1.29.2016

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Diane Le Feyer ~ Review

I Am: Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers about the Names of GodMy Review:

A lovely well illustrated book about the names of God, with stories, devotions and prayers. Each "chapter" is focused on a name of God, and includes a story, devotion, and prayer that goes along with each.

Beautifully illustrated this is a well put together book that would be great to read with children before bed, and can be a great conversation starter.

The one thing that I noticed, was that the storytelling was kinda more like a "tell rather than show" style, which isn't my favorite way of storytelling, so I felt it was a little more passive than I liked.  But I thought that they did a great job with putting together good stories and ways to describe things to young minds.

Overall, I felt this book would be best suited for young readers, or children who are still at an age for being read to, so perhaps ages 3-5. A great way to connect with children and show God's greatness and his multiple roles in our lives.

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."

1.27.2016

Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse ~ Review

Beyond the Silence
Lucie's Review:

Lillian Porter is a young woman who wants to make a difference, and is tired of staying safe and protected in her grandfather's mansion, so she takes a job as a nanny, for Woody Colton's young son, Jimmy. But rumors swirl about Woody and the death of his wife, and Jimmy hasn't spoken a word since.

When the rumors don't seem to match the man, Lillian can't help but wonder if there is more going on than meets the eye...

 Lillian is eager to learn and she quickly befriends Mrs. Goodman, who offers to teach her to cook. Lillian is also patient with Jimmy, and finds ways to keep him actively involved and engaged, communicating even though he still doesn't talk.

I really liked Mrs. Goodman, and how she and Lillian studied the bible together, encouraging Woody to join them. One of my favorite characters was Harry, a kind man who befriends Jimmy. Many people are mean to Harry, including his own brother Darwin, who I disliked and didn't like spending so much time reading about him.

Overall, a great read. A little slow to start, but as it picks up the tension mounts. I learned alot in this book and thought it was interesting that table olives were only beginning to be popular in 1890. Good relationships, and friendships throughout.


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 book: 

Beyond the Silence (Bethany House, January 2016)

The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth.

Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know.

Still, something dark did happen in the family's past. Lillian's seven-year-old charge hasn't spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love---or will it endanger her even more?

Purchase a copy:
 http://bit.ly/1PtlZWv

About the authors:



Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Connect with Tracie: websiteFacebook

Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado.

Connect with Kimberley: websiteTwitterFacebook
Lillian Porter takes a chance on a new job and a new future . . . but rumors surrounding her job make Lillian begin to wonder if she made the right choice in Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse's Beyond the Silence. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know . . . but soon the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

Tracie and Kimberley are celebrating the launch of Beyond the Silence with a Loaded Fire Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on February 11!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • One copy of Beyond the Silence
  • A Kindle Fire 7
  • A $50 Amazon gift card to load your Fire with books
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/11. The winner will be announced at the Beyond the Silence Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie, Kimberley, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

1.16.2016

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Mermaid Moon (Sunset Cove, #2)Lucie's Review:

Kevin O' Connor is determined to keep Mallory safe, even though she was the girl who broke his heart 15 years ago. At first he plans to help her and her small daughter home, but it soon becomes apparent that the safest place is with him.

Cryptic messages and strange warnings, surrounding her father's death have them wondering if her mother really died in a boating accident as they would have her believe.

Kevin is the father to and eight-year-old daughter, Sadie, who is blind. He loves her dearly and is teaching her to be independent and brave.

Will Kevin and Mallory be able to get to the bottom of things, and provide a safe haven for their daughters?

I love how Kevin and Mallory work together to find what is behind everything strange that has been happening. I like Kevin, he is a game warden and that give him juridiction to investigate some people related problems too. He enjoys his job, but his parents always wanted him to be a doctor and they blame Mallory for that not being a reality.

A well done read, with a fully fleshed out storyline and setting. I loved returning and seeing what the characters from the last book were up to and how their lives were going. A multi-layered mystery, with plenty of interaction and intriguing characters.

Overall, a fast read, that I couldn't bear to put down, I just had to find out what would happen next. A fantastic read, with a lot going and a full cast of characters, great characters, and I loved how Aunt Blanche was a great witness to Mallory. Highly recommend, one of Ms. Coble's best!

