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Book Review + Giveaway! — The Inn at Hidden Run

23 May

About the Book

Inn at Hidden Run_COVERA Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

Meri flunks out of medical school—and runs from her parents. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy’s digging traces the family long tradition of doctors to an ancestor saved during a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878. As Meri’s family closes in, Jillian gets the final puzzle pieces in place just in time for them all to learn the truth. The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Impressions:

The Inn at Hidden Run is a dual timeline novel that connects stories from the past with the present through a family tree. This first book in a series by Olivia Newport focuses on the modern day family interactions of Meri Davies. Long held expectations force her to run to the small, charming town of Canyon Mines, Colorado and the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. Her plight is soon discovered by the nosy inquisitive 😉 residents of the town. Nolan, a lawyer and father to Jillian, a genealogist, discover long lost family stories that help Meri discover who she is meant to be. I found myself really looking forward to the historical elements of this book — I loved learning about the Memphis Yellow Fever outbreak in the 1870s and the valiant efforts of volunteers to provide healing and comfort. A great fictional story line gave this glimpse into history a personal feel. The present day story that was the impetus for the historical thread fell a little flat with me. I found it hard to connect to the characters, especially Meri and her family. They just seemed way over the top in their actions and reactions. The premise of the book is good and I will probably read another in the series, mostly for the history and mystery.

A very quick read, The Inn at Hidden Run will appeal to those who like discovering more about family connections and the impact of the past on the present.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

About the Author

OliviaNewportOlivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

More from Olivia

Of Family Lines and Family Lore

I suppose it all started in a cemetery.

Once, while a group of relatives were visiting a cemetery, one of my cousins and I wandered off and looked at all sorts of graves, speculating about the names we read and the lives they represented. We were duly scolded both for separating from our families, which caused some consternation, and for being disrespectful—though I think the second accusation was a false one!

Just because we were young children didn’t mean we were disrespecting the dead. Quite the opposite. We were respecting lives long forgotten with our curiosity about who they were and what legacies they left.

These days a lot of people are interested in genealogy. Entire TV series spin around the theme, and DNA kits show up in Christmas stockings. Lost branches of family trees find the main trunk—sometimes with big surprises.

My new Tree of Life series is set in the backdrop of a lovely Colorado mountain town I hope you’ll want to visit often, where a father-daughter genealogy team link present to past on family trees and characters learn about who they are, where they come from, and their unique faith journeys as they discover their own Tree of Life.

It all starts with The Inn at Hidden Run. When Meri arrives in Canyon Mines because she wants to run away from her family, true answers come from understanding the past that generations have forgotten—the accounts from another time and place no longer handed down but that still form the backbone of the family’s story.

What’s the backbone of your family’s history? How is it shaping your own future?

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 18

The Avid Reader, May 18

The Power of Words, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 19

Through the Fire Blogs, May 20

Lighthouse Academy, May 20

A Baker’s Perspective, May 21

To Everything A Season, May 21

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 22

Pause for Tales, May 22

Hallie Reads, May 22

Bigreadersite, May 23

By The Book, May 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 23

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 24

Connect in Fiction, May 24

Maureen’s Musings, May 25

Seasons of Opportunities, May 25

Inklings and notions, May 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Godly Book Reviews, May 27

janicesbookreviews, May 27

Retrospective Spines, May 28

Mary Hake, May 28

Quiet Quilter, May 29

A Reader’s Brain, May 29

Remembrancy, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 30

Just the Write Escape, May 31

Moments, May 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Inn at Hidden Run!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e1c1/the-inn-at-hidden-run-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review + Giveaway! — The Printed Letter Bookshop

16 May

About The Book

Book: The Printed Letter Bookshop

Author: Katherine Reay

Genre: Women’s fiction, romance

Release Date: May 14, 2019

Amid literature and lattes, three women come together and find that sharing one’s journey with best friends makes life richer.

When attorney Madeline Carter inherits her aunt’s bookstore in a small town north of Chicago, she plans to sell it and add the proceeds to her nonexistent “investment portfolio.” But plans change when Madeline discovers the store isn’t making money and she gets passed over for promotion at her firm. She quits in protest, takes the train north, and decides to work at the store to prep it for sale. Madeline soon finds herself at odds with employees Janet and Claire; when she also finds herself attracted to an affianced man, it only confuses the entire situation.

