Robin

It is interesting to note that for readers of novels, the characters we fall in love with are not those we see with our eyes. We fall in love with them because the author has breathed life into them through the words that are carefully written to evoke a sense of believability in the imagination of the reader. We have no pictures to go off of and it is a movie created in our minds based on what the authors decides to use in their novels.

For Julane Hiebert, she has introduced us to Robin Wenghold, in her debut novel, Robin in the Brides of a Feather Series. Fans of western, romance, and historical genres' will absolutely LOVE this novel, tempered with a bit of Christian principles, namely forgiveness and unconditional love as well as honesty and commitment. Robin finds herself headed west from Chicago to Kansas to settle in with her Uncle John in hopes of earning enough money to send for her sisters to join her since the death of her father leaving them in a financial mountain of debt. What she gets is more than she ever bargained for. She believes she is there to help manage his cattle ranch with helping with the womanly chores, cleaning, cooking and laundry. Yet Uncle John can manage those perfectly. He was hoping to find an extra pair of hands to help manage the ranching duties like his previous wife used to do.

Robin is left in a quandary about what to do. Her physical limitations of walking with a limp prevents her from doing most anything requiring walking, or using her legs. She had hoped for a much different outcome. Her Uncle expected the same and feels that by advertising for a potential husband for Robin might be the solution for them both. She would be married and solve her financial issues and with them living on the ranch, he gets two birds with one stone. Only thing is, Robin isn't in agreement with that. She left one man in Chicago who wanted to do just that, but she is only willing to marry for love, not for convenience. On the arrival to the ranch she is caught in a storm that leaves her with more problems, a young boy who watched his mother die and the man, Ty Morgan who rescues them both. Could he be the answer to all their problems?

I received Robin by Julane Hiebert compliments of Wings of Hope Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 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 and personal evaluation. Since this is the first book in the series, not all of the questions are answered by the time you finish. I believe those will continue with each subsequent novel. However, I did love the relationships that develop first with Robin and Uncle John and then with Robin and Jacob, the young orphan. I love that despite the challenges facing her physically, Robin is undaunted in her ability to succeed. That makes this a winner in my opinion and thus worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Robin, Julane Hiebert or where she can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Robin by Julane Hiebert

You can find Julane Hiebert on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Robin, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

The Pharaoh's Daughter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Pharaoh's Daughter WaterBrook Press (March 17, 2015) by Mesu Andrews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mesu Andrews’ deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for her readers. She and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest, where Roy now serves as Academic Dean at Multnomah Biblical Seminary. Mesu writes full-time, snuggled in her recliner beside a cozy fire on rainy Northwest days. The Andrews’ enjoy visiting their two married daughters and a growing tribe of grandkids. Mesu loves movies, football, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011), tells the story of Job and won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Fear is the most fertile ground for faith.” “You will be called Anippe, daughter of the Nile. Do you like it?” Without waiting for a reply, she pulls me into her squishy, round tummy for a hug.
I’m trying not to cry. Pharaoh’s daughters don’t cry.
When we make our way down the tiled hall, I try to stop at ummi Kiya’s chamber. I know her spirit has flown yet I long for one more moment. Amenia pushes me past so I keep walking and don’t look back.
Like the waters of the Nile, I will flow.

Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt’s good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her mother and infant brother during childbirth, a moment which awakens in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to be become the bride of Sebak, a kind but quick-tempered Captain of Pharaoh Tut’s army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods, Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives—women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile.

When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt’s gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan—for them all?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pharaoh's Daughter, go HERE.

Hand Me Down Princess

"Nothing like being a hand-me-down Princess.

The words mocked Jessabelle over and over as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Hand-me-down.

Passed over.

Rejected.

Unwanted.

In less than an hour she would become Princess Jessabelle of Mevendia, wife of Prince Malachi, second in lie for the throne. Not because he wanted to marry her, but because Crown Prince William had rejected her.

Twice.

Prince Malachi only upheld his family's end of the marriage contract because her father had saved King Antonio's life when they were teens.

