Character Carved in Stone by Pat Williams with Jim Denney ~ Review

My Review:

Using examples of both historical and more recent West Point graduates, Pat Williams takes us through the 12 core values of West Point and how they define a good leader. Each of these characteristics are carved into one of twelve stone benches on the West Point campus. Compassion, courage, integrity, dignity, perseverance, determination, dedication, responsibility, discipline, service, loyalty and trust. 

I really enjoyed learning about West Point's rich history and about just a few of its famous alumni, from the compassion of Ulysses S. Grant, to the courage of the Astronauts of Apollo II, as well as a family with a long legacy of West Point graduates. Some of my favorite chapters were about lesser known heroes, who though not as commonly praised, were no less deserving, one of my favorite biographies was that of the Father of West Point, Sylvanus Thayer, as well as that of Omar Bradley. 

Engaging and inspiring, this was a very quick read that piqued my interest into looking deeper into the stories of some of the people mentioned within its pages. I learned so much, and would definitely recommend this book as a pleasant and entertaining read for all ages, as I believe that it's never too early to learn good character. 

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."

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin ~ Review

My Review:

I didn't know how much I needed this sequel until I read this book. It picks up right where Waves of Mercy left off, Anna has returned to her life with her adoptive parents, and is preparing to marry William. But as the wedding approaches she begins to see how her old way of life and friends clash with her new found faith, yet she feels that she must marry William, because he holds the key to saving her family from financial ruin. But feelings for a young ministry student, Derk Vander Veen, and her current fiance's passivity to her faith and diststain for her humble beginnings make her wonder if she is making the right choice.

Meanwhile back in Holland, Michigan, Oma Geesje agrees to take in a troubled young woman who has just arrived from the Netherlands with her stern grandfather. Derk cannot forget about Anneke, he thinks of her often and can't seem to get her of his head.

Picking up right where Waves of Mercy left off this book tells the continuing story of Anna and Geesje. Anna goes back to Chicago, continuing to search for answers as to her parentage, trying to live her faith in her high society circle, in spite of cruel gossips. I admired Anna for her bravery to stand up for others, and her passion to do more with her life than go to teas and parties. Anna loves her parents and her newfound grandmother dearly.

Oma Geesje prays for her granddaughter unceasingly, and takes a troubled young Dutch girl under her wing. Geesje stands up for the girl, and tries to show her God's grace, and help Cornelia reconnect with her grandfather. Geesje is a wise woman, who acknowledges her own failings, but finds hope in Christ alone. She encourages others in faith, and has a way of gently smoothing the way for things to come.

Overall, a fantastic book I enjoyed every minute of this sequel done right. I loved continuing Anna's journey, and how she took her faith home to Chicago. This book ties up all the loose ends from Waves of Mercy, with a fantastic ending. I would definitely recommend reading this duology in order so you don't miss out on important parts of the story. I liked the contrast of Geesje and Anna, a woman new in her faith, and a woman who has been a believer for many years, as well as how they both encourage Cornelia. A gripping read about family, faith, love, 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."

Sewing Sisters Society: Novella Collection by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Review:

The Pastor Takes a Wife

Macy Evers comes to Second Chance, South Dakota in hopes of starting anew, leaving her secret on the Preacher's doorstep.

Reverend Will Barber is a single father with secrets of his own, he comes to admire the woman who has charmed his young daughter and the young child in his care. But after one act of mercy his past is revealed, and he must decide what to do when he finds that Macy isn't all that she appears.

Macy is looking for a new start, she doesn't want to start out her new life on a dishonest foot, so she does what she can to tell the truth without revealing everything. Macy is befriended by Hattie McGillicuddy, a straightforward woman who can't bear foolishness, and who also invites Macy to work for her in her shop. I admired Macy for her sacrificial choice, and her deep love for the ones closest to her, she is serious about starting over and chooses against the more obvious shortcuts.