After blowing up her marriage two years earlier, Jessica has found solace working at the bookstore and a kindred spirit within its owner, Maddie Cullen. But when Maddie dies and her niece, Madeline, barges in like a bulldozer, Janet pushes at the new owner in every way-until she trips over common ground. Soon the women are delving into online dating and fashion makeovers, and Janet feels the pull to rediscover her art, a love she thought long behind her.

After a night of bad decisions leaves the store in peril, Claire arrives and tries to save the day. While she, too, found sanctuary in the little bookstore, she knows it’s under-insured, in the red, and will never survive. When she discovers her teenage daughter has played a part in vandalizing the store, Claire taps into strength she didn’t know existed-or had long forgotten. The quietest of the three, she steps up and finds a way to save her family, the store, and the precious friendships that have grown within it.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is the story of friends who find each other-and themselves-in a place none of them ever expected.

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

My Impressions:

I absolutely loved this book! And what’s not to love — three engaging characters, a bookshop setting (that goes without saying) and very cool allusions to all the books, and a subtle and natural faith message that speaks hope and truth without hitting you over the head. The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay has it all and is a very highly recommended read!

There are three characters that are central to the story of The Printed Letter Bookshop. The novel is told through their distinct POVs. But this book is unique in that format because the POVs are first person past tense, first person present tense, and third person. I found it a bit jarring at first, until I happened upon a line from one of the characters. Then it all fell into place with an aha! from me. Clever, clever author! 😉 The changes to the characters through their experiences are also expressed by the changes in their voices. Be on the look out for that. Madeline, Janet, and Claire are very different, yet I found myself relating to each of them. They’ve made mistakes, lost their way, and been influenced by partial knowledge — kind of like all of us. I loved their journeys. And the books! There are tons of references for dedicated book nerds. The shop and the books are wonderful vehicles for showcasing community, the importance of real relationships and of loving well. As for the faith message, forgiveness plays a big part in the story. I also loved how the author used Proverbs 31 to speak to each of the characters (and this reader) in a new, fresh way.

Fans of books, books, books, fans of women’s fiction, fans of a good story told very well — that’s who should read The Printed Letter Bookshop. I promise you will love it! It is one of the best books I have read this year.

Very Highly Recommended. 

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

About The Author

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and isa wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL. You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com; Facebook: KatherineReayBooks; Twitter: @katherine_reay; or Instagram: @katherinereay.

More From Katherine

Don’t you love bookshops?

Every time I walk into a bookstore, it feels like a rainbow cracked open and rained a kaleidoscope of light, life and possibilities before me. I find worlds within the world and a call to adventure.

Each bookshop tells a different story. It tells of its loyal beloved customer base. It reflects the personality of its owner and staff. It carries the aura of the stories it offers to us.

And it was the perfect place to dig into lives, hearts and book loves of Janet, Claire and Madeline. These three women, at different stages in life, meet at the Printed Letter Bookshop, with all the romance and wonder it holds, and learn to work through their challenges together. They become the friends that each didn’t know she was missing.

There is also a fourth woman I loved spending time with in the Printed Letter Bookshop — its original owner, Maddie Carter. Maddie doesn’t step onto the stage even once, but her presence, her love and her guiding hand are apparent from page one as Janet, Claire, and Madeline grow in friendship and in faith.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a love letter to books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship. I hope you savor your time with these three women — And, book lovers rejoice, there is a list of all the books they allude to in the back of the book!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, May 14

Godly Book Reviews, May 14

The Power of Words, May 14

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 15

Carla Loves To Read, May 15

Pause for Tales, May 15

Maureen’s Musings, May 16

Bigreadersite, May 16

By The Book, May 16

Inspirationally Ever After, May 17

Reading Themes, May 17

For The Love of Books, May 17

Lis Loves Reading, May 18

Emily Yager, May 18

Living Life Free in Christ, May 18

For HIm and My Family, May 19

Retrospective Spines, May 19

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 19

Girls Living For God’s Glory, May 20

As He Leads is Joy, May 20

To Everything A Season, May 20

All-Of-a-kind Mom, May 21

Through the Fire Blogs, May 21

Creating Romance, May 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 22

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, May 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 22

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 23

Wishful Endings, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 24

Just the Write Escape, May 24

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 25

Lighthouse Academy, May 25

janicesbookreviews, May 25

Inspired by Fiction, May 26

Simple Harvest Reads, May 26 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Inklings and notion, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

amandainpa, May 27

A Reader’s Brain, May 27

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away a paperback copy of The Printed Letter Bookshop to one lucky winner!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f1/the-printed-letter-bookshop-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review: The Heart of A King

6 May

King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could — and did — have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?

