A Prairie Girl's Faith

Do you often wonder why so many people are still watching beloved reruns of Little House on the Prairie? Why so many mothers still read the books to their children? What has been the lasting impact on why so many people are still drawn to the woman who shared her stories of life living on the prairie for so many generations to enjoy?  You just might be interested in A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines, to discover the spiritual legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

In a world of vastly different subject matters, parents I believe are still holding on to the family values and good-natured morals of the Ingalls family. Where forgiveness can still be found, where family is the greatest binder of faith, hope and love, and where holding on to the values that the Bible speaks of rings true no matter the age or background of those interested in the books or television show. I believe that people could identify with Laura and the true stories she told of life on the prairie with her family and those they came into contact with, where every family member felt as real to us as those in our own family.

The Ingalls family has taught us that those pioneer values of hope, endurance, courage and religious conviction, shaped by our Lord and His teachings, have given us a vision of America that we should strive for. True Christian faith can guide us into the future and one example for a healthy, loving faith is found in Laura Ingalls Wilder and her beloved family. It is her faith that is woven into her family's story of pioneering in the old West. This book introduces and takes the reader through understanding why this young woman's story has outlasted time, and seems to find new fans throughout the generations and those to come. That despite the odds against them, the family remains together and united by their faith. There is no consideration of leaving, divorce or walking away when the going gets tough. They work through things, not always perfectly, but together.

I received A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I LOVE how this book, takes readers into the background of things we never questioned but what built the foundation that continues to draw people into the Ingalls family. This was a family for whom their faith was tantamount because going to church on Sunday, was just a common as getting up for milking the cow. It was never questioned how one might spend that day. It was reserved for nurturing the family in strengthening their faith, and that closeness shared between their family. Perhaps that is what is missing so much from the world today, that faith can move mountains. It can reunite and heal brokenness in a family and give them the strength to endure whatever hardship that comes their way simply by applying their faith as they understood it through what they learned and applied in their day to day lives. I easily give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about A Prairie Girl's Faith, Stephen W. Hines or where you can pre-order a copy of this book today due out in February of 2018, please click on the links below:

A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines 

You can find out more information about anything related to Little House on the Prairie by visiting their website. 

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Across The Blue

Some of my favorite novels are about strong women characters. Those that go against the grain of what society might think would be considered inappropriate for that time frame. I often think that if I were a character in a novel, I would tend to go against societies norms of the day and create my own mark as it were. The latest novel from best-selling author Carrie Turansky, Across the Blue features just a determined and strong-willed woman, Isabella Grayson. Just her name speaks of where her family falls in terms of social standing in my opinion, but she is likeable and relateable to the characters I lean towards. Her family has been pushing for her to find a suitable match, one that would guarantee that she will add to her families fortunes instead of the other way around. Now already two seasons since her debut to society, she has much different interests in mind, much to her mother's dismay and frustration.

Her father is the owner of three of the leading newspapers in England, thus the reason for the families fortunes and social standings within the communities. Bella finds her father's newspapers interesting because she yearns to be a writer. Yet she isn't sure how to go about earning her wings with persuading her father to give her the opportunity to write for one of his papers. That would be against everything her family wishes for her future, maintaining a proper reputation is key to finding a suitable husband. Bella only wants to pursue her own future and hopes that one day, the right man may just fall into her lap, that shares her interests and passions in hopes of marrying for love and not just for money.

Lucky for her, that is just what has happened upon touring her families new home, a young aviator soaring overhead, crashes into the property, but has managed to escape unharmed. While the agent leading the family is aghast that such a thing has happened, Bella and her father, share a love for aviation and hope that England will be the first to launch a solo trip across the English channel and hopefully paving the way for more financial contributions that would lend to adding air support towards keeping their country safe. In fact, her father has been instrumental in creating interest in doing just that, with a promise of a thousand pounds to the first person to do it. When he hears rumors that the French might be further along in their progress and testing, he offers his assistance to aid James Drake in his efforts to be the first to fly across the English channel. It might just be more than good luck that landed him on that fateful day and with it the passions ignited between James and Bella! Will that be enough to build a future on?

I received Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I absolutely LOVED this novel from the very first page. Not only did the premise hook me based on the back cover, my love for aviation and its history made me want to explore those first flights from a different perspective. I found myself relating to Bella's character quite a bit, her love for writing, her passion for adventure and progress as well as have a determined sense of what she wants for her own future, but curbs some of that enthusiasm around her family, especially her father, whom she adores and deeply respects. I love the chemistry between James and Bella, first to help one another in any way and by becoming their own personal cheerleaders and encouragers in any endeavor. I love all the random situations that they find themselves in together, without any pre-planning to make that happen. I guess I am a firm believer in a happily ever after ending and if you love adventure coupled with romance and bit of that traditional regency, then you will absolutely adore this novel and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Across The Blue, Carrie Turansky, or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today, which is due out in February 2018, please click on the links below:

Across The Blue by Carrie Turansky

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

To read more reviews on Across The Blue, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

Bringing Maggie Home

“ It only takes one generation of neglecting God to turn a faithful family into a faithless one.” - Bringing Maggie Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer

Losing a child is probably one of the hardest things to deal with in life. For the parents, it seem unbelievable and impossible to try to move forward, but for one little girl, Hazel Mae, she would carry the burden of how she destroyed her family for seventy years and it would create ripples that would affect every relationship after that one. When her mom told her to take her 3 year old sister, Maggie with her to pick blackberries for a pie she was making for her daddy's birthday, she never imagined what would happen. When she went to scare off a snake that was ready to kill a family of baby bunnies for a moment, when she turned back around Maggie went missing. Even after all the searching only a handful of clues remained. A ribbon that was in her hair that day caught high in the branch of a tree, the birthday doll she received left right when Hazel had left her, and a shoe near a creek.