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 book: 

Mermaid Moon (Thomas Nelson, January 2016)

Mallory's mother died fifteen years ago. But her father's last words on the phone were unmistakable: "Find . . . mother."

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn't have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O'Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart---and left---without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life---and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie---their search intensifies. There's a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father's killer---it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.


Purchase a copy: 
http://bit.ly/1J0PXVl

About the author: 

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn,Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Connect with Coble: websiteTwitterFacebook
To move forward past a life of shame and confusion, Mallory Davis must go back to Mermaid Point to find out who murdered her father in Colleen Coble's new book, Mermaid Moon. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.



Celebrate the release of Mermaid Moon with Colleen and a mystery e-reader prize pack giveaway!

mermaid moon-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 1st. The winner will be announced February 2nd on the Litfuse blog.

mermaid moon-enterbanner

1.08.2016

Mail-Order Marriage by Tracie Peterson, Mary Davis, Denise Hunter, Judith Miller, and DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Mail-Order Marriage: 5 Historical Stories of Marriage Arranged by Letters Between Strangers
Lucie's Review:

5 couples find love through mail-order arrangements.

Cinda's Surprise finds Cinda in for more than a few surprises--her mail-order groom for instance. Whom so knows nothing of, until he appears on the doorstep, expecting to marry her! I loved how Cinda dealt faithfully with all of her surprises, trusting God to guide her choices.

His Brother's Bride finds Emily arriving, only to find that her intended has died. But his brother Cade, needs a mother for his young son Adam. And so she accepts the offer. I liked the way that they worked hard to make it work, and got to know each other naturally through raising Adam and working together.

Changes of the Heart is about Maura and how she sails around the world to marry Luther Buchanan. A heartfelt, realistic look at what happens when a couple is disappointed in the match, but allow God to work in their relationship.

Mail-Order Husband  is a lovely, humorous story, about Gabriel Hunter, a man unfamiliar with farming and prairie life, but who has read much about it, and is willing to learn. Lena Walker needs a husband and though she is skeptical, she gives him a chance. Gabe is good with her sons, and he is a man of strong faith, though he knows next to nothing about real farm work. The boys are quite funny in this book, and loved how Gabe and Len learn to love and respect each others for their strengths and weaknesses.

Forever Yours was one of my favorites, Daughtry marries Nicholas by proxy, so she begins to fix up the house while she waits be him to show up. A wonderful fast paced read, that I thoroughly enjoyed.


Overall, a lovely collection, including some that I had read before, and were previous published in other collections. If you like mail-order romance this is a 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."

Instant Frontier Family by Regina Scott ~ Review

Instant Frontier Family (Frontier Bachelors #4)Lucie's Review:



Maddie O'Rourke has finally earned enough money to send for her younger siblings, Ciara and Aidan. But she's expecting them to come alone, not accompanied by Michael Haggerty.

Michael is looking to get away from New York, as he doesn't want to be involved with the Irish unrest there, so his Aunt thinks that it would be a good idea to send someone along with the children.

After a series of vandalisms, specifically targeting Irish owned businesses, including Maddie's bakery, Michael is determined to stay and help them get to root of the mystery.

Michael is very willing to lend a hand, even learning to do the laundry. He also helps the children adjust and understand that Maddie has worked hard to make a better life for them.

A well written read with  plenty going on, mystery, romance, and humor. Great interaction between the characters, as they get to know each other. I also loved being able to catch up with characters from previous books. Entertaining and enjoyable.



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."

1.07.2016

Game Over by Andrew Klavan ~ Review

Game Over (Mindwar, #3)My Review:

Rick Dial is back in this pulse pounding read from thriller writer, Andrew Klavan. The walls between The Realm and RL are fracturing, and Rick is compromised. Ever since the last battle, his brain has been linked to Kurodar's, and in his dreams Kurodar finds his way into RL.

Will Rick be able to stop him, and save Favian and Mariel--or will they be trapped in the Realm as it comes crashing down?

The conclusion to Andrew Klavan's thrilling Mindwar Trilogy had me hanging on to the last, wondering if Rick would be strong enough for the final blow.

