A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

When Izzy Fontaine's grandmother dies, she leave behind much more than a legacy of her family and the love she has for each of them. She leaves behind a Flying Goose Quilt that began in the early 1800's and has been passed down from a generation of women to their daughters ending with Izzy. She always knew that her grandmother had a special place in her heart for Izzy because they understood the value of things. It was all material but within certain objects a sense of love and tradition developed along with many memories. It was why her grandmother left it to her along with her house. Unfortunately Izzy's mother Janice and her brother Brandon, don't feel the same way. They feel as if they deserve something as well and feel slighted that Izzy was her favorite family member.

Not to mention the fact that the only time her mother, Janice and Brandon ever made time for their grandmother was during holiday dinners or when they needed something from her. It was Izzy who spent time with her grandmother, moving in with her when her health began to fail and in doing so, found a true treasure worth more than any amount of money ever could. Only one thing is standing in her way, a promise from her grandmother that the quilt belonged to Max Logan, a local museum curator, whose goal is to obtain the quilt and showcase it in a Moving West exhibit that may land him the dream job of a lifetime at the Smithsonian Museum. If he can convince Izzy that the letter of intent from her grandmother supercedes the gifting of the quilt to Izzy by his father, Virgil. He had promised to give it to Izzy upon her death and now seems to be the one thing keeping Izzy and Max at odds or is it in fact a plan her grandmother had all along to bring them together much like a quilt does in keeping people huddled beneath it warm?

In the latest novel in the Quilts of Love Series, author Jennifer AlLee enchants her readers with a treasure hunt of sorts dealing with the legacy and history in the quilt left to Izzy Fontaine. Some would see it as a monetary item of great value, but Izzy sees it for something more. In the end, it's her grandmother's spirit that restores the rift between the family and unearths something more valuable than any of them would ever believe is possible in the fabric of a multi-generational quilt. I received A Wild Goose Chase Christmas compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Abingdon Press for my honest review. Being an avid quilter myself, I could see the draw in this novel not only with the love of creating a lasting keepsake but also in passing along part of a family's legacy through the weaving of pieces of fabric. I absolutely loved how this one ended and have to rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. This book does contain discussion questions so it's perfect for book clubs and groups to share.

For more information about A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, Jennifer AlLee, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

You can also find Jennifer AlLee on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

You can find more reviews from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance book tour for A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (November 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426752490
• ISBN-13: 978-1426752490
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches

The Bridge

If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury and you love books, you are seriously missing out on a true treasure and a book lover's blessing. This is my third Karen Kingsbury novel and they are all amazing and I don't believe there isn't a great one out there she has written that won't touch your heart and your soul and bring out your emotions.

Her latest book, The Bridge, is no exception. In fact, before you begin this one, grab a box of tissues because you will need it. The story begins with two unique sets of characters, the first, Charlie Barton, owner of the bookstore named the Bridge along with his wife, Donna.

"He called it The Bridge because that was how he felt about books. They connected the past and the present, the present and the future. Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they wouldn't otherwise experience. There was another reason too. The bookstore wasn't only Charlie's dream. It was the way to move from the pain of the past to the promise of tomorrow. Forever there would be the tragic and disappointing life before opening the store and the hopeful, fulfilling life after. The store wasn't only called The Bridge. It was the bridge."

For thirty years, they have managed to share their love for books and uniting owners with just the perfect book. In fact, they have a scrapbook filled with such loving and warm sentiments from customers expressing what they found besides a great book at The Bridge. Now due to a recent flood and the economic downturn in people purchasing eBooks over the paper kinds, Charlie isn't sure he can find the money to reopen the store. His wife, Donna feels perhaps God isn't in this one and it's time for Charlie to close up shop and move on. Did God abandon Charlie after all?

Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly both attended college together and became the very best of friends. Working together to encourage one another to pursue their personal dreams in music despite the pressures from family and friends, they spend hours finding solitude, friendship and more in at their time in The Bridge bookstore. It's the one place they can truly be themselves and the love they have for Donna and Charlie is heartfelt and truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, most people who knew Molly and Ryan thought they would get together and be married, but Molly's prestigious family had other pre-arranged plans for her future and that included a marriage to a man named Preston who would run her father's company when he retired. Ryan had a girlfriend waiting on him and a future as well once he finished college, so it seemed like life was preplanned for them both and those plans didn't include one another. Does God have other plans for them after all?

