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Monday, August 31, 2015

The Ultimatum

 
 
Character development is everything in a novel and Detective Jeremy Fisk the main character has his challenges cut out for him right off the start when he finds our he has had his name and addressed released by Wiki leaks. He immediately is on the run and has to move from his home in fear of retaliation for his life all while trying to catch a serial killer/sniper nicknamed “The Yodeler”. This book is a one step ahead of the good guy kind of books where you never know what will happen or who will be killed each day as “The Yodeler” seems to be killing at random. Question is are they really killings at random or are they related to each murder in some way. Detective Jeremy Fisk has to put all the clues together from Drones, to type of specific bullets or any other information needed to hunt and catch this Killer. 
 
The book starts out by filling in all background of Jeremy Fisk and where he is at in his stage of life by fleeing his place of residence due to his and many other Detectives and agents personal addresses released via Wiki Leaks. He has to track down the individual who released that information as well as try to catch this serial killer who has yet to be discovered by the media
 
This book starts out a little slow as it fills the background of Detective Jeremy Fisk and how his background and life in general is turned upside down from his personal address and information released via Wiki Leaks to the public. I would recommend this book to any police, detective and murder mystery genre style. My rating is a 4 out of a 5 star rating as this book has a great storyline, but is a bit slow to start any action over the first few chapters. Each chapter doesn’t give any name or number of the chapter, yet just flows from one chapter then a break then into the next chapter and has book one, two and three within.
 
I received The Ultimatum by Dick Wolf compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers 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 my own honest and personal ones.  For more information about The Ultimatum, Dick Wolf or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below: 


You can find Dick Wolf on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels. 

To read more reviews on The Ultimatum, please visit William Morrow's website. 


Friday, August 28, 2015

Until My Name Is Known



Some of my favorite fiction novels since I've been a book reviewer are those that take a well known story from the Bible and expand on it without losing the initial meaning. We all know that there is more to the story than what we read and once again, another talented author has managed to do just that. Sonya Contreras has launched a series called Tell of My Kingdom's Glory and in the debut novel, Until My Name is Known, we are transported back to the time of Moses. Not the Moses who was put in a basket and floated up the river, but this was after his killing of an Egyptian guard and now he has be called by God to go to Pharoah to seek the release of the Israelites who have been slaves for more than 40 years.

Those familiar with the story remember how Pharoah isn't about to let them go, because they are the man power capable of building his empire, and no matter how many times Moses and Aaron attempt to convince him to let their people go, Pharoah refuses. After all he has the power of all the Egyptian gods he can call upon through his viziers and priests, so until the threats are taken seriously by all, the plagues of Egypt will continue. I love how Sonya will expand on the outcome of each of the plagues, how they might have been perceived by both the Egyptian people as well as the Israelites who got a slight reprieve from the plagues but still had to endure the first few. It showcases how Pharoah might have perceived his sense of power prior to the plagues and how with the downfall of each, he loses a bit more of his power but also the respect of his people who look to him for their sense of well being. Just like those in powerful positions, Pharoah isn't about to be taken for granted, and until it seems like it all is just about to slip away, he relents, but only enough to realize, he can't let the people stay gone. He has to bring them back otherwise suffer the ruination of his kingdom.

I received Until My Name is Known by Sonya Contreras compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Bull Head Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I look forward to seeing what is next in this series and it truly does convey to the reader, that God doesn't want any to perish but to come to know Him, through the many wonders and promises found in His Word. You can tell quite a bit of research went into this book based on the number of resources she refers to in her bibliography to help us fill in the missing pieces. The best part of this book for me, was seeing it laid out as the 10 plagues of Egypt were called down by Moses and how it simply did just happen in the course of a couple weeks. It shows how far God is willing to go to reach people with each plague getting more darker as Pharoah turns in desperation to the gods of Egypt to counter God's power. I would rate this one 4 out of 5 stars based strictly on the formatting of the book. I would have like to have seen it spaced better to help the reader from feeling overwhelming by the lack of spacing on each page.

For more information about Until My Name is Known, Sonya Contreras, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Sonya Contreras on Twitter to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Until My Name is Known, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 


Thursday, August 27, 2015

Unprocessed



I don't think I have ever read a memoir quite like Megan Kimble's. In fact the only time I will really read a memoir is if the author is someone I really want to know more about. However, her year long challenge to see if she could go without eating anything that is processed, was something I was truly interested in, especially after watching, Super Size Me, and watching how processed fast food impacts the body. I was more than pleasantly surprised after sitting down and reading this from cover to cover in one sitting and asking myself if I could do the same thing Megan did. My outcome, probably not, but I loved living vicariously through her while she did so on a very meager budget I might add.

When you think about it, most of the food we eat outside of fruits and vegetables are mostly processed in order to preserve shelf life and to last longer than it would without all those additives we seriously never considered what they do and if they are good for our bodies. I mean, they wouldn't be able to sell the stuff on the supermarket shelves if they did right? You might be just as surprised as I was after reading this. As Megan experiences things such as learning how to make bread, the old fashioned way, and what is the right grains to use, yes, she becomes a younger version of Martha Stewart and buys a grinder. She learns what it means by "rule of thumb" and how through trial and error manages to pull of home made bread that calls to her after she finishes baking it in the over. She shares with us all that even those tried and true places we believe may in fact be healthy like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, might in fact not be as innocent and healthy as we thought.

