Christmas on Candy Cane Lane

I don't know about you, but in our city we have places where it has become a bit of a Christmas tradition in that particular neighborhood to really go all out in decorating for Christmas. You know those places, where people will drive miles just to share the Christmas displays with their friends and family. This is just what Candy Cane Lane is famous for and each year, the entire neighborhood gets into the Spirit of not only going all out on the decorating, but even dressing up and passing out candy canes to those who drive through the neighborhood. In fact Maddy Donaldson is considered by her neighbors and even family as being the Queen of Candy Cane Lane's Christmas festivities. She ensures that everyone is up to par on making sure they are participating, having their light displays up and if there are any lights out, she is the one to let them know. However, she has been neglecting her husband Alan and her daughter Jordan in the process and they are trying hard to convince her to let some of that responsibility go.

Tilda Morrison, has just bought the run down house on Candy Cane Lane with plans of fixing it up, but her lack of home economic skills are lacking severely. Between her job at the Icicle Falls Police Force, and trying to figure out her own love life, she isn't quite sure she is ready to battle Maddy's spirited insistence that she participate in the Christmas light display. But when someone begins to vandalize the lighted candy canes, Tilda will have to get involved. Unfortunately as well, her family is insisting that they all celebrate the holiday at her new home with the dinner being cooked by Tilda. The only thing she knows how to do when it comes to planning a meal is stopping at the local Safeway deli and picking up something to go.

Ivy Bohn is struggling to find a way to hold down her busy family business as well as raising her two young children after her husband Rob decided that he wanted to go it alone. Not dealing with the implications of running into him during his time of visitation, she can't help but seem quite a bit grinchy towards him. The last thing she wants to do is rely on him to help do things like fix her broken washing machine, help catch her ever escaping dog, Gizmo or figure out a way to put up her Christmas lights on the house while dealing with her fear of heights. To top it off, her new neighbor Tilda, is a friend from school that she didn't not get along with at all. How can she find a way to get into the true Christmas spirit? Oh if only things didn't turn out the way they did.

I received Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Shelia Roberts compliments of Mira Books and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. This is a great contemporary Christmas fiction, that you can find yourself relating to at least one of the many characters in the book. While this novel is clean to some degree, some implied ideas such as the thoughts Tilda considered when thinking of possible men she'd like to do more than simply date, might not be the subject matter some might wish to see in a book. However, that is about as far as it goes. In my opinion, I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and loved the laughter and friendship that is formed in a wonderful neighborhood like Icicle Falls! This is the 8th book in the Life in Icicle Falls Series!

For more information about Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, Shelia Roberts, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Shelia Roberts

You can find Shelia Robert's on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, please visit Pump Up Your Books Tour Page. 

The Maze

"From the sound of it, a maze was being constructed, and he knew what that meant: someone stood at a moral crossroads, about the make a life-changing decision. The Piper had to act quickly.

Bricks were laid using grief as a mortar. Walls were cemented in place with sorrow. Lights were forsaken in favor of darkness. Crude agonizing designs were etched into the floors, and the history of one man's sin was scrawled in painstaking detail on every inch of the dreadful place."

In the novel, The Maze, Jason Brannon takes an interesting spin on the consequences of our moral life-changing decisions and shows us what happens when we are literally on the verge of life and death. In this fantastic and wonderful written novel, we follow Jamie Burroughs, a successful businessman, husband and father who is about to stand at the threshold of a life altering choice. When his wife, Amy, confronts him about a recent bank withdrawl, she questions Jamie's intent. Is he planning on using the money as a cash payment on a hotel room to have an affair and destroy their marriage like their friends did? Jamie understands how following the clues from someone else's choice can make his wife question his choices even though that is not what he intends to do EVER. He reassures her that his vows to her are rock solid and that introduces us to the Piper, who begins to play his tempting tune to entice Jamie along another road. One that manifests during a business lunch in which his ex-girlfriend, Karen is there waitress.

