A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter ~ CFBA Tour

Lucie's Review:

Heather Browning has a heart for the hurting. As a guidance counselor at Gordon Falls High School she will do almost anything to help the students there succeed, especially Simon who is in a wheelchair. She will even put up with her friend JJ's brother, Max "Hot Wheels" Jones.

Max faces everything head on. Even being in a wheel chair, he has flames on his car and wheelchair, and doesn't mind calling attention to himself wherever he goes. He personality is quite the opposite of the timid Simon whom he is supposed to be helping. But Max surprises himself with how much he really does want to help Simon and prove to Heather that he can be a good mentor.

This book starts out strong, with well developed and interesting characters. Max does a lot of growing up and we see great changes in his character and faith.  Heather has amazing communication skills and she helps Max see his fall in a whole new way, even when she's mad at him she doesn't tear him down.

But I was very disappointed by the way homeschooling was portrayed in this book, like it was the worst possible option for Simon, and how it made Simon's parents out to be villains for deciding to do so. And I found Max's attitude towards Simon's parents to be childish and disrespectful throughout most of the book, though he did come to his senses later.

Overall, this was a sweet romance with great characters and side characters like Violet Sharpton, who was one of my favorites. An entertaining romance.


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 A Heart to Heal Love Inspired (July 15, 2014) by Allie Pleiter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Courage To Hope.

Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he's felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max's bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon's self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather's heart?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Heart to Heal, go HERE.

The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

This book was a wonderfully unexpected surprise. Engaging from the beginning it kept me glued to the page throughout.

This novel beautifully weaves two stories together, one from the present day and one from the past centered around a picture found in a concentration camp. The stories blend well, switching with ease between the times.

I loved the fact that even though this is a work of fiction, that it was based on real situations and the story felt authentic and realistic, like it really could have happened.

The main characters were fantastic, and well developed, with great dialogue that moved their relationships. There were also many wonderful side characters, one of my favorites being Omara who helped Adele survive not just physically, but also gave her hope.

I learned so much about Auschitwitz, and how there really was a women's orchestra and many works of arts were found inside the camp.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that I would highly recommend, it had everything and more, drama, romance, heartbreak and hope. And it explores how people, even when surrounded by such horror found ways to create beauty and worship God. Once I started reading it I didn't want to stop!


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: A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz---and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl---a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/zhXo3

About the author: Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/kcambron

Welcome to the launch campaign for debut novelist Kristy Cambron's The Butterfly and the Violin. Romantic Times had this to say: "Alternating points of view skillfully blend contemporary and historical fiction in this debut novel that is almost impossible to put down. Well-researched yet heartbreaking. . . ."

Kristy is celebrating the release of the first book in her series, A Hidden Masterpiece, with a fun Kindle Fire giveaway and meeting her readers during an August 7th Facebook author chat party.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 7th. Winner will be announced at The Butterfly and the Violin Author Chat Party. Kristy will be connecting with readers and answering questions, sharing some of the fascinating research behind the book, hosting a fun book chat, and giving away some GREAT prizes. She will also be giving an exclusive look at the next book in the series, A Sparrow in Terezin!

So grab your copy of The Butterfly and the Violin and join Kristy on the evening of August 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

The Lawman's Return by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Action-packed adventure!

Deputy Clay Starke returns home with a mission on his mind, and one goal: to solve the murder of  his brother. But without his usual resources, Clay is forced to use his wits and rely on the beautiful Sabrina who is a Social Worker. But when his detective work draws Sabrina into danger, and now they are both targets in the killer's deadly game, will Clay be forced to give up the hunt in order to save the woman he has come to love?

A fast-paced read filled with non-stop action, drama and romantic tension. Engaging from the very beginning, I found myself speeding through this story and at the same time wishing it was a little longer!

Sabrina and Clay work well together  I loved their interaction and dialogue together. Their passion for justice and how they cared for others.

Overall, this was a fantastic read from cover to cover, great characters, mystery, drama, romance, and action. I would definitely recommend this 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."

