A Letter From Lancaster County

"Silvia Donato's hand shook as she put her pen's tip to the stationery. She hesitated, but then prodded herself no matter how much her fingers ached. This was her last chance to repair much of what had gone wrong. Before it was too late.

Dearest Angela and Rose,

Please visit me. This invitation may sound crazy. After so many years, I wouldn't blame you if you couldn't care less about your aunt. But I'm getting older, and how I regret not asking you sooner, as well as the tension between your mother and me that separated us for so long.

How can I entice you to travel clear across the country? For one thing, I still live in your grandparents house where your mother grew up. You might wish to take a memento home with you. Anything you like. Lancaster County is truly magnificent. To my way of thinking, autumn is its finest season. Please come.

Fondly, Aunt Silvia"

Angela and Rose haven't returned to Lancaster County since their mother had died and now with a letter begging them to come for a visit, they both decided to take some time to visit and perhaps find a way to mend their own distance between themselves as well. Angela, married and living in Seattle with two wonderful kids believes that her mother always favored Rose, her sister who remains single and beautiful as well as thin, running her own mail order business. For Rose, she looks on Angela with bitterness for not being happy with what she believes is a perfect life, married, with children and a husband with a booming law practice so she can stay at home. Why can't they be happy with what each of them has instead of wishing they were the other sibling.

When the two head home to Lancaster County, they find some long buried secrets from their mother's own past behind a paneled door in their closet. When their mother died, their father destroyed all her mementos so this will be an opportunity to gain something that they can keep the memory of their mother close to them in some small way. They both just didn't expect to have a crush over Glenn, the Amish man who runs a successful nursery, but hasn't decided to make the commitment to return to his Amish ways. To do so, would mean giving up what he has managed to create with his own business. But does Glenn's family have a connection to Rose and Angela? Only time will tell!

I received A Letter From Lancaster County by Kate Lloyd compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This was a hard novel for me to navigate through because each chapter alternates from each of the sister's point of views. I had to keep telling myself at the opening of each chapter, this one is the married one and this is the single sister. In fact I didn't even realize that was happening until almost half way through the book. Even though each of these sisters isn't Amish or even strong in their faith, you can get a sense that they both have serious issues to work out.

Angela fantasizes about Glenn when she is clearly married and believes the reason he husband is so busy that he has little time for her, is because she thinks he is having an affair. For Rose, she is so carefree with her own single lifestyle she doesn't realize the carnage she leaves behind in all her failed promiscuous relationships. I had a difficult time believing this was even a Christian novel, because of their lack of faith and it's barely touched on throughout the novel. This is the first novel in the Lancaster Discovery Series with reader's getting a sneak peek at the second one, Starting From Scratch at the conclusion of this one. For me, this garnered a 3 out of 5 stars in my opinion. While I have read novels with alternating view points, this one was really hard for me to stay focused in.

For more information about A Letter From Lancaster County, Kate Lloyd or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Letter From Lancaster County by Kate Lloyd

You can find Kate Lloyd on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Letter From Lancaster County, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

Will their sibling rivalry get in the way of these two sisters' chances at life and love? Find out in Kate Lloyd's new book, A Letter from Lancaster County. When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit their mother's Mennonite sister in the heart of Amish country. Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau. Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

Celebrate the release of Kate's new book by entering to win her Two Sisters, Two Winners Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A Kindle Fire

Another grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A queen-size Amish quilt

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 27. The winner will be announced July 28 on the Litfuse blog.

Light of Dawn

First off, a disclaimer before you begin this book...if you have not read the novels preceding this one, you will find yourself struggling to make sense of what is going on. I had to go back and read the premise to this one to gain an understanding of what is happening since the book opens up with journal entries from one of the characters in the book. Light of Dawn is the third novel in the Remnant Series by Vannetta Chapman, and begins around the premise that long ago, people wondered what would happen if a EMP or Solar Flare disrupted the electrical grid in the United States rendering anything that required electricity to run completely useless. This has happened and the details are missing from this novel, unless you have read the previous two novels.

By this time in the novel, quite a bit of time has gone by and the group of rag tag team members that consider themselves like family have been tasked by the governor of Texas to see if there is any form of federal government father north in cities more than 600 miles away. Some heavily populated larger cities rumor has it have been decimated by nuclear bombs and thus the need to know what is out there since all communication is lost. As the team leaves their 'home,' they come across varies people trying to eek out a living wherever they can find it, much like you might expect would happen if such a thing were to truly happen. There is not enough law enforcement or local government to force citizens to remain calm and violence and anarchy are now the rule of the day. Some cities have been taken over by criminals that will shoot first and taken what you have on you after your dead. Others try and help those they can in trade for things that can be bartered. Cash is irrelevant since no one has anything to sell. Their only hope is hoping that the federal government is somewhere attempting to fix what has decimated the world on a global scale.

I received Light of Dawn by Vannetta Chapman compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  I absolutely LOVE novels like this, something very realistic, and possibly not that far into our probable futures. It makes you consider what might you do, if your major metropolitan cities were destroyed, all electricity gone, and chaos begins to spawn in the fight for survival. I can't wait to go back to the beginning of this series with the novels, Deep Shadows and Raging Storm to see how this group came to become a family that would fight insurmountable odds just to survive and for me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion. The Author's Note section is extremely informative as the different types of protype technology discussed in the book is currently being used even now. Discussion Guide questions are also included which would make this entire series a great book club selection.

For more information about Light of Dawn, Vannetta Chapman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Light of Dawn by Vannetta Chapman

You can find Vannetta Chapman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Light of Dawn, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

A Secret Courage

I love stories about the roles women played in any of the war efforts, especially World War 1 and 2, and no one can truly write a great novel about the war, women, romance and a little intrigue better than Tricia Goyer. In her latest London Chronicles series, A Secret Courage takes us into the life of Emma Hanson, an American who is employed working at Danefield House in Medmenham, a small English village at the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit. Her job is to survey the photographs that Spitfire planes used over Germany in hopes of planning the next bombing run and hopefully ensure a success. She is feeling guilty since her brother Samuel was killed during the war when his plane didn't return. Emma's job was to look at these photos allied survey pilots had returned from their flights photographing German points of interest - bases, airfields, manufacturing plants, bridges. Upon landing at Benson airfield, First Phase photo officers debriefed the weary pilots, attempting to pinpoint the exact locations where the photos were taken. Once the actual photographs were printed, the prints were plotted and initial information put into a report. Both the report and photos were setnt to Emma's team and that is where her work began.

