Be Frank With Me

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to get into a book, it just ends up with frustration and disappointment and thus is the case for Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson. While it was the back cover's premise that initially made me want to pick this book up and read it, it seemed like somehow things might have gotten a bit mixed up in the process. This is one of the very few books I've reviewed where the results are far less than expected and at one point in reading the book, I simply did not sleep. As any great mother knows in her heart, there isn't anything you wouldn't do or give up for the sake of your child, yet in this one it is the one thing that simply did not sit well with me.

The main character is Mimi who made her fame and fortune with a book she wrote in her 20's that made her the success she is today. However now in her 50's, she is living in Hollywood with the notion to attempt to repeat her prior success. The only thing standing in her way is her young son Frank who is mentally challenged and thus the reason she keeps him home and away from everything in the world. Poor Frank is so desperate for his mother's attention, he tries everything in hopes she will notice him. In order to accomplish writing her book which her publicist is thrilled to help with, he offers to send her an assistant to help with Frank so Mimi can work uninterrupted and Frank will have a care giver of sorts in Mary Alice.

Mimi confines herself to her room to write her book and even bypasses her meals with Mary Alice and Frank insisting they be left at her door. She is simply too busy to be bothered. Mimi hates that she has to depend on the help of Mary Alice in order to accomplish her writing but if she wants to write it, she must rely on her help. Meanwhile Frank's playground is his backyard because he simply doesn't interact well with other children and has been accused of breaking another child's arm in school. He takes to dressing in characters in hopes of entertaining himself and gaining his mother's attention but nothing works.

I received Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest evaluation of the book. This one was quite depressing for me and it seemed like no matter how hard I tried to gain a connection with any of the characters it was simply frustrating. In order for me to enjoy a book, I have to have a sense of a character's nature or motivation, a reason to care and quite honestly the only person I could care about was Frank who seemed to be the one in the greatest need but is wise well beyond his years and yet remains lost to the one person who should love him the most over her need to finish a book. For me this one rated a 2 out of 5 and was simply a book I couldn't recommend to any of my book loving friends to enjoy.

For more information about Be Frank With Me, Julia Claiborne Johnson or where you can preorder a copy of this novel which will be available in February 2016, please click on the links below:

Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson 

You can find Julia Claiborne Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Be Frank With Me, please visit William Morrow's website. 

At Love's Bidding

I love when amazing authors can find something different to write about when choosing a historical romance, and Regina Jennings does just that. Being a huge fan of antiques, I love that she chose to use that as the occupation of her character Miranda Wimplegate, whose family is in the antique auction business. She is tasked with the job of creating a catalog of the items that go up for bidding so buyers have a background on just what they are potentially buying. But when a portraits winds up on the auction block that shouldn't have been sold, the entire family could face ruin and a potential lawsuit and more if they can't track down the person who bid on the item. The only problem is that the buyer paid in case and left no address or name behind. The only clue Regina has is a brief description of the man and carriage that arrived that night.

Knowing she must do whatever she can to help, she offers to accompany her grandfather to Pine Gap to locate the destination of where the portrait is rumored to have been shipped to. The family agrees to buy the auction house that is slated to sell the portrait in hopes of preventing them from selling any items on the way to the location, and thus finding a way to return the portrait to the rightful owner again. What neither of them understand is that instead of purchasing an auction house, they have purchased a cattle auction and they will be stretched to figure out just what to do with it since neither of them have any idea on how to run it or deal with the many animals that they have in their inventory.

The only man who seems like he can help is the one that Miranda wants nothing to do with after seeing him in action when she and her grandfather arrived in town. But without Wyatt Ballentine's help they won't be able to face returning home or deciding how they will get out of the cattle auction they have bought. It will take trust on both sides since Wyatt had hoped that all his years of working for the former owner might have offered him first dibs on purchasing the cattle auction, but it sold out from underneath him leaving him suspicious as to the reason for the quick sell. Will love be something that will enter both of their hearts as they spend more time together or is Wyatt's only goal to do whatever he can to help the Wimplegates leave Pine Gap as soon as reasonably possible?

I received At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review. I loved this novel because it gave me something I hadn't read before in any of the historical novels, a story line involving a strong willed woman who works for an antique auction house who's only familiar with high priced items like jewelry, antiques and paintings so to see her having to deal with the livestock instead makes for a comical romance you will just love. Even though I haven't read the first book in the Ozark Mountain Romance Series, I look forward to going back and reading the previous one A Most Inconvenient Marriage! For this one, hands down wins a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about At Love's Bidding, Regina Jennings, or where you can pick a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

You can find Regina Jennings on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on At Love's Bidding, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.
 