Amish Nanny by Patricia Davids ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Clara Barkman knows what it is to lose parents at an early age, and being forced to live with a cruel uncle. So when Clara meets Micah a young boy who lost his parents and who is now living with his uncle, she fears that he may also be mistreated. As it turns out, Micah's Uncle Ethan is a very nice man who is just over his head, trying to raise his brother's three children and run his business. After Clara rescues the younger two from the creek, Ethan asks her to be their nanny and Clara agrees.

Will the orphaned children ever have a family again?

This is a sweet tale the fits the Amish setting well, with strong main characters, and many wonderful side characters that you may recognize if you have read the companion books. The plot had several twists, the pace was great, and the dialogue was excellent.

I really loved Clara, because even though she thinks of herself as timid, she is very brave in many other ways.

Overall, this was a delightful read, with many twists and plenty of action. A very enjoyable 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."

Match of Wits by Jen Turano ~ Review

My Review:

Agatha Watson is always up for an adventure, and that is just what she stumbles upon  in a Match of Wits.

Two years after leaving the city, Agatha finds herself in Colorado and in the company of a pig. Literally. Not only that but she finds herself face to face with Zayne Beckett, the man who broke her heart two years ago when he became engaged to another. Can Zayne and Agatha find the friendship they once had while evading the assassins who are after Agatha?

This was a fast-paced, quirky, and laugh-out-loud hilarious read, filled with plenty of witty banter that brought a smile to my face.

Agatha and Zayne have been in every single book since the beginning of the series, as some of my favorite side characters, and I have wanted them to be together since book one! One of my favorite characters in this book was Mr. Blackheart. My goodness, he was hilarious! I loved him, and Agatha tormented him so, but he was a very wise man in his own way. And of course I found Matilda irresistibly adorable!

One of the very best things about this book was the witty banter between Agatha, Zayne, and Mr. Blackheart, it had me laughing so hard, absolutely, wonderfully hilarious!

Overall, this was a completely delightful read that I enjoyed all the way through. Adventure after adventure this book brought a smile to my face, with it's quick wit, sass, and humor. Definitely a book I would recommend.




Thank you to Ms. Turano for providing me with this review copy in return for an honest review!

Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black ~ Review

My Review:

Drew is a talented football player, who befriends the nerdy Benjamin Berg who introduces him to a whole new world of physics and a love of academics. But everything goes wrong when a lab explosion takes Drew's eyesight. But what Drew saw in the lab he can never forget. Soon after the accident, Ben Goes missing, and Drew begins to recover his eyesight, but he is seeing things that he never saw before...
Can Drew find out the meaning behind these strange invaders and save his friends before it is too late?

A fast paced read that took me utterly by surprise!
If someone had tried to explain to me what this book was about I would have said, "Uh-uh, not for me." Because honestly this book is akin to (forgive the geek in me) Doctor Who, in if you try to explain how wonderfully awesome this book is to them they will likely find you somewhat lacking in sense.

I'm not usually up for supernatural thrillers, because far to often I find myself disagreeing with something to some degree or another making it pretty much impossible to enjoy, but this one was different. I fairly devoured every page of this action-packed read, that not only is well written with a fantastic, yet flawed hero, it brings to life the spiritual warfare that is a reality all around us. I love how in the back of the book Mr. Black talks about why he chose to represent spiritual warfare the way that he did along with scripture passages to back him up. I really felt that the author took the time and effort to meticulously go over the details in order to make this book as accurate an illustration as he could.

Overall, this was a wonderful book filled with characters that make you want to cheer for them all the way through, one of my favorites besides Drew, was definitely Ben. I loved his loyalty, and from the beginning he was a character that instantly captured my attention. I would definitely recommend this wonderful book, and I can't wait to read the next one!


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."

Triple Knot by Emma Campion ~ Review

My Review: 

A Triple Knot tells of the plight of Fair Joan of Kent, a naive young woman in the French Court. Joan is haunted by nightmares of her father's execution, and with great beauty comes a burden. Joan is pursued by men of all ranks, and her hand in marriage is promised to a man who with whom the king seeks to make an alliance, yet her heart is promised to only one.