Under no circumstance would Prince Malachi ever had chosen plain, mousy Jessabelle on his own. It was probably just as well the Crown Prince refused to marry her. She wouldn't have wanted to be queen. Every little girl dreamed of being a princess, right? Most girls wouldn't be sitting in a bedroom in a house provide for her family by the groom wondering if she could climb out the window. Would anyone notice?  Guards had been posted on the grounds to protect the future princess, but she doubted anyone cared enough to sneak in and try to get pictures of her or kidnap her. No one even knew who she was. Would any of them care if she snuck out? Would anyone even realize it was her if it weren't for the wedding gown?" (pg1-2).

In the first novel of the Brides of Belles Montague Series, Carol Moncado has written such a wonderful story in Hand Me Down Princess. Even my 16-year-old daughter was immediately drawn to it when it arrived. I believe it conveys that age old struggle all women face, of doubting their own self worth in comparison to others. We never feel we measure up and in this case, Jessabelle, who has been promised to marry a man she has never even met or seen before as a way of paying back a debt between the two fathers of the wedding party, mostly to ensure that Jessabelle is provided for as her own father faces his own failing health.

Thankfully Prince Malachi has no intention of following in the royal footsteps of his father and committing the infidelity that has caused problems between his own parents but embarrassed the royal house as well with the affair. Even though he has never met Jessabelle, his own faith in God will help guide him in ensuring his fidelity to her despite the compromising and lacking wedding vows of old and he will spend his life making sure she feels as worthy as any princess should. He just hopes she will give him the chance to prove himself worthy in her eyes. The only problem is the friendship he has shared with Lizbeth who believed one day that they might be married.

I received Hand Me Down Princess by Carol Moncado compliments of CANDID Publications and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This is such a great novel and I love how Carol took both of her characters, much like how Jesus romances us all to show us our own worthiness despite what the world has to offer. How could one not fall in love with these two! Jessabelle is flawed and struggling, but strong in her own right to do what is required even if she isn't the slightest bit comfortable being in the public eye and I love the patience and compassion that Malachi shows Jessabelle in waiting for her feelings to develop before pushing her for anything more. Now I can't wait for more in this series!!! For me, this one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Hand Me Down Princess, Carol Moncado or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Hand Me Down Princess by Carol Moncado

You can find Carol Moncado on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Hand Me Down Princess, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour Page. 

A Father's Second Chance

We all have pasts. Sometimes it becomes difficult to share those pasts with someone we have fallen in love with for fear that they will reject us if they know the truth. Even if God has already forgiven us, it can be hard to open up because what if we do and they simply chose to walk away? That is the decision that Celeste Thompson will have to face if she is honest with how she feels after vowing to never fall in love. After her own father abandoned her when she was little, between how her mother raised her, she was bound and determine to hold up her side of that agreement.

When she first moved to the small mountain community of Ouray, to reopen Granny's Kitchen, a restaurant her grandmother used to own, she had hoped that would be enough to keep her busy. Then came the possibility of adding 3 family suites above the restaurant if she can find someone to help renovate them in keeping with the feel of the restoration she wants. She isn't looking for a complete tear down and redo but more along the lines of restoring them to their former beauty but with more modern conveniences. She only hopes the contractor that she has been referred with be one willing to work with her.

Gage Purcell had hoped that a job would open up for him in the mining time of Ouray, that is the reason he decided to move back to town, along with finding a fresh start for him and his young daughters Emma and Cassidy. After all that time in school obtaining a degree in becoming a mining engineer he had hoped that would be a no brainer, but with no work possibilities on foreseeable horizon, he agrees to check out a restoration project for the new owner of Granny's Kitchen. What he discovers is that she appears to be exactly just like his ex-wife Tracy, who walked away from their family after the birth of their second child and never looked back. He has women like this all figured out, all business and only one thing in mind, their next business prospect. But it is possible he has it all wrong?