Her job was to spot inconsistencies in the photos and uncover where the Germans might be hiding artillery, building new weapons or as Emma is about to find out, discovering where Hitler plans on unleashing his secret weapon, a rocket that can hit England. She finds comfort with her friends Vera and Georgette who believe she needs to find someone who can steal her heart. But she isn't about to let anything stand in the way of her work. After all, she signed the Official Secrets Act and word of her work to anyone breached her oath, and she could be court-martialed. She just doesn't plan on falling for Will Fleming, a fellow book lover whom she met in a bookstore and now he serves as an artist in the war efforts to capture the essence of what remains of the towns after the war in hopes of keeping the faith of those involved in the war alive and well.

But Will is not at all whom he seems and needs to find a way into the Danefield House due to reports that all that are employed there might be compromised in their security by someone working on the inside. But who can trust whom? If Will is hiding something from Emma does that mean he is hiding his true feelings for her as well and she is only a pawn in his espionage plots to gain information on what is happening in Danefield House? The plot is just beginning to thicken as the body counts begin to rise and Will just might be the next target!

I received A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely loved learning about the PI's or photo investigators like Emma. How she signed up with the Women's Auxillary Air Force, where she was conscripted into a special unit without a clue what it entailed. It must have been difficult not knowing if you could trust your friends, because even they didn't share what they were working on and you had to be careful what you said in casual conversations. I absolutely LOVED this new series and can't wait to expand on what I believe will be Vera's and Georgette's novels in the future. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about A Secret Courage, Tricia Goyer or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Secret Courage by Tricia Goyer

You can find Tricia Goyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Secret Courage, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

Sit, Stay, Love

Pet lovers know that our animals are sensitive to our emotions and seem to understand exactly what we need, when we need it. When an owner dies, the pet grieves in their own way just as we do, but it is hard to watch when they are trying to process what has happened. That is exactly what is going on with Tippy, a thirteen-year-old mixed breed dachshund who has lost her owner, Cal's mom. Cal wasn't looking to adopt or care for Tippy since he is so busy with his pro baseball career and he is the last suitable person for any kind of pet. The only thing he can manage to do right now at least, is hire someone who can do that for him and that is where Gina comes into play.

Taking the place of her cousin, she takes on the task of working not only with Tippy, but with Cal in resolving the relationship the two share in the unlikeliest of situations. Tippy seems to sense that a part of his missing owner can be found in Cal and it will take all the tricks she can muster to find a way into his heart if only he will give her the chance. Unfortunately it turns out to be a comedy of errors when the only way Tippy will eat is when Cal sits next to her. Yet when he has to leave for work, Gina believes he can take a short break to help Tippy manage lunch at least, she just didn't expect to distract him from catching the pitch from the catcher and hit him in the face instead.

Now Gina has time to work with both of them while Cal is recovering. He still needs to sort through his mother's belongings at the family ranch and get that ready for sell. The last thing he has time for is trying to find a way to keep and maintain it, and a trip home is just what he needs. He just isn't prepared for all the emotions waiting for him when he walks in the door of his childhood home.

I received Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book, in exchange for my honest and personal opinions. This is a book for dog lover's especially but all pet lovers will find something in common in the unbreakable bonds we share with our pets. There is a great chemistry that forms between Gina, Cal and Tippy as they each work through their own issues and eventually find that unconditional love forms the tightest bond of all. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Part of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue which finds homes for older dogs instead of a life in the shelters.

For more information on Sit, Stay, Love, Dana Mentink or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Sit, Stay, Love by Dana Mentink

You can find Dana Mentink on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Sit, Stay, Love, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.

  What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink's new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .

Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
• A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
  • Travel-themed decorator box
  • Reading dog statue
  • Dog journal
  • Poems for Dog Lovers
  • Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
  • Pawprint scarf
  • Doxie desk pen
  • Pupmobile auto magnet

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana's blog.

Wake The Bride

Hard to believe that I've been studying the Book of Revelation for almost 30 years now and until recently never understood what I had been missing for quite some time. It took an in-depth, verse by verse, study of it to finally have that "A-ha!" moment where it clicked. Now I can honestly say that when I pick up books written on the Book of Revelation, I can view it with a biblical view instead of merely another book on Bible Prophecy.

Wake the Bride from author Jeff Kinley, conveys the beauty of what awaits believers and non believers alike one day in the not so distant future using the Book of Revelation and breaking it down in a simplified manner. This is NOT an extensive look into the last prophetic book of the Bible, but a wake up call that we are called to be ready when Jesus returns in the rapture, an event the Bible highlights must happen before the ushering in of the Tribulation Period, those 7 years of God's judgment and final call to those who dwell on the earth, to choose Him or perish forever in everlasting judgment being cast into the lake of fire.

While many would argue why such a loving God would offer this as our final destination, we must realize that God does not desire for any to spend an eternity in everlasting torment, but it is our choice that decides our own fate. We ourselves choose and thus the urgency for many to stop waiting and get right with God now, before they simply miss out and have to endure the Tribulation period foretold in Revelation, Daniel, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Isaiah and other books of the Bible. This book calls us to search within our own lives as to just how ready are we? The letters to the seven churches in the Bible applied to the regional churches of Asia Minor in that day but is also a modern day look at evaluating the life of a believer even today. Jeff details one of those letters, the Church of Laodicea, which I believe we are seeing all over the world today, as churches put their Bible doctrine on the shelf in lieu of accepting all forms of religion and bypassing the less than desirable portions of the Bible out of fear of offending anyone.

He also takes readers into the heart of the Tribulation that is to come, the seven seals, the trumpets and bowl judgments and how that will impact the world possibly. One chapter I really enjoyed was the recent rise to such "heavenly" movies where people and children have claimed to have visited heaven but all their views are inconsistent with what the Bible describes heaven will be like and all their stories conflict with one another. Are we being set up for a great deception that will take us away from the truth of the Bible and the Jesus we need to know for our salvation?

I received Wake the Bride by Jeff Kinley compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of the book for my honest opinion. At little over 200 pages this will give readers a brief overview of the Bible Prophecy events from the Bible and I believe will encourage the reader to take their own personal journey through the Bible along the way as they research the various scripture references and other notable resources discussed in this book. For me, I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars, but I LOVE a book that really digs in deep to books like Revelation and Daniel. For those looking for a overview of what's to come and what we should be prepared for and focused on, this will definitely be worth it.