Soon Jamie finds himself drawn to her in a way he cannot explain much like the rats did for the Piped Piper of Hamlin. In this interesting look at what happens in the course of our lives suddenly is transformed when Jamie literally hovers on the brink of death after attempting to follow his quest to know "What if."

Jamie finds himself literally in a maze designed by all the choices and decisions he has made over his life. It was designed by The Architect and will test his ability to view his life in a completely different way. The choice he has made not necessarily with his actions, but also his thoughts and words. He will be challenged by the race against the Minotaur who feeds on the sins present in his life. 

 "Think of this maze as one big example of cause and effect. Everything you do has a consequence here. Getting here was a consequence of intent. This place is a manifestation of your entire life. Your deeds are sewn into the fabric of this maze. Your sins are the mortar that holds these walls in place.

This game is just like everything else in your life. You're blessed more than most people, and you can't see all the good things in front of you. All you see are the problems, the trials, the tribulations, the darkness. All you see is what you don't have."

This is such a fabulous novel that speaks to the heart and soul of the reader. It makes you take a hard line approach at your own life and question things you have done. It really takes you into the deepest, darkest places of your own life and teaches us all what it really means to repent and accept Christ as our Savior. Nothing else will save us in the end. I found myself with pages of notes from this novel that I intend to apply as a measuring stick in my own life. No one is perfect and this novel takes you into the seemingly innocent things we do every single day and the consequences it has on our soul.

I'd rate The Maze by Jason Brannon a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to digging a bit deeper into his literary works to find even more surprises tucked inside. I received this novel compliment of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside for a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are my personal and honest ones.. For those of you that wonder just how innocent your lives are, I'd encourage you to check this one and and re-evaluate what you find inside.

For more information about The Maze, Jason Brannon or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Maze - The Lost Labyrinth by Jason Brannon

You can find Jason Brannon on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels. 

To read more reviews on The Maze, please visit Pump Up Your Book Tour page. 

Huckleberry Springs - Book Spotlight

For some of my readers who don't know what a book spotlight is, it is simply a way to introduce you to a great novel I think you would enjoy. Today's book spotlight is on Huckleberry Springs, an Amish novel from author Jennifer Beckstrand. Before we launch into the book premise, I thought you'd love to know a bit more about Jennifer, the amazing and talented author of this new novel to debut on bookshelves.

Jennifer Beckstrand's Bio:

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Roamish buggymances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.

Sounds to me like Jennifer knows a thing or two about writing an Amish romance novel!

Now onward to our book spotlight of Huckleberry Springs:

 Nothing gives Anna and Felty Helmuth greater satisfaction than seeing their grandchildren happily married–except for planning their next matchmaking venture. And as springtime comes to Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, the air is filled with promise. . .

Ever since the Helmuths’ grandson, Ben, abruptly broke his engagement and moved to Florida, Emma Nelson has kept busy tending her vegetable garden and raising award-winning pumpkins. She can put her heartache aside to help Ben’s Mammi with her own pumpkin patch. At least until Ben shows up to lend support to his ailing Dawdi. . .

Gardening side by side with pretty, nurturing Emma is a sweet kind of torture for Ben. She could have her pick of suitors who can offer what he can’t, and he cares too much to burden her with his secret. Leaving once more is the only option. Yet Emma’s courage is daring him to accept the grace that flourishes here, and the love that has been calling him back to Huckleberry Hill.

So if you're looking for more information about Huckleberry Springs, Jennifer Beckstrand or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Huckleberry Springs by Jennifer Beckstrand

You can find Jennifer Beckstrand on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews from Huckleberry Springs, please visit Pump Up Your Book's Tour Page.

Letters to Loretta From the Radio Shack - Author Spotlight and Feature

Read the rare and recently discovered real time letters between Sal, age 19, and Loretta, age 15, during the final terrifying three years of World War II, 1943-1945. Both from the Douglas Park neighborhood in Chicago, the two adolescents discuss with humor and candor, the Navy, war, politics, hit music, life back home and their relationship.