I find myself fascinated with the lives of royals of the past, probably most notably, the Tudors, with that said, I must say that it was quite different diving into French history as I am not as familiar with their history and backgrounds. So perhaps that was the reason I found myself simply not connecting to that characters, which in turn made this a rather difficult read for me. I just didn't find myself wanting to read more, which is unusual for a book like this.

There is an extensive cast of characters, and good sense of history and detail. Honestly, this book just wasn't for me, and I cannot honestly recommend it. Thank you.


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar ~ Review

 
My Review:

Ruth and Boaz's love story has long been one of my favorite love stories of all time, and this book made me fall in love with it all over again.

Ruth is the youngest in a household of daughters, unwanted, and invisible. That is, until she befriends Naomi, who introduces her to her son. Ruth marries Naomi's son, but a few years later tragedy strikes and Ruth's husband dies. With no where else to go, Ruth follows Naomi back to Israel where she finds kindness in the field of Boaz.

A riveting retelling of one of the Bible's greatest love stories, that brings to life the struggles and risks, along with a cultural understanding that adds depth to this beautiful tale. Ms. Afshar helped me to experience this story in a whole new way, along with possibilities for why things might have happened the way they did.

From the beginning I was riveted to that page, though it was a story I have read many times over, I was glued to the page waiting to see what would happen next. I loved how Ms. Afshar portrayed Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi, as well as how she fleshed out the story with the many colorful side characters such as Adin, Abel, Dinah, and Hannah.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, lyrical retelling of Ruth, filled with love, loss, loyalty, hope, and God's great promise.  I would highly recommend this fantastic retelling!

 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 In The Field of Grace River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014) by Tessa Afshar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor.  Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.


If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

Firewall by DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Taryn's married bliss is cut short when a bomb goes off in one of the airport terminals on the way to her honeymoon--and the bomber/terrorist is her new husband! After the dust clears, Taryn and her husband are the prime suspects in the attack.

Agent Grayson Hall's job is to find those responsible for the, and even though all evidence points to Taryn are her new husband, things just don't seem to add up and Taryn seems genuinely baffled by everything that has just happened. Grayson can't seem to shake the feeling that Taryn is innocent.

With the media out for blood, it is up to Taryn and Grayson to clear her name her name once and for all, while avoiding the forces that will stop at nothing to see that they don't discover the truth.

This is a fast-paced action packed read, with concise chapters that left me wanting more. Great characters, and a terrific plot line, I read this book in record time, and found myself reading it in every spare moment. Hands down, this book is a winner, and probably my favorite DiAnn Mills book to date!

Taryn is thrust into a terrible nightmare of a situation, but she trusts God, and takes everything one step at a time, as she and Grayson work to unravel the conspiracy.

Overall, this is a fantastic read, that I enjoyed every minute of. I had a hard time putting it down and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a fast paced action/suspense read, with a touch of romance!


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 Firewall Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014) by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Firewall, go HERE.

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

A dramatic and action filled adventure, where everything that can possibly go wrong seems to go wrong...Especially for poor Eliza.

All Eliza wanted was a fresh start, where no one knows of her past.
Colonel Blake Wallace also wants to escape his past, and his mission is to start a new colonization in Brazil. He chooses people from all walks of life, who can work to together to form a tight knit community away from the Northern influence and oppression. Blake chooses Eliza for his vision because of her experience nursing during the war, but Eliza knows that if her were to discover her secret, everything would come down in shambles.

Eliza is a very headstrong and likable character. Even in the midst of her own personal agony she reaches out to those around her, and cares for those who are hurt or ill. She also recognizes her own struggles and weaknesses, and the more her faith is tested the more she grows in it.

Blake is something of a tragic hero, torn between what his head is telling him and what his heart wants.

This book plunges right into the action, and keeps up a fast pace throughout, there are many plot twists, and the story follows various storylines, with plenty of secrets to be discovered. The setting was simply gorgeous with the lush descriptions of Brazil. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next one 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."