Some believed that Maggie fell into a rapidly moving creek that day. Others said a band of gypsies had taken her as they were run out of town. But Hazel believed that none of those answered the questions she held locked away in her heart. Now with her daughter Margaret Diane and her granddaughter Meghan, three generations of women will uncover the secrets that Hazel has been holding onto and perhaps find resolution as they work together to discover what happened to Maggie that fateful day, but also answering years of questions for both Margaret Diane and Meghan how her actions over the years are laid bare for them to see the many why's they couldn't understand until the pieces begin to fit together.

I received Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers and Litfuse Publicity. I really enjoyed this novel as readers get to understand how the actions of one person can have a life long affect on those that come after them. This is more than a family torn apart by the years but also leads to discovery, hope and reconciliation as they work together in hopes of finding the answers that will do more than heal them of their past hurts. A reader's discussion guide is found at the conclusion of this book that would be great for book clubs to enjoy. The novel toggles not only from past to present, but also between the different perspectives of the three women as they slowly unravel the past and work their way to a future none of them were looking for. Part mystery, part suspense, part historical, you won't want to put this one down until you too find the answers of what happened to Maggie that fateful day. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Bringing Maggie Home, Kim Vogel Sawyer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Bringing Maggie Home, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. 

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Bringing Maggie Home

“ It only takes one generation of neglecting God to turn a faithful family into a faithless one.” - Bringing Maggie Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer

Losing a child is probably one of the hardest things to deal with in life. For the parents, it seem unbelievable and impossible to try to move forward, but for one little girl, Hazel Mae, she would carry the burden of how she destroyed her family for seventy years and it would create ripples that would affect every relationship after that one. When her mom told her to take her 3 year old sister, Maggie with her to pick blackberries for a pie she was making for her daddy's birthday, she never imagined what would happen. When she went to scare off a snake that was ready to kill a family of baby bunnies for a moment, when she turned back around Maggie went missing. Even after all the searching only a handful of clues remained. A ribbon that was in her hair that day caught high in the branch of a tree, the birthday doll she received left right when Hazel had left her, and a shoe near a creek.

Some believed that Maggie fell into a rapidly moving creek that day. Others said a band of gypsies had taken her as they were run out of town. But Hazel believed that none of those answered the questions she held locked away in her heart. Now with her daughter Margaret Diane and her granddaughter Meghan, three generations of women will uncover the secrets that Hazel has been holding onto and perhaps find resolution as they work together to discover what happened to Maggie that fateful day, but also answering years of questions for both Margaret Diane and Meghan how her actions over the years are laid bare for them to see the many why's they couldn't understand until the pieces begin to fit together.

I received Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I really enjoyed this novel as readers get to understand how the actions of one person can have a life long affect on those that come after them. This is more than a family torn apart by the years but also leads to discovery, hope and reconciliation as they work together in hopes of finding the answers that will do more than heal them of their past hurts. A reader's discussion guide is found at the conclusion of this book that would be great for book clubs to enjoy. The novel toggles not only from past to present, but also between the different perspectives of the three women as they slowly unravel the past and work their way to a future none of them were looking for. Part mystery, part suspense, part historical, you won't want to put this one down until you too find the answers of what happened to Maggie that fateful day. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Bringing Maggie Home, Kim Vogel Sawyer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Bringing Maggie Home, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. 

Gathering the Threads

"His Mamm called her the Thread Gatherer. Mann believed life was like an heirloom quilt that life ripped at the seams, and gatherers were rare. But Ariana took the frayed pieces and worked with them until the quilt could fulfill its purpose once again. Quill had seen her do it. At least once she had done it for him, when he was eighteen and his Daed died of a heart attack."

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall is the third book in the Amish of Summer Grove series, and for this reader, I hope there is more. The best part of this novel that I really had to share is that at the beginning the author took the time to walk the reader through the previous novels to get them caught up to where this one begins. It is a rare jewel to find this in a series novel, but one I hope more authors will follow suit with.Ties That Bind and Fraying at the Edge are the first two in this series and should be read before picking this one up as it conveys so much more than a simple summary of the first two novels.

Ariana Brenneman is far from the Amish girl that her community remembers anymore, especially her boyfriend Rudy. Even her parents are struggling to figure out just how to get back the Amish girl they have raised, but not the daughter by birth. It was through an accident at birth that Ariana and Skylar Nash were switched and both grew up being raised by parents that were not theirs until they recently discovered the grave error. Since spending months with her English family, Ariana has been exposed to things she never knew before living among the Amish and never once questioning the ways they lived and believed, until now. Being forced by the ministers, her parents and boyfriend, they believe such correction is necessary to help Ariana return to her former life. She can't.