I received A Father's Second Chance by Mindy Obenhaus compliments of Harlequin Love Inspired Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is such a heartwarming and quaint romance just perfect for this time of year. It's short enough to finish in a day but feels as if you have read a full length novel. Reminds me of the kinds of stories I wrote when I was much younger and ones I still very much enjoy today. This time with a country cook and a handsome handyman with two adorable daughters added to the mix, makes for a wonderful 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about A Father's Second Chance, Mindy Obenhaus or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Father's Second Chance by Mindy Obenhaus

You can find Mindy Obenhaus on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Father's Second Chance, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page.

Thornbearer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Thornbearer Vinspire Publishing, LLC (May 7, 2015) by Pepper Basham

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, and has already garnered its first award with Readers’ Favorites International Awards. Pepper’s second and third books in the series arrive in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in April.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father's intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed - who could ever love a soiled woman? In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn't traveling alone. Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend's mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh's sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend's former fiancé and his own childhood companion. As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. When the truth of Ashleigh's past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough - or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

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

Promise to Keep

The most difficult thing when writing a great series, is to bring that series to a conclusion and that is just what Elizabeth Byler Younts does in the third and final novel, Promise to Keep, in her Promise of Sunrise Series. Where do I begin in my review of this novel? First of all I would have to say that it does include quite a few different genres, from Historical, Romance, Amish, World War II, and all of them being Christian based without a lot of the heavy religious overtones coming across. It's a simple story of being lost and the redemption that comes from being found.

As the reader embarks on the journey, there are two very different stories that come to an intersection at the first 100 pages and the first being of Esther Detweiler, who has had a challenge most of us would find hard to endure. Not only with the recent death of her mother, she is left all alone to deal with raising Daisy, a young girl who was abandoned, first by the death of her mother, Irene, Esther's cousin, and then when Daisy's father, Joe Garrison leaves her behind to enter World War II. Not because he had to, but because he couldn't handle caring for Daisy who he didn't understand was simply deaf, but others thought belonged in a mental institution. Esther soon learns that her father whom she believed died, is now coming back home and wishes to restore all the time he has lost with Esther. He believes it is something he can just pick right back up again. But Esther isn't so willing.

On top of that she discovers from Joe's sister, Angelica, that he is returning home from the war and is planning on taking back the daughter he had abandoned. It's not an easy thing for Esther to deal with all at once. Daisy barely remembers the man who left her so long ago, and right now, Esther is the only family she has ever known. Her own Aunt Angelica was offered the care of Daisy, but she felt that Daisy was too much to deal with and relented her care to Esther. But as Joe returns home he too has his own share of issues, dealing with the shell shock he has from the war, along with the alcohol that seems to keep it under control are the least of his worries, when he realizes that Daisy doesn't want anything to do with him and wants to stay with Esther over living with her own father. It will take a miracle to restore the lives of those characters we see spilled out in the covers of Promise to Keep!

I received Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers 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 expressed here are my own personal honest ones. Being a huge lover of WWII fiction, I absolutely loved the idea of a English soldier returning home from the war to deal with his feelings for a young Amish woman. It's truly the best of two ideal genre's in my mind. The impacts of what is now known as PTSD, wasn't something that many knew how to deal with and you can imagine how that might be played out among the non violent Amish. Not only that, the impacts of dealing with a deaf child and learning how to communicate, was something that would have been considered out of the ordinary since most of the education in dealing with how to communicate with them would have been fairly new as well. You could see where others would automatically assume they might be mentally challenged instead of something more simple. This one really worked well and thus the reason for the 4 out of 5 star rating in my opinion. It's truly a story of restoration on many different fronts.

For more information about Promise to Keep, Elizabeth Byler Younts or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Promise to Keep from Elizabeth Byler Younts

You can find Elizabeth Byler Younts on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Promise to Keep, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page. 

Lightning

Fans of such films and books like Hunger Games and Divergent will love the Stone Braide Chronicles series, now into its second novel Lightning. This is definitely NOT a series you can just pick up any of the books and hope to gain an understanding as to what is happening, but once you begin, you will find yourself on a very different adrenaline rush adventure you will not want to see come to an end. With each novel in this series, author Bonnie Calhoun has only excelled at pulling out all the stops in her ability to transport the reader into a vastly different world than the one we are living in, in this case a post apocalyptic America, now named TicCity, the remainder of what used to be Atlantic City. It's the only thing remaining, a billboard baring the partial name.