For more information about Wake the Bride, Jeff Kinley or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Wake the Bride by Jeff Kinley

You can also find Jeff Kinley on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736965165
• ISBN-13: 978-0736965163

Heaven Help Heidi

Sometimes as a book reader/reviewer you come across a novel that is written so well, it doesn't feel like you're reading a story, it feels like you're a part of it. Sally John is one such writer. This is a first for me reading any of her books and now I know, I have quite a few to add to my to-be-read pile from her. In Heaven Help Heidi, we see life not only through the eyes of the main character Heidi Hathaway, but from the secondary characters as well that intersect her life in profound ways.

Heidi was living an ordinary life until the accident changed everything. Once strong willed, athletic, determined and successful, completely independent from anyone, she would now how to re-evaluate her life. This was a divine calling in her life, one she won't see played out in greater detail until more time passes, but now she will have to give up some of her independence and learn to rely on the family she has as well as the people God so graciously brings into her life. Knowing she can't live in her high rise condo any longer while she is recovering from a car accident that should have claimed her life, she meets Piper Keyes who takes her to Casa de Vida where a small 1927 cottage is available completely furnished just waiting for her. It's perfect and there seems to be an unexplained peace coming from just being inside the 12 foot high walls that keeps this sanctuary a secret from the outside world.

It is here that everything will change for Heidi. She will learn what is means to have friends that will go above and beyond for you. She'll experience that the childhood friends she once had are changing now that Heidi is living at Casa de Vida. The business she helped create is about to undergo a transformation that will change everyone who is part of it. Like a carefully orchestrated complex piece of music, by the time you get to the end of the novel, you can see how God masterfully created great things to come from the trials everyone had to face. It will show you that while you may not see what is going on, just knowing God is in control of it all is something worth being a part of. I love the relationships Heidi develops not only with Piper, but with her childhood friend Adam, her twin brother Hudson, and the motherly wise angel Olivia who dispenses love as freely as she does prayer to those who need it the most.

I received Heaven Help Heidi by Sally John compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a beautiful novel that illustrates the importance of faith, family and friends in our life and makes me wish I lived at Casa de Vida. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming novel about adversity, second chances and making the most of what you have in life and for that I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. This is second novel in the Family of the Heart Series and includes a Reader Discussion Guide at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Heaven Help Heidi, Sally John or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Heaven Help Heidi by Sally John

You can find Sally John on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Heaven Help Heidi, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

The Healer's Touch

Combining the legend of the Ozark Spook lights along with a bit of western romance, best-selling author Lori Copeland takes us back in time in The Healer's Touch, her latest novel from Harvest House Publishers. The novel opens with the mystery of the lights seen on a deserted stretch of gravel road, known to the locals as the Spook lights. Some argue that the lights can be explained by headlights from the cars traveling along old Route 66, which would be fine, except that the lights began before the road was constructed and cars were invented. Whatever they are, they are a supporting character found in this novel set in the late 1800's in Missouri, where the majority of the people living just outside of Joplin, fear the Bolton family. They believe that the old woman who lives in the house that is just plain mad is responsible for those mysterious lights that no one can explain and the reason why no one ventures up to the Bolton home.

Good thing for Lyric and Lake, who care for their aging and ill mother, that the town has for the most part left them alone in Bolton Holler. Believing that she is moments from dying, Lyric is buying her time to save as much money as she can so they can leave this place and move to where people stop judging others based on what they think they know. .What she doesn't expect is to find her barn door destroyed late one night, and an injured man laying beneath the shattered remnants of her door. Believing he is one of the Younger brothers, a notorious gang of outlaws living in Missouri, she believes she is in for a reward if she can convince the sheriff to come and get him. She didn't count on the sheriff being so afraid that he refuses to venture up to her property to identify him. Now she will have to find a way to get the man to town in order to collect her reward and hopefully get out of town a whole lot sooner than she expected.

Now if she can figure out who this man is, but unfortunately not even he can help. Seems that running into her barn door that night has caused him to lose whatever memory he had and he isn't able to provide any identification, since he isn't carrying any. How can Lyric be sure that by turning over this man to the sheriff that she won't be sentencing an innocent man to hanging if he isn't guilty? How will they ever figure out just who this man really is? If he isn't wanted, then she will be living here a whole lot longer than she wanted since she doesn't have enough money for them to leave right now.

I received A Healer's Touch by Lori Copeland compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I love the combination of the mysterious lights along with the western romantic flair. It's like Ghost Hunters meets Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The beginning of this one was a bit slow and took me a bit to get into the story, but about 1/3 of the way through, I was engaged in the dilemma that Lyric faces in how to determine the outcome of a man's fate when she didn't know if he was a wanted man or not. In a time when information was slow coming and justice was doled out swiftly, it would be easy to wonder how many innocent men might have been hanged based on hearsay instead of known facts. For those that love a bit of western romance along with the mysterious spook lights, you will definitely want to pick this one up. I even found myself researching them on YouTube. You just might be surprised at what you will find! I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and it includes a discussion guide at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about The Healer's Touch, Lori Copeland or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Healer's Touch by Lori Copeland

You can also find Lori Copeland on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Healer's Touch, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

Rainy Day Dreams

The hardest thing to comprehend when we go about our daily lives is how hard it was for those first settlers to travel thousands of miles and begin the cities we find ourselves living in today. We often forget the hardships, the struggles and adversities they faced in trying to make their dreams of a new life come true. From disease, to Indian attacks and just the journey itself is one to be commended and remembered. Perhaps that is why I have such a love for historical fiction. In the Seattle Bride series from Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, both well known Christian Historical authors, they have once again teamed up to bring you Rainy Day Dreams, the second novel in the series.

We find ourselves watching the struggle that Kathryn Bergert faces upon arriving by ship to the town of Seattle in 1856. She was sent here to find a suitable husband by her parents, mostly her father, since the ratio of men to women is 100 to 1. Armed with a small savings and all her painting supplies, she has acquired lodging with a cousin she has never met, Mary Ann Garritson, who is the proprietor of the Faulkner House. She is also hoping the job she has been promised will allow her to make a living for herself until she figures out just what she is going to do.

When she discovers that the job she had hoped for was that of a maid instead of a manager of the establishment, she immediately begins to make plans to head back on the first available ship out and back to San Francisco. Only she isn't quite sure if she will have enough money to pay for the fare and what her father will say when she returns without a husband. She may have to buy her time, and settle with dealing with her harsh and blunt cousin as a maid until she is able to save enough money. Mary Ann tells her that she isn't going to be paid, but that she can work for her accommodations instead, and that consists of a room that has been converted from an old closet. She definitely won't have room for painting in there. What will she do now?

