10.24.2021

The Daily Bible Project from Ink and Willow

Review:

If you are like me and have often resolved to read your Bible in a year to varying levels of success, this journal might be right up your alley. Designed to take you through the Bible in a year with readings from both the New and Old Testaments, this journal keeps you on track with space for three years worth of reading and record your note and insights.

It is easy to use with 5 1/2 lines per day, perfect for concise and compact notes. I like that with this journal you can choose the translation of the Bible that you like best for your readings, and even switch it up year to year or even day to day. I personally don't like to write in my Bible, so this journal is the perfect place for me to jot down takeaways from the text in a neat and organized way that makes it easy to look back on, without actually writing in your Bible. But even if you do like to write notes in your Bible, this journal is an excellent companion and adds additional space for those notes. In addition to room for journaling it also includes a few extras, with pages with an index of verses for when you need, joy, peace, comfort, overviews, and fun facts about different Bible translations.

I'm excited to start this journal fresh on January 1st, but it would also make an excellent gift to give just in time for Christmas. I was impressed with the clever design. Definitely worth checking out for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member this Christmas!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Love on the Range by Mary Connealy // Review

Review:

Picking up right where the previous book left off, Wyatt and his brothers must band together to make a stand to protect their ranch.

The final book in Brothers in Arms Trilogy, this book ties it all together in a satisfying adventure that will keep you on the tip of your toes. I loved getting to know Molly and Wyatt better over the course of the book.

Molly is tired of being over looked, she is capable and smart, but feels like her skills are underutilized. She volunteers to go undercover for the Pinkertons to gather the missing evidence to bring down a criminal. I liked how Wyatt's protective side came out when she went undercover, and how he leans on his brothers for advice.

I loved how this book brings together all of the brothers in force, filled with familiar faces and brand new twists along the way. I liked the fast paced action, fantastic characters, faith and romance along the way. An excellent conclusion!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.20.2021

If it Rains by Jennifer L. Wright // Review

My Review;

A powerful novel of two sisters in the epicenter of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl.

A poignant coming of age story of faith, as two sisters navigate new worlds on their own struggling to believe in a good, omnipotent God in the unforgiving landscape of the Great Depression.

Kathryn is straightforward and adventurous, she doesn't hold back her feelings. I admired her courage and bravery to keep fighting despite the obstacles that came her way, she is headstrong and doesn't like asking for help. I liked how she persevered, but never shied away from speaking up for herself.

Melissa is a young wife, married to the son of the richest man in town, but marriage quickly loses its rosy glow in the face of abuse. Melissa struggles to see the light in what feels like a hopeless situation. I liked how the sisters are so different, Melissa isn't brave in the ways that Kathryn is, but she finds her own voice and clings to her faith throughout.

Overall, this debut blew me away. It was absolutely stunning. The alternating first person narratives, pulled me into each of the sisters' lives, as they fight their battles for survival and faith, learning to trust in the darkest times. A coming of age novel, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Dust Bowl, with a powerful message of faith that made me see The Wizard of Oz in a brand new way. Truly a must read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.17.2021

Silver Lining by Pam Hillman // Review

Review:

Promised a thriving boomtown, Maggie O'Toole arrives in Silver Lining to find a ghost town. Three families decide to stay, can they make it through the coming winter?

A charming novella about a small town and their will to survive their new life on the prairie. Maggie is a problem solving heroine, who takes seriously the responsibility to help her family make their home in Silver Lining. I liked her friendship with Ingrid, and how she get's to know Rafe, while wondering if he will stick around.

Overall, and enjoyable read with a strong heroine, good premise, likable cowboy hero, and survival on the prairie.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott // Review

Review:

Coraline Baxter is determined to be more than her socialite upbringing, working as a loan officer she has gained respect in her field. In order to avoid a marriage to a man of her mother's choosing, she takes up the challenge of climbing Mount Rainier to prove that women can do hard things.

An engaging and well written read, I loved how supportive Coraline's step-father Mr. Winston is of Coraline's aspirations throughout. He drops everything to go on the climbing expedition with her so she will have a proper chaperone, and he doesn't pressure her to follow her mother's wishes. He was probably my favorite character in this book!

Nathan left high society behind for the sanctuary of the mountains, where he lives off the land and works as a guide. I admired his strong faith and how he talks openly with Coraline about his beliefs, as well as his friendship with Waldo, which adds some great humor.

Overall, this is a fast paced read with excellent plot and characters that you can cheer for all the way through. Strong faith, adventure, great interaction, and an admirable heroine. Definitely recommend this third installment in the The American Wonders Collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Saving Ebenezer by S. Daniel Smith // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Saving Ebenezer

Author: S. Daniel Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October 12, 2021

Much had changed in seven years. Scrooge had given all to rid himself of the guilt and shame of his miserly ways. Nearly saved Tiny Tim, too, who was only slightly bigger at his death than Christmas Eve seven years prior. Scrooge had the best doctors working on the boy’s condition, all of them happy to have Scrooge pay for this treatment or that, but never quite figuring out exactly what was wrong. Still, Tim had started the pathway of a bright future.