Sal nicknamed Slabby for his movie star good looks, deciphers code out of the Navy’s radio shack on a minesweeper in the Pacific. Loretta monikered Duchess for her aloofness, lives with aunts and her widowed father, while holding day jobs and enjoying an active social life with friends. Letters to Loretta from the Radio Shack lets you experience World War II, both in battle and on the home front, through the eyes of adolescents in a way that Hollywood has never portrayed.

You can purchase a copy of the novel by visiting these online retailers.

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Laura Lynn Ashworth - Author Bio:

Laura Lynn Ashworth is an award-winning copywriter and political cartoonist. While helping an elderly family member with veterans administration paperwork, she ran across “the letters” and instantly knew of their rarity, freshness and historical significance. Although she received three publishing contracts within two months of sending the letters to major publishers, Ashworth decided to publish them herself on the advice of best-selling authors. She currently lives and works in a northwest suburb of Chicago. 

You can find out more information about Laura Lynn Ashworth or her latest novel by clicking on the links below: 

Website: http://www.lauralynnashworth.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007518694413

Twitter:https://twitter.com/lauralashworth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9845683.Laura_Lynn_Ashworth?from_search=true

To see more reviews or author interviews on the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click any of the links below: 

Tour Schedule:

January 5

Book reviewed at Rainy Day Reviews

January 6

Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

January 7

Book featured at Reviews From the Heart

January 8

Guest blogging at What is That Book About

January 9

Book featured at The Dark Phantom

January 12

Interviewed at Review From Here

January 14

Interviewed at The Writer’s Life

January 15

Interviewed and Guest blogging at Carpe Librum

January 19

Interviewed at Literal Exposure

January 20

Book featured at I’m Shelf-ish

January 22

Guest blogging at Bent Over Bookwords

January 23

Book featured at The Literary Nook

January 26

Book reviewed at Navy Wife, Navy Life

January 27

Interviewed at Niume

January 28

Book reviewed at Manners and Mayhem

January 29

Book featured at The Revolving Bookshelf

January 30

Interviewed at Becky on Books…and Quilts

 


 

Breath of Spring

 Spring is a time of renewal and for new beginnings and that is just what's in store for Annie Mae Knepp. After standing up to her father, the ex-bishop of Willow Ridge, a small Amish community nestled in the heartland of Missouri. When her father conned most of the towns residents with less than reputable dealings and left to create another community called Higher Ground, he had expected Annie Mae and her sister Naomi to join him. It simply is the Amish way to honor and obey your parents, but that is not what she did. She stood her ground and refused to go. Now faced with the challenges of supporting her and her sister, she gets a job as a waitress at the Sweet Seasons Cafe.

It's something she did naturally, caring for people and seeing to their needs. In fact, the entire town is supporting her efforts and has vowed to make sure that Annie Mae and Naomi are cared for in whatever they need. Annie Mae just never figured she would find love, but God has other plans. Adam Wagler is the one person who notices more about Annie Mae than simply what's on the menu and how she caters to those who dine at the cafe. It's the little things, like how she squints when looking at the menu or trying to see small print on things and offers her a spare pair of glasses. At first Annie is offended because she thinks that they make her look worse than they do. In fact she seems to have a low self esteem since her overbearing father drove most of the eligible young men away from courting her when he was around. But that is not the case anymore and most of the young men seem to take notice of this as well. But the last thing Adam has on his mind is courting Annie but everyone else can see what he apparently can't. That he can't take his eyes off of her whenever she is around.

I received Breath of Spring from Charlotte Hubbard compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Kensington Books for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the fourth book in the Seasons of the Heart Series and truly is a breath of fresh spring air. I love going back to the lives of the people in Willow Ridge, the one's I've come to know as friends from Charlotte's previous novels, Summer of Secrets, Autumn Winds and Winter of Wishes. The best part of her novels is that she keeps the characters real. They aren't perfect even if their lives are simple. They deal with the same issues we all do, but they have their faith as their foundation to support them. They deal with family problems, financial challenges and problems of the heart much like we all do. That is what I believe makes you fall in love with each book in this captivating and heart warming series. For me, it was like coming  home and well deserving of 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Breath of Spring, Charlotte Hubbard or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Breath of Spring by Charlotte Hubbard

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

To read more reviews on Breath of Spring, please visit Pump Up Your Book Tour's page.

Simple Faith

If you have followed my book reviews for any length of time, then you know I am a huge WWII fan of both historical fiction and non fiction books. I am so thrilled I got the opportunity to review Anna Schmidt's novel, Simple Faith, the second novel in the Peacemakers Series. In this one she utilizes the true story of a group of German medical students who banded together in what came to be known as the White Rose to speak out against Hitler and the Nazis.

The journey of the characters of Anja and Josef and Beth take in this novel is set against the background of historical fact. Amazingly, during World War II there were several so-called escape lines managed by brave local citizens of countries occupied by the Nazis. Like those who worked on the Underground Railroad, these individuals - at considerable risk to their own lives and safety - provided false papers, safe houses, food, shelter, and clothing to move Allied airmen from the site of their downed planes behind enemy lines across much of Europe until they could reach Gibraltar - a British territory - and move from there back to England. They traveled hundreds, even thousands of miles by train, bicycle, or on foot, and perhaps the most amazing piece of this story is that the best known of these escape lines - the Comet Line - was created and manage by a young woman.

This is the story of Second Lieutenant Peter Trent who was shot down while attempting to escape a fire in his bomber that was activated by a photoflash bomb and thus requiring an immediate evacuation of the plane. This was not before being shot in the leg and as he tries to remember all his survival training tips as he parachutes into Belgium in November of 1943, he only hopes he can make it out alive along with the five other crewmen who jumped with him. But for now with being shot in the leg, he can only hope that a "friendly" comes to rescue him before the Nazi Gestapos do.

What Peter does discover is a band of people who are willing to risk their lives and those of their children to make sure that he finds his way back home instead of being shot or captured by the Nazi's. Peter and Anja are about to embark on a life changing journey that will do more than test their survival skills but also test their faith in God along the way.

I received Simple Faith by Anna Schmidt compliments of Shiloh Publishing and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. For me, this one was aspect of the war, I have never heard about until picking up Anna's novel. I can't imagine how difficult it would be the not only find an Allied airmen, but to risk their own personal safety against being arrested or killed while trying to get him home while the Nazis continually searched for these men. Knowing their plane was shot down, it only seems logical that they would search nearby farms, homes and businesses looking for people who were willing to hide them. Almost like what countries did during the Holocaust to hide the Jews who were being shipped off into concentration camps. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the research that went into the creation of this amazing novel and can easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars. I look forward to picking up the first novel in this series, to see how Anja escaped the Nazi death camp in All God's Children.

For more information about Simple Faith, Anna Schmidt, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Simple Faith by Anna Schmidt

To read more reviews on Simple Faith, please visit the Pump Up Your Book Tour page.

Awakened Love

Katie Detweiler is cursed. Cursed to wind up alone and a maidel while everyone else around her falls in love and gets married. At first, she didn't believe it, but the more her friend Patsy reminded her, the more she began to believe that the lot in life that was falling over her was due to being cursed. Losing her brother Noah in a freak accident has left her growing up alone and has caused her mother to remain in depressed state, leaving her and her father behind to stay with family away from the place that brings only loneliness and sadness.

Katie has always wanted to take part in the courtship of the Amish like all her friends, but soon realizes that dream will never come true. Patsy has asked her to stand up as part of her wedding part when she learns that Micah's cousin is in town. To Patsy that means all bets are off and she will stop at nothing to ensure that her and Abram Hilty are married this year. Too bad Abram isn't aware of that plan. Leaving his family to avoid his own past, Abram can't help but notice Katie. She's not like all the other girls he has met, that throw themselves at him, but instead seems to not be attracted to his good looks at all. Now if he can only convince her that he is interested.

When Katie notices Abram's persistent ways to be around her, she believes that he isn't really interested in her, but probably wants to date Patsy. However, Abram manages to persuade Katie that it is her that he wants to date and no one else. But because Katie has grown up believing she is cursed, she believes it's just a prank being played on her by the Amish boys. It will take a lot of convincing on Abram's part and if Patsy has it her way, it will never happen. Things are going to definitely get interesting to say the very least.

I received Awakened Love by Laura V. Hilton compliments of Whitaker House Publishers and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This is the third book in The Amish of Webster County and it's a mix of Amish Romance, coupled with a twist of suspense as both Abram's and Katie's past come back to disrupt their lives in ways neither one could ever manage. I literally inhaled this one in a couple of hours. This is a first novel with Laura V. Hilton but it definitely won't be my last. I will be going back to read the first two in this series! Her writing style is very easy going and keeps you hooked from the very beginning all the way to the end. I didn't want it to end. With that being said, it's easy to give Awakened Love a true 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Awakened Love, Laura V. Hilton or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Awakened Love by Laura V. Hilton

You can also find Laura V. Hilton on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Awakened Love from the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here. 

Amanda Weds a Good Man

I have fallen in love with the people of Cedar Creek through author Naomi King who introduced us to a handful of the residents there in her novels Rosemary Opens Her Heart and Abby Finds Her Calling. Now launching a new series, One Big Happy Family, Naomi introduces us to Amanda Lambright, a widow with three children who has managed to raise her family in the last four years even if it has been a struggle as a single mom. She finds solace in her best friend Abby who runs A Stitch in Time in Cedar Creek. She understands what it's like to want to work to provide for her family but also knows the struggles facing women in the Amish community trying to do it alone. She only hopes to find a man who might be as understanding as her husband, Atlee was.

When she finds hope in marrying Wyman Brubaker, also a widower with five children, she wonders if they will find ways to mend the differences between the two families. They each come with a set of unique challenges, one of them being that the community of Clearwater is a much stronger Old Amish Order and they believe in sticking to the guidelines set within the community. One of them being that the pottery that Amanda makes and sells at the Cedar Creek Mercantile isn't allowed. In fact, she will have to give up that interest of hers altogether if she hopes to fit in with the new Bishop. Her daughters are also being challenged in their new school with the new rules set forth by the school teacher, the bishop's daughter who believes that their dresses are too short and that too much hair is showing from their kapps.

In the midst of all of this new change, Amanda wonders if she didn't rush into this marriage with Wyman as a way to help one another out. Perhaps this wasn't God's plan after all. She struggles with trying to find a way to communicate with him despite wanting to be a good and devout Amish wife who follows what her husband asks of her. She already knows that Wyman had to tell his previous wife to stop painting because of the Bishop's orders but will he be able to ask Amanda to do the same even if it means causing a rift between them while trying to make things work?

I received Amanda Weds a Good Man by author Naomi King compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Penguin 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 true a novel that you can compare quite simply as an Amish Brady Bunch with a twist. Understanding the guidelines of the Amish faith plays a big part into the roles that Wyman and Amanda fall into, and thus blending two very different Amish orders together along with additional children to the mix is bound to cause more than just a few ruffled feathers. I love how it simply doesn't all fit together and I love the struggle that Wyman is challenged with in finding resolution with his new wife and the community he grew up in. I love this series and can't wait to read the next book which we get a sneak peek at in Emma Blooms at Last at the end of this one. Hands down a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Amanda Weds A Good Man, Naomi King or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Amanda Weds a Good Man by Naomi King

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

To read more reviews on Amanda Weds A Good Man from the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here.

• Series: One Big Happy Family (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade (November 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451417879
• ISBN-13: 978-0451417879
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.8 inches

A Christmas Carol 2

I've often wondered what ever happened after Ebenezer Scrooge discovered the true meaning of Christmas. Did he remain grateful and continue to keep Christmas in his heart every day instead of once a year? What ever happened to his faithful employee Bob Cratchit or his family that he was reunited with before he died? What if hidden somewhere for more than 170 years was a copy of the sequel to A Christmas Carol that provided those answers of just what happened to our beloved characters years later? Well that is just what you'll find with a dose of comedy in the novel, A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg.

The story is written in a Charles Dickens manner in which all of the characters from Dicken's novels make an appearance in this delightful tale of Scrooge's return now as the ghost appearing to Bob Cratchit, whose generosity has now brought the company of Scrooge and Marley on the verge of bankruptcy. Scrooge returns as Marley did to remind Bob of the implications of his generosity without consideration and he is back to teach Bob the value of money. You will find such delightful characters interwoven in this Christmas tale like Oliver Twist, Samuel Pickwick, Uriah Heep, David Cooperfield and many many more.

 There are some play on words and phrases from Dicken's classic works, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Cooperfield and more as the characters remain in their respective stories and utter the now famous sayings. For example when Oliver Twist arrives in Bob Cratchit's office while men are there to solicit their annual holiday donations from him, Oliver Twist arrives to discuss his salary, "Please sir, I want some more." Bob isn't sure what he means in which Oliver replies, "I've been at Scrooge and Marley's for over two years now," the young man said with resolve. "I arrive at dawn and am here 14 hours later. I've saved many an account, Mr. Cratchit, sir. And sir, I'm 23 years old now, and am paid almost nothing, apprentice wages. Please sir."

Cratchit replies, "Done, as the cook said to the roast after taking it from the oven. You shall have it." He put out his hand to seal the agreement. "I'll triple your salary next week. A new start for the New Year. How's that?" It is Oliver that seems to understand common sense when it comes to money but Cratchit doesn't seem to be overly concerned.

Since the novel is based loosely around the concept that this is the actual lost manuscript from Charles Dickens, the author incorporates the use of footnotes throughout this book to guide the reader through unfamiliar characters, names and events of the period he believes are what Charles Dickens would have added if he did in fact write this book. It is an amusing look at what might have become of poor Bob Cratchit and a truly must have for fans of Charles Dicken's literary works.

I received A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg compliments of Third Road Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours 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 would make a great Christmas gift to anyone who loves to add to their Christmas fiction collection. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. I found the footnotes a bit confusing and opted to skip those initially on my first read through to keep the continuity of the storyline moving forward and went back and reviewed those during my second pass through the book. I love the authors use of cynical humor throughout this book and those quirky famous lines that interlace the conversations in the story.

For more information about A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge, Robert J. Elisberg or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg

To read more reviews on A Christmas Carol 2 from the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here. 

 You can find Robert J. Elisberg on his website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Third Road Press (November 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615727573
• ISBN-13: 978-0615727578
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches

An Amish Country Christmas

"An Amish Country Christmas by best selling author Charlotte Hubbard who also goes by the pen name, Naomi King was asked to write a novel based on the characters from both of her Amish series where they get to mix and mingle, this is the result of that collaboration. The reader is bound to get a true gift when they can enjoy their favorite characters from both Willow Ridge and Cedar Creek together for the Christmas Season. With the fact that Charlotte (Naomi) have a book in each of her series all releasing just in time for Christmas, here is the chronological order for these stories: Amanda Weds a Good Man: One Big Happy Family by Naomi King; Winter of Wishes by Charlotte Hubbard; and then An Amish Country Christmas. This order will make sense, especially for Preacher Tom and Vernon Gingerich as they court the Hooley sisters and prepare to get married.