In this engrossing novel, you’ll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you’ll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you’ll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon’s wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Contact Jill through email (jill@jilleileensmith.com), her website (http://www.jilleileensmith.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith), or Twitter (https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith).

 

My Impressions:

Solomon, the storied King of Israel known for his wisdom, is the subject of Jill Eillen Smith’s newest novel, The Heart of A King. Drawn from her ebook novella series, The Loves of Solomon, this standalone novel brings all four women’s stories together with the unifying thread of Solomon’s life. Set in the exotic courts of Jerusalem, Sheba, and Egypt, this what-if explores the motivations and heart-decisions of the last ruler of the unified kingdom of Israel. As always, Smith delivers a highly readable novel that causes a reader to reach for her Bible, as well as examine her own life.

In a dream, God offers Solomon what his heart desires. Although Solomon could have asked for any number of things — wealth, love, a larger kingdom — he chose wisdom. In the Bible, Solomon is described as the wisest man who ever lived, astonishing the many visitors to Jerusalem with his knowledge of nature and his insight into human hearts. Smith portrays Solomon as a charismatic leader and a sensitive lover — he has 700 wives, you know! 😉 But the wisdom he cherishes becomes a burden when he puts it above all else, including his relationship with God. I think that is the most important take away of this novel. Despite the fact that he has such a powerful gift, the advice of his priests and a godly mother, and the word of the Lord, Solomon believes in his own abilities more than anything else. The four women who figure prominently in the novel, Namaah, a princess of Ammon, Abishag, his father’s last wife, Siti, the daughter of Pharaoh, and Nicaula, the Queen of Sheba, are interestingly portrayed. There isn’t much in the Biblical record from which to draw, but Smith makes them believable. They love Solomon, and he in turn loves them, but never whole-heartedly. Solomon is a restless man striving to gain more and more. Each part of the novel is introduced by musings of the Teacher, an older Solomon who found that life is meaningless. While it would be easy to throw stones at Solomon, this novel made me examine the many blessings that God has given me that I in turn take for granted. Like Solomon, I believe in my own abilities and wisdom in running my life.

The Heart of A King will appeal to fans of Biblical fiction. Its unique perspective, historical details, and insightful message make this book a recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner + Giveaway! — Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree and When God Made Color

2 May

About the Books

WhiteSpark Publishing is thrilled to bring readers young and old two delightful stories all about color!

Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can this magic last with spring on the horizon? A magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits that is sure to delight.

When God Made Color

The wonders of creation spread out before us in all the glories of the rainbow…the deep purples and blues of night, the bright yellows of day, the pinks and oranges of flowers. And of course, the colors of all the creatures…including us! These sumptuous fine art illustrations will thrill parent and child alike!

Click here to purchase Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree.

Click here to purchase When God Made Color.

My Impressions:

Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree

Magic abounds when Isaac’s friend, a sugar maple tree, welcomes him each morning with a surprise — ice cream! This fun children’s storybook is perfect for practicing reading skills or for family reading time. A number of what ifs are sure to crop up as your child thinks about the possibility of magic all around them. I loved the author’s afterword telling of the origins of this story. Another fun thing to share with your kids, perhaps to inspire the creative spark in their own lives!

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 5-8.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

When God Made Color

Bold, bright and highly detailed illustrations compliment the vibrant text of When God Made Color, a look at Creation that is sure to inspire awe and wonder in your child. God didn’t just make the plants, and birds, and animals — He made them with a variety of color and shapes and purposes. He also made man in His image, also in an amazing array of color. The message that God’s world is beautiful and that a master designer was at work is deftly told in words that children ages 5-8 can easily understand. This book is good for honing reading skills or for family reading time.

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 5-8.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

About the Authors

Angela Henderson resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. After creating her blog and Facebook page, Kidsbook Friends, and her Instagram, Instabooks, she’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives.

 

Sheri Carmon seeks to incorporate the beauty of the Lord’s heart, His ways and His love in her writing for children. As an author, her goal is to shine His light through stories. In the past she has published poetry and inspirational compositions with both Blue Mountain Arts and The Group Publishing. Sheri has always cared for the individual needs of families and spent fifteen marvelous, fast-paced years in real estate, specializing in family friendly homes. She and her husband have helped facilitate whole church Bible-reading programs in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. They make their home in Colorado, on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, where they’re surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation every day.

More from Angela

Why children’s books? After all, I teach young teens. Well, my reasons:

  1. I love art, and reading children’s books is like looking at an artist’s showcase of creativity!
    * Shout out to my amazing illustrator, Rachael Koppendrayer!
  2. I love to dream up the impossible, and you can make anything happen in a children’s book!
  3. I love togetherness and nothing brings a family together like a good book.

As I read picture books with my kiddos, the teacher in me wanted to instruct too. I created a blog (http://www.kidsbookfriends.com) so teachers, librarians and parents could have little lessons to help them “make friends” with the characters in the stories I featured. Surrounded by such inspiration from these books and my kiddos, I started writing my own manuscripts when my kids were all under age five, mainly sketches of thoughts until I had segments of time where I could construct stories.

After several years of attending SCBWI conferences; connecting with writers; creating manuscripts & editing and revising, editing and revising (you see a pattern?!); and submitting them to publishers, Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree was accepted for publication and was released January 15, 2019, by Whitefire Publishing! (It’s a process!!!)

The message embedded in this colorful, magical story expresses a very real part of my heart as it’s our family motto: “Always remember to look for the rainbow.” My kids and I both literally and figuratively practice this principle, rushing out after every rain to see if the sky is painted with a bow as well as trying to find the good that comes through the storms of life.

Through my journey, I’ve experienced much loss through moving many times, caring for my mother during her dying days, and losing my husband through divorce. Yet in it all, God redeems and uses each pain and joy like brush strokes on a canvass, reminding us of His unfailing promises while creating a masterpiece.

Creativity, imagination, inspiration . . . make magical moments.

Gather together. Dream the impossible. Embrace the colors. . . as I introduce you to a new friend, Isaac! Excited to share this story with you. . . and my next one . . . and the one after that. . . until we have many new kindred spirits . . .together.

Click here for a fee printable coloring page.

Click here to learn the story behind the story.

More from Sheri

A child asks, “Who am I?”
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NIV. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?

Click here to view a special video

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 2

By The Book, May 2

Among the Reads, May 3

cultivating us, May 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Mary Hake, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7

Blogging With Carol, May 7

Lighthouse Academy, May 8

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, May 8

Pause for Tales, May 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 9

Inspiration Clothesline, May 10

Reading Themes, May 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

Texas Book-aholic, May 11

Have A Wonderful Day, May 12

janicesbookreviews, May 12

A Reader’s Brain, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Older & Smarter?, May 14

Creating Romance, May 14

Inklings and notions, May 14

Aryn, the Libraryan, May 15

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 15

The Becca Files, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Angela and Sheri is giving away a grand prize of The Great Color Giveaway Package that includes a$25 gift card from Amazon, Rainbow ice-cream cups with colored spoons, a paperback copy of Isaacs’s Ice Cream Tree, a $25 gift card from Barnes and Noble,
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2a9/the-great-color-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Book Review: When He Found Me

29 Apr

Love Discovered . . . Hope Renewed

Once a strong Christian, third baseman Shane Riley lost his faith the night he injured his knee in a freak car accident. Determined to return to professional baseball and to find the sister he treated badly, Shane retreats to Refuge, Wyoming. There he meets Melissa June “MJ” Townsend, a single mom battling the virus that causes cervical cancer.

MJ wants nothing to do with the handsome athlete — no doubt a womanizer considering the stories in the news. But when a mistake results in Shane renting her garage apartment, they become friends. That friendship blossoms into something deep and pure, leaving MJ with a painful secret to tell. Even more complicated, she discovers an unexpected tie to Shane’s missing sister — a wounded woman who wants nothing to do with the perfect brother who scorned her.

Victoria Bylin is known for tackling tough subjects with great compassion. In 2016, Together With You, a story of grace and healing, won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary Romance. Her other books, including historical westerns, have finaled in the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine’s Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more at victoriabylin.com.

 

My Impressions:

A pure case of judging a book by its cover. That’s what I encountered when I picked up When He Found Me by Victoria Bylin. The catchy font, title, and colorful graphics led me to believe this book would be a fun chick lit/romance. Oh, I got women’s fiction and a love story alright, but the real prize was finding a thoughtful portrayal of life in all its ugliness . . .  and beauty. When He Found Me is raw in its emotions and candid in its exploration of the consequences of our choices for ourselves and others. I rate this well-written story highly recommended.

