All for a Sister by Allison Pittman ~ Review

My Review:

Two families forever changed by the events of one night.

Dana has spent much of her young years locked away from the world for a crime that she did not commit, yet never went to trial for.
Celeste on the other hand has grown up with all the material wealth she could ask for along with a generous dollop of beauty and charm. Celeste longs to make a name for herself as an actress lighting up the silver screen.
But as Dana and Celeste look back on their past, they uncover the dark secrets that brought them together and tore their families apart.

This was a book full of variety switching back and forth between the present and the past, from Mrs. DuFrane's confessionals, to the script of the film about Dana's life, to Celeste's memories, and the modern day.

This kind of story-telling showed snapshots from Celeste and Dana's lives, and how they grew up very differently, in the midst of injustice and a troubled family.

It was an engaging read, and I liked the growing relationship between Dana and Werner. While I did feel like I got to know Celeste as a child, it was hard to really understand her as an adult.

Overall, a saga of a troubled family in the years before the Roaring 20's, and the dreams and hopes that made up an Era.


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."

An Amish Family Christmas: Heart of Christmas & Plain Holiday by Marta Perry & Patricia Davids ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

In Heart of Christmas Susannah Miller is the teacher of Pine Creek Amish School, and has been for the past 12 years. She loves teaching and cares for each of her students.
James Klein the newest member of the school board was to cancel the Christmas program, he also sends his daughter Mary to spy on Susannah's activities.
Everything seems to be going wrong for Susannah, but when a love from the past returns, now widowed, with two children, she begins to wonder if Toby might be the answer to a prayer.

Susannah was a lovely heroine, selfless, and giving to the children in her class. Honestly I didn't know what to think of Toby, but as I read more I liked him more.

The bishop was a wise and perceptive man, and I really liked him. This was a sweet story of friendship and healing, just in time for Christmas.

A Plain Holiday tells the tale of Sally Yoder, who is a nanny to two young charges, Kimi and Ryder, who are English. Kimi is a typical pre-teen girl caught up in the swirl of social media and lost without her phone. While Ryder is a bundle of seemingly never-ending energy.
Sally accompanies the children to their grandmother McIntyre's horse farm, while the children's parents fly to Paris without their children.
Ben Lapp works at McIntyre farms, and a few years ago Sally had a huge crush on him and was telling anyone who would listen that she would marry him someday.  But he had no interest in her, now he can't seem to even get her to talk to him.
Could love be in the air?

Sally is a relatable heroine, she has grown and matured over the years, and is no longer throwing herself at Ben. I loved how Ben connected with Ryder, and taught him how to drive the sleigh.

The kids' great grandmother was just so warm and welcoming, and happy that her grandkids had come to spend time with her.

Overall this was a great story, and I loved Ben and Sally together and how they interacted with each other. Definitely a great 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."

A July Bride by Beth Wiseman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Left at the alter by the man of her dreams, Alyssa is hurt and confused, why would he do this to her?
Brendan has blown it, leaving the love of his life embarrassed and alone in the front of a church full of people. But will he be able to win her back after what he did to her, and will she be able to forgive him?

After Brendan left her at the alter, Alyssa has moved on with her life, quickly getting engaged to her brother's friend, Dalton.

This was kind of a hard book to read, because I felt that a lot of Alyssa's decisions were made out of the hurt she had experienced, and she just wasn't always being smart.

Brendan to his credit did realize that he had made a mistake, and he is a good son to his parents despite their rocky past. But I wish he'd just taken the time to talk it out with Alyssa instead of just sending cards and flowers.

Overall, this wasn't really a story that I enjoyed as there were sexual innuendos and Alyssa just seemed so clueless. There wasn't really much interaction between the characters, and it felt like most of the relationships were based on back 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."

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd ~ Litfuse Blog Tour & Review

Lucie's Review:

Cecily Faire comes to Willowgrove Hall as a lady's companion, she has a troubled past, and secrets of her own to bring to Willowgrove Hall.
Nathaniel Stanton is the steward of Willowgrove Hall, and its surrounding grounds. He too has his secrets, and because of them, he has held back from forming romantic relationships.
As the secrets of Willowgrove Hall come to light will Cecily and Nathaniel be able to hold to the friendship that they have formed, as well as the promise of something more?

A wonderful book, with a great setting and characters. I loved Nathaniel's whole family, and how all three of his sisters were so welcoming to Cecily. I was surprised by how kind Mrs. Trent was to Cecily, and how accepting in general she was to everyone even her nephew who is just hanging about waiting to inherit the estate. Oddly enough, the only people Mrs. Trent doesn't like are the Stanton's, Nathaniel most especially.

Nathaniel was a great hero, honorable and responsible. I love how Cecily and Nathaniel's relationship  developed naturally, and it was realistic for the time and setting. Another character that I liked was Clarkson, Mrs. Trent's Lady's Maid, she didn't say much, but she was observant, and made sure that Cecily had a safe place to go.

Overall, a great read, that was filled with drama, mystery, and romance. Definitely one I'd 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."

About the book: 

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.

His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Cecily Faire carries the shame ofher past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight ofsecrets long suffered?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw

About the author: 

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing.The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.