She takes you on a journey not only how things are made, but at the conclusion of each chapter, she shares her secrets on how to make things like sea salt, bread, chocolate, how to can tomatoes, how to make your own almond milk, and so much more. For someone like me, this book is chalk full of great facts like knowing for example that 90% of our sodium intake is from processed food and only 10% is added by us in our daily diet. What the difference is between all those brands of sugars, raw and natural as well as artificial sweeteners, along with the differences between all those milk products we find, which is truly the best for our body and why we are often lactose intolerant. You might be more than surprised. I applaud her efforts to pulling this off and I learned quite a bit about reading my labels more accurately and supporting local farmer's markets to sell strictly organic, pesticide and antibiotic free produce and meat. We may not be able to change how supermarkets sell produce but we can decide how to spend the money we earn in a better way to support small co-ops and organic farmers and dairies.

I received Unprocessed: My City-Dwelling Year of Reclaiming Real Food by Megan Kimble compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers 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 expressed are strictly my own personal. For this reader, I may decide to take up canning if done properly to ensure I have some great produce available when it is out of season, and now found some new uses for my food processor. Overall, well written, informative, and engaging to keep me interested in finishing this in one sitting, thus a 5 out of 5 star rating in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Unprocessed, Megan Kimble or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Megan Kimble on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Unprocessed, please visit William Morrow's Website. 


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Fervent



Looking for a great book on the strategies of battle worthy prayer for women? Something like industrial grade survival gear to face off against the enemy instead of taking on friendly fire, or being defeated in yet another daily spiritual battle? How many more times we will risk falling victim to the enemies schemes to cause division in our homes, families, marriages, relationships and just about every area of our life, while he simply seems to get better at it? If you are ready to get serious about prayer, free from whatever is keeping you held down and held back, wanting to reach our destiny and experience God's promises in our lives, than I would encourage you to pick up Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer.

Inspired by the upcoming movie the War Room, Priscilla takes us deep into the heart of the very ploys that Satan designs us to fail in specific areas of our life and shows us exactly how he plans on doing that. It creates an eye opening look to what his plans are, what the symptoms look like, and how we can pray more boldly for victory each time an attack comes. She even designed tear out cards you can create to put in the place you pray most often so you can use that specific prayer when facing a particular attack in that area.

As long as prayer remains an afterthought, no matter how badly we may want it, without the confidence, meaning, clarity, and vitality needed in our prayers, we simply waste years doing a whole lot of other things. Things that thoroughly exhaust us but ultimately don't work. We end up, for all our trying, missing the point on what God intended, missing the whole heart of what really matters. This book is designed to help you create, plan and pray specifically and strategically with precision in areas like passion, focus, identity, family, our past, our fears, our purity, pressures, hurts and relationships. It will teach you that when you pray about the places where we seriously suspect the enemy is at work - that is how we keep our prayers focused, not only on particular situations, but on biblical truths that are consistent with maintaining victory in the midst of them.

I received Fervent by Priscilla Shirer compliments of Icon Media Group and B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of this book, and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. Priscilla Shirer is not only a best-selling author, but she is also taking part in acting in the upcoming movie the War Room. This book is so great at helping you format specific and powerful prayers in certain areas in your life, because it is the one weapon that truly works in those spiritual areas of our life that are impacting us daily. For me, this was a must read because my prayer life could use a revitalizing and I got exactly that through my reading of this book. I would easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out this month.

For more information about Fervent, Priscilla Shirer, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Priscilla Shirer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Fervent please visit B and H Publishing Group. 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

After Alice



Just in time for the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carrol's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, comes this novel After Alice from Gregory Maguire, (author of Wicked), who picks up the story after Alice falls down the proverbial rabbit hole. The title itself can be a bit misleading, because I had the notion it would be a sequel of sorts about what happened "after Alice" came back from Wonderland, but it is the story of Alice's best friend, Ada Boyce, who readers get a brief glimpse of in the original book. This is highlighted in the opening to this book where we find an excerpt from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland where Ada is mentioned.

This novel on the other hand is what happens when Ada follows Alice quite unfortunately in an attempt to find Alice, thus the fitting of the title "After Alice" comes into play. She wasn't intentionally looking for her, but was headed out exploring and trying to avoid her nanny of sorts, Mrs. Armstrong, whom Ada refers to as Mrs. Armstrong Headstrong, who has lost sight of Ada and fears the repercussions from Ada's father when she returns without her. Mrs. Armstrong doesn't know quite where Ada has run off and spends the length of the novel attempting to find her as the chapters toggle between Ada's adventures in trying to find Alice while she herself is lost in the many wonders in Wonderland, and Mrs. Armstrong's attempt to find her with little help from Lydia, Alice's older sister.

As Ada struggles to understand what is happening to her, we catch a sneak peek at some of our beloved characters from Wonderland like the Cheshire Cat, the Walrus and the Oysters, the talking roses and more as Wonderland rushes to make preparations for the Queen of Hearts garden party. Ada finds herself always a step behind where Alice has traveled and even finds herself accused of stealing a spoon from the Mad Hatter and March Hare when she sits down for tea, failing to realize she had the spoon in her pocket when she was in her home, trying to console her sickly baby brother.

I received After Alice by Gregory Maguire compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from the free copy of the novel and the opinions contained here are my own personal ones. While I wished this book would have stayed focused on Wonderland, I found the alternating chapters involving Alice's sister Lydia a bit distracting from the story. It was like having two very different stories in one book but alternating them. It was not something I preferred, but did enjoy the those chapters in which Ada's exploration into the mysterious world of Wonderland come to life again. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and fans of Gregory Maguire's novels such as Wicked would love this one as well.

