Nashville Sweetheart by Rachel Hauck ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

This book is an emotional roller coaster ride. I love country music, and I loved every other book that I have read from this author, but this book was a difficult read for me.

Aubrey James is a country queen, who seems to have it all, hit songs, plenty of awards, and a new fiancé. But when she collapses on stage from exhaustion and one of her band members talks to the tabloids, the curtain begins to fall away.

Scott Vaughn works for a TV show, and is assigned to do a series of interviews with Aubrey for the show. Scott is an excellent and brings out the best in Aubrey. Yet, nothing can come of them, as she is already engaged and he knows it.

I liked how this story had a rich backstory and great characters. To me this story is more about Aubrey's return to her roots, interwoven with themes of forgiveness, and redemption.

While I do understand that Aubrey was living a very different life than her parents would have wanted for her, I was uncomfortable with the physical relationship that she and her fiancé had before they were married, along with the detail of that relationship.

Overall, this was a well written read with well developed characters, and a moving prodigal daughter tale. I liked how this book didn't shy away from the difficulty that goes into being a country artist, and showed a pretty realistic picture of life on Music Row. I really wanted to like this book, but in the end it just wasn't a good fit for me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Gods at War by Kyle Idleman ~ review

My Review:

Kyle Idleman, the author of not a fan, delivers another terrific read about finding and kicking out the idols in our everyday life, from money and success, to things, relationships, and self.

We live in a society that worships. Just because we don't build giant gold statues and dance around them, doesn't mean that we aren't following after other idols in our lives.

When we look back on the Old Testament, what was the number one thing that God was constantly calling the Israelites out on? Idolatry. Idolatry that separated them from God and his wonderful promises for them. Now we may look back on them and think that they were silly, but are we really that different? We obsess about our looks, and what others think about us. We need to have the latest ipod, ipad, and iphones. We chase money, and fame. In other words, worshipping it.

Mr. Idleman does an excellent job of showing the seriousness of the sin of idolatry, and how it is often overlooked in our society.

This is a well written book that is definitely worth the read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Bluebonnet Bride was a delightfully fast paced read that I fairly devoured in one gulp!

This book has it all, action, suspense, mystery & drama. I got to know the characters quickly, and their interaction with each other moves their relationship along. There were good logical reasons for the choices that they made, which made their story very believable.

Nathan White is a good hardworking man who needs someone to help him take care of his niece. If you've read The Butterfly Palace then you will probably remember Jane's daughter, Hannah, who is now four. Nathan has decided that a mail-order bride is the best way to go to get the help he needs.

Ellie has lost everything and needs to get out of Finland, so she boards a ship full of brides and makes her way to Texas. She immediately connects with Hannah, but will Nathan ever see her as more than a nanny for his niece?

There is a lot going on in this rather short story, and I loved every minute of it. One of my favorite things about this book was how Nathan asked if her could court her, even though they were already married.

While this is a companion novella to The Butterfly Palace you don't need to have read it to enjoy this wonderful story, though why would you want to even consider missing The Butterfly Palace? It was fantastic!

Overall, this was a wonderful story from beginning to end, with stirring characters, and great dialogue. I would highly recommend this novella!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Maybelle is a welderette at Sun Shipping and Dry Dock, during WWII. Her husband is fighting the Germans, and Maybelle does what she can to support the war effort.

I loved learning more about how the face of manufacturing change during the war, opening jobs for women, as well as exposing them to dangers. I appreciated the realistic outlook, there were many meticulous details from the clothes they wore to the hazards they faced.

A great part of this story was Maybelle's friendship with Doris. Doris encourages Maybelle to finish the quilt left by her mother. They found many pieces who stories behind them, and most of the story is about Doris and Maybelle sewing the pieces together. Throughout the story Maybelle finds that she is stronger than she ever thought she was before, and that she is capable of many things.

My overall impression of this story reminds me of their quilt, there was a lot of time spent piecing the story, but not enough time spent quilting the layers together. At times it was choppy and the details didn't match up. There was such great potential for great moments of faith, but instead there was a heavy focus on "positive thinking." So basically I personally think that there were a lot of missed opportunities there, but it wasn't necessarily bad.

This was a hard book to read, at times, but it did a good job of immersing me into the lives of the main characters and their experiences, as they worked and wondered when their men would come home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Maybelle In Stitches Abingdon Press (March 18, 2014) by Joyce Magnin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the Author:

I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student--he's a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.

I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.

One of my life's desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.

Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Maybelle In Stitches, go HERE.

