel because just like each consecutive one before it, it gives you a teaser of what they will be hunting for this time and the stakes only increase. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Brotherhood Conspiracy, Terry Brennan or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan

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The Sacred Cipher

I believe what has always drawn me to the Indiana Jones movies is the possibility of the discovery of an ancient biblical artifact being discovered that might hold untold powers in the right or wrong hands. For those of us that study the Bible, we know that many religious artifacts still remain hidden even continually searched for to this day. That is just the reason for my fascination about novels that deals with that type of genre. A bit action adventure, mystery, and of course, suspense. For those that love such types like National Treasure, The DaVince Code or the Indiana Jones series, you might just want to check out Terry Brenna who has written a series of books called the Jerusalem Prophecies Series.

The first novel in the series, The Sacred Cipher takes readers into the heart of a discovery of an ancient scroll that has been found in the late 1800's by Charles Spurgeon. In the metal case contains a scroll consisting of a series of unknown characters on it and from all appearances is very old. The only issue Charles has with it is knowing what it says and even how to go about reading it. He only knows he must mail it to a professor in London who might be able to help. As he is attempting to do this, he notices a group of men want to stop him from taking the scroll from Egypt and will stop at nothing to ensure they get it back. Nothing.

As the scroll's mysteries deepen Tom Bohannon discovers an old map room hidden in an old church during the present day. Calling in support for what he discovers with scientists and historians he trusts, he unlocks a safe believed to contain a priceless collection of old religious books. Among them he finds a metal case containing a scroll along with a letter warning whoever has it that is must be uncoded and protected whatever the cost and that danger surrounds those in whose possession it remains. It will take an entire team of men to use all the resources available to them to unlock the mystery of the scroll and what they discover could quite possibly mean the end of the world if what is reveals is true. Now all they can do is true to find out if is true or just some kind of random treasure hunt, but if that is the case why are there so many people out there killing others just to stop them?

I received The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. At first the book was hard to get into with so many characters being introduced and understanding the difficulties in dealing with ancient languages and cryptology, but the more further into the story you get, the more involved you become in wanting to know if such a thing is there and if it is possible. By the end, you will do anything to get your hands on the sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next one. Knowing Bible prophecy, things just got a whole lot more interesting.

For more information about The Sacred Cipher, Terry Brennan or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan

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A Cup of Dust

I think as an adult I appreciate history more now that when I was in school. Perhaps it's because I realize that the things that happened in our past are not simply stories in a history book but truly impacted the lives of the people who had to endure them. Yet when we look back into our history books, very little was written about the Dust Bowl. We know how it came to be but not really how it impacted all those families who had to sit back and hope that things would change somehow and their lives would pick back up again if they got rain.

Susie Finkbeiner under the inspiration of such stories written by John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, took her research a bit further to really understand the implications of living during that time, just on the heels of the Great Depression and just before the second World War in Oklahoma in her novel A Cup of Dust. This is not for the light-hearted. It really takes the story of ten-year-old Pearl Spence and showcases how life looked from her perspective. Knowing that her family was better off than most since her father was the town's sheriff, her mother always made sure to help those out whenever she could, from baking bread to unexpectedly paying off the bills at the grocery store of those just barely making ends meet.

Living with her older sister Violet Jean, but everyone simply called her Beanie, as she was born a bit mentally challenged from being denied oxygen during her birth. Pearl's job is to keep track of Beanie who has a tendency to wander off without telling anyone. Her grandmother, Meemaw is her hope and inspiration and keeps the families faith going against the odds. The one thing they can never manage to do is keep their home free from dust. It is everywhere and at odd times of the day or night, dust storms could kick up and plunge the skies into darkness. Most people have moved on to better opportunities out west but the Spence family believes God will save them soon. It isn't until a hobo departs a train one day with the knowledge of knowing Pearl, that the family will be plunged into a darkness greater than any dust storm could create.