Will is a dedicated father, and enjoys his life as a preacher in Second Chance. He has his secrets, but chooses to help others rather than to save his own secret.

Overall, I enjoyed this start to a novella series, Hattie McGillicuddy was my favorite, and I have a feeling that she will be popping up more in the upcoming installments! A touching western romance, with great characters, adorable children, and a hopeful small-town setting.

Second Chance Christmas

After Macy's marriage, Hattie McGillicuddy is in need of more help for her sewing shop. So she advertises and in answer to her advert Nellie Bausch comes to Second Chance.

Nellie left her last job working in a dressmaker's shop in disgrace after being wrongly accused of theft. But is the small town of Second Chance ready for the high fashion of the big city?

Levi carries alot of responsibility on his broad shoulders, he runs the foundry and wagon shop, while his three sisters work the dairy farm. Since their father's death all of the siblings have taken on a lot of work, and when he sees Nellie and her beautiful dresses, he asks her to make new clothing for his sisters in time for Christmas.

Levi is a serious man who bears the weight of a lot of responsibility, he admires Nellie's way of bringing beauty to small things with little touches. He loves his sisters, and wants them not feel so burdened by their work.

Nellie sees past the rough exterior to see the promise of a better life in Second Chance, I liked her optimistic attitude and the way that she keeps encouraging Levi to not take things so seriously and smile more.

Overall a great read, full of hope, and a likable optimistic heroine. This book also sets up well for the next installment, with the arrival of Levi's cousin Sol, who encourages him to dig back into his faith. Hopeful, and totally enjoyable, as Hattie works her matchmaking skills.


Second Chance Love

Sol Eichas left everything behind in Minnesota to start over working for his cousin Levi, and now that everything is going well he decides to finally send for his children.

Ann Hazel lost everything on a stormy night on the water,she needs a new start so she takes the job helping Hattie at her sewing shop sewing hems. Ann wants to stay in her sadness, but finds herself helping Sol with his newly arrived children. The children take to Ann instantly, and she finds herself helping them more and more. Ann struggles with her sadness, but the children force her to break from her lonely routines to and see the beauty of the world around her.

A sweet and touching read to round off the novella collection, Sol and Ann have both experienced huge losses and I like how Sol and Hattie encourage Ann to look again at her faith. This was a good conclusion to the series and sets up wonderfully for the companion series that is coming soon.

A fantastic series of Inspirational Historical Western Romances, full of hope, new opportunities, and love with the help of matchmaker and sewing shop owner Hattie McGillicuddy.

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."


Buy the collection on Amazon: HERE

The Amish Bachelor's Baby by Jo Ann Brown ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Caleb Hartz asks Annie Wagler to help him with work in his shop, Annie is a twin and believes that he meant to ask her sister so Annie sets her mind to matchmaking her sister and Caleb. But when his younger cousin shows up with her baby son, Joey in tow, Caleb and Annie work together to help her get back on her feet.

Matchmaking schemes ensue, will Caleb and Annie realize what a great team they make or will they stay oblivious?

The title of this book is honestly quite baffling and very misleading, as it makes it sound like the baby is Caleb's instead of his cousin, Becky Sue's, and actually Caleb and the baby don't spend much time together at all. I just had to say that, because while I really enjoyed the book, the title is kinda making me crazy.

Caleb is hardworking and love his family, he goes out of his way to help others and really enjoys Annie's help with his cousin and at the shop.

A sweet Amish romance, filled with humorous situations, great characters, and plenty of heart. Annie has a big heart and wants the best for those around her, even if it means denying her own happiness. This was a really fun-fast paced read, with a sweet conclusion. A perfect quick read for a cold winter night. 

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."

With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Lizzie Clouston is a governess working for a retired Colonel at Carnton Plantation, when the war comes to their front door, Carnton is turned into a makeshift Hospital and she is called upon to serve as a nurse.

Captain Roland Ward Jones is a sharpshooter in the Confederate Army, after being wounded he is brought to the Carnton Hospital where he is faced with the amputation of his leg. Roland refuses the recommended treatment with the support of Lizzie.