You'll have to read The Bridge which comes out in October this year and trust me, you WON'T want to miss this one. I received The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest opinion and LOVED this one. For those of you that love beautiful stories of restoration and hope like It's a Wonderful Life or You've Got Mail, then this will be the perfect book to read! In fact, it would make a wonderful Christmas gift to those those looking for a message of faith and renewal along with a timeless story. This will be a classic and one that will FOREVER be a part of my permanent library! I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!

For more information about The Bridge, Karen Kingsbury and where to preorder a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

You can also find Karen on Facebook by clicking here.

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (October 23, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451647018
• ISBN-13: 978-1451647013

Postmark: Christmas

One of my favorite past times is to enjoy celebrating the Christmas season with a great book. Yet sometimes you find something a bit more amazing when you pick one up, much like I did, when reaching for Postmark: Christmas, I found a delightful and charming collection of 4 short Christmas romance stories all in one, centering around four different encounters in the town of Christmas, Florida. Each of the authors, Paige Winship Dooly, Darlene Franklin, Kathleen E. Kovach, and Paula Moldenhauer, each create a heartwarming romance story set with the town of Christmas, Florida as the background just as a Christmas festival is slated for the residents.

In the first story, Home for Christmas from Paige Winship Dooly, we immediately meet Stella McCall who has been hired as the event planner by Brick Myer to put together the town's Christmas festival. Stella's a seasoned road warrior who spends her life moving from town to town in her RV whenever the jobs call for her to plan a local event. Since most of her family has passed away, her only traveling companion is her GPS, she has affectionately named Roger. When she misses her exit, she finds herself trapped in deep sand trying to turn her RV around and she is rescued by none other than Brick Myer and his young son Seth. Has love trapped Stella in the town of Christmas for all the right reasons?

The next story in this collection is Merry Christmas, with Love from Darlene Franklin. Here we meet a young widowed mother, Randi Pearson, who has spent the last 5 years reaching out to service men and women sending them cards and letters as reminders that they are not forgotten. When she arrives to volunteer at the post office run by her mother, she meets fellow volunteer Major Troy Brennan, who has just retired from the army. He is seeking to find the lady who owns Box 1 at the post office because he believes God has planned for them to be together. It's through this woman's faithful correspondence that got his through his last tour and longs to tell her so. Will their fate be sealed with a Christmas card?

A Blessed Angel by Kathleen E. Kovach is the delightful third story in this collection. Gabi Archer works at Jungle Adventures Nature Park and dreams of falling in love with a man with an adventurous heart, that's why she's so attracted to Captain Ron, a co-worker who tells the most amazing stories of his adventures abroad, but when her friend Naylene, believes that they are just fabricated stories designed to entice the customers, she pushes her to find a real adventurer. In to the gift store walks David Preston, a national photographer who has been using his love of photography to bring the unseen life in nature into peoples lives through his pictures in National Geographic and other magazines and books. But it's his gentle heart that Gabi sees in interacting with her disabled sister, Jerica, who was hit by a drunk driver when she was a baby. Will David's past come back to spoil his hunt for love with Gabi?

The final story, You're a Charmer, Mr. Grinch by Paula Moldenhauer takes the reader back to meet Edie Hathaway, the postmaster of the local post office, and Randi's mother from the story Merry Christmas, with Love, who is being pursued by Rick Stanton, retired policeman, who is attempting to charm his way into Edie's heart. In fact, the whole town knows of his infatuation with Edie but it seems like Edie want's to keep him at arms length. What will it take to melt her heart and fall in love again?

I received Postmark: Christmas by these wonderful talented women compliments of Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review. This will be one of those books that I will continue to read as the Christmas season approaches to get into the Christmas spirit. Each of these heartwarming stories brings the people of Christmas, Florida together in a perfect blend of romance and the Spirit of the season. I easily rate this a 5 out of 5 stars and thinks it's the perfect book to read on a cold, night before a fire. For fans of Christmas Romance Fiction, this is a must read!