I received Rainy Day Dreams by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This was such a delightful novel and I didn't even realize it was part of a series until the end. Now I will definitely need to pick up a copy of the first novel, A Bride for Noah, and see how they came to be a couple! You truly meet such a wonderful cast of characters in this novel along with dealing with the threat of an Indian attack in a town that is unprepared to deal with violence. I love that most of this was built on a foundation of historical facts which the authors disclose details about at the conclusion of the novel for further research. A discussion guide is also included for book groups. I absolutely loved this one from start to finish and easily give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Rainy Day Dreams, Lori Copeland, Virginia Smith or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Rainy Day Dreams by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

You can find Lori Copeland on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can find Virginia Smith on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Rainy Day Dreams, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

London Dawn

Sometimes the hardest part about reaching a great series, is its conclusion. For those that love to immerse themselves in a virtual place in the world's historical past and those that LOVE series like Downton Abbey, best-selling author Murray Pura takes us back to the time period between WW1 and WW2 in London Dawn, the third novel in the Danforths of Lancashire. While meant to be read as part of the series, a first time reader can immediately get caught up in the unfolding action that immediately happens within the first few pages. The Danforth family has been separated by the ongoing war as Hitler and his troops begin to advance on Germany. While Professor Albrecht and Lady Catherine are being hunted for arrest for his refusal to join the Nazi party, his lectures, his protest against the firing of Jewish professors but most of all for being the author of anonymous books and pamphlets popping up all over Germany. Aided by their friend the baron, they immediately are forced to leave in the dead of night and try to gain access to their family home in Switzerland. But trying to get there will try their faith as they begin their nightly covert trek to the border along with their children, Sean and Angelika.

The patriarch of the Danforth family, Lord Preston can sense that Hilter's power is growing as he begins to consume one country after another while all he can do is stand by and pray for his son's safety. His sons, Edward, Kipp and Robbie, have all joined in the fight to put an end to the Nazi tyranny making its way across the country in the various branches of the military. As Hitler begins his air assault, the Spitfires as called into action to defend Britain from his German fighters. You can gain a sense for just how intense this action is and Murray does an amazing job by literally writing you right into the cockpit to join in the battle.

His attention to detail as the Danforth family is brought into the war in a variety of ways shows that even the elite and wealthy were not immune to the effects of the war. Much like the writer of Downton Abbey, Murray Pura isn't afraid to tell it like it needs to be, and casualties from the war will impact the Danforth family. Most authors create a shield around their characters so that even your best loved character will remain unscathed but not in this case. That aspect as well as the rich detail from history literally puts you in the middle of the action from hearing Churchill's speech to the destruction that England had to face as it battered and bombed. It reminds you of how much England had to endure during WW2 and how war affected this family as you take part of their pain in dealing with the horrors of the war.

I received London Dawn by Murray Pura compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This novel took me back to the way families had to cope with the realities of war. There was no escaping it no matter how wealthy you were. It's a chilling reminder of historically how some families dealt with war, how they struggled with not knowing the outcome of their children and husbands, and if they would ever be reunited again. I can't wait to see if Murray will continue to take us back to those historical notable times and remind us in a vastly different way what those times were like for those living in them. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and hope to see more novel series like this in the very near future.

For more information about London Dawn, Murray Pura, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

London Dawn by Murray Pura

You can also find Murray Pura on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on London Dawn, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

The Danforths of Lancashire Series
Book 1 - Ashton Park
Book 2 - Beneath the Dover Sky
Book 3 - London Dawn

Sadie's Secret

Will the notorious Will Tucker ever be captured? As we have followed his elusive trail from the beginning, it all reaches a breaking point in Sadie's Secret, the third and final novel in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker Series. We pick up with Sarah Louise Callum, whom her family fondly calls "Sadie" as she is about to be assigned her biggest case ever as a Pinkerton detective. Not exactly the model agent with her being a female but each of her successes have established her as a true professional. Now if only she could find a way to tell her family, who believes she has been accompanying her Uncle in his travels while working as a Pinkerton. To say that her family is a bit overprotective is an understatement. There only goal in life for Sadie is to find a suitable husband and settle down to begin a family. But she has other plans.

British Detective William Jefferson Tucker has made a promise to his mother to stop by and check on the welfare of his twin brother, William John Tucker. Just when he felt everything was going along as planned, his twin and a guard in the prison make arrangements for Jefferson to finish out the term of John's prison sentence. Something he believes Jefferson can handle much better than he can. So while an innocent man is in prison for crimes he didn't commit, his twin brother is assuming his life outside the prison walls. Only one person will be able to save him from a fate worse than death, but will she be willing to do it?

Sadie is the only one who is able to figure out the subtle differences between Jefferson and John Tucker with the slight variation of colors to their eyes, something a woman has no problem noticing. She has been tasked with finding a way to convince a judge that they are holding the wrong man, getting him released from prison and escorting him to town until another Pinkerton agent can meet her to take over. They believe only Jefferson can lead them straight to John. But even thought they may look alike, they are far from being different. Jefferson has no idea just where John would be headed and he can only hope someone else finds him before he does.

I received Sadie's Secret by Kathleen Y'Barbo compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I have thoroughly enjoyed each addition to this series and think Kathleen has nailed it with the conclusion. It is great to see some of the previous characters in the series make an appearance in this one and love the way it is all resolved in the end. Truly a historical return of the prodigal son and well worth 5 out of 5 stars. If you love historical romances with strong female characters, you will want to pick up this series from Kathleen Y'Barbo.

For more information about Sadie's Secret, Kathleen Y'Barbo, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Sadie's Secret by Kathleen Y'Barbo

You can also find Kathleen Y'Barbo on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Sadie's Secret, please visit Harvest House Publishers. 

The Amish Groom

After six long years, it's time for Tyler Anderson to come to some hard decisions about his future. He's thankful that Rachel Hoeck hasn't decided to find someone else to marry, after all she's been baptized into the Amish faith and has waited patiently for Tyler to finally propose to her now that he is twenty three but he can't just yet. He doesn't know what is keeping him from moving forward. Is it the fact that he was left with his Amish grandparents when he was six after losing his mother unexpectedly and watched his father walk away to continue his military career? Or is it because he wonders what made his Amish mother walk away from her faith at eighteen and marry an English man?

It seems Tyler is at a crossroads and no matter how much he prays for God's guidance, he senses that God is quiet on what he should do. All he knows for certain is that Rachel deserves more from him. She is everything he could ever imagine in a future wife. He has a strong stable job working for his grandparents Buggy shop, he has developed a long standing relationship within the Amish community and it seems like his English dad, has moved forward in his new life with his wife and son. But there is just something nagging at the back of Tyler's mind that keeps him from moving forward in either life.