The only people that seem to understand her confusion is her best friend Quill Schlabach, also a former Amish man, Skylar, and her brother by being raised Amish Abram. They understand her confusion about trying to fit back into a society just because that is how you were raised but now are longer the same being exposed to reading the Bible for herself and understanding how the ministers in her community were manipulating things to work for themselves and not the community. It draws a line in the sand between the Amish upbringing she loved, and the new knowledge of what God has provided. Her parents are now faced with the prospect of being shunned if they can't control her defiant daughter, and her boyfriend Rudy isn't so sure he can wait for a girl that may no longer be who she was. This will be a true test of loyalty, love and faith for everyone if they hope to find a lasting peace among them all.

I received Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. 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 really love how this book took into consideration all the things going on for Ariana, being challenged in her faith and standing up for what she believes God wants for her in her life, even if it means losing everything she ever knew. She knows she can never go back to that person, because that person no longer exists. Armed with a sense of love and faith, she tries to convince her family and friends of the life she has now embraced and that it might just mean walking away from everything she had ever known even if it separates her from her Amish family. I only hope that there might be more in this series as there are so many other relationships I would love to see expanded on at the conclusion of this one. This has been one of my favorite series by Cindy Woodsmall and well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Gathering the Threads, Cindy Woodsmall or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Gathering the Threads, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

Fraying At The Edge

I can't imagine leaving behind my entire family and moving in with complete strangers, at least to you, but one's you've learned are now your biological parents. To go from living as an Amish young woman to know having to enter an English home is what some might label as culture shock. You're entire way of living is drastically changed and all your hopes and dreams for the future are now placed on a temporary hold for a year. That is what Ariana Brennerman and Skylar Nash are both having to endure.

Ariana Brennerman believed she was the twin of her brother Abram only to learn that she was switched at birth by the midwife when she and Skylar were born in an Amish birthing center and thrust into the same carrier during a fire that same night in an effort to rescue them. For twenty years, they have both lived a life that now is about to be abruptly changed as both sets of parents have asked for time, a year, to spend time with their biological daughters. Ariana was set on preparing to marry Rudy, and now she learns that the entire large Brennerman family is not really her biological family and even worse that she isn't Abram's twin sister.

For Skyler Nash, living in an English world dealing with a prescription drug addiction as a way of dealing with her set of parents who apparently want nothing to do with her, since learning that they have a daughter with a better track record than she has displayed. Both girls will be faced with the challenges of trying to fit into vastly different worlds with parents who want nothing more than to get to know them. Skyler just wants her next drug fix and finding out a way to leave the Amish family and run off with her boyfriend. For Ariana, she has to come to terms with learning that she was conceived out of wedlock when her mom had an affair with a married woman, something she doesn't believe the Amish community and elders will forgive her for. Now she is faced with learning more about the Amish faith from an outsider looking in and seeing God for who He really is. Is it possible the Amish have it all wrong and if so, can she ever go back to her Amish roots and the man she left waiting for her?

I received Fraying At The Edge by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. 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.  In the second novel of The Amish of Summer Grove series, I found myself really seeing things from both woman's perspective and seeing the difficulties in dealing with the choices they were faced with. Perhaps the one character I found myself truly admiring the most was Quill Schlabach, her childhood friend who had gotten stuck in the middle with keeping some things confidential to those he made agreements with. What a tough place to be. I don't think I could have kept those great of secrets especially if I knew I would hurt the person I was holding them from once they were revealed. Of course that would all come back to him and it does.

Thankfully Ariana's faith is what gets her through some tough obstacles her English parents throw her way and now as in the first novel, this one ends with a bit of a cliff hanger ending, making me wish I had the third one, ready to read. The best part of this series, is the opening on this novel provided the reader with a short overview of what Book 1, Ties That Bind, was about for those who had to wait long months before this one was available. Now waiting on Gathering Threads, and this will be a nail-biter for me. I just have to know how this will turn out. Once again, couldn't stop once I began this one because I needed to know how it would all play out. For me, that is the ear-mark of a true 5 out of 5 stars novel.

For more information about Fraying At The Edge, Cindy Woodsmall or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fraying At The Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Fraying at the Edge, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

Ties That Bind

I am sure that kids that have been adopted, often wonder a lot about what life would have been like if they were raised by their birth parents, and perhaps even children from divorces often face that challenge as well. But what if you grew up knowing one way of life, and then learning that this wasn't your life after all? Could you come to terms with the results of thinking the people who raised you and your siblings weren't really yours after all?

In the novel Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall, Ariana Brennerman is coming to terms with the issues of trusting those she loves. Even since dreaming of the day when her and Quill Schlabach might marry, she had her heartbroken when he ran off into the evening with her best friend Frieda and leaving her a letter trying to explain things. Now at twenty-one, she has spent her life trying to do everything she can for everyone in her family. In my world, one might call her a people-pleaser, doing for others while she is left going without. But for her, her future is looking up. She is on the verge of fulfilling a dream of owning her own restaurant with being just $6000 short of her down payment and dating Rudy, a man who have given her his whole heart.

At late night encounter, leaves Ariana running into Quill once again, and all she can see is rage against the one person she trusted more than anything else in the world. The one person she loved, left her behind to marry her best friend. She can't even understand why he has returned except to help his ailing mother in any way he can. The leaders of the Amish community can't know about him being back and Ariana certainly isn't going to tell anyone, except the one person who knows her better than herself, her twin brother Abram. But when Quill informs her that someone in her family is considering leaving the faith and the community, Ariana believes it is her life mission to prevent him from hurting the only family she has ever known. But is there more to Quill than what she believes and can she learn to trust him again even if it means hurting those closest to her?