After a cross-country trip to track down a sold painting that could ruin her family's business forever, Miranda Wimplegate forms an unlikely but charged partnership with livestock auctioneer Wyatt Ballentine in Regina Jennings' At Love's Bidding. Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt must try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

Join Regina in celebrating the release of At Love's Bidding by entering to win her Cozy Winter Night giveaway and RSVPing to her January 5th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive everything you need for a cozy winter night:

• One copy of At Love's Bidding
• A coloring book for adults
• A pie dish
• Gourmet hot chocolate
• A fuzzy throw blanket
• Warm slippers
• Wintery coasters

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 1/5. The winner will be announced at the At Love's Bidding Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Regina and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Everything She Forgot

Ever read a book that offers something different from what you were expecting? Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne was just that novel for me. With the premise from the back cover being, "Some things aren't meant to be remembered..." the reader is already set up with an expectation that there is some secret just waiting to be discovered by reading this novel. However within the first few chapters, through multiple perceptions of the characters, both present day and in 1985, the reader already knows how this one will play out.

Margaret Holloway is almost killed in a pileup in London one snowy cold evening and she was rescued by a man who refused to wait for her to properly thank him. This tragic event unlocks bits and pieces of a memory she has kept hidden and only through digging in her past will she unlock what has happened.

George McLaughlin has been trying to find a way to put his past behind him as he tries to forget the love of his life and their child. Convinced she was better off marrying someone other than George, Kathleen's family supported her decision to marry someone more suitable for her situation. But once George held his daughter, he knew that he would never be able to simply let her go. Now that he has come into some unexpected finances, he vows to convince Kathleen and his daughter Molly, that they are meant to be together even if it has been 7 years.

Angus Campbell is a man who is looking for his big break. He is a violent man to his wife and children taking comfort only in the animals he cares for on his farm. When a kidnapping opens up, he is willing to be if he can simply follow the clues, this might just be what he has wanted all his life. For people to notice him and for recognition he seems to be missing by those who he has in his life, from the people he works with to those he lives with. He will prove them all wrong!

I received Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne 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 in exchange for my honest opinion. While I had hoped this would be a bit of mystery suspense, it was revealed all within the opening chapters, and you simply had to follow along to see when each of the characters would all intersect and catch up. For my readers, this novel contains some graphic violence and profanity that might not be suitable for some. I had hoped for so much more than what this novel offered as with over 400 pages, if you already know how it will end up, why bother to finish it. The reader wants that initial build up of the mystery to be uncovered as the characters are being developed along the way. This one for me, fell too short of my own expectations and thus I only would rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Everything She Forgot, Lisa Ballantyne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Everything She Forgot by Lisa Ballantyne

You can find Lisa Ballantyne on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Everything She Forgot, please visit William Morrow's website!

Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter

I used to look at certain things and decide if they were of this world or heaven sent. Yet the one thing I realized is that while the enemy can use everything to bring about our own fall and for his purpose, the God of Heaven can do the same thing. While there has been an ongoing debate over whether Christians should watch Harry Potter or not based on their ability to cast spells and battle the darkness as witches and wizards, I firmly believe goodness can come from the dark if we are willing to use spiritual discernment and biblical wisdom. The very best thing that can come from it is a conversation starter about our faith which is always a great open door to take.

In Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter by Nicole L. Rivera, a Devotion for the Wizarding World, that incorporates parts of the books from the entire Harry Potter series and finds a life application for its use from the Bible to help draw the positive points to the light. "I originally entitled this book, The Parable of Harry Potter, because I believe the Harry Potter story is a parable of Christian values and of the Christ-story, whether intended by the author or not. I hope this book will act as a tool for Harry Potter fans to grow deeper in their faith and explore faith in Christ for the first time. All are welcome!" (Note on Parables).

With over 80 different devotions from all of the books in the Harry Potter series, you are bound to find something that you can relate to, from Harry being chosen to attend Hogwarts while living as an unwanted orphan in the Dursley's home, we find that God has a true purpose in all of our lives that only we can fulfill. Each devotions captures dialogue from the books along with the general idea of the story at that point and how the character is dealing with issues. It then finds a great biblical scripture or scriptures to point out how God's Word offers comfort to those who are seeking to find greatness and light in their own lives. Such devotion titles include: "Becoming a Friend," "Nearly Headless Nick's Longing to Belong," "The Time Turner," "Hermoine's Advice," "Lupin's Act of Love," "Power the Dark Lord Knows Not,""The Parable of Severus Snape," are just some of what you will find inside.

I received Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter by Nicole L. Rivera, compliments of Hickey's Books and Potter Wars for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my personal honest review of the product. Being a huge fan of not only the Harry Potter movies but more so the books, I love that Nicole found a way to use the lessons we can find in the series, to showcase the very parables and lessons the Bible teaches. With scripture to back it up as well as applicable lessons from the Bible we can see how you can put the two together and come away with something great! For me, I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and would make an exceptional gift for any Harry Potter fan!