The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Rebecca left her home in Indiana years ago, without telling her parents, by train to Portland to studying nursing. She decides to stop by Montana to visit her childhood friend, Mariana.
Even though she is only there for a short while, Rebecca meets several people who help her grow in her faith and encourage her in her quest to become a nurse.

Caleb is fascinated by Rebecca's adventurous spirit , even when he doesn't know the whole story.

Will Rebecca have to choose between following her calling and love?

This is not your typical Amish story. I immediately liked Rebecca and her determination to follow where God was leading her, trusting when many things seemed unclear. One of my favorite characters was Millie, who was a rancher's wife for fifty years.  Millie had many stories to share, as well as plenty of faith and encouragement. Millie also gave Caleb a talking to when he needed it.

Rebecca was my favorite though, ever since her sister died in childbirth Rebecca has wanted to learn all she can to keep that from happening again. She worked hard to earn her high school diploma, pass her EMT classes, and keep up with her online classes. She wants to help all people, Amish and English alike.

I enjoyed every moment of this book, it is well written and easy to read. There is plenty of good dialogue between Rebecca and Caleb. But this book is so much more than the relationship between Caleb and Rebecca. Faith and inspiration are well woven into the storyline, and fit effortlessly into the storyline. I loved the setting and descriptions of the majestic mountains. Kootenai sounds like a great town to visit :)

Overall, this was a fantastic read from begging to end, with characters that will capture your heart. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

May Bride by Meg Moseley ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ellie Martin secretly weeds the church garden early in the morning, and accidently witnesses a "guerilla wedding." which is when a couple sneaks onto church grounds for a small ceremony without booking the church or paying the fees.
Gray Witby is a friend of the couple getting married. During the wedding he spots someone hiding in the flower bushes.

Gray was my favorite character, he's a big city man who makes his living from working with computers, yet he's a cowboy at heart.

Gray and Ellie's relationship starts out with a bang--literally. They get serious quickly and struggle to keep the relationship on track.
While Ellie struggles to restore her relationship with her mother, and heal the hurt in the past.

Overall this was a short read, that while charming, did a bit too much psychoanalyzing for my taste, and had a rather modern perspective of dating. A nice quick read :)



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Husband Campaign by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Lord John Hascot, runs a horse farm, and finds himself more at home with horses than with people.
Amelia's father is a family friend to John and pressures john into marrying her. Cant his marriage of arrangement turn to a marriage of love?

Amelia is an admirable character, who accepted the things that she couldn't change, and changed the things that she could. John is an honorable man, through it all. and even thought he had every reason to run, he didn't.

This was a well written tale, that hooked me from the very beginning and kept me engaged the whole way through. the dialogue was well done, fit the story and was meaningful. though this book includes characters from previous books, this book stands well on its own.

Overall, a terrific read, full of action and intrigue, as well as a healthy dollop of romance. One of my favorite characters was actually an old warhorse named Countessa. Both Amelia and John grew in their faith and learned to trust God to work things out for good. Definitely a story well worth the read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Review and CFBA Tour

My Review:

Captain Keondric Morgan has been haunted by the young woman, whose heart was broken on his ship when her fiancé  died. Now with new information about his death, Keondric feels even more responsible for Tillie McGrath's heartache. Can Keondric protect the woman he has come to care for from the same villains who killed her fiancé?

Ms. Ludwig just keeps getting better with each book, Tide and Tempest is no exception. Keondric Morgan was a strong hero, honorable and noble. I connected with him instantly an cheered for him the whole way through. This book is a wonderful novel that stand well on its own, but also is perfect for anyone who has followed the tenants of Amelia's boarding house through every one of the last few books.

I loved meeting new characters as well as revisiting ones from the previous books. There was mystery and suspense around every corner, with battles from the old country following the young pioneers into the new country. I loved the rich Irish history interwoven into the storyline.

Overall this was a well written historical read. Enjoyable and full of adventure, this is not a book that you will want to put down!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Tide and Tempest Bethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014) by Elizabeth Ludwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by "I'll be Home for Christmas", part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Tide and Tempest, go HERE.

Bellflower (bonus short story Fairy Slippers included) by Amber Stokes ~ Review

My Review:

Two beautiful short stories by Amber Stokes set in the world of Bleeding Heart & Forget Me Not about the "love stories in between," loosely based on Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.

Annabelle has only ever lived one kind of life, but when she meets brothel owner Jacob, she encounters his strange respect for her. And even though she's afraid to let her guard down, she can't help but wonder if this time things might be different...

Margaret is a timid young woman, who has been ridiculed for her plain looks. Zachary has seen the other waitresses make fun of Margaret, but he has no idea how to talk to her. Will the Redwood dance be the perfect opportunity for two hearts to find each other?