This novel, An Amish Country Christmas is divided into three sections, two of them, fantastic and charming additions to the bigger novels in the series based on Christmas and then the third section entitled, Sugar and Spice gives readers some amazing recipes that they have only read about not only in this book but in other books in the series, just in time for some Christmas baking.

In the first part of the book, The Christmas Visitors by Naomi King, shares the delight of what happens when Nate and Bram Kanagy head to Cedar Creek to pick up a courting buggy and a sleigh from Graber's Custom Carriages. While doing some shopping at the Cedar Creek Mercantile, the brothers have the opportunity to help a girl in need, Martha Coblentz who is struggling with some heavy mineral blocks she needs for her farm. Each seeing an opportunity to take a young girl out for a holiday trip, they both compete for her attentions. What they don't realize however is Martha already has plans for both very handsome young men and that would be to take them back home to meet her sister Mary, an identical twin in every way. What happens along the way is truly unforgettable and a delightful Christmas romance story between families.

In the second half of the book, The Bishop's Kiss by Charlotte Hubbard takes the readers back to Willow Ridge as the community decides what will happen now that the town's previous bishop Hiram was excommunicated for some under handed dealings within the community and now he has moved away to start his own community called Higher Ground, leaving the town searching for who their next bishop will be. Preacher Tom and Vernon Gingerich are about to encounter the Hooley sisters, Nazareth and Jerusalem who each have their sights set on a prospective man. What soon follows is bound to keep even the old at heart in awe as love comes to Willow Ridge in new and unexpected ways.

I received An Amish Country Christmas by Naomi King and Charlotte Hubbard compliments of Kensington Publishing Group and Pump Up Your Book Tours 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 LOVED every single novel that Charlotte and Naomi have written in the Cedar Creek and Willow Ridge series and this was such a delightful and charming way to take a trip back to these towns to see just how some of my favorite characters are spending Christmas this year. The best part are the amazing recipes I can't wait to try and add some new flavors to my Christmas baking this year. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and it truly does give you a Christmas treat you can enjoy in front of a warm fire on a cold night.

For more information about An Amish Country Christmas, Naomi King, Charlotte Hubbard or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

An Amish Country Christmas by Naomi King and Charlotte Hubbard

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• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420131885
• ISBN-13: 978-1420131888
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches

Winter of Wishes

"You're interested in the position?"

There was a hopeful upturn in Andy Leitner's voice as it came through the phone. "I was wondering if the store owners had taken my note down."

Rhoda's heart raced. "Jah, I'd like to talk to you about it, " she gushed. "But ya should understand right out that I don't have a car, on account of how we Amish don't believe in ownin'-I mean, I'm not preachin' at ya, or-"
She winced. "This is comin' out all wrong. Sorry," she rasped. "My name's Rhoda Lantz, and I'm in Willow Ridge. I sure hope you don't think I'm too ferhoodled to even be considered for the job."

"Ferhoodled?" The word rolled melodiously from the receiver and teased her.

"Crazy mixed-up," she explained. "Confused, and - well, I'm keepin' ya from whatever ya need to be doin', so,-"

"Ah, but you're a solution to my problem. The answer to a prayer..."

Just like that Rhoda Lantz life would be forever changed when she answered the ad she found posted in the Zook's Market in town. With her mother Miriam now just a month from being married to Ben Hooley, she knew she was missing something in her life. Call it a need perhaps, but something to validate her life, and taking care of Andy's children as well as his mother just recovering from a stroke, may be just the calling she feels on her life.

But just how would Andy feel about her Amish ways? Being a busy single father while attending school for nursing, he faced challenging obstacles both at work and at home. It seems like he never can find peace between trying to stay organized, raising his two young children, and helping his mother recover. It seems just when his wife walked away, Andy's life had fallen apart. Is it possible that Rhoda can bring life back to his unhappy family or will this be too much for even a seasoned Amish woman to handle?

Once again, Charlotte Hubbard takes her readers back to Willow Ridge in the third novel in the Seasons of the Heart Series, with Winter of Wishes. Rhoda Lantz has found that working with her family in the Sweet Seasons Bakery Cafè just isn't enough for her now that everyone is moving forward in their lives with the exception of Rhoda. But God has bigger plans for this Amish woman and the English family she is about to assume care of. Will He be able to seamlessly blend two different cultures into one perfect family? You'll definitely want to pick this one up and find out.

I received Winter of Wishes by Charlotte Hubbard compliments of Kensington Books and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I have fallen in love with their characters as well as the recipes that the women working at the Sweet Seasons Bakery whip up. I felt the change of the season in this book as Thanksgiving approached as well as the coming winter for the entire town of Willow Ridge. I love how with the advancement of time even some of the strictest religious beliefs are challenge by Miriam when her daughter is threatened by a bittered Bishop Hiram Knepp who's been under the Amish ban for keeping a car in his barn and driving it. Seems like Hiram is hiding more than his emotions under his harsh exterior while he lashes out to those around him, biding his time til he is returned back to overseeing the town and its residents again. Miriam has what I would call gumption and she isn't afraid to use it! I would easily rate this a 5 out of 5 stars and love all the recipes that are included in this book as well. Makes it twice as sweet to enjoy!

For more information about Winter of Wishes, Charlotte Hubbard or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Winter of Wishes by Charlotte Hubbard

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• Series: Seasons of the Heart (Zebra)
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (September 3, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420121715
• ISBN-13: 978-1420121711
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 0.9 inches

Terminus

If I may make one statement about Christian fiction, it is simply this, it's fiction. It's taking a general idea about something the Bible clearly defines and writing a story around that idea. Sometimes when I read reviews about Christian Fiction from other reviewers, the first thing they do is pick the book apart about how untrue the book is relating to certain aspects of what the Bible teaches. Yet what they fail too often to understand is that it's a fictional story not a non fiction. With that being said I have to say Terminus by author Joshua Graham is everything a Christian Fictional book should be. I can sum it up simply by saying City of Angels with dark suspense thriller twist.

The Bible speaks briefly of the Nephilium, a child created by fallen angels and humans that lived in the Old Testament times. Joshua uses just this analogy to create some of his characters in Terminus. Nikolai is an angel who has made some mistakes in choosing to fall in love with a human in the late 1900s' against the laws of Angels forbidding such an interaction. Now serving time for his disobedience to God shuttling souls of those that he believes shouldn't have to die, he grows weary of being a Reaper 3rd Class. When he gets an opportunity to transport souls that should have to die, he feels a sense of justification for this job.

Assigned to his new boss, Lena gives Nicolai details of his tasks. To make sure the three humans follow through on the paths they have chosen, each will have a hand at misguiding many thousands of people and in the process altering the future in disastrous ways. He needs to hasten them to self-destructive ends they have chosen before they can cause incalculable harm. The first is a well known and publicized evangelist, Jonathan Hartwell, the second is Hope Matheson, a suicidal homeless woman, and the third, Lito Guzman, a notorious drug lord. Unsure just what the connection between them is, Nicolai soon learns that not everything is as it appears and begins to question his latest assignment.

I received Terminus by Joshua Graham compliments of Redhaven Books and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and received no compensation for a favorable one. I love books on spiritual warfare and I think Joshua Graham did an incredible job at taking us into the heart of Nicolai. To see how they can interact with humans and the powers that some of them are able to possess. You have to read this with an open mind because there are those occasions where we may in fact find ourselves in the company of angels or being influenced by demons. One thing is clear in reading this novel is that forgiveness can be found in the most dire of circumstances and any life can be turned around if we are willing to seek God. The best part I really enjoyed was the constructs, something angels can create at will. To find out more, you'll have to read this one. I loved this twist on a spiritual warfare novel and can't wait to add Joshua Graham to my watch list. Terminus has found a forever home in my personal library and rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Terminus by Joshua Graham

You can also follow Joshua Graham on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

For more reviews on Terminus on the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here.