For more information about After Alice, Gregory Maguire or where you can preorder a copy of this novel which is released in October of 2015, please click on the links below:


You can find Gregory Maguire on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

To read more reviews on After Alice, please visit William Morrow's website. 

You can preorder a copy of this novel at Amazon.com.




Monday, August 24, 2015

When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family



I have absolutely fallen for the series When Calls the Heart, produced by Michael Landon Jr, and based on the novel by Janette Oke. Now part of the Hallmark Channel this series takes viewers back to the good old days of family entertainment, where good wholesome values and love can still be found without all the questionable content families want to see in their television shows, much like the old Little House on the Prairie series we appreciated quite awhile ago.

In the second series, Heart of the Family brings us back to those beloved characters we fell in love with in the first season. Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing)  and Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow)are facing a series of challenges in their relationship when Charles Kensington is thrown in the mix, a childhood friend from Elizabeth's past who believes he is the right man for her and has garnered her father's support as well. Seeing that her mother is well, Elizabeth returns to Coal Valley only to learn some changes have taken place, and for one, a new town name, Hope Valley now. School is just ready to start again, and Jack can't wait to show Elizabeth the schoolhouse he has built for her along with the help from others in town.

Mr. Henry Gowen has now become the new mayor and is still up to his underhanded ways to control those in town who refuse to adhere to the way he wants to conduct business beginning with Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin), and now added to the mix is Lee Coulter who is trying to revive the town through opening a sawmill now that the mine is closed down. Only Mr. Gowen will stop at nothing to ensure that Lee's business is brought down at all cost gouging him with fees and paperwork. Rosemary is still giving Lee a run for his money as the harder he tries to garner her interest, she keeps him at bay. She is now taking on an advice column in the local paper, "Ask Mary Rose!" She believes the women in Hope Valley will take her advice because her life is filled with glamour and romance!



Just when you think it couldn't get any seedier, Bill Avery returns hoping to persuade Abigail of his true intentions despite the fact he remains married. He seems to be up to no good dealing with counterfeiters but assures Jack that he is merely working undercover to expose who the head of the operations really are. Abigail meanwhile begins to accept the help of her newly discovered daughter in law Clara, who is trying to find a fresh start in town by being courted by the young men of Hope Valley. But Abigail is still dealing with the loss of her husband and son, and believe it's too soon for Clara to date, but is it?

I received When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family compliments of Hallmark Channel, Word Films, and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a free copy of the DVD and the opinions contained are my honest and personal ones. The running time on this DVD is 88 minutes and includes exclusive behind the scenes interviews with your favorite characters. I love this series, because it takes us back to a much simpler time in history and I've always been a huge fan of westerns and historical romances. Just like in life, things aren't always each to work out, much like the relationships we see happening in Hope Valley. They offer us a chance to see the consequences played out when they make the choices they do. I only wish there were more television shows like this. For me this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Heart of the Family, The Hallmark Channel, Word Films or where you can get a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:


You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest episodes and fun.

You can find Word Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest projects and films.

To purchase a copy of this DVD on Amazon, please click here. 


Friday, August 21, 2015

A Heart's Home



The sad part is here, and that is the Journey of the Heart series by Colleen Coble is unfortunately here. In the final novel in the series, A Heart's Home is the sixth book in this wonderful historical western series that is stationed at Fort Phil Kearny in Wyoming in 1866. Readers have gotten bite size chunks of this heartwarming series in each subsequent book that has lead us to the final part, and that is dealing with Emmie who has finally decided that she will put aside her past, and move forward in a future with Isaac Liddle. The women have formed a united front in this series with each taking a lead role at some point in their own book, and with the conclusion it's going to be one that you don't want to miss.

As we left Emmie in the last book, she was facing a future with a child she had with a man she believed was her husband. When she learned he never conveyed the truth that he was already married, Emmie realized that all she was counting on to help her move forward in the loss wasn't rightfully hers so she headed west to stay with her good friends in Wyoming. Only it seems that no matter where she goes, the truth of her situation follows her and threatens her potential marriage to Isaac if the truth gets out. If only Emmie can find a way to tell Isaac herself before someone else does, she might stand a chance. But when tragedy strikes the heart of the fort, Emmie's only chance at happiness slips away like the sand in an hourglass and there isn't anything she can do about it if she believes she is a good Christian woman!

I received A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation outside of a free copy of the book for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a poignant way to end the series, and find myself now wanting to go back and read them all in one sitting. Each of these books feels like a full length novel and the women I've gotten to know through each of these books feels like friends and not just characters in the story. They all have their own challenges living at the Fort and must band together to help each other out in the face of rising hostilities among the Sioux Indians! I'd give this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and hope Colleen Coble decides to write more western romances in the very near future.

For more information about A Heart's Home, Colleen Coble or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Colleen Coble on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on A Heart's Home, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


A hidden pregnancy, a promise sure to break hearts, and a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny: Don't miss the gripping conclusion in book six, A Heart's Home, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women's group to talk about the series.