For more information about Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter, Nicole L. Rivera or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter by Nicole L. Rivera 

You can find Nicole L. Rivera on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books and projects.

To order a copy of this book, you can visit Hickey's Book's website or visit your favorite retailers. 

The Wedding Chapel

"I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you," says the Lord, "plans for a hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

In Rachel Hauck's latest novel, The Wedding Chapel, this scripture is extremely important for the characters in this novel. Each of them are interconnected by a series of events from the pasts and secrets that were kept out of spite and jealous but ultimately would be used for good. Jimmy Westbrook, or "Coach" as he is known by his students is one hard working man. He is a man of integrity and faith believing in the commitment he made one night just before he shipped off to the war. To love the only woman there would ever be for him, a girl he first fell in love with just by seeing her picture as she was slated to arrive to live with her cousin Clem, Jimmie's best friend, along with her sister Peg. They left behind a war that claimed the life of their parents and were looking to start over again someplace where war didn't seem so real.

Taylor Branson, an up and coming photographer, living in New York along with her newly married husband Jack are struggling to find their way forward in their new life together as husband and wife. Their whirlwind romance coupled feelings from their childhood living in Hearts Bend, Tennessee and fate brought them together on the streets of New York for a second chance. They both believed it could work, but also figured if it didn't there would be no real loss if they simply chose to walk away. But now that they are back at work, they are spending less and less time together and fail to communicate their true feelings to one another and instead let actions dictate their words. Taylor and Jack begin to wonder to themselves if they have made a big mistake in getting married. They are both trapped by feelings from their past that neither of them want to confront.

Yet when a photo shoot takes Taylor back to Heart's Bend to photograph an old wedding chapel on the land owned by Jimmie Westbrook, Taylor is brought full circle into a life she never dreamed would be possible. Besides taking the photos for work, she can't help but feel pulled by the feelings that this wedding chapel carries a life and spirit of its own and one she can't help but feel pulled into. But God has a bigger plan in mind as he brings the past, present and future together and those involved that desperately need the healing power of forgiveness and acceptance to become all that He imagined they could be. It's never too late for a second chance at life and at love.

I received The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity 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. I've been a huge fan of Rachel's novels since picking up my first and now I simply need to see her name on the cover for me to pick it up. I've never been disappointed. I love the story between Jimmie and Colette the best, to see someone work so hard to show someone how much he truly loves them and holds on to his faith that one day God will restore to him what believes is truly meant to be. I found myself walking around the dusty walls of the old wedding chapel as Rachel describes it and feeling a sense of holiness and promise there and was thrilled at how it all came to a conclusion. For me this one was worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars as the book toggles between present day and the past to convey the stories of the characters lives. A Discussion Guide is included at the conclusion of this book that is perfect for book clubs.

For more information about The Wedding Chapel, Rachel Hauck or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

You can find Rachel Hauck on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Wedding Chapel, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


Is sixty years too long to wait for love? Two stories of romance, one in 1949 and one in the modern day, meet in Rachel Hauck's The Wedding Chapel. When Taylor Branson takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time. When Taylor’s journey intersects with Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook's, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Wedding Chapel
• A $100 cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 31st. The winner will be announced January 4th on Rachel's blog.

Trials and Tribulations

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6:12

Such a powerful statement but one so easily dismissed by most the world. We have a tendency to see what we want to see and to blame God when bad things happen in the world, while the real enemy remains unseen and moving forward in his plans to deceive and destroy those in the world before his time runs out. In her first novel in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller Series, Rachel Dylan introduces us to Trials and Tribulations. I had first seen this book through Facebook ads of all places and have always been a huge fan of books that deal with spiritual warfare! This one is perfect for those looking for that duality in story lines between the unseen and seen world we live in.

Olivia Murray has been hired by Astral Tech as their attorney in a case defending them against an alleged theft of a New Age app from their competitor Optimism. It will take more than her skills as an attorney to win this battle since both companies and their employees deal with New Age mysticism like witchcraft, meditation and demonic activity as if it is simply part of their lives without conscience thought of what they are truly dealing with. In fact, as a believer in Jesus, Olivia wonders if this is something she should be getting involved with as a Christian and if God really has plans for her to take this case. Especially when the attacks become spiritual and work on the very core of her faith.

Her opposing counsel is Grant Baxter which Optimism has retained as their lawyer and are alleging the theft came when a partnership between two of the employees who were involved in a personal relationship went south. The only thing that is standing in the way is that Grant is not a believer and therefore fair game for those who dabble in the dark arts. Since he isn't saved as a believer, Grant soon experiences his own spiritual attack but doesn't understand what is happening and soon confronts Olivia with help to figure out what is really going on. He isn't ready to accept any type of spiritual anything as to what is happening and writes it off as stress or working to hard.