Sarah's Song by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

My  Review:

Every year Sarah Lindeman tell's her story of love, loss, and redemption, with 12 ornaments and the song she wrote so many years ago. Sarah tells her story while Beth, a nurse with a troubled marriage listens.
Sarah tells of her dreams and desires to become a star in Nashville, and as Beth listens she is filled with hope.
It's never too late for a miracle...

I think novella is my favorite so far in the Red Gloves Series, it weaves an spellbinding tale switching with ease from modern day and into Sarah's past. Both the story blended well together, and I was equally riveting by both the storylines, and one of favorites to read was actually the point of view of Beth's husband.

I loved how the story unfolded, over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, and how Beth's heart changed as Sarah wove her story and song. I read this in almost one sitting!

Overall, this was a touching and poignant story, and quite honestly I didn't expect this type of story from just looking at the cover, but you know what they always say...A great novella with a great message of hope for Christmas time or all year round. 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."

Doctor Who: Engines of War by George Mann ~ Review

My Review:

I think that most people know about my serious addiction to Doctor Who, so this review should be no surprise. To be honest I've never read a Doctor Who novelization, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book definitely lived up to my high hopes.

This book follows the War Doctor, who is only really seen in the 50th Anniversary Special, and it was fun seeing him get an adventure and companion all his own. I felt that the author did a terrific job with the story, telling a tale of hope and sacrifice, amidst the turmoil of the terrible Time War.

It expands more on the character of the War Doctor, as well as building on the setting and what it was like for Timelords during the Time War, when others feared and despised them.

Cinder is a wonderful companion, who is trained to be a skilled Dalek hunter. She and the Doctor get along well, and honestly it's sad that this story isn't a TV episode, because it is rather well written with a great, and surprisingly poignant ending. I think this would make a fantastic bonus episode.

Overall, a great one to check out if you are a Who fan and curious about what adventures the War Doctor might have had :)




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."

Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A wonderful tale of faith, forgiveness, and second chances.

If you have read any of the previous books in the series you might recognize Caleb O'Malley. But if you don't recognize him it's just fine because this is a great stand alone novel. But because I had read the previous books I had often wondered about Caleb and what had happened in his past, so as you may imagine I was very pleased to find out that this book was about him.

Rebecca was a strong heroine who helped Caleb, even when she believed him to be the enemy. The interaction between the two of them develops naturally, and I loved the scenes with the together. I couldn't help but cheer for them the entire way through.

I loved this book right from the start, and the trend only continued as it kept me entertained with a well balanced mix of action, drama, and surprises.

Overall, a wonderful book that I would happily 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."

A September Bride by Kathryn Springer ~ Review

Lucie's Review:



A great meet cute sets this story off to a terrific start, when Jesse, who is a deputy sheriff, pulls Annie over and asks if she knows why he pulled her over, and she responds, "No, don't you?"

Annie is a lovable heroine, who though new to the town of Red Leaf quickly makes it her home by reaching out to others who are lonely.

One of my favorite characters actually ended up being Jesse's mom, who bonds immediately with Annie ad offers her a job managing a bookstore. I liked how the story also followed her and the new direction her life is taking.

This was a such a sweet story, that worked perfectly as a short story, with great characters, and many secrets to be uncovered. A wonderful 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."

An August Bride by Debra Clopton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A delightful story, that begins with a bang and ends in the same fashion.

Brent is a rancher, responsible by nature he doesn't fool around with love. But upon meeting Kelsey he wants to get to know her better, the only problem is she doesn't date cowboys. But maybe Brent will be the man to change her mind about more than just cowboys...

Brent was a wonderful hero both a cowboy and a true gentleman, he was a good friend to Kelsey, and prayed for her. I loved how he was sensitive to her need for space, yet found ways to reach out to her.

I loved how Kelsey found a way to help others by doing what she loves.  Aunt Ester Mae and her friends Adela and Norma Sue were so much fun.

Overall a great read with terrific side characters, and awesome setting! Definitely a tale well worth reading!



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."

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putnam & Sarah Sundin ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Three heartwarming celebrations of Christmas time full of faith, family, and hope in the midst of hard times.

Each of the three stories covered consecutive Christmases in the Turner family each focusing on a different sibling, one of my favorite characters had to be Grandmother Louise Turner, who brought faith and humor to the stories. The parents were also fantastic, and so supportive of their children.

In White Christmas Abigail and her family reach out to Jackson, and help him solve a mystery, bringing them close together. I loved the close bond between Abigail and her father.

I'll be Home for Christmas sees Pete Turner returning from active duty feeling empty inside. He meets Linnie, a young girl, whose uncle was a childhood friend of his, and as he bonds with her he finds himself falling for her mother, Grace.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with this poignant tale of love, loss, and trusting God. Merry is the youngest of the Turner clan, working as a nurse.She doesn't know what to think when David, the man she met in Miami Beach, leaves suddenly after Pearl Harbor, and fears that he may be fighting for the enemy.

Overall, just an amazing collection of great stories, I loved them all so much. And I loved getting ready for and experiencing Christmas with the Turner family. A book I would 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 crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas,trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BwVP9

About the authors: 

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books includingShadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

Website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/glisten