The citizens refer to the nuclear war as the Time of Sorrows and now they have taken to rebuilding what remains of the world now that survivors have begun populating the earth again. The people that arrive from the sea are referred to as Landers, and Selah Rishon, has just be transformed from a Lander to what is called a novarium. With this recent change in her body, she is having what is referred to as "Lightnings" or burst of power that her fellow mind reading recipients can feel but no one can explain what is happening. All Selah knows is that if her father, Glade and his team can not locate what is referred to as the Third Protocol of Landers, Selah will fracture and she will cease to exist.

Meantime there are those who believe that within Selah's blood lies the answer to immortality and they will stop at nothing to harness that power. The search will lead them to the Mountain, where her family and friends have ventured in search for any answers that might help her, but first she has to figure out who she can trust, and who she can't. The only problem is the Mountain is where her and her father were held captive against her will and it is the last place where she had ever hoped to venture back. What is she willing to risk to discover the answers about her future and her past?

I received Lightning by Bonnie Calhoun compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Revell Publishing Group for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel to review, and the opinions contained here are my honest and personal ones. This is such a great novel because if you have been following the series up to this point, it has been a true nail biter all the way, just getting tidbits each time Bonnie publishes a full length novel of the prequels that go in between each of them. This is definitely something that hasn't been done before and for me this is what makes it work so well. It's combining a bit of science fiction along with a post apocalyptic dystopian element that catapults you on to each new addition. For me this one is an easy 4.5 out of 5 stars, but trust me start at the beginning. I have listed the series below for you to ensure you are reading them in order. (1) Tremors - Prequel, (2) Thunder - First novel in the series, (3) Aftershock, prequel to Lightning, and (4) Lightning, the Second Novel in the Series.

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

Lightning by Bonnie Calhoun

You can find Bonnie Calhoun on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Lightning, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

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:

Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson

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. 

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:

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon 

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. 

The Ticket

Some people never realize how difficult it can be growing up and dealing with all the stereotypes in school. From those social group "clicks" to just knowing how to process what teens deal with in school to making that transition from home all while dealing with the changing of hormones and brain development. Harder than it looks and one we don't give them enough credit for.

In Debra Coleman Jeter's coming of age novel, The Ticket, we get a long look at how hard that life is for Tray Dunaway who has to deal with all those peer pressures that come from going to school and being seen as less than worthy in the eyes of not only her classmates but also from her own mother. Being raised in a poor family, her grandmother painstakingly makes all of Tray's clothes which are mocked by those she faces whenever she goes to school. This pushes Tray to become the shy social outcast who prefers to stay by herself whenever possible but longs for a life that everyone seems to have who have more than she does. She desperately wants to fit in and be accepted, but finds those opportunities have been shut off from her.

She longs for the day when she might be able to buy something that would make her feel the way she dreams about and in the meantime, spends those wasted moments looking through a catalog hoping one day soon, she might be able to buy something instead of homemade clothes. Her mother struggles with a deep depression, spending her days stuck in bed and dealing with migraines that only seem to increase whenever Tray possess a question about when things might change, like simply being able to buy a new pair of socks that won't slide down when she wears them, but is met with less than worth responses you would expect from a mother. When her father is given a lottery ticket as a way of thanking him for driving a man into town to purchase his, they aren't prepared the amount of problems that they will have to face when they actually win. Is this the life she dreamed she'd have one day or is this simply a way of introducing a set of problems they never dreamed they would have when the man suddenly wants a share of the winnings!

I received The Ticket by Debra Coleman Jeter compliments of Firefly Southern Fiction, a division of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. The one thing I truly loved about this novel is how it is written from Tray's perspective. How she views her life before the ticket and even afterwards. How she believes money will change things and doesn't realize how greed can destroy much more than poverty can. She dreams of a day when this might happen, and when it does, the reality is a lot different than what she imagines and it might be just what the family needs to learn how to appreciate the riches they never noticed before. I give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and thing this is a great young adult novel for any teen struggling to find their sense of purpose and self worth in the world, when faced with seeing things through a different perspective!