Roland and Lizzie find themselves falling for each other despite their shifting views of what life after the war will look like, as they find their values challenged.

Tamera Alexander brings the Civil War to life through the eyes of Roland and Lizzie in the Confederate South, as the war comes right into the halls of Carnton. She deftly brings the harsh realities of war to life as Southerners see their way of life changing in the last years of the war leading up the Reconstruction Era.

Roland is a Southern Gentleman, who is bullheaded and stands true to his values. When he sets his mind to something there is no moving him, he admires Lizzie's strength and compassion, her heart that is strong enough to not be hardened by the stark realities of war.

Slow to start, but once it got going I was really investested, there is alot of history and the author believably brings it to life. I liked the sense of camaraderie between the characters, as people who would not normally have met are brought together and bonded by experiences, there are many fascinating characters and side stories. A heartfelt and gritty story that shows the horrors and the good that came out of the Civil War.


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."

Restoration Series: Jonathan's Walk ~ Prison Fellowship

Prison Fellowship has released a brand-new documentary series, Jonathan's Walk, with 5 videos averaging about 5 minutes in length following one man who has been incarcerated since age 18, for 15 years, as he re-enters civilian life.

Jonathan found saving faith in Jesus Christ while in prison, with the help of Prison Fellowship Academy. He also met his loving and faithful Christian wife Nikole, with whom he shares a young daughter. While in prison he has missed out on big moments in his family's life, and his wife has had to be mother and father to their daughter. I loved how the documentary talks about the challenges of re-entering society, recidivism is at a high, with 2 out of 3 released being re-arrested. This is is just a snap-shot of a few of the challenges faced by families with a member coming out of incarceration, but is gives me hope seeing their faith, and how God can completely turn around even the most broken of situations.

The Academy is a program in select prisons that teaches prisoners to live holy God-glorifying lives, productive, and full of purpose, inside and outside of prison. They learn to identify unhealthy and relapsing behaviors, how to be a responsible family member, as well as money-management, life-skills, with a Christ centered focus.

This docu-series shows the story of one man, his family, and how Christ changes everything.

You can find out more, as well as about how you can donate, volunteer, and pray by visiting the Prison Fellowship website: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/

To watch the rest of the 5 part series: HERE

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review ~ Just Read Tour ~ Rafflecopter Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Desperate Hope
(Empire State #3)
By Elizabeth Camden
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she believes is finally behind her. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town--but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│ChristianBook│iBooks│Kobo

My Review:

CPA Eloise Drake likes her life to be orderly and stable, with straight columns that add up neatly into nice round figures, a stark contrast to her unconstant childhood, with unloving parents and fraught with conflict. When her newest assignment, assessing and valuing properties in preparation for the new reservoir, brings her face to face with her adolescent indiscretion, will she take a chance on love or stay with what is safe and predictable?

Alex Duvall never forgot the red-headed Eloise Drake from his childhood, and when she comes with the crew sent to blow up his town of Duvall Springs they find themselves at odds. Alex's enthusiasm for his town, and his charismatic, indefatigable spirit gives Duvall Springs hope in the face of a state takeover, and he finds an unlikely ally in a copper-headed friend from the past. Will Eloise and Alex be able to save the town of Duvall Springs, or will the conspiracies and sabotage dash all of their hopes?

Alex is a passionate dreamer, and born leader. As Mayor of Duvall Springs he takes personal responsibility for his citizen's well being and security. He is loyal and never gives up fighting for what he believes in, and is willing to try new things. I loved that he respects and admires Eloise and her brilliance with mathematics, he supports her, and encourages her to dream big too.

Eloise is cautious, and has had to walk on eggshells her whole life, she has learned to love safety and predictability. She is clever, organized, compassionate, and a people pleaser. I admired her determined spirit and all the hard work she put into attaining her certification and putting her past behind her.