There are a couple of story lines that are woven together in When He Found Me. The relationship between baseball player turned history teacher, Shane Riley, and single mom MJ forms the foundation of the book. Their romance is complicated by a number of obstacles that are not the run-of-the-mill problems most often found in Christian fiction. Shane has given up on God and is ready to embrace some of what he thinks he has been missing, and MJ, a new Christian, is finding her way with a potentially heartbreaking diagnosis. Running parallel with the main story line, Olivia, MJ’s mother is looking for a renewed relationship with her daughter. And Shane’s sister Daisy’s story — alcoholism, abuse, and abortion — is one not often found in CF. God’s healing, restoration, and redemption shines bright in the true-to-life circumstances all of the characters face. This book is REAL! I loved that about it. No sugar-coating, just life in all of its sordidness and a God Who continues to surprise with his mercy and grace . . . and miracles. The author doesn’t shy away from the reality of human relationships, but neither does she downplay the impact of straying from God’s plans. A packet of letters and a diary from the past play a large role in the faith journeys of the female characters — I loved how the story of a woman from long ago taught faith, hope, and salvation.

When He Found Me is book 1 in Bylin’s Road to Refuge series. It is an excellent start and points to more great books. I can’t wait!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: young adults to adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Book Review: The Sky Above Us

25 Apr

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

 

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the author of ten novels, including the The Sea Before Us (February 2018) and the Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, and When Tides Turn).

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Her novels When Tides Turn and Through Waters Deep were both named to Booklist’s 101 Best Romance Novels of the Past 10 Years. Through Waters Deep was a 2016 Carol Award Finalist and won the INSPY Award, and her novella in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards. In 2011 she received the Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Please visit Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com, on Facebookat SarahSundinAuthor, and on Twitter at @sarahsundin.

 

My Impressions:

The Sky Above Us, book 2 in Sarah Sundin’s Sunrise at Normandy series, is another winner from this talented author. Filled with great historical detail, gritty life issues relevant to today’s world, and easily relatable characters, this novel set in the months leading up to D Day kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I couldn’t wait to see just how the author was going to bring all the threads together — she did it perfectly! Recommended for fans of historical fiction and WWII fiction.

Sundin’s specialty is bringing the WWII-era to life, including the men and women who served at home and overseas. But I have to admit that I thought my eyes would glaze over when the author included descriptions of the planes and maneuvers the Army Air Corps pilots used in their attacks on Nazi Germany. 😉 I was pleasantly surprised at how much I got into that aspect of the story. I held my breath as they executed loops and evasions and then swooped in for the victory. But that’s not all the author incorporates in her story — there is a wonderful balance of the historical and the fictional giving this novel a very authentic feel. Real life heroes and those created by the author rub shoulders on the airbase in England. While I learned a lot about the role of the Air Corps, the inclusion of Red Cross staff charged with bringing a little bit of home to troops overseas was a wonderful bonus. The men and women of that era really were committed! The story of the Paxton brothers introduced in book 1 is continued with Adler Paxton. Sundin’s exploration of Adler’s faith transformation rings true and is never preachy. His story is certainly messy, but the forgiveness of man and God and the restoration of relationships brought beauty out of the sordid and the ugly. While I really liked his love interest, Violet, it was Adler that touched my heart. And sweet romance is a big part of the story, so fans of historical romance will not be disappointed.

While The Sky Above Us focuses on Adler and Violet, it is not a standalone novel; you really need to read the series in order to understand all of the dynamics at work. Both the brothers’ personal histories and the integrated work of the military for the D Day invasion build with each successive book. I cannot wait for the final installment!

Recommended.

Audience: adults

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The Legend of Sheba

24 Apr

There is the story you know: A foreign queen, journeying north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king favored by the One God. The tale of a queen conquered by a king and god both before returning to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you were meant to believe.

Which means most of it is a lie.

The truth is far more than even the storytellers could conjure. The riches more priceless. The secrets more corrosive. The love and betrayal more passionate and devastating.

Across the Red Sea, the pillars of the great oval temple once bore my name: Bilqis, Daughter of the Moon. Here, to the west, the porticoes knew another: Makeda, Woman of Fire. To the Israelites, I was queen of the spice lands, which they called Sheba.

In the tenth century BC, the new Queen of Sheba has inherited her father’s throne and all its riches at great personal cost. Her realm stretches west across the Red Sea into land wealthy in gold, frankincense, and spices. But now new alliances to the North threaten the trade routes that are the lifeblood of her nation. Solomon, the brash new king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world — or of Sheba’s queen. With tensions ready to erupt within her own borders and the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid to test and win the king. But neither ruler has anticipated the clash of agendas, gods, and passion that threatens to ignite — and ruin — them both. An explosive retelling of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.

Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels including The Line Between, The Progeny, Firstborn, The Legend of Sheba, Iscariot, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and been optioned for TV and film. A notorious night-owl, she loves movies, playing football with her kids, and sending cheesy texts to her husband.

You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the snack table.

 

My Impressions:

I chose The Legend of Sheba by Tosca Lee as a complimentary novel for my Faith And Fiction Bible Study/Book Club. My group spends 3 weeks studying scripture and then on the 4th week we have book club. Sometimes I read the novel before starting the study; other times I do not. I am glad I waited until after studying the scripture before diving into this book. Lee does an admirable job bringing the legendary Queen of Sheba to life. However, she mixes myth and legend with the scriptural text to come up with this what if? I found Lee’s Sheba fascinating — a woman who does not fit into her time and place, yet comes to power and influence through sheer force of will. Known as Bilqis in Saba (modern Yemen), Makeda in Punt (modern Somalia/Ethiopia) and Sheba in Israel, she matches wit, wisdom, and will with King Solomon. I had a few takeaways from my reading experience:

  1. Sheba gives a unique perspective to Solomon. Lee depicts him as a man who has been given much, but is still very restless in his drive for more — perhaps she drew inspiration from the Book of Ecclesiastes.
  2. Israel is portrayed as an infant nation. Although Abraham’s covenant with God occurred centuries before, it is true that compared to other nations in the Middle East, Israel was an upstart.
  3. Sheba’s desire is to be fully known — by God and man. Lee articulates that very human need extremely well.

The Legend of Sheba is not an easy or quick read. The first person account from Sheba’s perspective involves a great deal of observation and pondering. There is action of course, but the feelings of the heart and soul are predominant. As always Lee writes in a beautifully descriptive prose that engages all of the reader’s senses. The book is described as cinematic by one reviewer — very apt. And don’t forget that Sheba was a pagan queen and that Solomon, though the wisest man ever to live, did have a LOT of wives and concubines. 😉 Lee does explore the intimate side of relationships (though not in a graphic manner).

So who would I recommend this book to? Readers who want more than a love story, more than an historical account, and more than a quick read are the target audience. You have to be willing to invest some time and thought into Sheba’s story. From early conversations with my group, I anticipate a great discussion. Not everyone liked the book, but are glad they read it.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Book Review: Driftwood Bay

19 Apr

After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room — until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn’t worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it’s least expected?

 

Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, http://www.irenehannon.com.

 

My Impressions:

Driftwood Bay, the 5th book in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, brings the reader back to the small Oregon town with a big heart. I absolutely love the seaside setting with its sea stacks, quaint harbor town,  and lavender and cranberry farms. The people are special too. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple in the town, but there are a number of recurring characters that add more than extras for the stories. They add heart and soul. Romance and real life issues combine to make this series and Driftwood Bay winners. Recommended.

Driftwood Bay has two story lines that intersect. In each, the characters are dealing with loss, displacement, and grief. I really liked how Hannon explored the varying ways the characters dealt with their circumstances. Some, like Mariam Shabo hold fast to their faith, trusting God for His promises. Others, like Jeanette and Thomma retreat — from the world or their own family. Hannon’s inclusion of the struggles of the two young girls brought a deeper dimension as well. The varying reactions were very real and relatable. At the heart, though, was fear — of further loss and rejection. Hannon’s small town is a great vehicle for exploring how people of faith can reach out to others. The whole town gets involved. I loved that! Love is very much at the forefront of the story, in the depiction of love for others and the sweet romance that builds between main characters Logan and Jeanette. And for fans of the romance genre, you are going to love this one.