I really liked how we got to see more of Molly and who she is and why Rick is so drawn to her calming spirit.

Rick is a discerning hero, always thinking of others and what he can do. I loved how he because a symbol of hope to his friends in the Realm. I like how his passion for right and wrong, has grown, yet he is still compassionate.

Overall, a wonderful read, well written and action packed to the end. Rick Dial is an admirable hero, he has grown into a man of conviction and strength, with a strong faith. A terrific conclusion to the trilogy. I would definitely recommend this 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 Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White ~ Review

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, #1)Lucie's Review:

 British by birth, but raised in Monaco, Brook Eden has never felt that she fit in. So when her best friend, Justin, the heir of the Duke of Stafford, discovers that she is in fact the long lost daughter of the Earl of Whitby.
Though welcoming at first, the road to acceptance is never what it seems, with the mystery of her mother's death, and hidden treachery, Brook must take a care, and find who her true friends are in the glitter and glamour of society.

A wonderfully lush read, that took me from the sunsets of Monaco to the glitz of London's high society. Love and betrayal, humor and danger, this book takes one through a panoramic scope of emotions.

Brook is spirited and impetuous, always ready for a challenge or an adventure. Justin is ever a true friend to Brook, always watching out for her best interests and trying to help her, until circumstances pull him away.

Overall, a well written read, engaging from the start, with many twists and turns along the way. A courageous heroine, Brook is smart and independent. Full of action, suspense, humor, faith, romance, and mystery, this book is everything one could hope for. Highly 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."

1.06.2016

Small Town Justice by Valerie Hansen ~ Review

Small Town JusticeLucie's Review:

Shane Colton is something of a reluctant hero, and he refuses to walk away from someone who needs help even though her brother killed his father.

Jamie Lynn Henderson returns to Serenity in search of the truth about what happened to her family when she was young, and why her brother confessed to having hit Sheriff Colton with his car.

Will Shane and Jamie be able to uncover the truth?

Full of memorable characters, I loved the multiple interactions and Jamie's spunky little dog, that Shane has started to call Useless.

The deeper they get, the more the danger grows, and they must find out the truth before it's too late. I liked how family was a big part of this book, with Shane's mother and son, Kyle--who happens to think that Useless is the best dog in the world. There's great dialog and great relationship building.

Overall, a fast paced and engaging read, with memorable characters, faith, family, and plenty of action. I liked how Shane is open about his faith, and encourages Jamie to selve depper in her faith.
A great read, I'd definitely 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."

The Preacher's Lady by Lori Copeland ~ Review

The Preacher's Lady (Sugar Maple Hearts #1)Lucie's Review:



Bo and Elly were childhood sweethearts, but before settling down Bo wanted to see more of the world. Now seven years later he's back and he's become a preacher.

Elly doesn't like Bo's new profession, she grew up on sermons about fire and brimstone, that left her fearful and frustrated and did little to grow her faith. But she's determined not to let his return change things, so she goes forward with plans to marry Gideon.

Will Elly marry Gideon after all, or will Bo help her find out where true love come from?

A fun humorous read, with several situations that were just hilarious. I like that Bo really is sorry for the pain that he caused Elly and he wants to make things right and help her understand that a relationship with God isn't all fire and brimstone.

Overall, a well written and entertaining read, full of surprises, and great characters that grow over the course of the book.


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 Timeless Love Collection by DiAnn Mills, Darlene Mindrup, Lynn A. Coleman, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, Pamela Kaye Tracy, Dianne Christner, Nancy J. Farrier, and Tamela Hancock Murray ~ Review


The Timeless Love Romance Collection: Love Prevails in Nine Historical Romances
Lucie's Review:

A Valentine for Prudence is s sweet tale about Prudence who is often looked over, and passed over for her pretty sisters. When on young man sees this he decides to send her a Valentine from a secret admirer. A wonderful heartwarming read that though I've read it before in another publication, was still one of my very favorites in the collection.

The next four stories are all connected and are about Harvey Girls who work at a hotel by the Grand Canyon. Each one follows a different girl in her journey to love.