I received A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. There is parts of this novel that are a bit graphic and disturbing that might bother sensitive readers, but I would encourage you to hold out to the end to see how it all plays out. I almost put it down at that point, but pushed on to see how it might turn out in the end. Life is like that at times, sometimes wishing we could simply close our eyes and wish it was different, but I applaud the author for carrying it through so we can understand the motivation behind one character's action and how it impacted Pearl. For me I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A reader's discussion guide is included at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about A Cup of Dust, Susie Finkbeiner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner

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The Methuselah Project

This is one novel that literally crosses over several genre's and with such an excellent premise. Fans of just about any kind of novel will absolutely LOVE this one. Even my 16-year-old daughter is picking this one up. As I began reading The Methuselah Project from Rick Barry, it is hard not to draw a comparison of sorts between that of Steve Rogers of the Captain America fame, but it does take a unique twist on the concept.

Roger Green was a fighter pilot who is shot down over Germany during World War II and instead of finding himself in a prisoner of war camp, he is abducted by German scientists along with six others who have been captured for a unique experiment without their consent. Believing that if they can locate a way to prolong human life to that of Methuselah from the Bible, the oldest living recorded human being, they can ensure that Hitler's Third Reich will last at least a thousand years. Now they just need to discover how to make that happen, and Roger is one of the seven who will be tested.

He doesn't expect it will work, but soon discovers that his body has the uncanny ability to heal itself faster than normal. When the allied planes however begin bombing the basement where he and six others are kept, he soon finds that he is the sole survivor and that the secrets to his longevity are now buried along with his companions. But Germany isn't about to release Roger until they can figure out how to recreate the formula that now has made Roger, the potential for the longest living man ever. What Roger doesn't know is just how long that may take.

I received The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this novel, and the opinions contained here are strictly my own honest opinions. Being a huge fan of WWII fiction, history and the Bible, this contained a unique premise I really want to read and see how it would all play out. What would someone do who was born and served in WWII and would be held far longer than he would expect to live. Much like Steve Rogers of the Captain America fame, it would be hard to acclimate to a new century without having gone through it and suddenly see things from a technological advancement like we have today, when Roger finally escapes. How will he process those changes and stay out of harms way from those who want the secrets that lie hidden within his DNA. Imagine the possibilities of someone who could outlive others by hundreds of years! This one hit a home run in my opinion and thus the reason for giving it a 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about The Methuselah Project, Rick Barry or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

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Heartbreak Trail

No matter how hard Andrea Carter tries to fit in, she's like a square peg in a round hole. Growing up among her brothers on the Circle C Ranch, she wants to be just like her brothers, but at the same time struggles with what her mother, sisters and unfortunately most of her brothers want, which is for Andi to grow up and learn the things women are supposed to. To live a life in preparation for starting her own family and finding a suitable match. But no matter how hard she tries, she has a deep fondness for learning all about ranching and this time, she wants to be a part of the cattle drive.

Luckily for her, with her 15th birthday just around the corner, she might have an edge to getting what she wishes. Her mother and older sisters want her to begin planning her quinceaneras, her mother poses the question what would she like to do, and that provides just the opening that she wanted in order to try and convince her mother to let her go. She has even backed up her case with newspaper articles about other women who have bypassed the traditional roles for women and taken part of becoming ranchers and even blazing their own cattle drives. Even her own mother at one time, did just that, but she wants a much different life for Andi than what she has now.

Nevertheless, she gets her mother's approval to take this one final challenge and hopefully set all those ranching dreams to rest, once she understands and sees that being a part of a cattle drive is a far cry from what she is imagining it will be and her first lesson begins with the fact, she won't be riding, her own horse, but instead be offering to help the Cook with riding in the wagon and preparing all the meals along the way. That is just fine until she learns a certain handsome new cowboy is about to join the cattle drive and he has his eyes set on impressing Andi at all costs. Will this be a dream come true or simply a wake up call for Andi as she gets her birthday wish?