After careful consideration, he mentions his feelings to Rachel who wonders if Tyler will ever commit to her and wonders if she has been wasting her time waiting for him. If he heads back to the English world, he may never come back. But if she doesn't give him this time to discover what has been holding him back he will always wonder if he did the right thing in marrying her. She wants to marry Tyler for all the right reasons and pressuring him to commit won't make either of them happy in the long run.

So Tyler heads to Southern California to take his father up on the offer to housesit and watch over his 14-year-old brother Brady who sits on the cusp of being the next NFL hopeful and his dad believes Brady isn't taking his potential opportunity seriously enough. Without some guidance, he fears Brady will simply quit and later have regrets on the future he gave up. Tyler agrees to spending the time in Southern California hoping that time in the English world will give him the time and perspective he needs to know which path he should choose, Amish or English for his future.

I received The Amish Groom by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. I love combined genre's and in this case it's contemporary romance coupled with Amish fiction. I love that Mindy and Susan decided to complicate a typical Amish romance with the fact that Tyler is struggling to come to terms with his English roots and the unresolved questions he has about his mother leaving the Amish faith. I think it's a valid question for Tyler to consider and I applaud how it all came together in the end. Thank you for answering Tyler's questions in the manner you did. Now I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and this is the first novel in the Men of Lancaster County Series. You have me as a fan now!

For more information about The Amish Groom, Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Meissner or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Amish Groom by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner

You can find Mindy Starns Clark on her website to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can find Susan Meissner on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Amish Groom please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour Page. 

As It Was In The Days of Noah

After the latest Hollywood movie to launch onto the big screen, Noah seems to be the talk about town. There are so many critics that argue just how accurate the story was to the biblical story, but one can hardly argue with the fact that in almost every single race and culture that there are around 270 versions of the story of the great flood. Coincidence or Godly intervention? I say the later!

What I do love, is the book that I happened to have found primarily through numerous advertisements on my Facebook page, As It Was In The Days of Noah from author Jeff Kinley. I wrote to him and kindly asked for a complimentary copy to review as the Bible's story of Noah is kept to about 3 chapters in Genesis beginning in chapter 6, but I knew that there had to be more to the study of Noah's life. How did Noah become so righteous if the entire world was declared by God to be destined for destruction based on their sinful lives? What was the importance of rain being used to judge mankind? Who helped build the ark? What was the significance of Methusaleh in Noah's life? More importantly, what does all this mean for the future of the world?

I have to say, when I got the book in the mail, I was surprised at how small the book was. I was hoping for a thick book filled to the brim with research and reference for me to follow along with my Bible. Yet God is amazing in using people like Jeff Kinley to shine the light in the dark places, one doesn't need a whole lot of light, just a bit to make it dark no more and that is just what you get in this book. So much information along with great footnotes that I was diligently following along with my Bible to see for myself how often I have glossed over the story of Noah, the Ark and the Great Flood and missed all the connecting pieces of the puzzle and what it reveals is chilling to the core.

We all know, as believers, that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, will happen when the world becomes like it was in the days of Noah.

Matthew 24:36-38  "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah."For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark."

So if you are like me, always watching for signs of the coming of Jesus, you want to go back into our history to see what kinds of things were happening in Noah's day. All I know, is that I don't want to be here, when that happens. Even though our world with all its violence, murder, rape, sexual crimes, and people now looking the other way when wrong things are committed now saying that those things are right, we are literally sitting on the cusp of the Second Coming of the Lord more so now than at any other time in history. So it is too late? Is there any hope? You might want to pick this book up for yourself and see what it has to say along with your Bible. All I know is that despite the issues concerning Hollywood's take on the story of Noah, there have been more hits on Bible applications and websites dealing with Noah than ever before. God can truly use anything to get His message across. God is patient wishing none to perish, but even He has a limit to just how long that will be. And it may be much sooner than you ever thought.

I received As It Was In The Days of Noah by Jeff Kinley compliments of Harvest House Publishers and the author himself for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. I have utilized this book in conjunction with my own Bible for a complete indepth study on what the Bible says about Noah and the preview of earth's final days. Being a huge lover of Bible prophecy and End Times events, this one hit a home run in my book. You can't argue the facts that Jeff does such an exceptional job at explaining like the meaning behind Methusaleh's name and the significance of his death. I never made the correlation to Noah's family tree to understand how he was raised, and so much much more. I highly encourage you to pick up a copy of this book and begin your own personal journey of discovery and this can also be used in conjunction with a small group Bible Study as well. Hands down I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and will be re-reading this one quite a few more times and keeping it in a place of reference close at hand.

For more information about As It Was In The Days of Noah, Jeff Kinley or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

As It Was In The Days of Noah by Jeff Kinley

You can also find Jeff Kinley on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest books.

You can also find As It Was In The Days of Noah on Harvest House Publisher's website.

Millie's Treasure

"Clipped to the second page was an envelope with his name written in Henry's scrawling handwriting. Inside Kyle found a letter, a match and a key. 

December 24, 1888

While I cannot be absolved from keeping you away from family on Christmas Eve, I can at least make up for the fact by providing a brief respite before work on this case begins in earnest on January 2. Arrangements have been made for rooms at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis form tomorrow night through the aforementioned second day of the New Year. Should you find that your work on the missing gold case requires it, of course the agency will pay for as many nights past that as you deem necessary.

Our friend Taft suggested that the rooftop of the as-yet-unopened Cottn Exchange building on Second Street might prove the venue for your test flight. To that end, he has secured access for you and assures me the three of us are the only ones who have knowledge of this. Thus, I hasten to warn that you must not be caught lest you alone will be forced to explain. And, per Mr. Taft, please remember to leave the key in the Weather Service office on the third floor before the service employee arrives at work after the holiday and realizes it is missing.

Consider this a small measure of thanks for your dedication to the agency. And no, I have not cleared this with Mr. Pinkerton, thus the need for the match. I am sure you will make good use of it, as always.

Best regards,

Henry

December 24, 1888
Memphis, Tennessee

Cook was right. The best thing about marrying Sir William Trueck and beginning a new life in London was that Millie Cope would leave Memphis and everything she knew and once loved   behind. And this was no small thing.

For she knew she could not stay, not when her life in this house was merely the wisp of a shadow slipping into darkness. As Sir William Trueck's American bride, she could step out of that shadow. She tried to recall that when fear rose to make its attempt at choking out good sense. And Millie Cope was nothing if not sensible.