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
  • A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
  • A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen's favorite recipes and group discussion questions
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen's website.

heartshome-enterbanner

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Uncommon - DVD Review



It seems that lately more and more of our rights keep being stripped away. Just lately, we have watched our traditional marriage rights between one man and one woman being challenged by the Supreme Court as well as the banning of the Confederate Flag and soon the stripping of more monuments and icons based on what offends anyone these days. Its funny how a difference in opinion has gotten completely out of hand and now rights need to be defended or rejected. None greater than anything dealing with Christianity. It seems to be the one thing that remains untolerated by most groups.

In the DVD movie of Uncommon, Aaron Chase (Ben Davies) has relocated to another highschool, Rosewood High after the death of his brother Chase during a school shooting. As he struggles to piece together his new life, he runs across his brothers journals that speak to him about what he only wished he had been able to communicate when he was alive. It becomes an inspiration that Aaron utilizes to challenge his civics teacher, Mr. Stevens, who feels compelled at every turn, to persecute the Christian way of life. Aaron even goes as far as sponsoring a student led Bible study at school but is bullied by the teacher at every turn.

Now that the school is subject to budget cuts, they have eliminated the theater and music departments which is disappointing to the students facing their senior year and now risk losing their potential scholarships unless they can convince the principal to let them try to put together a show on their own. She relents but only if they can find a staff member to supervise them, which comes under the unlikely candidate of the janitor, Marc Garcia (Eric Estrada). He manages to work with the students if they agree to put some time in at a local senior center that is going through refurbishment and needs all the help they can get. Will they be able to manage through the storms facing them ahead?



I received Uncommon by JC Films compliments Edify Media Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review of this DVD and the opinions expressed here are my own honest personal ones. While this DVD deals with the right to religious freedom in the high school, the overall film did not really appeal to me. I found that the lack of concern for the main characters was missing and thus the reason I couldn't thoroughly enjoy the film. Aaron's dry personality was something that just didn't engage me as a viewer and found myself wondering when this movie would end. The only thing really saving it was understanding the implications facing students to attempt to keep their religious convictions while attending a public school from a Bible study to a play centered around a religious theme. The Liberty Counsel which supports the film was the only real aspect of the movie I enjoyed. There are some bonus features like a discussion guide available at the uncommonfilm website and trailers for this movie. I would rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Uncommon, JC Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:


You can find JC Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest movies.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Counting on a Cowboy



Thankfully, I have never to this date, experienced the loss of a spouse, but I know many who have, and it is not an easy place to be. Often times, well meaning people, will believe that enough time has passed in their books, for that person to be willing to move forward, but what we fail to realize is that it is different for everyone. What we need to do, is to be there for them, as often as they need us and never underplay what they are feeling or dealing with from one day to another. That is the premise behind Debra Clopton's novel, Counting on a Cowboy, the second novel in the Four of Hearts Ranch Romance Series.

I quite literally read this in a couple of hours, it was simply that good. I mean who wouldn't want a handsome cowboy like Bo Monahan to be interested in helping you out. For Abby Knightly, she isn't. The only reason she sold her home and moved to Wishing Springs, Texas was to start over and based on the advice columns she read from Maggie, this was a ladies paradise for all the right reasons beginning with the eligible men that lived there. This wasn't the reason she moved here, she simply had to get away from all those well meaning friends and family that felt after two years, the loss of her husband Landon, should be old news by now. She should be willing to look for love again. For Abby, she was just ready to leave that all behind, but the problem was that no matter how far away she moved, unless she was ready to deal with things, it would follow her for the rest of her life.

Bo Monahan wasn't looking for love until it hit him, well almost anyway. Trying to corral a wayward steer, put himself in the middle of the road at night and cause Abby to swerve her car and put her into a ditch. Knowing he was partially to blame, he offers to be her escort around town until her car can be fixed. He just doesn't know that the more time he spends with Abby, and the more she tries to push him away, the more deeper he gets in his feelings for her. Thankfully, he has to put his mind on other things like a baby that is dumped on his porch that claims he is the father and that if this has happened, then the mother has passed away from cancer. Life certainly just got interesting in Wishing Springs and for some it will be quite life changing in more ways than one.

I received Counting On A Cowboy by Debra Clopton compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. 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 my own personal and honest opinions. This is such a wonderful heartwarming story because it deals with loss on a different level. It shows us that no matter what we are all facing in our life we can make it through it when we rely on God's promises found in the Bible. We just need to learn to lean on Him and one day before we know it, will we arrive on the other side in our own timing and with His! This one is worth 4.5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for the final novel in this series Kissed By A Cowboy which is slated for release in February of 2016. I will be sad to see it end for the Monahan family!

For more information about Counting on a Cowboy, Debra Clopton or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Debra Clopton on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Counting on a Cowboy, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 


A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don't miss Debra Clopton's Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.

Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
clopton collage

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on Debra's blog.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Goodbye, Magnolia



I am such a huge sucker for Hallmark Romance Movies and most weekends, you will find me watching the latest one just before my day comes to an end. Partly because I believe in happily ever after and love at first sight. Such is the case in my own life, and I've often said my fairytale came true when I met my husband. That is why I love a great romance novel. Guess what I found another amazingly talented author who knows just how to write a great romance too, Krista Noorman. In her latest novel, Goodbye, Magnolia, she takes readers into a college life between Maggie James and Simon Walker where they met at a Christian college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a photography class of all places. It is where she was given the nickname Canon by Simon, and they would have made quite the pair except that Simon was more of what most girls would have called a player. With good lucks, a knockout smile and more charm than a girls bracelet, Simon had more than enough girls interested in him throughout college, and it was enough to keep Maggie far away from the likes of one like Simon.

Years later, as she is beginning her own wedding photography business in Hastings, she runs into Simon once again. It seems that his Uncle Pete, wants to give it a go at the photography business but unlike Maggie's photography style of capturing those once in a lifetime moments, Simon's is more your formal sittings. In fact, he is so sure, that they are at opposite sides of the wedding photography spectrum, he invites Maggie to help co-promote one another's business based on what each of their clients wants. It will garner them more publicity than if they go it alone, but Maggie believes she's wise to Simon's ways to put her out of business. That fact is even more solidified when her two friends, agree to hire Simon as their photographer as well as Maggie to get the best of both photography worlds.

Maggie is so sure of everything she believes about just who Simon is, that she purposely goes out of her way to make sure they don't work together any more than they need to, but lately it seems like every photo shoot she has scheduled, Simon is right there with her. Coincidence or merely healthy competition? All Maggie knows is based on her past love life and heart break, she can NEVER trust another man especially one like Simon to ever get involved in her life. Will Maggie be resolved to always be the photographer at someone else's wedding or is there hope for love in her future where she doesn't expect it? Time will tell!

I received Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Noorman compliments of the author herself for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and aside from the free copy of the book, the opinions contained here are strictly my own honest and personal ones. This definitely needs to be picked up by Hallmark Movie Channel because it has all the right elements to make a successful movie. There are those moments of comedy when things don't exactly go off as planned, especially when it comes to capturing the perfect moment on film, to those tender heart felt moments where you are hoping against hope that they two will finally fall head over heels in love, and I applaud Krista's efforts to making this well worth the wait. Along the way, you meet some amazing characters such as Sarah, Maggie's assistant, DeDe, the wedding planner with all the right contacts, and even a guest appearance from Michael Bublè! Well worth every single one of the 5 out of 5 stars and I hope, we might see a sequel out of Krista before too long!

For more information about Goodbye, Magnolia, Krista Noorman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Krista Noorman on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.


Monday, August 17, 2015

Once Upon a Summertime



I am so blessed to be able to read Melody Carlson's latest novel Once Upon a Summertime, before the closure of summer for me. What an incredible series this is going to be and I can't wait for the next novel in this series! For those looking for an exceptional romance, pick this one up! You won't be disappointed.

Anna Gordon has always had a heart for hospitality, and thus the reason for getting her degree in hotel management. Having lived a rough childhood, living on the streets at times, she relished those moments when they would find a place to stay in a motel. She tried her best at those times, to make it the best it good be, despite what her parents did, and the very reason why she had such a desire for those guests that would come to a place to stay, wanting to ensure that it was truly a great experience.

Yet she never dreamed after all those years of attending school, that she would wind up working at the Value Lodge and living on her grandmother's couch. While all her other friends, were busy living it up at exotic locations managing exceptional hotels, she was questioning if this is as good as her life would get. Was this what her degree would be used for? Not to mention that the Value Lodge was beyond run down and the employees lazy and without the same desire for seeing the potential of what could be. So when an offer to move to New York and help manage one of the high end newly renovated hotels becomes available, Anna believes God might just have a plan in mind if she is willing to place her faith in Him.

She meets a long time friend from home, Sean O'Neil, who most girls had crushes on in high school has now been appointed as the day manager. The two eventually realize that they need a friend while trying to make their way in an unfamiliar city, but if sparks begin to fly, they both could be out of a job when the hotel mandates a no romance or dating policy among it's employees or guests. But all Anna needs is a chance to prove herself worthy so she can move on to bigger and better goals and New York right now offers her the best chance at a new life, she had only dreamed of before.

I received Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson compliments of Revell Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book for my honest and personal review. This was such a great novel, that I read it in one sitting. I was completely lost in the world of what it is like to manage a hotel, and being a huge dreamer of one day opening a Bed and Breakfast, this one will appealed to me. Readers even get a sneak peek at the second novel in this series, even though it is unnamed at this time, I can't wait to add this one to my personal collection at home. For me, this one well deserves all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Once Upon A Summertime, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Once Upon A Summertime, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances, book tour page. 


Friday, August 14, 2015

Glory Days



I don't believe there is one Max Lucado book that I've read that hasn't changed my life in some way or another. They all just seem to speak to me in the moment that I am experiencing and offer hope to what I am dealing with, almost as if God is speaking to me, through the words Max shares between the cover. Glory Days is certainly no different. It is a book that deals with getting us out of the hum drums of our lives and into seeing all the blessings and goodness that come from realizing who we are in Jesus. Taking along the for the journey, the Book of Joshua, each chapter walks us through two very different scenarios from the Bible. The first chronicles what went wrong with the Israelites as they followed Moses through the Exodus from Egypt. How they whined and complained along the way, at times following God and other times, defying Him. They would not see the promised land that they spent 40 years wandering around looking for.

On the other hand, Joshua who took up after Moses died, did in fact not only cross over into the promised land God had spoken of, but Joshua followed God without any doubt. It is this same scenario that showcases how we are either held back by our own insecurities, doubts and fears, like the Israelites or through our rock solid faith, we push forward, believing in the unfailing promises of God and move on to our Glory Days in this life. As always Max illustrates each chapter in our spiritual walk of faith or doubt with classic stories that bring the reader right into the chapter with things we can relate to, pet ownership, raising children, dealing with loss, illness and even watching the events of 9/11.

This book is amazing because not only does it walk us alongside a practical example from modern day life, but Max also shares a section from the book of Joshua in how the people were successful based on what they were doing, how they were living their life at the time, and even how God can use someone with a less than perfect past like Rahab, to bring about the salvation of her family when the entire city was leveled, simply for having the faith to believe in a God she hadn't seen before, but knew existed by the reputation of what He had done up to this point. Stories go a long way, and remember that all Joshua had to go by were the first 5 books of the Bible, with the last in the process of being completed, but he relied on it, body, mind, heart and soul and received the greatest reward in his life for it.

I received Glory Days by Max Lucado compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of this book and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This book will show you how to have the life you always wanted as a Christian, to learn to live your life fighting from victory and not for victory for the battle has already been won by Jesus. How to live a life knowing that better days are ahead and how to overcome rejection by understanding what it means to be a child of God. This book also teaches you how to change those negative mindsets we often make permanent in our life and how to understand the right voice to listen to instead of the wrong one. It leads us to make better choices in our spiritual life and leads us to a great fulfillment of the future God has laid out just for us, if we are only willing to take that first step of faith. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars and the perfect gift for anyone struggling with self worth or self esteem issues.

For more information about Glory Days, Max Lucado or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Max Lucado on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Glory Days, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.


Are you stuck in the wilderness known as midlife misery? Can you name the day you became a Christian but can’t remember the last time you defeated a temptation or experienced an answered prayer? Find encouragement in Max Lucado's new book, Glory Days. With God’s help you can close the gap between the person you are and the person you want to be. Like Joshua and the Israelites, you can move from a wilderness existence into a promised inheritance.

Now through August 31, 2015, pre-order Glory Days and receive free gifts!

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There are two pre-order options:

Option 1:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format), and receive a free digital download of the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado.

After you've pre-ordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Option 2:

Pre-order one copy of Glory Days (any format) AND one copy of God is With You Every Day (Max's brand-new, 365-day devotional—any format), and receive both the abridged audio version of In the Grip of Grace and a paperback copy of Traveling Light by Max Lucado (U.S. addresses only). 

After you’ve preordered, please claim your free gift by submitting your email and proof of purchase at GloryDaysBook.com.

Pre-order today and get your free gift by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the offer ends on August 31, 2015.

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Thursday, August 13, 2015

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:


You can find Susan K. Marlow on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Heartbreak Trail, please visit Kregel Publications website. 



Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Hope Harbor



The one thing about our pasts is that no matter how far we try and run from them, they still remain. Such is the case for Michael Hunter, a man searching for answers in a world that seems to have spiraled out of control. He heads to Hope Harbor along the Oregon coast hoping to find a fresh start for his busy charitable work in Chicago. After losing his wife, he is hoping that Hope Harbor lives up to its name. However when he arrives, he finds that his lodging accommodations have been changed due to an unexpected fire and just when he thinks he will have to move on further up the coast, things change. Call it a coincidence, luck or just simply God's way of remaining anonymous, when long time recluse Anna Williams offers Michael a room to rent. Seems she doesn't talk to anyone and Michael has provoked a long seated emotion that has been locked away for decades.

Just when things are beginning to look up, Michael quite literally knocks Tracy Campbell off her feet or off her bike, when he steps out on the street in front of her causing her to crash and lose some of her groceries and sustain minor injuries. Giving Michael a bit of well placed advice to watch where he is going, she rushes away before she has to speak with him any longer than necessary. The news she has for her Uncle Bud about their family business Harbor Point Cranberries. It seems unless they can find a way to infuse more money into the business they might have to sell to companies that are more efficient and can turn a bigger profit than what her and her family have been struggling to do for years now. If only there was a way to find the answer to keeping the family business quite literally afloat.

I received Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon compliments of Revell Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of the novel and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I think my favorite quote from this novel is simply this, "You know what they say about coincidence - it's God's way of remaining anonymous." This is so true for each of the characters that are joined together from Charlie, the lunch truck driver who doles out Scriptures along with his world famous fish tacos, to Anna Williams who rescues animals she meets along her walks in town, to the unlikely couple found in Michael and Tracy, who are both grieving from their past relationships and looking for a future that God seems to be masterfully orchestrating. Come home to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms! This is the first novel in the Hope Harbor series and I can't wait for more, this one deserves a 4.5 of out 5 stars in my opinion and will be checking out Irene Hannon's other novels as well.

For more information about Hope Harbor, Irene Hannon, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Irene Hannon on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Hope Harbor, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances book tour page. 


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Apologetics Study Bible For Students - Review and Giveaway



The Christian walk of faith is certainly one of that requires a lot of faith, but also a trust in a God that we, as a generation has never seen. The world for most students who are attending public school and colleges are those in whose faith will be put to the ultimate test, to stand for the truth in an ever changing world that is growing more hostile to the Christian faith. Will our generation of children be able to stand strong in the coming storm? Will they have all the answers they need to defend what they believe? Is there a tool that can help them with the challenging questions that will be asked of them? I believe there is!

Sean McDowell is the general editor for the Apologetics Study Bible for student, a tool I believe will be useful for answering those difficult and heartfelt challenges about their faith and the life that they have chosen. It is designed to help students be equipping them with the truths of Scripture that enables them to articulate their faith. A better way to think of it, is Christian apologetics 101, which isn't about apologizing for their faith, but helping them understand how to defend it in today's growing and changing world.

The HCSB or Holman Christian Study Bible edition offers them introductions into each of the sixty six books of the Bible along with some amazing study notes to provide evidence of the reliability and truthfulness of Scripture. There are also 120 articles scattered throughout written by today's leading Christian thinkers like Sean McDowell, Bayard Taylor, Daryl Rodriguez, Alison Thomas, Frank Turek, Steve Russo, Ryan Sharp, and many, many more that deal with such topics like "Why Are Some Christian's Hypocrites, How Can I Be Sure I am Saved, If God Made Everything, Why Shouldn't I Smoke Pot, Why Would A Good God Send People to Hell and so many others that deal with the kinds of questions being asked by people today that our children and teens deal with. What better way to answer them than with the right tools and scriptures to reference!

There are also those Scriptures that other religions and people try to twist to make us question our own understanding of the Bible, along with 50 Bone and Dirt features that highlight important archaeological discoveries with an apologetics value with quotes from influential people throughout history. There is also 25 tactics to equip students to withstand opposition to Christianity by outlining tactics and strategies for handling frequently heard anti-Christian arguments. Finally there are also 20 personal stories that will help encourage and strengthen readers in their faith by describing how God has worked dramatically in other people's lives and 20 Fast Facts that compare such differences as the Bible versus the Koran, Atheism, America's Christian Heritage, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Darwin's Evolution Theory as well.

This is the perfect gift for your middle school student and up because it is more than the Bible it is a tool that will enable them to stand up for what they believe in and know right where to go for the answers. A wonderful graduation gift for any student of the Christian Faith and one that I highly recommend. It comes with indented tabs to enable quick reference into the Bible, and my favorite is how it is written to appeal to students in each section such as "What is going on here?" helps them to understand why a particular book of the Bible was written and what had been happening in the land as it was addressed! My 16-year-old daughter LOVES having this Bible to use in her youth group and loves the videos that you have access to by picking up a copy of this Bible as well. They have encouraged her in ways reading articles would never reach her for defending her faith! I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 perfected stars and think every student should own one! I received The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB compliments of Propeller LLC and Holman Bible Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside from a free copy of the Bible. The opinions contained here are my own. I think our generation of teens deserves the gift of a Confident Faith and this is just the right resource for them to find it! Now for the best part.

Thanks to the generosity of Propeller LLC, they are offering giveaway copy of the Apologetic Study Bible for Student to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. 

2. Be a resident of the US or Canada. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students and how you plan on using it. Don't forget to include your email address so I can make sure if you are the lucky winner, I have a way to reach you. You can even use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

I will notify the winner of this giveaway on August 21st, so make sure you include your email address with your comments below to be eligible to win.

For more information about The Apologetics Study Bible for Students HCSB, Sean McDowell or where you can pick up a copy of this amazing Bible today, please click on the links below:


To access the Study Videos, simply click here and begin your own journey into Apologetics!

To purchase a copy of the Apologetics Study Bible for Students, please click here.

There is even an incredible Confident Faith prize giveaway happening you can enter daily for a Free Bible, mini Apologetic library or a trip for two to hear some great Christian thinkers at the NCCA conference.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Through Waters Deep



One of the things I most enjoy when reading any novel from Sarah Sundin, is her attention to detail and keeping the accuracy of her historical novels genuine. Some of my favorite have been her WWII novels and Through Waters Deep is the debut novel in the Waves of Freedom Series. It takes me back a bit in my own life as we see the main character, Mary Stirling, a Boston Navy Yard secretary referencing her love of Nancy Drew novels growing up. I too, was a girl detective at heart. Mary's ability as a secretary is the perfect skill she needs not only to complete her job but while she is taking reports, she is also talking with the men who are working on the building of our Navy's fleet. It seems that at the launch of their latest vessel, the champagne bottle used to celebrate the official launch was tampered with, and instead was filled with gasoline.

Mary was the first to notice that something was amiss with the bottle's appearance, but her boss thought nothing of it. However, she feels that her tasks at walking around the navy yard gives her access to the men who work there, and she is bound and determine to use everything she has to discover if there is a saboteur in their midst as the nation prepares for war. What she doesn't expect to discover is that her childhood friend from school, Jim Avery has grown up and had now enlisted to serve as navy officer in charge of escorting British convoys across the North Atlantic. Jim feels there is no chance of any chemistry since he usually goes for the bubbly blonde type not the quiet reserved brunette that is Mary.

But the more time they spend together as Jim waits for the USS Atwood to be prepared for deployment oversees, they begin to realize that they have more feelings for one another than they had hoped for. Only they realize it just as Jim is about to be shipped out. Will they have a second chance at seeing where those feelings might develop if given the opportunity or will the sabotage take a toil on one of their lives before love has a chance to gain hold?



I received Through Deep Waters by Sarah Sundin compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Revell Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book for my honest review and the opinions are strictly my own. I love the story of these two characters that come together after some time, to see how they have each grown in different ways. Not like an Officer and a Gentlemen, this one felt real to me as both of my parents served in the Navy and subsequently fell in love much like these two do without solving a mystery along the way. Perhaps that is why I could relate to this one so much and saw these characters taking the place of my own parents in a different time from the past. Absolutely LOVED it and well worth all 5 out of 5 naval stars in my book. At the conclusion of the novel are some notes from Sarah about the story as well as some group discussion questions.