I received Heartbreak Trail by Susan K. Marlow compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of the book and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the second book in the Circle C Milestones series and once again chronicles the life of Andrea Carter as she is making the transition from childhood into adulthood by being a part of the Circle C Ranching operations. It's a coming of age story in a different manner than most because of the crossroads that Andi finds herself at. Still struggling with understanding her own wants and then realizing the bigger picture her choices play in what she wants to do, impact more than just herself. This is an exceptional series for young teens and I know it would have been one of my favorites growing up with a love of horses and a bit of the old west along the way. For this reason I'd give this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Heartbreak Trail, Susan K. Marlow or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Heartbreak Trail by Susan K. Marlow

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The Lost Garden

When I was growing up, I loved the story of the Secret Garden, not sure if it has to do with the secrecy of having a place you can go to that no one else does or if there is something about watching the things you plant grow and flourish into a thing of beauty, but lovers of that premise will love the newest novel from Katharine Swartz, The Lost Garden. It parallels two different time periods so it's hard to classify it as a contemporary or historical, because it is both.

One is contemporary present day involving the lives of Marin Ellis, who is now the caretaker of her half sister Rebecca after the death of her father and his second wife. Together they are embarking on a journey of sorts between finding a common place in their new relationship together that was thrust upon them by circumstance. Not having a starting place aside from having the same father, the age differences impact them as well, with Marin having to try to find a way to be not really a mother to Rebecca but one of authority in a way without the title, and at the same time, becoming a friend and sister as well. Their common ground at this point is when Rebecca insists on a clean start for her own life, as she is now a bit of a loner and doesn't want the stigma attached to her as something to be pitied by her friends at school and hopes for a new outlook on life with the purchase of a vicar's cottage in the village of Goswell, where they find a garden locked almost hidden behind a wall that has been clearly neglected.

As the two make plans to find a way to bring life back into their garden, they discover a long history to the ones that originally created it from the 1900's, when we learn that Eleanor Sanderson, who was the daughter of the Goswell's vicar who created this garden in an attempt to find healing and a new way of life after losing her brother Walter during the war. It will be a story that is timeless as it crosses the boundary of two different lives and two different periods in history that shows that life can begin again if you are willing to put the effort into what you value as important in your life. It can be quite life changing in remarkable ways.

I received The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz compliments of Lion Hudson and Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my honest review aside from a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained are strictly my own. I absolutely loved this novel because I have found myself to be quite the gardener as well, and successfully have created two very different gardens over the past 10 years. For me, they are a place to understand what is really important, a place of birth, growth and beauty, and that is what you find in the two stories between the Ellis's and Sanderson's that almost everyone can find something they can relate to! I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and look to future novels from Katharine Swartz in the future. The Lost Garden is the second book in the Tales from Goswell series and for me, I'll be looking for The Vicar's Wife, the first book in this series! Katharine Swartz is also the name for Kate Hewitt, if you can't find her.

For more information about The Lost Garden, Katharine Swartz, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today.

The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz

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The Broken Blade

The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer is Book 3 and final book of The Knight of Eldaran Series.

The epic final battle between the Master and King

Eamon Goodman is now the Master’s Right Hand. But despite being the second-in-command to the ruler of the River Realm, Eamon becomes the victim of vengeful plots engineered by the other Quarter Hands. Eamon finds himself powerless to stop them and the people he cares for are under threat. Eamon then discovers that the Nightholt―the book he long ago delivered to the Master’s Hands―holds the key to the Master’s power, which will become absolute upon the death of the King. Thus the stage for the final battle is set. Eamon rides out at the head of the Master’s army and must finally decide where his true allegiance lies. His choice will determine the fate of the River Realm. 

This final book is the culmination of who Eamon is and how his past and present plays out in the final battle between good and evil within the River Realm and the Town of Dunthruik. I was absolutely hooked and could not wait to see where the story would unfold and who would be the ultimate conqueror, The King, or The Master. I cannot get into specifics as it would ruin the ending, but suffice to say that the book and series were well worth the wait. Eamon and his close people who he has put in certain places around him have been beaten, killed, tortured and he has had to deal with the pain and suffering of not being able to confide in anyone around him about his true service. Please read and see for yourself how the book progresses and comes to the final battle.

I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 for its character development and story line that turns and twist with danger lurking at every turn. I received The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own personal. This is a must read series for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis!For more information about The Broken Blade, Anna Thayer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer

 You can find Anna Thayer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels. 

 To read more reviews on The Broken Blade, please visit Kregel Publications' website.