Two lovely stories that can easily be read in one sitting tell stories of love blooming in unexpected places and ways. I found both of these stories to be well written and very enjoyable, leaving me wanting more, and even more excited to (FINALLY) read Myghal's story :)

Overall, you won't want to miss these lovely companion tales to the Heart's Spring novels!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the Author

Amber Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a passion for the written word
- from blogging to writing poetry, short stories, and novels. After her brief time at college in
Oregon, she is now back home among the redwoods of Northern California, living life one day
at a time and pursuing her passion for books as a freelance editor/publicist and self-published
author.


Purchase Links
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bellflower-Fairy-Slippers-Hearts-
Spring-ebook/dp/B00IWN23FW/ref=la_B00E6AMDH8_1_4?
s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394475001&sr=1-4
• Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/417481

Giveaway
In celebration of Fairy Slippers’ first appearance in a published ebook, Amber is giving away a
horse & carriage beaded bookmark from Belle on a Budget—so one lucky reader can enjoy a bit
of Cinderella charm! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and you can enter using the
Rafflecopter form below:



 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


One last thing! If you haven't read Forget Me Not well now is the time to grab a copy as it is free on Amazon from March 17th to Friday 21st of 2014! Here's the link! http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Me-Not-Hearts-Spring-ebook/dp/B00HY0XUMY/ref=la_B00E6AMDH8_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394600999&sr=1-3

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano ~ Review

Lucie's review:

A hilarious, lively read.

Felicia Murdock has A Talent for Trouble. When Grayson and Felicia meet, it is trouble and dramatics from the very start.
Both have flairs for the dramatics, which leads to plenty of hilarious interactions!

Grayson must unravel the mystery of his past, so he enlists the help of Felicia, as well as that of Arabella and Theodore Wilder (couple from the previous book) to help him find the truth.

This is a delightful read, complete with a full cast of characters, including familiar faces from the past, as well as a few new ones. This is a novel that stands one its own, but if you read this one and haven't read the others, I can almost guarantee that you will definitely want to! This book is a pleasure to read, engaging quickly, fast-paced, and generously interspersed with humor to bring a grin to your face. I loved the flair for drama that brought this tale to life.

Overall, this was a absolutely delightful read the entire way through! I read it in almost one sitting and couldn't keep from smiling the entire time! I loved how this book was more than just a humorous romance, but also had a serious faith track that gave this story heart. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!




Thank you, Ms. Turano for the review copy!


 

In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews ~ Review

My Review:

Jehosheba has been raised by her mother Thaliah, the daughter of Jezebel to be a baal priestess, but instead she is given as a bride to God's high priest, Jehoiada. Will she learn to love her husband's God and help to cast off the shadow of Jezebel?

 From beginning to end this was a gripping read, pulling me into intrigue that rivaled that of the Tudorian court. This wasn't a conventional love story by any means, and I loved following Jehosheba and Jehoiada in their journey and how they both supported each other and were affected the other for the better.

Jehosheba was a strong heroine to have gone through what she did with her stepmother, who manipulated her and her brother Hazi.

I think one of my favorite parts of the book was when she befriended Keilah  and Zibiah, who were great friends to her in return.

Overall this was a gripping novel that tells the tale of the tumultuous time of Israel's kings when they were in the very height of baal worship and deception. This book is a fantastic novel from beginning to end, and kept me reading well into the early hours of morning. I would definitely recommend this book, especially for lovers of biblical fiction!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Quick Hello!

 

 

Hello there!

I know I haven't just dropped in to say, "Hello," in a while, so I thought today might be a good day to do just that. Currently I am in my second semester of college, taking classes on psychology, composition, and office management, all online.

I'm still working part time at my local Cracker Barrel, as well as blogging here, and doing my best to squeeze in plenty of time for pleasure reading.

 

Right now I'm playing around with the idea of vlogging, that's right video blogging. It will be interesting to see how I can tie it into the blog and my reviews. So if you have any ideas for vlogging let me know!

 

In the upcoming months I will be working hard to make this blog better and more fun, especially after mid-terms :)

 

So thanks for stopping by, and God bless!

 

An Amish Miracle by Mary Ellis, Ruth Reid, and Beth Wiseman ~ Review

My Review:

Three women put their trust in God for a miracle.

Hope and her husband hope for a son, each daughter is a reminder of the secret she has hidden from her husband.

Rosa's husband died in a fire saving his best friend, Adam. Now Rosa is in danger of losing her farm. Will she be able to rely on her friends, and accept their help when they offer it?