After the death of her mother and two elder sisters, Julia and Sarah, to a yellow fever epidemic a decade ago, the distance that yawned between her and her father had become unbearable. So when Father brought his new business partner, Sir William Trueck, home for dinner, it was Cook's idea for Millie to smile sweetly in his direction. To allow him to court her when he asked. And, finally, to accept his proposal of marriage, but only if it came with the assurance that she would be allowed to live in England and have complete freedom to do as she pleased.

In the latest novel in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker, Millie's Treasure by best-selling author Kathleen Y'Barbo, takes us back into the life of Pinkerton agent, Kyle Russel who has been tasked at searching for confederate treasure believed to be hidden in New Orleans. What he doesn't plan on discovering is that his heart has been lost to a society scientist, Millie Cope who may just be at the heart of his investigation along with her father. Dabbling in inventions along with his partner Lucas McMinn, who readers got an indepth look at in the first book in the series, Flora's Wish, Kyle is hoping to test his latest invention, a flying machine during the down time in his investigations. What he doesn't expect to find is someone who can match his intelligence, skill and passion for science in Millie. Millie's just hoping for a chance to immerse herself in books and research in cryptology and begin her own search for her family's lost treasure. A treasure that may in fact lead her to more than a way to escape the plan her father has in store for her.

I received Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I am completely charmed and enchanted by this series, because the women characters that Kathleen's creates are much like how I would envision my own life if I lived at that time. Struggling between what is expected of women from upper society and the desires of their heart, ones that don't conform to what society or their family believes an proper woman should do. They are strong, smart and at times fail to see their own self worth, believing what their family thinks of them instead, but along comes a true hero that shows them they are a unique and beautiful creation, designed specifically by God and captivates their hearts. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read Sadie's Secret, which reader's get a sneak peek at in the end of this one. There is also a discussion guide at the end that is perfect for book groups.

For more information about Millie's Treasure, Kathleen Y'Barbo, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

You can also follow Kathleen Y'Barbo on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Millie's Treasure from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, please click here. 



 

Flora's Wish

She was the legendary Fatal Flora, the bride who had lost four fiancès to their untimely graves. All of Natchez knew that, so why not total strangers as well? He also knew that she had an ability to navigate heights, decent skill on the ballroom floor, and an interest in finding Will Tucker. It did not escape her notice, though, that somewhere out there was a strange man who knew her as Fatal Flora. A man who could ruin everything with Mr. Tucker.

That is, if Mr. Tucker ever saw fit to arrive for his wedding.

When a chance encounter at a masquerade ball behind a set of palms introduces Flora Brimm to Lucas McMinn, a Pinkerton agent on a reconnaissance mission at the Crescent Hotel in Arkansas where neither one of them was hoping to let on who they really were. However for Lucas, he seems to have the upper hand. Of course he has to be able to get past Millicent Brimm, her wealthy grandmother who seems to have plans for keeping Brimmfield from leaving the family. If Flora doesn't have an heir by the time her Cousin Winthrop Brimm turns 30, he will inherit the estate instead of Flora.

But the problem with Flora is none of her grooms-to-be make it to the altar before dying and with just 2 years left to secure a husband, a marriage and give birth to an heir, Flora has a plan. She has managed to convince Will Tucker, a railroad detective to marry her for just the legalities and give her a child that she will raise on her own. It's a marriage in name only. However when Will Tucker fails to show up for their wedding two weeks late, she feels there is something more going on with Will then what he's telling her. Especially when her grandmother claims to have seen him a week earlier but didn't know who he was. Will Will Tucker have an explanation that Flora will believe or will Lucas McMinn have other plans for the newlyweds?

In the novel, Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo, we get a look at the unlucky circumstances of Flora Brimm. How one manages to get engaged four times and never married has many in town questioning whether Flora had anything to do with their untimely demises. Perhaps a Black Widow in disguise looking for a way to increase her holdings and keep her family's estate? Or is Flora's luck about to change? I can completely understand the motivation behind Flora's planning especially during the late 1800's where a woman's goal in life was to be married with a husband and family. Yet poor Flora can't seem to make a go of it no matter what she tries to do and feels desperate enough to marry in this case for money, but the money will be paid to Will Tucker to care for the needs of his family. At least that is the story he has told Flora, but perhaps the wisdom of Grandmama Millicent be just what she needs to finally hear and pay attention to before it's too late.

I received Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Being a huge fan of traditional regencies and historical western's you get a brilliant combination of both when you pick this one up. Flora's situation is similar to that of wealthy aristocrats but set in Arkansas in 1887. So this will appeals to fans of both book genres. Having never read a novel with this type of premise, I knew that this would be an interesting read and was not disappointed. I love how the author used the historical Crescent Hotel found in Eureka Springs as the inspiration for the setting as well as the Southern Belle lifestyle of her characters! I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to more from Kathleen Y'Barbo in the future. This is the first book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series.

For more information about Flora's Wish, Kathleen Y'Barbo or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

You can also find Kathleen Y'Barbo on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews from the Flora's Wish book tour hosted by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, please click here.

Ashton Park

If you're a fan of Downtown Abbey, then you will absolutely fall in love with the latest novel from Murray Pura, Ashton Park. In this novel set in the early 1900's the reader is about to meet the Danforths of Lancashire, a wealthy family of 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls. Along the journey you get a glimpse into each of their personal lives and the struggles they each face not only growing up in a well-to-do family but also in dealing the conflict that evidently follows when your family wants you to marry in the same class as they are. The parents Sir William and Lady Elizabeth Danforth struggle with the same issues all parents face. The sons, Edward, Kipp and Robbie are all serving in the armed forces just at the beginnings of World War 1. As any mother would be, Lady Elizabeth is praying for the safety of each of her sons and hopes that each will stay as far away from true danger as possible, but that will not be the case.

With her daughters, Emma, Catherine, Elizabeth and Victoria, she has to deal with the issues of finding suitable husbands for each of them to marry into, only what's a parent to do when one of their daughters soon falls in love with a member of the household staff? The novel will definitely keep you on your toes as you attempt to keep up with each of the children, their love lives and the members of the household staff who are not mere supporting characters. In the truest sense of Downtown Abbey, it is bound to keep you guessing with what will be happening in the household next. Like most children, some are a bit on the rebellious side and wish to live their own life outside of what their parents believe is in their best interests. However will their parents wishes ultimately win out in the end?

I received, Ashton Park compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harvest House Publishers for my honest review and if you've never read a book from Murray Pura, then you are in for a real treat indeed. Contrary to the stereotypes that most women write from the heart of a woman when it comes to romance novels, Murray shatters that image. Having read his other books from Amish Historical Romance with a twist of stories from the wars and everything in between, he truly captures what women want I believe in their romance novels. He writes well rounded characters often portraying the women in them as strong and determined, not your frail weak willed, fall at the sight of any handsome man in the story. I believe this is what appeals to his female fans the most. In any case, this one will not disappoint fans of historical fiction among the wealthy class and see what happens when the family sleeps and the household staff have to tend to the needs of the estate. Truly one not to be rushed through and one I hope Murray Pura writes more of. This one hits home with a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Ashton Park, Murray Pura, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Ashton Park by Murray Pura

You can also find Murray Pura on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books.

To read more reviews on Ashton Park from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here.

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736952853
• ISBN-13: 978-0736952859
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches

The Wings of Morning

If you live in the Amish world you must learn to give up certain conveniences of the world, electricity, cars and modern technology. However in the small Amish town of Paradise, the subject of flight is still up for debate. So while it is not yet banned, Jude Whetstone continues to pilot his Curtis JN-4, the Jenny as he affectionately refers to it to the amazement of the residents below. But his heart belongs to more than the sky, it belongs to Lyyndaya Kurtz.

"If God had meant for us to fly, Master Whetstone, wouldn't he have given us wings?" asked the ever curious Bishop Zook.

"Bishop Zook,"  he responded, "if God had meant us to ride a buggy he would have given us wheels and four legs."

"Ah ha!" shouted the bishop, slapping his huge hand against his leg and making most of the people jump, including Lyyndaya. "You have it, Master Whetstone, you have it." He clapped his hands lightly in appreciation and a smattering of relieved laughter came from the small crowd. "So now take me up."

It's the year 1917 and while the war in Europe is brewing, the Amish are exempt from the draft because of their religious beliefs and their unwillingness to take the life of any man. However when a British pilot sees the remarkable ability that Jude exhibits being self taught, he feels he could be just the edge his squadron could use to prevent so many deaths on the front lines.

Soon the army shows up and proceeds to take the young men from the Amish community believing that they pose a threat to the war, speaking German and refusing to fight in the war. After countless months in prison and on the verge of watching some of his friends facing death, Jude learns there is a way to save them. If he is willing to enlist, his friends will be released and sent back home. It may be the greatest sacrifice of his life, for if Jude does this, he will lose the life he knew back in Paradise. He will be shunned and the love of his life, Lyyndaya will never be allowed to write or wait for him. It is the greatest punishment of the Amish community, but for the sake of his friends it may be worth the cost!

In the novel, The Wings of Morning by Murray Pura, the men in the Amish community must face extreme persecution for a crime they didn't commit. However in the eyes of the government, they treat them like spies and they undergo the worst treatment imaginable for people who don't understand their way of life. Once again Murray Pura blends the perfect genres of historical fiction along with Amish romance to create another unforgettable story. I would have never considered what the implications would have been for the Amish young men when faced with this difficult decision and applaud Murray Pura's portrayal of this storyline in his Snapshots of History series. This is the second book in the series and one I had been waiting to review after reading, The Face of Heaven, dealing with the Civil War. I was not disappointed and literally took my time reading this one. The richness of the details he manages to capture are unforgettable as well as the tenderness of love and romance appeal to the hopeful romantic in all of us.

I received The Wings of Morning by Murray Pura compliments of the author himself as a gift during a Christmas giveaway!!! While I was not required to review this book, I just knew I had to share it with fans of Historical Fiction and Amish Romance. I absolutely love this one because I am a huge fan of World War 1 and 2 fictional books and this took my favorite genre's to an entirely new level of delight!!! I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for his next book in this wonderful series! Trust me, this author will be on your must read list!!!

For more information about The Wings of Morning, Murray Pura and where to pick up this book today, please click on the links below:

The Wings of Morning by Murray Pura

You can also find Murray Pura on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest books!

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736948775
• ISBN-13: 978-0736948777
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches

Susanna's Christmas Wish

Susanna Wagler is trying hard to move forward and hoping to leave her past behind. But when your heart has been badly broken, it's hard to find ways to mend it again. She gave her heart many years ago to Matthew Yoder, who loved her and brought out all the goodness and love she had to offer. She believed after so many years of getting to really know him, that they would be married. In fact, when he asked, she was more than willing and ready to say yes. But little did she know that that simple answer would cause Matthew to realize he didn't really love her as much as she loved him. He left Susanna behind and went to live among the English. Now Matthew's been banned and Susanna has wondered if she could ever learn to love again.

Herman Wagler had waited most of his life for opportunity to present itself with Susanna. However, this was not the opportunity he had in mind, when he would spend months trying to find ways to heal her broken heart and restore the love she had inside. She did agree to marry him, but her heart just wasn't there. He hoped in time, she could come to love her as much as she loved him. But they were both raised to accept certain family traditions. For Susanna, her family celebrated Christmas as the English did on December 25th, while his family held on to the beliefs that it should be celebrated on January 6th. When Susanna asked him about spending time with her family on Christmas, Herman reminded Susanna that now that they were married, they would be establishing their own traditions and he would follow in the way he was raised and forbid Susanna to spend time with her family.

In the novel by Jerry Eicher, Susanna's Christmas Wish, invites the reader into a difficult time for newlyweds, Herman and Susanna Wagler. While this is just one of the many situations causing them conflict, Susanna is trying to fight her feelings of love and realizes, she loves Herman differently than she did Matthew. She knows she has to push back her past and try to find ways to really love Herman like she should and life suddenly becomes more complicated when Matthew comes to visit his family and is hoping Susanna's feelings for him, haven't changed.

I received Susanna's Christmas Wish compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. I am a huge fan of Christmas books and especially Amish romance novels, so when the opportunity presented itself to review this one, I knew I would enjoy it. I was not disappointed and truly admire Susanna's character. The choices she makes are admirable even despite not getting her way with trying to please her new husband, Herman. It shows that not all of our life choices are easy, but with grace and doing the right thing, great blessings can come from them. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on Susanna's Christmas Wish, Jerry Eicher, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Susanna's Christmas Wish by Jerry Eicher

You can also follow Jerry Eicher on Facebook, by clicking here. 

The End Times in Chronological Order

Do you believe we are living in the last days? Do you believe that the rapture of the church will be happening in this lifetime? What about what is happening in the Middle East in regards to the threats against Israel by her enemies and threats to "wipe it off the face of the Earth?"

If you've never taken the time to read the Bible and gain some understanding of where we are at in regards to the fulfilling of Bible Prophecy, now is the time! I've gained some study in the past in the book of Relevation and in understand the symbolism found there but I had the opportunity to review, The End Times in Chronological Order by Ron Rhodes and found this to be an amazing study to work through. In fact, I got my husband involved and we literally dove into the Bible through this book working through not only the book of Revelation in the Bible, but the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but also 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter, Romans, Daniel and Ezekiel just to name a few.