Armed and Dangerous finds our heroine on a train reading a dime novel. But when the train is robbed, she teams up with the Texas Ranger in order to bring the criminal to justice.

The Richest Knight is a story about meeting in the middle for love. Lillian wants to marry for money, but when she falls for a man who spurned his fortune to make his own way, she must decide what true wealth is.

Shelter from the Storm is a touching and poignant read, about a woman who flees her abusive husband--and just when she thinks she's safe a face from the past shows up to change everything.

Olympic Hopes is an interesting story about the struggles faced when trying to hold the Olympic during the Depression--well researched, I learned quite a bit as I had not really thought about this before.

Beyond the Memories Maime has turned her home into a refuge for Veterans, the day after her cook quits, Hank shows up and agrees to take on the job. But will his secret past keep them apart?

Finding Yesterday is a drama filled adventure, about a man who has taken great strides towards turning his life around with the CCC. Set in Yellowstone, Wyoming.

Goodie Goodie is a humorous read, about new opportunities. When the heroine sees the new guy in town she can't help but laugh at his mode of transportation--until she finds out that she has to ride in it!!


A wonderful collection full of varied and unique stories, some of which I had read before published in another collection. An enjoyable read with themes of faith and forgiveness.

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."

1.04.2016

A Husband for Mari by Emma Miller ~ Review

A Husband for Mari (The Amish Matchmaker #2)
Lucie's Review:

Mari never intended to leave the Amish way of life, but when she became pregnant with her son Zachary, she left so she wouldn't have to give up her son like her uncle wanted her to do.

So when Mari returns she is grateful to Sara, who offers her a place to stay. Mari easily adjust to living Amish again, but Zachary struggles and doesn't want to stay.

James is a carpenter working on Sara's house to build an addition, he quickly bonds with Zachary asking him to help, while he shows him how to do things.

Will Mari find the new start she was hoping for in Seven Poplars?

A heartwarming read, I loved how the community welcomed Mari back, and didn't pressure her to make a choice one way or the other, they just welcomed her and made her feel at home. Even the boys Zachary's age make an effort to make him feel included. Ellie was a good friend to Mari and Zachary.

James is a great friend to both Mari and Zachary, and often offered sound advice. He is kind, and patient.

I really enjoyed returning to Seven Poplars and catching up with so many of the characters.

Overall, a very enjoyable read, about second chances, forgiveness, and friendship, with characters that will endear themselves to you. A wonderful heartwarming 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."

Amish Christmas at Northstar by Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark with Emily Clark, Amanda Flower, and Katie Ganshert ~ Review

Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and FamilyMy Review:

Chase Wellington stumbles upon a story about a midwife who bravely birthed four children in one night, those children grew up to be known as Rebekah's Babies.


When Chase hears about the girl who disappeared he is intrigued and but his detective skills to work to find her.

Elle McAllister was adopted as a child by two loving parents, she never dreamed that young man who show up insisting on digging into her past. Will the discovery encourage forgiveness or dig up old fights?

When a a dear friend dies, Eden and her friend Gina are determined to discover the truth. Was it really an accident?

Savilla Beiler pushed Kore away when she needed his friendship and love the most, keeping her painful secret hidden. But when Kore returns to Northstar, will they find that their differences aren't so big after all, as they try to help a family in danger of being torn apart.


Sam is determined to bring his brother, Andy home for Christmas. So he get's a job working for Mr. Cook, cleaning up his home in order to earn the money. A heartwarming read, of a romance told with a different angle to it.


Four couples find/rekindle love at Christmastime in this lovely collection, that follows the lives and loves of Rebekah's babies. I loved every single one the stories, they were all different and unique. Touching, with themes of forgiveness and family. I really liked Elle, and how she was loved and accepted by her newfound family, and how supportive her adoptive family has always been of her. Eden is  strong character, level headed, and determined. I really liked how supportive Kore and Savilla's friends were, through everything and how they were able to work together to care for the children. I loved Sam and his love for his brother, and how he helped Mr. Cook to open up and face things that he'd been avoiding for so long.

A wonderful, enjoyable read, perfect for Christmastime with it's short tender reads, that are easy to pick up during a busy December. Definitely 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."