It will take more than just their skills as attorneys to get to the bottom of what is truly going on and how it impacts both of their lives not just professionally but spiritually as well. Even a well meaning intern is sucked into the lure of these New Age companies with the promise that she can have more than she ever imagined if she is willing to be open to new ideas and see that prosperity is within reach if you only want it. What will happen to the town of Windy Ridge if either of these companies is allowed to go unchecked and how many more young people will be lured into the dark world of the supernatural through their combined efforts?

I received Trials and Tribulations by Rachel Dylan compliments of NYLA publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest and personal review. I absolutely love this novel and applaud Rachel for taking a chance in writing a story line like this one. It won't be a favorite of those not willing to believe that such a spiritual world exists and that we are subjected to forces of good and evil by where our faith stands in this world. It is very eye opening to see just how easily it is to get involved in the dark spiritual world and how hard it can be to get out once you enter. I can't wait to see what lies ahead in her future novels. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Trials and Tribulations, Rachel Dylan or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Trials and Tribulations by Rachel Dylan

You can find Rachel Dylan on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can purchase a copy of this book through Amazon.

Christmas In America

I absolutely am thrilled when I discover a great children's book that I would be honored to not only own but to read to my children, grandchildren and anyone who enjoys a great look back at America's history and how we celebrated Christmas over the years. Callista Gingrich has written a series of children's books incorporating Ellis the Elephant. In Christmas in America, Ellis journeys back to discover the many ways Christmas has been celebrated in America's history and I found myself a bit amazed at how little I actually knew.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellis travels back in time to experience Christmas with such notables as the colonists in Williamsburg, Virginia, George and Martha Washington at Mount Vernon, Andrew Jackson at the White House, Civil War soldiers on the battlefield, Calvin Coolidge as he lights the first national Christmas tree and even the Apollo 9 astronauts as they orbit the moon. What surprised me the most was how Presidents Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt both invited children into the White House to celebrate Christmas. Andrew Jackson opened it to orphans as he was an orphan himself, and no adults were allowed. Teddy Roosevelt offered a Christmas carnival to over 500 children.

I had never considered that the Apollo 8 astronauts actually took turns reading the Bible in a televised broadcast from the Book of Genesis and wished everyone a blessed night. Today these types of events would not be permitted because of fear of offending someone who might not agree. The best part is that it is written in a rhyming pattern for children much like Dr. Seuss books do and there are resources at the conclusion of the book to help your children research these historical topics in greater detail.

I received Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich compliments of Gingrich Productions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest personal review. This is such a great resource for anyone who has children or even for a church children's ministry to share with their children. I can't wait to add the rest of the books to my personal library collection and think these are well written to help keep a child's interest in not only American history but in the Christmas traditions as well. This one is well worth all 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Christmas in America, Callista Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Christmas in America by Callista Gingrich

You can find Callista Gingrich on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

Duplicity

I have heard of Newt Gingrich, but never realized that he was a published author as well of some amazing fiction novels like Duplicity, his latest. Sometimes I believe that those that have an inside view of what goes on within our government offices offer us the best types of novels because there is so much to be gained by having first hand experience in those areas. In this political thriller, it could be the next headlines we read in the news today as terrorism within the Islamic groups continues to escalate unchecked as in the recent events in Paris and now San Bernardino.

In Duplicity, we have those same threats on the horizon as two separate storylines unfold. One is the upcoming presidential election between the current president of the United States, Sally Allworth, and upcoming candidate, Timothy Coldridge. Coldridge is hoping to utilize a new strategy to poke holes in the recent developments of disregarding issues in America with regards to the citizens concerns while highlighting the results of Allworth's stance on working more on international and foreign issues. His campaign is geared to promote a sense of nationalism into this election and show the voters that the current president is more focused on international issues than dealing with the concerns of citizens. It is just the goal a presidential candidate might need to sway the voters in the next election, bring troops home, help the homeless and veterans at home, deal with the concerns of the United States over issues abroad. It will take a boatload of work now that it appears that Coldridge has found the right type of bait to lure voters to the polls and elect him over Allworth.

Meanwhile the terrorist plots continue to unfold in all kinds of locations with ties to Islamic groups who are seeking the destruction of the United States and its foreign enemies abroad. As the political interests line up for the next election, Allworth decides to focus her campaign on how she is preventing threats from happening in America but attacking the issues on foreign soil first. She is advised by her staff to reopen an American embassy in Somalia, even though they know better than to actually staff it with any real leaders from America due to the recent Islamic threats in the city. However, if she can show that they are making a dent in terrorism, she may just sway the voters to accept her current political agenda. But like all great plans, this one winds up much like the Benghazi attacks and now our military is at risk and hostages are taken. Will America have learned nothing throughout its historical failings and shortcomings? The time is running out.

I received Duplicity by Newt Gingrich compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Like I stated before, insiders often have the best storylines because you don't know how much of it is true or not. I was especially impressed by how well emails are encoded with messages simply through the pixels in an image that to the ordinary eye would simply just be a photo embedded until it's passed through a series of coding software and the true message is revealed. I think this novel was well worth the time to read through it all and I only hope, this remains just a fictional story and never truly comes to fruition. I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Duplicity, Newt Gingrich or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Duplicity by Newt Gingrich

You can find Newt Gingrich on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest projects.

To read more reviews on Duplicity, please visit Center Street Publisher's website. 

The Devotional for Women

Every year I try to faithfully find a great devotional that I can read in just a few minutes that helps set my tone for the day. I believe it is what creates a foundation for how our day might play out. I found an exceptional one that might just be the perfect gift to give this Christmas to a special woman in your life. The Devotional for Women by Rhonda Harrington Kelley and Dorothy Kelley Patterson is just the right size to tuck in your purse, (measures 7.5 by 5 by 1) for some much needed faithful inspiration designed just for women in a purple leather book! It is designed to equip you to faithfully read God's Word daily and comes with 366 daily Bible devotions for women of all ages.

It really is friendly, and offers a quick-read format with a strong emphasis on what God has to say to women from Genesis to Revelation. It even includes a Bible Reading Plan and really places emphasis on biblical applications. What I really love besides the purple leather cover is that each of this daily devotions tries to focus on a woman from the Bible beginning from Genesis all the way to Revelation. Far too often we might not think women made much of an impact from the Bible, but as this devotional points out, there are more women than you might realize. They don't need an entire book of the Bible written about them to be important but even the smaller roles women played like servants, helpers, midwives and others show us how much value a women offers in the sight of God.

It profiles both named and unnamed women of the Bible and each day's message includes application and encouragement for you as the Lord writes His truths on your heart, molding you into His image, and using you as a conduit for glorifying Him in every aspect of your life. The single and married women who have written these daily commentaries come from different seasons of life and various geographical areas and several generational groups from a mother, a daughter and pairs of granddaughters in one family' several mother-daughter duos; a mother in love and daughter in love. There are teens in high school, college, and seminary students, young mothers and grandmothers. All are committed to women-to-women ministries.

The Devotional for Women has a reading for every day but it is undated. You can pick it up and begin your spiritual journey any day of the year. Each devotional stands alone. You can read the extended passage, or you can simply read the focus verse(s), printed for you as the devotional unfolds. Use the guide prayer pattern to approach the throne room of grace with your own petition and praise. Make your personal notes in the space for "Personal Reflection" as reminders of what God has been doing in your life. This is truly a remarkable devotional and one I am honored to share with you.

I received The Devotional for Women by Rhonda Harrington Kelley and Dorothy Kelley Patterson compliments of B and H Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this devotional, in exchange for my honest and personal review. What I love about this devotional is that it is not dated, so you don't have to feel like you've fallen behind if you buy this at any time. You simply pick it up and begin. I also love the Personal Reflection section so that I can note prayer requests or answers to prayer in the space provided to see how God is working in my life through my spiritual journey of faith. For me, this one is well worth all 5 out of 5 stars and would make an exceptional gift to a special woman in your life.

For more information about The Devotional for Women, B and H Publishers or where you can pick up a copy of this devotional, please click on the links below:

The Devotional for Women by B and H Publishers

You can find B and H Publishers on Facebook to stay up to date on all their products.

The Wedding Chapel

"I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you," says the Lord, "plans for a hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

In Rachel Hauck's latest novel, The Wedding Chapel, this scripture is extremely important for the characters in this novel. Each of them are interconnected by a series of events from the pasts and secrets that were kept out of spite and jealous but ultimately would be used for good. Jimmy Westbrook, or "Coach" as he is known by his students is one hard working man. He is a man of integrity and faith believing in the commitment he made one night just before he shipped off to the war. To love the only woman there would ever be for him, a girl he first fell in love with just by seeing her picture as she was slated to arrive to live with her cousin Clem, Jimmie's best friend, along with her sister Peg. They left behind a war that claimed the life of their parents and were looking to start over again someplace where war didn't seem so real.

Taylor Branson, an up and coming photographer, living in New York along with her newly married husband Jack are struggling to find their way forward in their new life together as husband and wife. Their whirlwind romance coupled feelings from their childhood living in Hearts Bend, Tennessee and fate brought them together on the streets of New York for a second chance. They both believed it could work, but also figured if it didn't there would be no real loss if they simply chose to walk away. But now that they are back at work, they are spending less and less time together and fail to communicate their true feelings to one another and instead let actions dictate their words. Taylor and Jack begin to wonder to themselves if they have made a big mistake in getting married. They are both trapped by feelings from their past that neither of them want to confront.

Yet when a photo shoot takes Taylor back to Heart's Bend to photograph an old wedding chapel on the land owned by Jimmie Westbrook, Taylor is brought full circle into a life she never dreamed would be possible. Besides taking the photos for work, she can't help but feel pulled by the feelings that this wedding chapel carries a life and spirit of its own and one she can't help but feel pulled into. But God has a bigger plan in mind as he brings the past, present and future together and those involved that desperately need the healing power of forgiveness and acceptance to become all that He imagined they could be. It's never too late for a second chance at life and at love.

I received The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers 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. I've been a huge fan of Rachel's novels since picking up my first and now I simply need to see her name on the cover for me to pick it up. I've never been disappointed. I love the story between Jimmie and Colette the best, to see someone work so hard to show someone how much he truly loves them and holds on to his faith that one day God will restore to him what believes is truly meant to be. I found myself walking around the dusty walls of the old wedding chapel as Rachel describes it and feeling a sense of holiness and promise there and was thrilled at how it all came to a conclusion. For me this one was worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars as the book toggles between present day and the past to convey the stories of the characters lives. A Discussion Guide is included at the conclusion of this book that is perfect for book clubs.

For more information about The Wedding Chapel, Rachel Hauck or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

You can find Rachel Hauck on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Wedding Chapel, please visit Thomas Nelson's website. 

The Great Christmas Knit-Off

Have a hankering for a great knitted adventure? Looking for a bit of Christmas romance? Or simply looking for a great novel to pass the time during the Christmas holidays? Then you might want to pick up The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown. Set in a charming English village of Tindledale, our stories main character, Sybil has left her old life in an effort to take a much needed escape from reality in hopes of finding herself and perhaps her sanity along the way.

After her twin sister and her potential groom, left her standing alone at the altar at their Star Wars themed wedding set on May 4th, (as in May the Forth (or Force) be with you), wearing a Princess Leia costume complete with matching hair buns and cloak, she is still coming to terms with what has happened. I mean how does one get over having her sister steal her future husband? How do you handle family get togethers from that point on? Taking a break from life to head across the pond to visit her bestie Cher, she hopes for a reality check. I mean sometimes you just need your best friend to give you the advice no one else will. Talking to her parents doesn't help since they are stuck in the middle of the sibling wars.

Armed with her small dog Basil and hoping to surprise Cher, she flies to London in the middle of the night, only to find that the town of Tindledale is so small they close at 4pm with the exception of the local Pub which Cher and her husband Clive own. Which means Sybil must hike it two miles in the dark on a winter's night in the snow, unsure of where she is going. She soon finds herself adopted by the entire town, from the mysterious man she meets on the train, the Lawrence, the owner of not only the local B and B but also the hair salon and head of the theater department. Being an avid knitter, she finds solace with Hettie, the owner of Hettie's House of Haberdashery where they strike up more than just a friendship. Is it possible to find a fresh start miles from where one started?

I received The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers 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. The believability factor that this could happen to anyone is what makes this one work in my mind. I absolutely love Lawrence, who is a bit of a fairy god-father to Sybil as she completely comes undone when she learns the bottle of wine she has packed has saturated all her clothes, left her make up bag and sleeping pills at home, she is a bit of a mess. It is no wonder she finds a sense of peace, when she is befriended by those in the town she meets. This one does contain some profanity that might offend some readers, but over all makes for an exceptional fun comedy to pass away the winter nights. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the fourth book in the Tindledale Series.

For more information about The Great Christmas Knit-Off, Alexandra Brown or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown

You can find Alexandra Brown on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Great Christmas Knit-Off, please visit William Morrow's website. 

  

Whispers in The Reading Room

"He had returned.

Lydia Bancroft peeked over the stack of books she was cataloging, trying her best to see what new book her favorite patron was reading that afternoon.

For the past year, the debonair man had come into the reading room several times a week. And for the last three months, he'd sat in his favorite chair in the corner and kept his nose in a series of books detailing the adventures of Lewis and Clark.

She still remembered the expression on his face last week when he'd finished and closed the last tome. He'd looked pleased and just a bit melancholy. She knew those dual feelings well- the satisfaction of completing a well-written piece of litereature while also coming to terms with the fact that those few moments of pure bliss would be replaced with a longing for more.

That was when she realized they were kindred spirits, even though she had no business observing him so intently. At long last, she was an engaged woman, and though Jason had never stepped foot in here, if he did, he undoubtedly would not appreciate the sight of her gazing upon another man.