This book charts everything from how to understand the symbolism found in different books in the Bible, understanding context clues, figurative language and which passages to take literally. Ron does an exceptional job at showing us the history between the Old and New Testament passages including bringing Israel back into statehood in 1948 and the continual migration back of the Jews has been increasing at an alarming rate since then.

He outlines what should be happening next according to the Bible which should be the rapture of the church before the attack and fulfillment of Bible prophecy regarding the deadly attack on Israel from the countries surrounding her, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, Libya, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Algeria, Tunisia, Armenia, from the Book of Ezekiel 38; rise of power of the antichrist, the signing of the peace treaty of Israel, the coming tribulation and judgement against the unbelievers and the second coming of Christ.

It is chilling to see the current state of the United States and why it seems to be missing from the end times prophecies. Is it because the United States comprises most of the world's population of Christians (believers in Jesus Christ) that if we should all vanish in the rapture of the church, this would cause the once powerful country of the world to give up her super power status in the eyes of the world?



For those of you that LOVE Bible prophecy and end times Bible Study's, then this is a MUST read for you. I received this book compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review and am so glad I got this one. I've been spending more time in my Bible now than ever before and LOVE that I was able to follow the logic in this book so seamlessly. Without a doubt, hands down a 5 out of 5 stars! I'll be reading this one again and again as I continue to learn more about where we are headed and for me, I truly believe we are in the last days unless this country comes to a deep understanding and give up her complacent ways in regards to God's Word to how we should be living our lives.

For more information on The End Times in Chronological Order, Ron Rhodes and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The End Times in Chronological Order by Ron Rhodes

You can also visit Ron's website, Reasoning From the Scripture by clicking here.

Living in Harmony

Harmony, Maine. As wonderful as the name sounds, it hasn't been the ideal picture of a perfect life since moving here from Lancaster, Pennsylvania for Amy and Nora King. Since a tragic fire that claimed the lives of their parents, Amy and Nora have decided to head north with John Detweiler, Amy's fiance in search of a new opportunities and a future with another Amish community just being established.

However when they arrive, Amy and John soon learn that their plans to marry may have to wait until their Bishop in Maine declares that they have met all the requirements of this new more strict Amish Order. Since they have both been baptized since moving to Maine it makes it a little easier, but not much. In addition, Amy was hoping to get a job to help them save enough money to purchase land and a home but soon finds out that is forbidden. So they will need to stay with John's brother, Thomas and his wife, Sally a little bit longer. They also learn that there is no opportunities for singings, social outings or rides in a courting buggy because that, too is forbidden.

The hardest challenge is for Nora, who is twenty and was in the midst of her rumspringa in Lancaster, soon finds out there rumspringa is forbidden in the new community of Harmony. Not only that but she has to make all new clothes to wear because the bright colors of her dresses are forbidden. So she must now wear black, brown or a dark navy blue instead. She also learns that since there isn't any social gatherings her prospects of finding a husband in this new community are going to be pretty limited. She wonders if perhaps she shouldn't reconsider about moving back home to Lancaster to stay with her grandparents like her other two sisters. Is there a way to find true harmony in Harmony?



I received Living in Harmony be Mary Ellis compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and found this to be a surprising twist to most Amish stories. Normally it's difficult for an English reader to understand the harsh restrictions placed on Amish people based on their religious beliefs but in this novel, it is the Amish from one community that soon realize how difficult it is sometimes to make changes and live by more strict requirements. I found this novel refreshing in that it offered that unique perspective and as the character of Amy King grows in her awareness of just what this move has meant to not only her sister, but to her as well, will she realize that perhaps John may not be the man she believed he was before leaving Lancaster. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. For those of you that love Amish romantic fiction, you'll want to pick this one up. This is the first book in the New Beginnings Series and I can't wait for more!

For more information about Living in Harmony, Mary Ellis or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis

You can also check out more reviews on Living in Harmony from the book tour at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

You can also find Mary Ellis on Facebook by clicking here.

The Face of Heaven

I love it when an author will find a way to put a unique and unexpected twist into something we would never have considered and as a reader seeing it with new eyes! That is just what author, Murray Pura has done in his recent novel, The Face of Heaven. He has delightfully taken two of my personal favorite genre's and blended them so wonderfully together that is makes a readers heart sing!

In The Face of Heaven, we meet the Keim's, your typical Amish family living and working hard on their farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1861. As Lyndel Keim, is finishing her chores in the barn she stumbles across two slaves running from the law, Charlie Preston and Moses Gunnison. Charlie is badly wounded and this is his third attempt at trying to make it North to find freedom at last while the Civil War is just beginning. Lyndel knows if she confronts her father, the Bishop, he will not lie but turn the men over to the sheriff if he comes looking for the men. So instead she finds her brother, Levi and his best friend Nathaniel King and enlists their aid.

Just as they are preparing to take care of Charlie's wounds, Lyndel's father comes in and is considerably upset that neither of his children felt they could trust him to do the right thing and care for the men. He has them moved upstairs and immediately cared for. As night falls, the Bishop gathers the elders at his home to discuss how to care for the men who have come to his home and it's obvious that some feel these men being slaves should be returned to their masters on the Virginia plantation and so the men are divided on the best course for what they should do.

Just as they are about to adjourn, there is a pounding on the door, and when Bishop Keim opens the door, the sheriff is there hearing that the runaways slaves are being cared for there. When Bishop Keim confirms that, the slave owners rush into the house looking for the men, Nathaniel blocks the staircase and tries to prevent them from being taken while they are still healing, but the men push past him and search the house looking for the men. When they take them bound and place them in the wagon, Nathaniel and Lyndel know that this is not God's will, and so the war within begins.

The Face of Heaven blends two wonderful genres of Amish Fiction along with Historical Fiction with a blend of suspense, action adventure and of course just the right touch of romance. Nathaniel is not going to stand idly by and watch the country he loves being turned over to the likes of the slave owners without a fight, even if it means being shunned by his church and community. The story really entices the reader is so many ways in such a perfect blending of lyrical words to describe the setting and the characters in the story that you feel everything as though you are actually there. He has truly found something amazing and it's not the only time Murray Pura has blended genres so well together. His first book, The Wings of Morning is another I will definitely be checking out and is on my MUST READ list. For those of you looking for something different, this is it and why I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is the second book in the Snapshots of History series.For more information on this novel, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura

You can also find Murray Pura on Facebook.

To read more reviews from readers on this book tour, please click here.