While written as the third in a series, it works wonderfully as a stand alone read, though if you have read the previous two books in the series, Eloise's story will pack an even bigger punch. I will admit that I missed the legal tension that was a strong component of the prior books, but I did like how this book tied in, and that we got to see another side of the previous events.

 A story about love, hope, community, determination, and faith. There is intrigue, mystery and the stakes are high as the citizens of Duvall Springs risk it all to fight for their way of life. I love how Ms. Camden brings the excitement and industry of the early 1900's to life, with strong, independant, and intelligent heroines. A fast-paced read with winsome characters, highly enjoyable, I didn't want to put it 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."

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Elizabeth Camden is the author of twelve historical novels and two historical novellas and has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. She lives with her husband in Florida.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook

Tour Schedule

Bookstagram Tour

Check out the Bookstagram Tour:

February 17th (launch): @prismbooktours

February 18th: @heidireadsblog

February 19th: @suziewaltner

February 20th: @girlandherbooks

February 21st: @singinglibrarianbooks

February 22nd: @betherin02

February 23rd: @all.the.lovely.pages

February 24th: @christenkrumm

Tour Giveaway

- One Grand Prize winner will receive print copies of all three books in the Empire State series: A Dangerous Legacy, A Daring Venture, and A Desperate Hope

- Two additional winners will receive a print copy of A Desperate Hope

- US only

- Ends March 1, 2019

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Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate ~ Review

My Review:

I don't usually pay much attention to best sellers lists, but Lisa Wingate is an author that I was mildly aware of and I kept hearing rave reviews from all of my friends. I was intrigued. So I went to my local library and checked it out. This book wrecked me. It explores the dark history of modern adoption through the eyes of children who survived the Tennessee Children's Home Society ran by the now infamous Georgia Tann.

In the modern day, Avery Stafford is political royalty, her father is a much respected senator with secretly failing health, and she is being groomed to continue his legacy. But when Avery meets a woman named May while visiting a nursing home, that encounter sets her on a quest to find out the truth of her family's history.

1939, Rill Foss at 12 yrs old is the oldest of 5 siblings, they make a living on the river. When her mother's life is on the line while delivering twins, Rill and her siblings are taken to the Tennessee Children's Home Society, lured by promises of being reunited with their parents, but as the days drag on that they realize that they have become a part of something much darker.

Rill is the oldest of her siblings, and she holds herself responsible to keep them safe. She is cautious and will do anything to care for her siblings. Mature beyond her years, she is forced to make decisions and tread carefully. I admired her quick wit, mixed with compassion and selflessness.

In the modern day Avery struggles to find her voice amidst the pressures of her high profile family and her looming wedding to fellow political-powerhouse-in-the-making, fiance. She welcomes the diversions of discovering the truth behind an old photograph, leading her to a small community, realtor Trent Thompson. I really liked Avery, for her drive, her heart for others, and desire to break through the glossy deceptiveness of appearance to fight for something real.

This book is a heartbreaking story of family in its many forms, through the losses and additions, and the love that holds them together. Well researched, this book realistically brings the horrors of Georgia Tann's despicable operation to life in this heart-wrenching story, that despite the darkness still shines with a strong message of hope. I can't recommend this book enough, I learned so much about the state of adoption during the 1930s and 40s, and the dichotomy of Georgia Tann's legacy.  Absolutely deserving of all the acclaim, and well worth the read. This story stuck with me long after the final page was turned. 

The Sewing Sisters' Society: Historical Romance Novella Collection by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Blog Blitz, Excerpt & Rafflecopter Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Blitz  & Giveaway for The Sewing Sisters' Society, a collection of historical novellas by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Sewing Sisters' Society  
Author: Ruth Logan Herne  
Genre: Historical/Western Romance novellas
Release Date: January 22, 2019

Hattie McGillicuddy might not look like your typical matchmaker, but Hattie makes things happen in the little town of Second Chance, South Dakota. With the arrival of the railroad and official statehood, Hattie’s determined to bring brides west, and not just any brides. Brides who need the wide open prairie as much as the prairie- and the prairie men- need them! Three pioneer stories of unlikely love are woven around a little town full of homespun characters that take us back to another place and another time but with the same faith, hope and love we cherish today.