I received Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. 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 is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove Series and it truly begins with a powerful opening. For me, this is a more mature Cindy Woodsmall in this series. There is a more serious theme in this novel than ones I have had the opportunity to read in the past. I would almost compare this series to one from Wanda Brunstetter with a more straight-forward approach to the situation developing between the Brennerman family and those leaving the Amish faith. I absolutely inhaled this one in an afternoon and am super excited to read the next novel in the series, Fraying the Edge. For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Ties That Bind, Cindy Woodsmall or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Ties That Bind, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

Peace in the Valley

"Two years before, Sam Stafford had dreamed the impossible dream. To have his family reunited, here, in the lush Kittitas Valley of Washington, snugged between the rising forms of the Cascade Range. He knew it wouldn't happen. He knew it couldn't happen. He'd done to much damage in his time, and there no quick fixed in sight. Then he got sick. Illness threatened his time fame and his life and for months, he couldn't imagine how he could bring his dream about. How he could fix things just so. Make things right. Now he realized he didn't have to. God fixed things. God offered chances and choices, and this time Sam chose wisely, even when he didn't much like the offerings."

As head patriarch of the Double S Ranch, Sam has made more than a few mistakes along the way to being the successful rancher that he is. Now that two of his sons have found their way back home and begun to set up their own homes on the property with weddings in the near future, Sam believes that he has little time left to right a few of those wrongs and one of them is giving back to his neighbor Lucy Carlton, a single mother raising three young kids while her ranch, home and barn are falling into disrepair. It gets even worse, when his youngest son, Trey gets into an accident running a stop sign and totaling not only Lucy's van but her home based flower business as well. Perhaps this is just the window of opportunity Sam's been praying for. Now that Trey has come home as a liver recipient for Sam's operation, he is putting his country music career on hold for now, praying that the operation is a success and allows them both a chance at a new life.

Trey isn't looking for love when he takes up his father's plea to help Lucy will fixing up the land and ranch he had sought to buy before they did, and now feels it is only right to help in any way he can. Trey on the other hand realizes that he has to tread carefully around Lucy as she is more than cautious about letting anyone seeing her as a charity case, even when it will help not only herself but her kids as well. Now that she is also allowing her former husband's sister to stay with her, Ashley at 14, will test the very limits of her patience as not only a rebellious teen but someone who needs guidance, second chances and most importantly love that lasts and is true. Can Lucy and Trey find peace in the valley or will they allow their own stubborn pride to stand in the way of true and lasting happiness?

I received Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. 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 is the third novel in the Double Ranch Series, and I have to say I have a special place in my heart for those true cowboys whose genteel manners and kindness like Trey's makes my heart melt, I mean, "He wanted to make her smile, See her relax and laugh. Give her the gift of time, ease her work burden." who wouldn't want a man like that in her own life. Perhaps the best theme of this novel is the simple quote Lucy keeps in kitchen, "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you took time to thank God for today?" This is such a heartwarming story of healing, lasting love, forgiveness and second chances and blessings that come in disguise as a single mother, and a charming cowboy who loves to tip his hat to her! Not only do you get romance, but also some mouth watering recipes at the end. A win-win for me and well deserving of all 5 out of 5 stars. I am just praying that this isn't the end to the series! I just not ready for it to end yet.

For more information about Peace in the Valley, Ruth Logan Herne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne 

You can find Ruth Logan Herne on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Peace in the Valley, please visit Waterbrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

Life After

"It could have been me, so why wasn't it?"

Seems that is the most asked questions by those who survive a tragedy while others don't. For Autumn Manning, she was the only person of 23 victims of a train bombing on winter's night in Chicago. It wasn't just where she was sitting, where she got on, or any number of things one might think would provide the answer. All she wants to know is why and more importantly, why can't she move forward, even a year later.

Keeping all her bits and pieces of the accident in a binder, she finds some morbid connection to the 22 who died. To them, she wants to know more about them. To never forget who they were to their own families. What is her point of surviving if she has nothing to offer anyone especially herself. But she has vowed that she will never forget one single person, even visiting their graves, searching the internet for all she can find about who they were, what they did, and even their reason for being on the train, that she almost missed, but didn't.

She struggles with trying to explain things to her own family who believe that after all this time, she needs to find a life for herself, seek a therapist who might be able to help, but give up all this time-consuming processes of trying in her own mind to make restitution or amends some how. Yet when letters begin arriving at her house from Reese, a young 12-year-old girl who lost her mother in the accident, she struggles to find a way to help her deal with the grief and loss she has experienced. For both of them it's journaling their thoughts that help each other find a way through this loss and hopefully to find hope on the other side. When Reese's dad, Paul finds out about Reese's letter writing, he becomes furious. One for not being able to talk to him, a well-known marriage counselor, but two, talking to the one woman he wants nothing to do with. How will they begin to heal when they aren't able to talk to anyone about what it feels like on the inside for all of them?

I received Life After by Katie Ganshert compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. This is such a poignant novel in that it takes readers into the heart of the victims we don't often acknowledge, those that survive a tragedy, the ones who are called heroes and don't see themselves as one. Even though Autumn wasn't a hero, she has to deal with the animosity of those who wonder why she is so special while their loved one was taken. Where is God in all of this and what would He say? Why did she live and every one else died? What is she supposed to do now? I love how Reese chooses to find an outlet in her communication with Autumn and the unique way they both find a way to heal by remembering and not forgetting. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to even more books by this author in the future.

For more information about Life After, Katie Ganshert or where you can pre-order a copy of this book due out April 18, 2017, please click on the links below:

Life After by Katie Ganshert

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

To read more reviews on Life After, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

Life After Heaven

Heaven.

It's something all of us want to believe exists and even hope that we will enter into if we die after this life on earth. There have been numerous books written from those who have died and come back, all conveying similar experiences. So what would make any other book different? I would challenge you to read, Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick and see how you feel after you read it.

Like all the other books, Steven R. Musick did die and went to heaven. First entering through the tunnel of light and entering into what he believes is heaven. He walked with a man who he believes was Jesus and discussed all the things that had happened in his life up to the point of his death and how God worked in situations he may not have recognized. He conveyed to Steven that it's not really about what good we do for others but how God can use any and all circumstances in our life to further His plan in our lives and those whom our lives come into contact with, like ripples in the pond. Sadly Jesus told him that he wasn't there to stay and within minutes was back in his old body away from heaven and Jesus. He explains it simply as "the experience to taking a kid to Disneyland, letting him ride just one ride, and then tossing him back in the car without explanation, a profound sense of loss." In fact Steven would go on to keep his life after death experience a secret for almost a decade, but during those years, he attempted to discover why Jesus told him he wouldn't stay.

When he returned to his body, he discovered that the years in front of him would be the ultimate test f his faith as he suffered from a decrease in lung capacity by 60% and every breath of air would be a truly gift from God. All his future plans were simply re-written and now he would have to find a new beginning with his wife and soon to be family of sons, ones he simply couldn't play with due to his own physical limitations. He wondered why his prayers would go unheeded by God for healing. "Many people - and I was one of them - equate God's work of healing us or giving to us with the prosperity gospel. That's a false notion that God exists to benefit us and give us what we want. That couldn't be further from the truth. But an opposite mistake of equal danger is to think that God is dome kind of sour pragmatist who only gives something to you with divine strings attached. God does not exist for our appeasement. Nor does he find some excuse outside of pure love to give something good to us.  He is a father. He loves to give things to his kids. Things we need. Things that make us joyful. Things that are good."(pg 113).

I received Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. This goes beyond all the other books I have read on life after death on those believers and even non-believers that have seen what they believe is Heaven. This takes things a bit further. What does someone who has seen Heaven do when they come back? Are they changed for the better by having seen eternity? I believe that Steven has taken on God's challenge as he explains, "The economics of the kingdom of heaven are upside down: giving is better than getting, death can be life, life as the world sees it can be death, loss can be gain, gain can be loss. God's kingdom often flips the way we do little things upside down. In our culture we insulate ourselves in all kinds of ways. We cocoon. When the situation calls for it, God's volunteers needs to be able to strip away the cultural things to keep people apart." (pg 135).

I found myself challenged to really take my own personal relationship with God to a much deeper level than simply going through the bland Christian lifestyle, going to church, reading the Bible and praying when I remembered. This made me want to really understand what it means to connect with God more intimately and understand why I am here at all. "In terms of life on earth, I still have a retirement account," as Steve would say. "My purpose is to make my death worth living for. I mourn for what we're missing here on earth. I mourn for the things God offers here that we somehow choose not to appropriate. I mourn for the fullness we ignore, the love we don't recognize, the power and joy just waiting to be picked up by us. I would like to help everyone I can to receive a full measure of what's offered."( pg 141). I encourage you to pick this book up today and see for yourself what God's calling you to do with your life. You just might be surprised at what you find tucked inside and the reason I give this a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Life After Heaven, Steven R. Musick, or where you can preorder a copy of this book today due out on March 7, 2017, please click on the links below:

Life After Heaven by Steven R. Musick

You can download the first chapter of Life After Heaven by clicking here.

To read more reviews on Life After Heaven, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website.

The Angel of Forest Hill

Words.

They can cut to the core of who you are, even if they aren't true. We tend to focus on the negative ones instead of the positive things people say about us. If we don't stop it, it will force us to put up a wall between ourselves and the people we love in an effort to not be hurt by those who love us the most.

At least that was what Rose Kurtz believed. When the offer to leave her home and tend to an Amish family in a small community who needed someone to care for their children, Rose was offered up. Her community and family never dreamed it would be forever, but for Rose it was a chance to make a name for herself against what her mother and father said to her. That she never was good enough for anything including finding love. She was better off tending to her parents farm and household, caring for her 11 brothers than finding love anywhere else.

So when the opportunity came, Rose went. She never imagined she would walk into a home on the night the wife and mother died after childbirth. Even after a few weeks she imagined going home to a life she didn't want to be a part of. Here at least in the Dienner home, caring for Joel, and his three children, she felt she had a sense of purpose. However when Joel and his father came up with a plan for Rose to remain in the home, she never imagined marriage as a contractual agreement to care for his children would be the one she dreamed of. At least it prevented her from having to go home to a life she hated, and here she could raise and care for Joel's children as if she was their mother.

But when another widow shows us and garners Joel's attention, Rose believes that the feelings she had been developing for him is just another sign she isn't supposed to have a future. She wonders if there is hope for her at all and if love is just something for others but not for her. After 4 years of marriage with Joel, what did she expect? That he would honestly develop feelings for her?

I received The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. This is such a wonderful feel good Christmasy novel that reminds us all what it means to feel loved by those in our lives. I could relate to Rose's character the most because I dealt with the same self esteem issues growing up, wondering if anyone could love me. The best part is how Joel and Rose work on building their ability to communicate around the walls they put up to protect themselves and realize while they were keeping people from hurting them, they were also keeping themselves from the love they needed and deserved. There are also some amazing recipes tucked in the conclusion of this wonderful novel and well worth a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Angel of Forest Hill, Cindy Woodsmall or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Angel of Forest Hill, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Everything Beautiful - Coloring Book Review

"Life is beautiful."

"We say it all the time. Our Instagram feeds are full of picturesque scenes where the light shines just perfectly so our go-to filter makes our surroundings look like they came from something out of Tolkien novel. We talk to our coworkers about our beautiful adventures outside of work, we tell the most adorable stories of our children, and we make sure we humblebrag about the sweet, romantic gesture our husbands made last weekend.

"But no one sees the fight you two had before he got you those flowers. No one sees you losing your temper after your kids kept banging on the bathroom door asking for a snack - because apparently using the bathroom in peace is an outrageous request. No one sees how hard you fought to get out of bed under the crushing weight of depression, and no one is there to watch you try to picture your life after a terrifying diagnosis. When the entire world seems to be embroiled in war, injustice, and disease, it can be hard to see real beauty anywhere - despite the perfect image we curate online."

"We like on an unwell earth, and each moment of brokenness only serves to remind us of that fact. Any attempt at finding hope, beauty, or anything remotely good to cling to can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But you and I serve a big God. We serve a God who can't be held back by what ails this earth. We serve a God who promises to give us a "crown of beauty instead of ashes" (Isaiah 61:3)."

"Still in the midst of the brokenness of this world, that can be hard to remember. The hope for this book is that, as you color and meditate on the words, you are gently reminded of the beauty that can still be found in the bleakest of moments and that this book becomes a bit of a lifeline to remind you our Savior is always there with us. This book reminds you that He has the power to redeem every moment of our lives. Yes, this world is broken, but our Jesus is not."

WaterBrook Multnomah has published Everything Beautiful, a coloring book for inspiration and reflection with illustrations by a variety of artists on each page. On one page is a beautiful illustration to color while on the back of the page is a Bible verse or description as to where the illustration was inspired from, such a hymn or a well known person like Helen Keller who was inspirational in what they did or how they lived.

There are 45 individual illustrations to color and even more is a Spotify playlist called "Everything Beautiful" which you can play while you color or even when you need a pick me up to your day. It is a reminder that God has made everything, including YOU, beautiful. The pages are also perforated to allow you to remove them to make coloring the full page much easier whether you are a lefty or a righty! The only issue I had with this coloring book is that I wish there were blank sides to the page to prevent bleed through depending on the type of media you are using to color like markers or some gel pens. I received Everything Beautiful compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. I would rate Everything Beautiful a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and would be a great gift to anyone who needs to be reminded that in Everything, God has a plan and a purpose.

For more information about Everything Beautiful, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Everything Beautiful by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers 

You can find WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers on Facebook to stay up to date on all their products.

Home on the Range

Who doesn't love a man in a cowboy hate who has all the right ways to charm a gal into wanting to ride off into the wild blue yonder and live happily ever after? Well I do for one. But in Ruth Logan Herne's latest novel, Home on the Range it won't be that simple. This is the second novel in the Double S Ranch Series and in this novel we meet Nick Stafford, who is a bit of a prodigal. Not the one that ran off and spent his father's inheritance, but the one who stayed. Even though Nick has a firm foundation in his faith, it is tested both my his legendary father who has spent his whole life building up a ranch to leave as an inheritance for his sons and their families.

For Nick, that happily ever after dream disappeared the moment that his now ex-wife Whitney, took the money he gave her for the house, divorced him and left their two daughters into Nick's custody. Now years later, the girls are still dealing with the effects in ways that are affecting their school work so Nick is advised to get counseling to help them deal with things beyond their years and get things back on track. As much as he hates the idea, he knows he will do whatever it takes to help his two young daughters.

Even if it means driving into the middle of a forest and happening upon a hobbit like home in the middle of nowhere. That is what the school's principal has recommended and not to mention it is her sister who used to practice child psychology. She believes that Elsa can help Nick and his daughters, Dakota and Cheyenne if only he is willing to give it a chance. Her sister believes that this might be the one thing that can bring Dr. Elsa Andreas out of her hermit like existence, but first they must agree to work together and with sparks flying from all of them, not just the romantic kind, it might be easier to put a sweater on a porcupine!

I received Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers and I have to say I really LOVE the Stafford family. They are as loyal as the day is long and their faith is trusted because it is a faith that is tested on more than one occasion. I love that Elsa makes references to the Disney Elsa throughout the book and love how she manages to work through the hard issues facing the two young girls, giving them a different perspective without making them feel like she is counseling them. A brilliant and warm contemporary romance readers will come to love an remember long after they turn the final page. There are even two amazing recipes tucked inside for readers to enjoy after all the Stafford family dinners on the ranch! This one is well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in this reader's opinion.

For more information about Home on the Range, Ruth Logan Herne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne

You can find Ruth Logan Herne on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Home on the Range, please visit Waterbrook Multnomah's website. 

Light of the Last

I've been a huge fan of Spiritual Warfare fiction since my introduction to the genre after reading Piercing the Darkness and This Present Darkness from Frank Peretti. I know find myself drawn to any novels that pertain to the spiritual realm of angels and demons and the unseen warfare that happens all around us without being seen.

Light of the Last is the latest book in the Wars of the Realm series, by Chuck Black and is the perfect fit into the spiritual fiction novel. However since this is book 3 in the series, you must read them in order to understand where the reader will wind up in this novel. Drew Carter has been given the uncanny ability to see into the spiritual realm during an accident in college. However he doesn't understand what it is he sees since he remains unsaved and a non believer, but he knows others can't see what he can. He is also being trained in a unique way to prepare for a future battle and when his talents are put to the test, Drew comes through with flying colors until he takes down two CIA agents and winds up facing prison for the rest of his life unless he tells them what is really going on. But how can Drew really explain it when he doesn't understand what is happening.

The CIA knows the Drew could be extremely valuable to them if he is willing to undergo extensive training and work for them. His only other choice is prison for a very long time. The one condition to accepting the position of working with the CIA is he can't tell anyone he knows nor can he have any contact with them for the next 30 years. What a choice? In the spiritual realm a secret has been uncovered which will put Drew under protection of the angelic armies because if they fail, the darkness will gain a victory that will hold unprecedented consequences for both the seen and unseen world.

I received Light of the Last by Chuck Black compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. I really loved this series and especially this novel. I hope this will not the be the last. The one thing I wish was because there is a great span of time between the release of each novel, I would love if the author would do a small recap within the storyline to refresh the minds of the readers of his subsequent novels. I do love the character list that is included at the beginning as there are quite a few to keep track of both in the seen and unseen realms of both light and darkness. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Light of the Last by Chuck Black

You can find Chuck Black on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Light of the Last, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher's website.

Back in the Saddle

In true contemporary western style best selling author Ruth Logan Herne weaves a story of a modern day prodigal son who returns home to his families ranch in Gray's Glen, Washington, after watching all his investments take a plunge for the worst on Wall Street. Now it's time to turn in his corporate designer business suits for ranch attire and mount up to do what he can to help his ailing father Sam Stafford as he recovers from the hospital. Colt Stafford and his father Sam have a huge divide separating them and it will take lots of hard work, on both their parts to mend what's been broken since Colt left home.

Colt just isn't expecting to run into the housekeeper, Angelina Morales, his father has hired who seems to be more than what she appears on the outside. Armed with more than simply good lucks and the ability to cook up a hearty meal for all the hired help and family, Colt will have to prove his worth in her eyes as well. Since Colt left, it meant that his younger brother Nick had to step up in his absence even while raising two young daughters of his own. Now he isn't too happy to see Colt waltz back into the Double S as if everything is peachy, and undermine what he's worked so hard to obtain.

I guess that is what makes this novel so appealing is the element of redemption of any wayward prodigal. There is always that difficulty that comes from returning home, and having to answer for the decisions one has made along the way, that while it seemed they knew best, ultimately life becomes a humbling teacher. Colt being the oldest, you think he would know better, but that is just like most to think they are ready to leave the nest and attempt to make it own their own. Just like most who invested in the Wall Street ploys in 2008 only to have it fall flat when all those quick-rich schemes turned sour.

I received Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal review. This is the first book in the Double S Ranch Series and introduces each of the brothers in this introduction novel to readers will know what to expect in each subsequent novel, a chance to get to know each of the brothers better as well as the entire family. For me this one rated a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Back in the Saddle, Ruth Logan Herne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

You can find Ruth Logan Herne on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Back in the Saddle, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

Room for Hope

Imagine that the life you believed was truly yours was simply one built upon lies. The marriage and love you shared with your husband is not what you thought it was and the future you believed in was void and empty. That is just what Neva Shillings is coming to terms with. As the wife of Warren Shillings, a very successful traveling merchant, who leaves every other month to sell his wares on the road and pick up new items for their store in Buffalo Creek, Kansas. While she waits for him to return home along with their two children, she can't imagine a more perfect life. They never want for anything and Warren always insists that they have the very best.

When a wagon pulls up outside, she had hoped it was Warren, but it was simply another man with a wagon full of goods. Not unheard of since many were selling their wares now that the depression was hitting so many families hard in the area, so as she prepared to address his concerns, she wasn't as prepared as she had hoped. Deputy Jesse Caudel arrives with more than a wagon load of stuff for Ms. Shilling. He has news that Warren and his wife Violet are dead and the things in the wagon are what is left after everything has been sold to cover their debts including three of their children. He has been instructed to drop everything off to Neva, their aunt.

Neva is devastated to learn that all those business trips were simply an excuse to go back to Warren's illegitimate wife and family, one she had no clue about until today, along with the fact, they had three children. Knowing how kind hearted she is, Warren probably believed there was no way that Neva would turn them away to spend their lives in an orphanage, something she was familiar with, being an orphan herself. She is completely lost in how she will deal with these circumstances, and the aftermath of what the people of Buffalo Creek will think when they learn that Warren Shilling was far from being the man they all believed he was.