Becky Byler has always struggled with her weight, so when she prays to God for a miracle she believes that He has answered when the weight starts dropping off, but will she lose the friend that she holds dear in the process?

Three novellas tell the tales of three Amish women. I enjoyed each of the stories, as they intertwined and separated, telling 3 very different stories. I felt a bit like some of the stories could have been longer, and that some of them were a bit of a tight fit into the novella format, especially the last story.

The characters were strong of character and well written. I really admired how Stephen stood by his wife in difficult times, and Adam selflessly cared for Rosa. My also heart went out to Becky as she struggled to find acceptance not only from those around her, but from herself.

Overall this was an enjoyable collection, great for fans of Amish fiction who are looking for a little more than just the typical boy-meets-girl story.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

April Bride by Leonora Worth ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Stella has been planning her wedding since Marshall left for Afghanistan.
Now he's back, but her doesn't remember her...

This is a tale that will tug at your heartstrings, as it is a compelling look at a real problem faced by soldiers who have endured extensive head trauma. Both Stella and Marshall are heroes to cheer for from start to finish. They both had strong faith, and good mentors who helped counsel them through this difficult time. I especially liked how Marshall's parents refused to coddle him, yet they supported him throughout.

Stella was my favorite though, she was brave and ever hopeful.

Overall, this was a touching tale of a couple who learns to love again, and trust in God no matter what.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Minding Molly by Leslie Gould ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Molly is industrious and efficient, she likes growing things, and works hard to save the family farm/nursery now that her father is gone. Molly's friend Hannah's father hires a young man named Leon to train some of his horses, and when Molly meets him the sparks are instant. Molly's mother wants her to marry Mervin, but she doesn't like him. Yet Leon spends much of his time with Hannah, riding, something that Molly doesn't like to do.

One of the most interesting relationships is between Molly and her younger sister, Beatrice. Molly likes everything to be done a certain way, while Beatrice thinks that Molly is bossy. And I loved how the Bishop helped her understand her relationship with her sister, and his reply to her.

Leon was a good hero, he really was a nice guy, who was more comfortable talking to horses than to girls. Sometimes he can be a bit dense, like when he doesn't realize how his always going riding with Hannah looks to others and Molly.

This book is well written and a good read. I loved Molly, she was hardworking and strong, people criticize her for being too bossy, but really she is only trying to help in the way that she knows how. But over the course of the books she really grows in her relationships with her family and friends, as well as in her faith. Great read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Growing Up Duggar by Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar ~ Review

My Review:

The four oldest girls from the popular reality show 19 Kids and Counting share from their hearts and talk about the 8 most important relationships in a girl's life.

This was a quick conversational read, with great little stories and insights into their lives. Before reading this book I was only vaguely familiar with the Duggars as I don't watch their show, (we don't have TLC), but I'd heard many wonderful things about their family and their values. So not knowing much about the Duggars I dove right on in.

This was a fast moving read, that didn't take much time to finish once I got started. To be honest it wasn't quite riveting, but I did enjoy it.

It was fun reading about the Duggar's big family and how they really used their show to share their faith, even when people on the internet and in real life are less than kind to them.

Overall, this would be a great read for Christian young women, whether they've seen the show or not. I found it to be very enjoyable, and who knows maybe sometime in the future I'll catch an episode of their show :)


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Vow Unbroken by Caryl McAdoo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ms. McAdoo creates a realistic setting that takes the reader across the plain on a real and gritty journey, giving a glimpse of what it might have been like to have drive a wagon across Texas in the 1800's. The journey is fraught with dissention and delay.

Henry Buckmeyer is an unsuspecting hero. He's just going about his work when Susannah Baylor approaches him with a job offer to drive her cotton across the Texas prairie. He accepts, not because he needs the money, but because he knows she can't do it alone. But she questions his every decision along the way.


Susannah has 2 wagons loaded with 500lbs. of cotton, four mules, a precious 9 year old daughter, Rebecca, and a sometimes difficult 14 year old nephew, Levi. She's been a widow for the last 10 years, and has learned the hard way that a woman has to be tough to survive in Texas on her own. One of the things I admired most about Susannah was her commitment to her vow never to remarry without her father's approval, because behind it was a commitment to her Heavenly Father and to following His statutes.

One of my favorite characters ended up being Blue Dog, Henry's dog who quickly becomes Becky's constant companion.

Overall this was a well written western adventure, with glimpses of humor and fantastic characters that you can cheer for. Levi has his one sort of story in the midst of everything, and I liked reading about how he grew from a boy to a young man full of promise and responsibility. Definitely a novel that I would heartily recommend.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."