For more information about The Ticket, Debra Coleman Jeter or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Ticket by Debra Coleman Jeter

You can find Debra Coleman Jeter on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Ticket, please stop by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page. 

The Midwifes Tale

I can't imagine living back in the past, where medical procedures were simply based a lot of times on trial and error. Some of them quite barbaric it makes you wonder how they truly thought people would get better by allowing them to be put through those procedures believing it was for their benefit. That is just the premise behind Delia Parr's latest novel The Midwife's Tale, the first book in the At Home in Trinity series set in the 1830's in Pennsylvania.

Martha Cade is struggling to coming to terms with being from a long line of midwives in her family and it seems with the advancement in medical education and schooling, it appears as if her profession is yielding to the up and coming doctors graduating from medical school. However for now, she is the one most preferred by the women who are pregnant and looking for someone truly experienced in the art of childbirth and the care that follows.

Being from a small town like Trinity has some advantages, but when things go wrong in your life, you become the fodder for the gossip in town. When Martha's daughter, Victoria, runs away from home at 17, to join a traveling theater troupe, she isn't prepared to answer the questions the town will whisper whenever she walks by. She can only trust God will bring her home in His timing and will care for her as long as she remains away. She had tried searching for her for well over three months, but now she must return to Trinity to help care for the women who have come to depend on her. She just never imagined the new town doctor would step in and take what remaining clients she did have away and now it will take all she can do to earn their trust back especially when those newest advances in medicine are harming patients more than helping them.

I received The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I love that Martha's character has a true love for what the women in her life have taught her in regards to herbal medicine and treatments. I believe that might be what is truly missing in our world today and there is a lot of validity to this being applied in this novel. Medicine was just being to evolve and people truly believed that what they were learning from school was beneficial. Just goes to show you that medicine is just a lot about trial and error and unfortunately some of those procedures killed more people than they helped like blood letting. I would rate this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars based on my personal love for herbal medicines and treatments that have long since been forgotten.

For more information about The Midwife's Tale, Delia Parr or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

You can find Delia Parr on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Midwife's Tale, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page. 

London Tides

Life can take some unexpected turns. The thing we think we want most in the world, can be the one thing we simply walk away from. Grace Brennan had what some might call a picture perfect life as a photojournalist that found herself more and more in the midst of conflict. Her love life with Ian MacDonald was everything she had hoped for and more - until the day she walked away without a word, simply leaving behind her engagement ring and move forward to get lost in her career.

Now years later she comes back to find that Ian is still living in London. He hasn't moved on and never remarried. She is pulled by the notion that there might still be something there, but she can't find a way to connect with him again. Just how do you explain walking away from the man you loved to follow a career you loved perhaps even more? They had agreed to marry and give up their careers for love, but Grace had a change of heart.

With the loss of a colleague, she is still trying to find a way to absolve her guilt with not being able to save him as they found themselves in the midst of a war when they took fire. Now the tattoo she has on her arm will be a reminder than some choices in life carry consequences that go far beyond what we could ever imagine and there simply is no way of going back. If only she could find her way back into Ian's heart again, but is that something he is willing to take another chance on? Only time will tell.

I received London Tides by Carla Laureano compliments of David C. Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of my complimentary copy of this novel. This is the second novel in the MacDonald Family Trilogy, and I am sorry I did not read the first novel in this series. Yet I was able to perfectly understand the conflict that happens between Grace and Ian as they author took her time, establishing their backstory over the first few chapters. I love the parallel storylines of their careers and how each of them felt at some point their careers defined who they were until they really understood that that was just an illusion. The theme of home and safety are what motivates Grace and Ian in different ways and that comes to fulfillment by the close of this novel. There are some discussion questions at the conclusion of this novel that are perfect for book clubs. Overall I'd rate this one a 4 out 5.

For more information about London Tides, Carla Laureano, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

London Tides by Carla Laureano 

You can find Carla Laureano on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on London Tides, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour page.

Justified

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

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

When Hope Rises

When art teacher Shelby Coltman dreams of one day owning a store of her own to feature the things she transforms and re-purposes from trash to treasures, she knows that despite her wealthy upbringing, this will be the one thing she wants to do without her parent's money. In order for her to do that, however, will be to find a roommate to share her two bedroom apartment with so she can save enough for a down payment. Never did she dream that would come from her best friend Kennedi, who is looking to move out and begin a life of her own. It's truly a perfect fit for them both.

Tate Malone isn't at all happy when he learns that his younger sister, Kennedi is ready to spread her own wings and share an apartment with a friend. Even though they have lived together for the last nine years, Tate isn't quite ready to let go of the sister he tried so hard to find when their parents abandoned them. When he learns that Kennedi plans on sharing an apartment with Shelby, a coworker at the school, he thinks that they are too different to make that work. For one thing, Kennedi and Tate came from humble beginnings and Shelby has never known what its like to struggle for anything when it comes to her wishes and dreams.

Will a student with aspiring dreams by sharing a background similar to Tate's be able to bring the two together for a great purposes than what they both ever imagined. Perhaps God is the creator of both blessings of very different kinds as these three get involved beyond what any of them could have ever planned. Perhaps some sparks will fly between Tate and Shelby as they realize that they are so different after all!

I received When Hope Rises by Dora Hiers compliments of Pelican Book Group 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 book. The opinions contained in this review are strictly my own. A great easy summer romance that is perfect for a beachside or lakeside vacation! This one easily rates at 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and just wish it were a bit longer to see the chemistry developed a bit more between the characters.

For more information about When Hope Rises, Dora Hiers or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

When Hope Rises by Dora Hiers

You can find Dora Hiers on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on When Hope Rises, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances Book Tour Page. 

The Art of Losing Yourself

Do you ever feel like your drowning in your life, and no one notices? Everyday it seems like everyone is going along with their own lives, while you are watching yours fall apart bit by bit. You pray, but it even feels like God has abandoned you? Then you know exactly what Carmen Hart feels like almost every single day. Being married to her childhood sweetheart, they had always wanted a family. Yet it seems like its just not in God's plan for their life. After having six miscarriages, Carmen has lost more than her will to life, she seems to have lost her sanity at the same time.

Being in the public eye has never posed a problem in the past, but when shopping for a friends baby shower gifts at Toys R Us, and walks back to her car, she sees an expectant mother sign and completely loses it. After running over the sign repeatedly, she never expected someone to film it and post it to YouTube. Now as the local weathergirl this is not the type of publicity the station is looking for and tells Carmen to take some time off, til this blows over.

Only Carmen can't even discuss any of this with her husband Ben, because after losing so many children, she has put up walls between them and has no intention on taking them down any time soon. She finds solace renovating an old motel that has been in their family for generations. It's either fix it up and attempt to get it running again or sell the dilapidated property and let part of her treasured past go. What she doesn't expect to find there is her seventeen-year-old sister Gracie living there because it is the only real place she can call home. Their mother has turned back to alcohol once again and just seems like their parental roles have been reversed. Gracie is struggling to fit in where it seems like she doesn't and finds solace in the memories from years past in the old motel. Will this restoration project prove to be just what they both need to reconcile their pasts and move to a brighter future?

I received The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a great novel and truly enjoyed reading it over the weekend. It is such an escape from life, because you can definitely relate to either the characters of Gracie or Carmen. They are both struggling with the demands others have unfairly placed on them even though neither of them will admit it to those closest to them. They keep those buried deep inside instead of confronting them and sharing them with the very people that they need to. I found myself relating more to Carmen because of her apparent need to appear that she is all put together on the outside, but is literally falling apart on the inside. It's like we have to appear strong for others, but never let others see our need for comfort in our own personal struggles. I would have loved to see how some of the situations resolve themselves by the end, and am hoping there might be a sequel to this one in the near future! Well worth every single one of the 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is a discussion guide at the conclusion of this book which is perfect for book clubs!