I received Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. I love novels that take the reader into a part of history that conveys a sense of hardship in the midst of dire circumstances. One in which Neva has relied on her husband to provide for their financially, even though she had helped out in the mercantile. She doesn't know how to order supplies, fill the inventory or even arrange for its delivery since it was all done by her husband. In addition to the three of them, she now has managed to take on the responsibility of three additional children, in the worst of times in the country. Just the fact of her husband's affair could leave her with more problems than she ever imagined in a world where morality and character counted for everything in a families name. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Room For Hope, Kim Vogel Sawyer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer 

You can find Kim Vogel Sawyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Room for Hope, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

The Pharaoh's Daughter

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

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

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

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

A Moment of Weakness

I can't say enough about any book written by Karen Kingsbury. If you have never read one, please pick one up. They are more than simply a story that grabs you in someway by the heart, but they are ones that last well beyond the final page you read. They are that life changing. They get you to not only connect with the characters on an emotional level but there is a depth there that simply goes beyond being a story in a book. It almost feels as if these were personal stories that Karen is sharing with her readers like you are a close personal friend.

In the latest addition to her Forever Faithful Series, A Moment of Weakness is the second book to the series and takes place between Jade Conner and Tanner Eastman who grew up together and became the truest sense of best friends. Tanner forever vowed that despite his young age, he would grow up and marry Jade one day, something she argued would never happen. Like even the best of friends, life happened and simply one day Jade and her family moved away in hopes of finding her mother that left them behind. Jade believed that one day they would return and things would carry on like they always did, but that day never happened and Jade and her father never moved back.

Fast forward a decade later and Jade is working as a nurse in a children's hospital that is being threatened with closure due to budget cuts within the county. Jade is the strongest voice among the community and when the case is slated to go before the board, Tanner Eastman is the intern presenting the case. He never imagined in a million years that he would find the one girl who he gave his heart to so many years ago. Yet even in his heart, for now they can't be together because Tanner's got political aspirations that involved finishing up law school and making his way to the White House with the support of his mother. The other is that Jade doesn't share the same faith that he does and for now, all he can offer her is the friendship they always had, until God places an obstacle so great in their path that will put their faith to the ultimate test.

I received A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal evaluation. I absolutely loved this story of Tanner and Jade because like all of us life isn't perfect, in fact it can get downright messy but for the grace of God, He can restore and make all things new despite our choices in life. That is the truest sense of what it means to be a believer in Jesus is that redemption, forgiveness and second chances are available to all of us no matter what circumstances we have gone through. For me, this one will be a permanent fixture with my ongoing Karen Kingsbury collection in my home library with a 5 out of 5 stars,  and one I can highly recommend to anyone who believes that their life is without hope for a second chance.

For more information about A Moment of Weakness, Karen Kingsbury or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury 

You can find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Moment of Weakness, please visit Waterbrook Multnomah Publisher's website. 

A Refuge at Highland Hall

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

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

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

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

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

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Edwardian Brides Series by Carrie Turansky

1 -The Governess of Highland Hall

2 - The Daughter of Highland Hall

3 - A Refuge of Highland Hall

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

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

Waiting for Morning

Karen Kingsbury is one of the best authors I have come across and her books are quite literally life changing because they convey a situation no one wants to truly deal with and puts the reader in the drivers seat to take the wheel. In her latest novel, Waiting for Morning, it is every wife and mother's dreaded nightmare no one wants to have to face. Hannah Ryan is waiting for her husband and daughters to arrive home from their weekend camping trip. It is one that the three have taken as a way of bringing summer to a close and embracing another school year ahead for the teens. Only this time it would be different as two police officers arrive to tell her that there has been a car accident and that she needs to come with them.

Brian Wesley has been trying to find a way out of the bottom of the bottle he runs to whenever his life gets out of hand. This is just another of those times. When he gets fired from his job as a mechanic due to trying to stay sober but falling behind in his workload. His boss even tells him that he worked better when he was drunk. Now Brian has to head home and tell his wife Carla that once again he's out of work. It wouldn't be too bad but with the birth of their newborn son, Carla had hoped that Brian might straighten himself out once and for all. She has given him an ultimatum this time, if he starts drinking again, she will leave him for good. He just can't go home without figuring a way out of the mess he has found himself in.

In a series of divine circumstances, their two worlds will intersect and forever alter their lives. He just never dreamed that he was too drunk to get behind the wheel of his truck and head home. He had done it more times than he could remember and he had hoped it would be just like all the others. His truck went through a traffic light and he plowed into the Explorer that was carrying Hannah's family. The initial impact would send their vehicle mid air and land wrapped around a phone pole. Brian of course would walk away from this but those in the vehicle would not be so lucky and for Hannah, her faith will be tested like never before when she learns the outcome of this accident. Will she be able to trust God no matter what happens? She just hopes that this is a really bad mistake and her family is just late coming home with a reasonable explanation.

I received Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is such an emotional and heart rendering but honest novel. I think we all hope one day that we will never have to face the challenges Hannah has to in this novel, but because it pulls on our emotional heartstrings we can't help but be invested in this story to see how it all plays out. I believe this is a must read to anyone who wonders where God is in the midst of any situation where the outcomes is less than what we have prayed for and conveys a sense of hope that readers can relate to. It doesn't all come wrapped up in a pretty bow with a happily ever after ending and that is what makes her books so genuine and in demand. For me this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the first book in the Forever Faithful Series!

For more information about Waiting for Morning, Karen Kingsbury or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingbury

You can find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Waiting for Morning, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website.