Driftwood Bay is a great addition to a wonderful series. It can be read as a standalone, but don’t do it! LOL! Begin at the beginning. And with 5 in the series already published you are in for a real binge-reading treat. I am excited that there will be more to come. Can’t wait!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review (+Giveaway!): The Governess of Penwythe Hall

18 Apr

About The Book

Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah Ladd

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About The Author

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Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

 

 

More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:

  1. Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
  2. Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s.
  3. The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
  4. Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
  5. In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

 

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19th Century life in Cornwall

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

 

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml

https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html

http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php

 

My Impressions:

I was immediately swept up in Sarah E. Ladd’s latest Regency-era romance, The Governess of Penwythe Hall. Ladd has long been a favorite of mine with her beautifully written tales of love and intrigue set in England of the early 1800s, but I think this book has got to be my all-time favorite. Why? I loved the caring young governess who fights fear to protect those she loves. Cordelia Delia Greythorne has lost so much, yet remains steadfast in her faith and loyal to her young charges. She is more than just a governess to the five Twethewey orphans. I also loved hunky hero, Jac Twethewey! He opens his home and his heart in ways that made him a true savior of his nieces and nephews. The wild Cornish coast and its environs as described by Ladd captured my imagination. The sea breezes and crashing waves, and the secretive smuggling that set it apart were vividly portrayed. The setting and storyline could have been enough for a good historical romance, but Ladd adds a faith thread that is relevant to modern readers. The destructive nature of fear and the triumph of faith are explored in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. One minor character had a great impact on main character Delia (and this reader) when she stated Faith is why I don’t fear tomorrow or the next day. I read that line at just the right time. Isn’t it cool how that works out! God’s sovereignty in the midst of the unknown was also a strong theme in the novel. The novel was very fast-paced, and at the end I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as the main characters faced danger with stalwart hearts.

For adventure, intrigue, history, and, of course, romance, The Governess of Penwythe Hall cannot be beat! Add a timely and timeless inspirational message, and this novel is a real winner!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11

LifeofLiterature, April 11

Moments, April 11

Genesis 5020, April 11

Maureen’s Musings, April 12

The Power of Words, April 12

Mary Hake, April 12

To Everything A Season, April 12

KarenSueHadley, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

For the Love of Literature, April 13

Inklings and notions, April 13

The Avid Reader, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 14

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 15

Wishful Endings, April 15

Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 16

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16

Daysong Reflections, April 16

The Becca Files, April 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17

Blossoms and Blessings, April 17

Remembrancy, April 17

Worthy2Read, April 18

By The Book, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20

For HIm and My Family, April 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21

Inspiration Clothesline, April 21

Pause for Tales, April 21

Through the Fire Blogs, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 22

Inspired by fiction, April 23

A Reader’s Brain, April 23

Hallie Reads, April 23

Henry Happens, April 24

Connect in Fiction, April 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 24

janicesbookreviews, April 24

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/de80/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Children’s Corner — Gracefull

17 Apr

Hope and Anna love seeing each other at church. When a Sunday grace offering is collected to help lift up Anna’s homeless family, Hope begins to ask questions and has a unique opportunity to learn what grace looks like, both for her and for Anna’s immigrant family. This touching story teaches children that God showers grace that is meant to be shared—allowing us all to be GraceFull!

In this follow up to her first two books, ColorFull and ThoughtFull, Dorena Williamson opens a dialogue on the tough subjects of poverty and homelessness and offers children encouragement to show God’s grace and love to others whose home life or homeland might look very different than their own.

To purchase, click HERE.

Dorena Williamson is a bridge buider, speaker, writer, and worship leader who knows the power and beauty of racial awareness. She and her husband, Dr. Chris Williamson, planted Strong Tower Bible Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and have spent more than twenty years ministering to its richly diverse faith community. Dorena and Chris have four children.

 

My Impressions:

Grace — unmerited favor that God showers down on His people. That grace is the foundation of Dorena Williamson’s book Gracefull, a colorful storybook for kids ages 4-8. In the book, Hope gets a glimpse at the very different life her friend’s family faces. Homeless and needing a big help up, Anna and her family are sheltering at Chen House. I loved that the two girls in the story are seen as peers, not one that has more and one who has less. The storyline revolves around helping others as a response to the grace that God has shared with us. The subtitle, Growing A Heart That Cares for Our Neighbors, summarizes what the book is all about. Williamson tells her story in a natural way allowing kids to see that there are others out their who need our help. The illustrations are bright and bold, and include a diverse group of people. The message is simple, but this book will springboard into deeper conversations. To help guide parents, a scripture passage reinforcing the message and discussion questions to make little ones (and their parents 😉 ) think are include. Gracefull makes a great addition to any home library.

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their family

(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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