For more information on Postmark: Christmas, the talented group of women authors, and where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

Postmark: Christmas by Paige Winship Dooly, Darlene Franklin, Kathleen E. Kovach, and Paula Moldenhauer

Naomi's Gift - An Amish Christmas Story

As fall is beginning to peak around the corner, some of the best books are just beginning to hit the bookshelves in time to get us in the Christmas spirit, and one of the best I've read belongs to Amy Clipston, who wrote, Naomi's Gift, An Amish Christmas Story. I've yet to read an Amish book, I didn't like and this one was such a true pleasure to read.

I could imagine life at Bird-In-Hand Pennsylvania, the crisp cold chill of snow in the air, settling under thick, gray clouds. Just in time to make it for Christmas, widower Caleb Schmucker and his young daughter, Susie come to visit his sister Sadie and her family. Just before arriving at their house, Susie reminds Caleb that it isn't proper to show up for a visit, without bringing something, and insists on visiting a local Farmer's Market to pick up a homemade pie.

Once they arrive inside the busy indoor market they both head for a small bakery and try to decide if they should buy apple or pumpkin pie. Just when Caleb looks down to ask Susie for her opinion, she is gone. Lost in the hustle and bustle of a busy market place, Susie is drawn to a quilt stand operated by Naomi King. She tells her that the quilts remind her of her own mother who died. Feeling a connection beyond sympathy with Susie, a friendly conversation begins between the two, as Caleb suddenly rushes up, grabbing Susie. He reminds her that she can't leave like that because he was so worried. Susie introduces him to Naomi and a warm connection flows between the two.

Now struggling to face his own personal feelings of getting over his grief for his wife Barbara, he is pulled in two directions. One by his sister Sadie's interference in finding him a "suitable" wife and the connection he feels whenever Susie and Naomi get together at their family home. This love story will warm your heart as you find yourself hoping that Caleb and Naomi will find true love, but will Caleb be able to leave the memories of his first love behind in Ohio to make a fresh start in Pennsylvania?

You'll have to read, Naomi's Gift to find out how this holiday story will end. One thing is certain is their faith in God has helped them weather their storms up to this point and they both know with God anything is possible, even the potential of a widower finding love again. I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. If you are an Amish fan or a lover of great Christmas stories, than this one will need to be placed at the top of your wish list. I personally rate it a 5 out of 5 stars and will be reading this each year during Christmas!

For more information about this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this heart-warming Christmas story, please click on the links below:

Naomi's Gift - An Amish Christmas Story by Amy Clipston

You can also find her on Facebook, by clicking here.

Grace

During a holiday season they'll never forget, will two hearts find unexpected peace?

The Brenneman Bed and Breakfast during the holidays is usually empty yet they never close. This year, the family decided to have a family Christmas at the Inn, only God had other plans for them much like he did for a wayward couple on a Christmas night long ago.

Melody Gingerich has been given a gift certificate to stay a week at the Brenneman Inn as a way of helping her to relax by her employers at the Great Grinds. She is three weeks away from delivering and her Amish parents are at all pleased with her current situation. Perhaps staying away will help her forget and find some peace that has been missing.

Levi Bender's reservation has gotten lost in the mail, and when the Brenneman's finally realize he is on his way before they can confirm his reservations during the holidays, they do all they can to accomodate him when he arrives. However, no matter how warm and welcome they are to him, it's apparent that Levi just wants to be left alone and forget about Christmas altogether.

I received this wonderful Christmas story, Grace from Shelly Shepard Gray, another one of my newest favorite authors compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I was completely lost in the characters of Melody and Levi as each of them work through past pain and tragedy to find happiness and joy once more through God's grace. This one is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read more novels from Shelly Shepard Gray in the future.

For more information about the book, the amazing and talented author and where to get a sneak peak at the first chapter, read on below:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Grace Avon Inspire; Original edition (October 26, 2010) by Shelley Shepard Gray
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.





ABOUT THE BOOK

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday.

Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it's their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.

But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can't bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won't open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant.

Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn't trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday. But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, as well as snow that traps them in the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Grace, go HERE.