For more information about Through Deep Waters, Sarah Sundin or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Sarah Sundin on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews of Through Deep Waters, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


strong>Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Through Waters Deep
  • A nautical tote bag
  • A set of compass rose notecards
  • A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
  • Through Waters Deep apron
  • A set of nautical tea towels
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

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Thursday, August 6, 2015

The Curse of Crow Hollow



When I hear the name Billy Coffey when it comes to novels, I am immediately engaged and know I am in for something amazing, and unique. So when the opportunity came about to review his latest novel, The Curse of Crow Hollow, I knew this was definitely one I did not want to miss out on. I've been enamored with his uncanny Southern writing style from his novels, When Mockingbirds Sing, The Devil Walks in Mattingly and In the Heart of the Dark Wood. He takes readers into places no one really wants to go, but you find yourself traveling there somehow by a supernatural power. I liken his novels to that of such notables as Stephen King, because he takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.

We all know places in the woods that seem to beckon us to stay clear, to stay away. Billy would call them holler's or as the title implies Hollows. They are the places where rumors and stories are birthed by a persons too active imagination and over time, they sprout roots and take on a life of their own. In this case, the reader is transported to a place known as simply Crow Hollow, by the locals who live there. They are quite a cast of characters that will not be forgotten. They believe in a form of law in which they take care of their own and rarely need the assistance of a sheriff from the nearby city of Mattingly. One event springs to life a kind of evil that can't be explained but needs to be experienced as only one can through this novel.

Cordelia Vest takes it upon herself to meet her friends Scarlett Bickford and Naomi Ramsay up at the old mines where a locked gate normally keeps out all the locals. But tonight it is Scarlett's birthday and they wanted to meet for a private celebration instead of gathering with the local teens at Harper's Field instead, where all their parents believe they are supposed to be. The girls have other plans, including Scarlett's idea to get John David, Cordelia's brother to notice her. Cordelia brings along her mother's diamond bracelet to make Scarlett's a bit more attractive for John David to notice her. She isn't the most self confident and lacks self esteem based on her looks. The only thing Scarlett had going for her besides the fact her daddy is the mayor but she is also one of the wealthiest families living in the Hollow.

Somehow the lines get crossed when John David shows up clearly upset that any of them have trespassed on private property and wants them all to leave. But when Scarlett takes it as rejection and runs off into the woods, the others know they have to find her. What they didn't plan on coming across was Alvaretta Graves who is a recluse living alone in the Hollow. But she isn't really alone. Legend has it she is a witch and when she runs into the four teens, she brings about a curse that will impact the teens first, and then the whole town. Trust me, you're in for a long night with this novel.

I received The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. You will want to carve out some weekend time to thoroughly enjoy this one. It's dark, it suspenseful and Billy takes his sweet time getting to the good stuff, there is no need to rush here, which is why this novel works so well. So many writers take so much time with back story or character development that by the time you are nearing the end, it comes as such a rush. Billy builds slowly, just like what begins to happen slowly one at a time to the people who live in the Hollow. Is it an evil curse from hell or it is something a whole lot more sinister? You'll have to pick it up to find out and in my opinion, it is worth every single one of the 5 out of 5 stars. Mr. Coffey, you are like fine wine, your writing only gets better with each novel.

For more information about The Curse of Crow Hollow, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

For more reviews on The Curse of Crow Hollow, please visit Thomas Nelson Publisher's website. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

A Sapphire Season



Who doesn't love a great novel of a romantic love that simply can not be because of circumstances that prevent the two ill fated from becoming a couple? Much like a Jane Austen novel right? One of my favorites being Pride and Prejudice. In A Sapphire Season, from author Lynn Morris, we get a sneak peek into the lives of Lady Mirabella Tirel who is searching for just the right prospective suitor now that she is of age. Never does she ever consider the feelings of her close friend, Sir Giles Knyvet, her childhood friend because that is not a match that either her parents or even Giles for that matter would consider. But the heart knows what the heart wants, and as much as it pains Sir Giles, he must take a back seat and do what he can to ensure that Mirabella finds just the right man in her life, wishing that is was him instead.

Soon the two childhood friends find themselves pulled in opposite directions as three possible suitors appear on the horizon with the hopes of catching Mirabella's heart, while Sir Giles can only stand by the sidelines and watch. He on the other hand has to deal with an outstanding debt of his own family and thus the reason why he can not pursue Mirabella. It is something that demands his full attention if he is to ever have any hope of convincing her to marry him instead, but will he have enough time to right matters before Mirabella makes a decision over whom to marry. Now that she is turning twenty- two, Mirabella knows if she doesn't find someone soon, her hopes for finding a successful match will simply be out of the question. No one will want to marry her if she continues to wait any longer.

Since having her heart broken once before, she has long given up hope that one can ever hope to marry for love, so she hopes that if she can find a suitable match, she might learn to love the man she marries one day. This comes at a time, where society and social standing is what is important and even though Mirabella's parents support her choices, they also have to do what is best based on the time period in which this novel is written, a far different one from the world women have today.

I received A Sapphire Season by Lynn Morris compliments of Faith Words. a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation outside a copy of this novel for my honest review and the opinions expressed are simply my own. Fans of traditional regencies will love this novel. It was a first for me from author Lynn Morris and I look forward to more novels from her in the near future. In my opinion I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and even fans of Dowtown Abbey would enjoy this one as well! There is a group reading guide at the conclusion which is perfect for book groups!

For more information about A Sapphire Season, Lynn Morris or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:


You can find Faith Words on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Sapphire Season, please visit Faith Word's website.