For more information on The Art of Losing Yourself, Katie Ganshert or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

You can find Katie Ganshert on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Art of Losing Yourself, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page.

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha

I can honestly say without a doubt that Stephanie Landsem is one of the finest biblical fictional authors I've read to date. Her ability to take the well known Bible stories that are masked in so much unknown and breath such life into them, you'd swear that they were a part of the Bible. The elements that she utilizes to create the back story for such well loved characters in her previous novels in the Living Waters Series, such as "the thief on the cross," the Samaritan woman at the well," and now the beloved character so many women can relate to, Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary.

In her latest novel, The Tomb, is the third novel in the Living Water series. Trust me when I say, if you love those well known stories from the Bible, you will want to pick up this entire series. Before the story opens, the readers are in for an explanation by Stephanie Landsem about how these stories evolve and one I had never really considered, until I got the "A-ha" moment hit over my own head. In The Tomb: A Novel of Martha, is not her attempt to recount the historical events that took place in Bethany two thousand years ago. Instead, it is a re-imagining of how Martha, a woman who was "anxious and worried about many things," might have been transformed into the faith-filled woman of John 11:22, who said to Jesus - as her brother lay in his tomb - "Even know I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you."

Another author Jill Eileen Smith, in her praise for the Tomb, captured the essence of this entire Living Water series when she adds, "Often when we read the biblical story, we don't stop to think about who these people were, what they thought, how they lived - especially when we are unfamiliar with the culture of the day. The Tomb gives us a rich glimpse into that culture and into the lives of these characters: their hopes, their joys, their fears. You will never see Martha quite the same way again."

That is precisely what the reader will glean from this inside look into what really made Martha, the beloved character from the Bible, the proverbial worrier, the woman who never stopped and was always busy working hard to make sure everything was perfect, couldn't see where all her efforts were truly going. I had never really considered what her story might be. The Bible doesn't speak of their parents and with Martha being the oldest, one might assume that all the household responsibilities of raising her younger brother and sister would fall naturally to her. Thoughts of her own future would pale with making sure everything else would be addressed before her own needs were considered.

This translates so beautifully in this novel and it truly saddens me every single time, that the novels are over too soon. I feel like I have truly been given a look into the lives of characters of the Bible I had never considered before until I have finished another one of Stephanie's novels. Her introductions to other secondary characters is woven so seamlessly you often find yourself asking if you missed connecting those pieces together when you read the Bible so many times before. From the demon possessed man, to the plots against Jesus by the Sanhedrin, the story is breath-taking, magical, and one I know I will read again and again. These novels are so rich in detail, you can't put them down. You simply won't want to. So be sure to set aside time to take a virtual vacation back to the time of Christ and see for yourself one of the most unforgettable miracles from the Bible as you read, The Tomb.

I received The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem compliments of Howard Books and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. Such a beautiful novel that captures the demon possessed man, Simon the leper, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, as well as the saving grace that can only come from time spent with Jesus Christ as you witness first hand these events as though you are part of the action and not just reading a novel. This is one of those novels when you read it, you want to tell every single person about it, so they can enjoy it as much as you have. My only hope, is that like most series, it doesn't end at the third one and Stephanie has plans for another one, fingers crossed!!! Hands down, a well deserved standing ovation and worth every one of the five out of five stars.

For more information about The Tomb, Stephanie Landsem, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem

You can also find Stephanie Landsem on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Tomb, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances' book tour page.

Dauntless

What would you do if the one woman you vowed to love, marry and spend the rest of your life with, apparently was murdered? What would you do, years later when you see that she is very much alive and may in fact be a wanted woman? What lengths would you go to to rectify the feelings you still have for her?

These are the very questions running through Timothy Grey's mind as he is placed in charge of Wyndeshire, by the local earl as he is called away by King John. Being the ninth child, Timothy has had to struggle to get to where he is right now, the chance to win a title and impress the Earl of Wyndeshire. In order to accomplish that, he has been tasked to hunt down a group of thieves known only as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest. He knows the lands and forests better than any, but the last thing he expected to discover was Lady Merry Ellison among them.

Timothy isn't sure that she is part of the group and believes she must being held against her will. So Timothy vows to stage a rescue mission and hopefully win back the heart of the woman who has captivated his heart and soul. Merry knows that Timothy will do the right thing when it comes to arresting those responsible for stealing, but her group of misfits and children who have no parents have only taken just what they need in order to survive, and have never taken a life in all their raids. She knows that if their group is discovered, it will mean most of her group of children and young men will face the gallows including herself. If only there was a way to convince Timothy that her intentions are honorable despite the attempts by King John to have her murdered along with her family and the other children as well.

I received Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is a revised version along the lines of Robin Hood, where in this case, our expert with a bow and arrow is Merry Ellison. Perfect debut for fans of heroines like Katniss Everdeen. She coexists along the same time period as Robyn the Hood and even makes reference to their group being easily mistake as Robyn's band of merry men. This is the first novel in the Valiant Hearts series, and is definitely quite a bit different from most novels I've read where the woman is the lead character and heroine taking up the role of carrying for those under her, in this case, children who have no parents or homes. I guess much like the Lost Boys were in Peter Pan. Here however, the children range in age from very young to their teens. The law states that any as old as 7 can be hanged if they are discovered to have committed a crime against the king and that would mean most of Merry's group. Truly an unforgettable adventure into the life of a noble outlaw in the land of Medieval England. I would give this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Dauntless, Dina L. Sleiman, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

You can find Dina L. Sleiman on her blog Valient Hearts to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To see more reviews on Dauntless, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's book tour page.

Then Sings My Soul

One of the best reasons for loving books is that often times as you read them you get insight into a part of history you never knew before as the author uses a particular setting or real life story as the inspiration of their novel. Amy K. Sorrells does just that in Then Sings My Soul, her latest Christian Historical novel.

The story intersects throughout the novel between life in 1904 to present day as Eleanor "Nel" Stewart returns home after learning her mother has passed away. She has wanted to come home before this but simply never had the time and now as she prepares for her mother's funeral, she also comes full term to the realization that her father, Jakob is dealing with dementia. Their families past is rich in historical detail as Jakob remembers fleeing the Ukraine as a Jewish boy to come to America for a better life. It's those long pain ridden memories that Jakob shares in subsequent chapters that shows the horror he and his older brother Peter shared as the genocide took place eliminating anyone of Jewish origin and Jakob's survival was based on his ability to hide when his family was killed.

It is a horror no one with dementia would ever want to revisit as they find themselves locked into a past they only wish to forget. For Nel, she witnesses the man she adored and looked up to become a fragile shell of who he once was as she learns more about the families past while working to resolve her families estate and help her father with his illness. Her experience as a lapidarist is evident as she spent her childhood with her father watching him cut gems into beautiful jewelry, something she treasures as something they both loved to do to help support them. She learns about how much her father refuses to accept that God was in control despite all the horrors he had to witness in his life despite the faith of those around him.

I received Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.  This is such a beautiful story of hope because you can relate to what Jakob has had to endure his whole life. People telling him about God's faithfulness but despite their faith terrible things still happened to his family. It would definitely cause one to be hardened to those things as his life wore on and that comes across through Amy's novel. It's about getting to the end of your life and taking a hard look back and realizing that God was there all along even though He didn't do the things you would have wanted him to do. I'd rate this one, a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. At the end of the novel you'll find the personal story behind the novel as well as some reader discussion questions just perfect for a book club group.

For more information about Then Sings My Soul, Amy K. Sorrells or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells

You can find Amy K. Sorrells on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Then Sings My Soul, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour page. 

Seek and Hide

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Seek and Hide David C. Cook (September 15, 2014) by Amanda Stevens

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda's first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment--including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent. Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help. When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.

Wisdom Tree

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wisdom Tree White Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012) by Mary Manners

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus - the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you'd like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That's where you'll find everything there is to know about my books.

I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.

Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love...especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.

But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.

------------------------------------------------ Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.

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