Until pneumonia struck. In a fortnight, Tim had gone from spry and hopeful to weak and discouraged. And then dead.

As Ebenezer Scrooge watched the simple casket lowered into the near-frozen muck on December 20^th, 1850, there could be no mistaking the fact that a piece of him was being buried as well.

And that was why Ebenezer Scrooge was angry.

The old Scrooge was back. Joy had given away to sorrow in the meanest of ways, for it sprung upon the old man with such ferocity that he had no defense. Powerless, and angry, that was Ebenezer Scrooge, all right. Joy had given way quickly to pain and sorrow, the likes of which Ebenezer Scrooge had never experienced before.

Ebenezer Scrooge, heartbroken and frustrated, begins to ask questions about faith. Much like the original story, he is given a guide to help him find the answers. As he struggles to understand death, sorrow, and poverty in terms of faith, he finds one answer to all his questions: Jesus Christ. The book ends with Ebenezer finding faith, health, and love.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

Seven years ago Scrooge had three nightly visitors that showed him the past, present and future, and since Scrooge has worked hard to make up for his past wrongs. But despite the best doctors that money can buy and Scrooge's change of heart, Tiny Tim is dead. Could it be possible that Scrooge missed something those seven years ago?

A well done novella realistically revisits the world of Dicken's most well loved Christmas story. I liked how the author authentically imitates Dicken's style, but also makes the language more accessible for modern readers. I liked that this story brings back many of the familiar faces from the original classic.

Overall, a well written sequel to a beloved classic, it does an excellent job of staying true to the original while also daring to dive deeper and ask questions of faith and mortality. Inspiring and full of hope, this was the perfect twist on a classic. Definitely recommend, this Christmas Carol revisited!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Dan Smith is a Christian, a husband, a father, a career US Navy sailor, and freelance writer living in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife and three children. His publishing history goes back 21 years, when he was first published in the magazine Pentecostal Messenger.

Dan specializes in writing about life in the military, especially as it affects Christians in service. He has also tackled the issue of cystic fibrosis, the autism spectrum, and a host of other topics.

More from Dan

“I have always loved the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. From the original novella to The Muppets, I’ve been fascinated by the story. Only one thing was truly missing, and that was the real hope Christians find in Jesus Christ. In that way, Saving Ebenezer: The Continuing Saga of a man named Scrooge is my offering to my Lord. I did my best to retain the style and language of the original, as well as to stay true to the original story and characters, while offering a glimpse at the hope we have in Jesus.

The biggest reason I wrote the book is to show the need for Christ. I do my best to keep from being preachy, and I believe you’ll find the book entertaining with a point. I can’t wait to hear what you think!”

Blog Stops

The Write Escape, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Genesis 5020, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

deb’s Book Review, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Labor Not in Vain, October 17

Inklings and notions, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 20

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 22

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 23

Mary Hake, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Connie’s History Classroom, October 25

Denise L. Barela, Author, October 25

Betti Mace, October 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, S. Daniel is the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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/122da/saving-ebenezer-celebration-tour-giveaway

10.15.2021

The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review: Two hearts that swore never to marry, find their convictions challenged on the trail to Colorado.

Flynn has been mother and father to his younger siblings, shouldering the responsibilities of a family, and more than his share of the blame. Linnea, recently widowed, is fighting to prove her worth as a botanist in her own right, apart from her late husband and grandfather's shadows.

An engaging romance, set against the backdrop of the treacherous trail to Colorado, fraught with danger and Confederate Irregulars. Linnea is a modern woman for her time, with a passion for plants and sciences. I liked how she takes Flynn's sister Ivy, under her wing, teaching her about being a young woman. Ivy spunky and full of sass, she says things as she sees them sometimes to the embarrassment of others, easily one of my favorite people in the story!

Flynn has spent his life trying to protect his family, first from the fists of his step-father, then fields of battle, and now delivering a herd of cattle to his brother Wyatt in Colorado. After reading the last book in the series, I wasn't sure how any of the other McQuaid brothers could measure up to Wyatt, but Flynn easily won me over with his strong protective instincts, and big heart.

Overall, a fantastic, sizzling with chemistry, and roaring with action, addition to the series, I loved seeing both new and familiar faces in the pages of this book. Especially since Judd was my favorite from the previous book. A engrossing read, with characters that you can cheer for throughout, with an inspiring message of faith and overcoming the past. Definitely recommend for fans of western romance! I can't wait to read Brody's story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.12.2021

An Amish Barn Raising by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, and Kathleen Fuller // Review

My Review:

Building a Dream by Amy Clipston

Longtime friends Kathryn and Anthony find themselves longing for more but Kathryn's strict father doesn't approve of Anthony's family or their profession. Does their forbidden love have a chance?

A heartwarming romance born of friendship, engaging and with characters that you want to cheer for. I also liked that they both have other close friends that they can confide in and find encouragement. Kathryn is a sweet young woman, and I like that she respectfully challenges her father's misguided convictions.