Macy can’t sew a lick, and she’s come to town with a sacrifice and a secret, but when Hattie’s first apprentice is attracted to the pastor of the only church in town—the man raising her illegitimate son— will the truth set her free? Or make her leave the town and her son behind? (The Pastor Takes a Wife)

Unjustly accused, Nellie comes west to escape the law. She has a way with tucks and gathers, and every Western town could use more tucks and gathers. She’s determined to improve the drab look of the prairie and manages to brighten hearts as well. But will her quick speech and firm ideas of women’s suffrage draw Levi Eichas closer or send the somber carriage maker running? (Second Chance Christmas)

Grief has robbed Ann Hazel, but when her aunt pushes her to go west and help an ailing Hattie McGillicuddy turn hems, Ann’s shamed into it. She’s managed to avoid life for awhile, but when Sol Eichas’s nanny comes down sick, Ann reluctantly agrees to help. As she winds her way around Sol’s heart and home, can the two troubled souls leave the past behind to embrace a future together? (Second Chance at Love)

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
 

...and COMING MARCH 2019!

A Most Inconvenient Love - Ruthy's first full-length historical novel! 

Set in Second Chance, South Dakota (like The Sewing Sisters' Society)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of nearly fifty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over a million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.

She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October!  

CONNECT WITH RUTHY: website | Facebook | Twitter

Excerpt from Second Chance Christmas:

She’d escaped with the money sewn into the hem of her petticoat, the clothes on her back, and the one simple frock she’d snatched from the clothes line before the Allegheny City police came to arrest her.

Nellie Bausch glared out the window of the west-bound train, half-wishing she’d stayed in Pittsburgh, just to show up the troop of interfering old biddies. Common sense took hold, though.

Money would have ruled the day as it generally did along Ridgewood Avenue, and she would have spent the next two years languishing in prison. She’d been riding high the past three years, her beautiful clothing in demand by all of the wealthiest ladies of Pittsburgh. Blessedly, she’d lived well beneath her means and she’d been smart enough to squirrel money aside.

Money she’d earned by the work of her hands, despite the well-staged story cooked up by several of her wealthy clientele. As a plain, dusty, brown town came into view up ahead, she stared out the window, stared hard, and in her mind she didn’t see the drab, dust-strewn buildings rising before her.

Nellie saw potential.

God had given her a lace-making mother and a clever eye for making things pretty and from what she saw right now, Second Chance, South Dakota could use all the help it could get in the ‘making things pretty’ department. The train groaned to a stop and Nellie lifted her satchel and one small bag. She didn’t have to wait while others disembarked, because she seemed to be the only person making this sleepy, prairie town a final destination.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a 'books and chocolate' prize pack from the author (US only), including at least:

• (1) print copy of The Sewing Sisters' Society
• (1) print copy of Christmas on the Frontier
• chocolate!

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 6, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 13, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops

Sola: How the Five Solas are Still Reforming the Church edited by Jason K. Allen ~ Review

My Review:

Concise with chapters by various authors, clearly laying out the fundamental importance of sola scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria in defining our faith and how we live.

This was an enjoyable read, to the point, and while I am very familiar with the history of the Reformation and Martin Luther, I found this to be a great reminder. The chapters are all well laid out and explained in layman's terms, with good analogies and similes to illustrate the points, as well as good historical context. It was interesting to learn the true origin of Soli Deo Gloria, and its connection to Sebastian Bach.

Overall, a great resource and is well suited to serve as an introduction to the 5 solas and how they form the foundations of our Christian faith, or as a great refresher and reminder of the importance of the simple yet powerful doctrines that define our faith.


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."