But it seemed she couldn't help herself." (pg 2)

This passage from Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray was what hooked me in her latest novel. This is how I feel whenever I read an exceptionally well written novel. It is both a happy moment and also a bittersweet one, because they always come too soon. This is the third novel in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series, that I am glad I got the opportunity to read, but failed to catch the first two, something I plan on correcting!

As most of you know, Shelley Gray for me, was an author I often associated with her Amish romance novels, but let me tell you, she can master murder mystery with a historical flair that is beyond what I can accurately capture in this review. The only thing I can say is pick this one up of you love a flair for a bit of romance with your historical murder mysteries!

Lydia Bancroft has fallen on hard financial times living in the late 1800s in Chicago! With the recent death of her father, they have had to sell of valuable pieces of art and furnishings to stay afloat. Now their own member of the household staff that remains is the cook and the only way they have been able to manage is thanks to Lydia's income at the Reading Room. Her mother has been keeping up appearances in an effort she can find someone to marry Lydia and relieve them from this burden. She has hopes that Jason Avondale will be the one.

Lydia knows that everything for her future and her mother's rests on her ability to maintain the level of social class that Jason expects. She is drawn to a mysterious man who frequents the reading room, but never speaks or socializes with anyone. He never even checks the books out, but picks up where he leaves off from his last visit. She is hoping she can find someway  to speak with him and perhaps find out why she is so drawn to him. She is torn between her feelings for this man she has never met and the life she lives outside of the library. If only there was another way to secure their future besides marriage. After all, who would marry someone like her, they haven't up to this point, so perhaps she should be content with what they have with her proposal from Jason. After all, a man like that can only lead to trouble right?

I received Whispers in the Reading Room from Shelley Gray compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity 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. I was so captivated by this novel, I inhaled it in one sitting. It was that great! Now I intend to go back and read the previous two novels in the series as well. This would be perfect for anyone who loves murder mysteries with a flair for historical accuracy and romance woven in between to create a best selling novel in my opinion and well worth all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Whispers in the Reading Room, Shelly Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

You can find Shelley Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Whispers in the Reading Room, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

A Refuge at Highland Hall

I love it when you follow an incredible series through to the very end and you find yourself sighing with happiness but also a bit bittersweet at the same time because you realize it's over. For fans of historical romance or of Downton Abbey, you might want to begin Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Bride Series! In Refuge at Highland Hall, the third and perhaps final book in this series, we follow the life of Penny Ramsey as she finds herself an unfortunate victim of the Great War coming to England. She was staying with her sister Kate and her husband Jon, trying to help care for eight orphaned children while Kate is pregnant. It is there during a time of serving wounded soldiers, that she meets Alex Goodwin, who is recovering from a recent crash, but hopes to be back in the air again soon.

She isn't about to give up her heart so willingly as the last time she did so, the man chose someone else to marry even though he hadn't given her any impression he wanted anything more. She admires Alex's calm and brave presence and when he asks her to write him when he goes to war, she hopes in the back of her mind that this might just be the one God has in mind for her. However, she also has to be practical as most men who are pilots rarely last but a few weeks. The survival rates for pilots are a bit depressing. Yet she prays for him as she receives each letter and now that the family has relocated temporarily back to her home at Highland Hall, due to safety issues now that Zepplins are releasing bombs over the cities. Alex's goal now that he has witnessed first hand what there destruction does, vows to do all he can to at least find a way to take them out.

The more the letters pass between the two, romance soon blossoms and as much as Penny tries to keep her heart in tact, she finds she is slowly giving it away to Alex a piece at a time through their correspondence. Alex knows he can't face any distractions while flying, so as much as he tries to keep his relationship with Penny as merely a friendship, he can't help but wonder if he were to survive the war, what it might feel like to have someone waiting for him back in England. Will their prayers be enough to sustain them through the war or will the enemy take away the only thing they have and leave them merely victims of the war instead?

I received A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. I can't even choose a favorite in this series, because it would be like asking me which child is my favorite. By the time you get to A Refuge at Highland Hall, you have had the pleasure of getting to know Kate and Julia's stories and it concludes with Penny's. However, I am still hopeful that Carrie might add another one before she closes this one out, and with that I can believe it might not be quite over. Yet you never know. There is a Reading Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel and for me this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion based on the fact I love war romances, and the Edwardian time period as well.

For more information about A Refuge at Highland Hall, Carrie Turansky or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Edwardian Brides Series by Carrie Turansky

1 -The Governess of Highland Hall

2 - The Daughter of Highland Hall

3 - A Refuge of Highland Hall

You can find Carrie Turansky on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Refuge at Highland Hall, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

The Golden Braid

We know that in the movies that there have been untold remakes of those famous fairy tales we have read when we were a children, often times with a darker twist to them. But often there comes a great author who can reweave the tale better than the original and Melanie Dickerson has brilliantly done just that in The Golden Braid. Don't be deceived that just because you may have read the tale of Rapunzel when you were a child and can pass this one up. Trust me, it is well worth your time and for me, I believe this is far better than the original version.

The Golden Braid is the retelling of the story of Rapunzel, the girl with the long hair, but in this case, she lives a reclusive life with her mother moving from town to town, when men seem to be interested in possible marriage to her. So while she tries to remain as hidden as possible, she finds solace in painting vines, animals and flowers on the walls of whatever home, they can find. Her mother, makes a living wherever she goes as a midwife, but is always careful to remind Rapunzel to keep her hair covered and to avoid men at all costs. They are not to be trusted, are only interested in breaking her heart and have nothing to offer her.

On their way to the town of Hagenheim, they are attacked by some robbers on the road, and it's only through a well thought of prayer, that help arrives in the form of Sir Gerek, a knight from the city. He comes to their aid before anything can happen to the two women, and Rapunzel is drawn to his kindness and bravery, even though her mother is spiteful and bitter despite being saved by his efforts. He offers to accompany them to town to ensure their safety despite harsh protests from the mother. Yet when an unexpected thunderstorm spooks Sir Gerek's horse, and subsequently falls on him, his leg and arm are broken. Now it is the woman who come to his rescue as his prisoner's attempt to take Sir Gerek's life. It is only through quick thinking and Rapunzel's skill with throwing knives that the men are stopped and instead take the opportunity to run. Thankfully a monastery is nearby where they can care for Sir Gerek, and Rapunzel's true desire is found. Someone who can teach her to read, but not if her mother has anything to do with it.

I received The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for an honest review. I love when authors choose to write from a strong female character's perspective and in this case, Rapunzel while she might be young, she is forward thinking and by has an innocence that appeals to the reader. She isn't those fairy tale woman characters who needed to be rescued, and often times can take care of herself and those around her more than most give her credit for. For me, this one really sold the series and I can't wait to go back and add more from Melanie Dickerson to my personal library This is the second novel in the Medieval Fairy Tale Romance Series and for me easily a 5 out of 5 stars. This is the kind of fairy tale I would share with my daughters!

For more information about The Golden Braid, Melanie Dickerson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

You can find Melanie Dickerson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Golden Braid, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page. 

Finding the Rainbow

If you have always dreamed of heading off to a charming English village, I invite you to come to Chilton Crosse! Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Cotswold, you are bound to fall in love not only with the English countryside, the quaint shoppes but the amazing people who live here as well. For fans of Traci Borum, Finding The Rainbow is the second novel in the Chilton Crosse series, and for me, it was a welcome site to feel like I am coming home again to this beautiful place and the people I met from Painting the Moon, the first novel in the series.

This time the story continues with Holly Newbury's life if you remember, she became the assistant working at Noelle's art gallery along with Frank. We caught glimpses of her but never knew her story until now. All around her everyone is getting married, from Noelle and Adam to Lizzie and Joe the pub owners and poor Noelle doesn't seem to have any prospects outside of the constant prying from Gertrude, the old spinster she pays visits too. But with raising her 3 sisters and helping her busy father, Holly has her hands full. Since her mother's sudden death, she barely has time for anything, except the constant chores, and badgering from Gertrude. In order to give Gertrude something to consider, Holly starts up a book club at Gertrude's home since she refuses to get out anyway, and they pick Jane Austen's Emma as their first choice, since a local movie company is making the film in town.

She just hopes she can garner enough interest to have people attend, but with Franks help, they put together enough posters to advertise the club. She just wasn't banking on Frank being interested in anything more than a working relationship with her. But since the town is so small, beggars can't be choosers, so she agrees to dinner with Frank, never expecting he might express his interest in her as he walks her home. When she kindly turns him down, she knows it will now lead to an awkward situation at work. Holly soon finds a warm friendship with Fletcher Hays, a lonely American writer working on the film who is simply looking for someone to pass the time with, which is just perfect for Holly. She doesn't need anything more on her already full plate. After all she knows he is returning home once the film is complete so keeping her feelings in check should be easy to do right?

I received Finding the Rainbow by Traci Borum compliments of Red Adept Publishing 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. I was absolutely delighted by this charming story and loved coming back to Chilton Crosse. Even Gertrude got to grow on you after awhile and it made me want to re watch Emma after reading this one. I have been so blessed to have read through this series and anticipate so many more from Traci Borum. If you truly love novels set in an English countryside, filled with unexpected surprises and romance when you least expect it, give this one a try! I'd rate it a charming 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and I have found a perfect home for this collection in my personal library.

For more information about Finding the Rainbow, Traci Borum or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Finding the Rainbow by Traci Borum

You can find Traci Borum on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.