To Raise a Home by Kelly Irvin

Delilah Mast returns to Kootenai to to find her former flame seriously courting another, though she tries, Evan is impossible to forget.

A second chance romance, that was captivating from the start as I wondered how and if they would ever find their way to one another. Delilah and Evan are both admirable characters who are thoughtful and don't like to rock the boat. I especially admired Delilah's maturity throughout, and her respectfulness of Evan's relationship. Sam is an intriguing character, straightforward with a good heart. A wholly enjoyable read.

Love's Solid Foundation by Kathleen Fuller

Devon Bontrager returns home to make amends, he is surprised to find himself working along Nettie Yoder, who has made self-serving choices in the past that hurt others. He is even more surprised to find himself drawn to her.

I really liked Nettie, even though she wasn't always a very likable person, I admired how she acknowledged her hurtful behavior and made the effort to make amends. Elmer is a gruff, but sweet old man, who ended up being one of my favorite characters. A sweet romance of those at odds attracting.

Overall, a enjoyable collection of novellas each set in different communities about couples who come together through barn raisings. Sweet swift reads for when you don't want something too heavy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.09.2021

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano // Review

Lucie's Review:

Ella Blythe has lived a life shrouded in secret, she holds tightly to her precarious position in a shrinking ballet company. Even though she knows the fate of most theater romances, she can't help but hope to catch the eye of principle dancer Phillipe, while avoiding the advances of the flirtatious Jack.

A intriguing read, filled with mystery and haunting suspense as secrets from the past are revealed. Ella loves to dance but struggles to find her stride, uncertainty and the ghost of another promising dancer haunt her every step. I liked her story arc, and how she learns to deal with anxiety and the unknowns of life on the stage.

A well written read, but a slower start, due to it taking awhile for the pieces to start coming together, and eventually giving some answers along with the growing number of questions. Mysterious and evocative, it is a page turning read full of secrets and worthwhile reveals. Definitely picks up speed as it goes along. I really enjoyed seeing Ella grow in her faith, and become more sure of herself. A twisting, and enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Life Redeemed by Olivia Rae // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Life Redeemed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 16, 2021

Everyone has a secret, who can a queen trust?

Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the borderlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer.

After losing his lands in a wager and being betrayed by his kin, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the secretive Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is an English spy.

As the two work together to save Warring Tower, their attraction to one another grows. But when Audrey finally gains the information she seeks for Queen Elizabeth, she realizes that the only way she can save her family is to betray the man she loves.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

Audrey Hayes undertakes a mission on the borderlands of Scotland for the Queen in in order to ensure the security of her family. Can she save her family if it means betraying the man she has come to love?

An engaging historical read, that reimagines the early years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign, fraught with conspiracy and suspicion. Audrey is bold for her time, outspoken, she doesn't shy away from stating what is on her heart and mind. She challenges Gavin, to look beyond the way things have always been, and to take time for his sons.

I liked that there is a lot going on, between the secrets that Warring holds as well as feuding with the neighboring landowners, Gavin is a brooding and gruff man, with a pure heart. In fact, there were multiple times throughout reading this book when the story reminded me of Beauty and the Beast.

Thomas is a dear child, so eager to please and open hearted. I loved how Audrey takes time to get to know Thomas, letting him play and use his imagination.

Overall, an engaging historical romance, with an intriguing plot. A quick and enjoyable read, that delves into the Tudor lore away from the courts. Great for fans of historical romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.

Olivia is the winner of the Angel Award, Book Buyers Best Award, Golden Quill Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, Southern Magic Contest, and the American Fiction Award. She is an Illumination Award Gold and Bronze medalist. She has also been a finalist in many other contests such as the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the National Romance Fiction Awards. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

More from Olivia

My novel, A Life Redeemed takes place in 16^th Century England and Scotland. A very popular dish at the time was the meat pie. Back then making such a dish took a lot of time. My Grandmother made a similar dish with modern day ingredients that you can whip together in no time. Cheesy meat pie is a real family pleaser and a delicious bit of history.

Medieval Cheesy Meat Pie

1 pound ground beef

½ cup chopped onion

1 – 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

¼ cup parsley

1 – 3oz. can chopped mushrooms (drained)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

2 packages (8 rolls) crescent rolls

3 eggs

Shredded cheese (mixed cheddar and mozzarella)

In skillet, brown beef, onion (drain). Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, mushrooms, pepper and oregano, then set aside. Unroll one package of crescent rolls, forming 12×6 inch rectangle. Seal edges and perforations together. Roll to fit in 9-inch pie plate, trim. Separate one egg and set aside the yoke. Beat egg white with remaining two eggs. Spread over half the dough. Spoon meat into shell, arranging cheese on top. Pour remaining egg mixture over cheese. Roll out second package of crescent rolls, sealing on top of pie. Beat remaining egg yoke and a tablespoon of water, brush on top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. If pastry gets too brown, cover with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes.