An Amish Second Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, Tricia Goyer, and Kathleen Fuller ~ Review

Lucie's Review:  A wonderful collection of heartwarming tales just in time for Christmas by some of the biggest names in Amish fiction.

In When Christmas Comes Again James is a funny, character with a true warmth, quick wit, and a strong faith. He mentors a young couple, and befriends Katherine who cares for him even though he is forgetful and his stories are often on the crazy side.

I loved the characters, and James' spirited stories and wise advice. Though not romantic, this was a wonderful heartwarming story.

Her Christmas Pen Pal tells of how a simple mistake brings two kind heart together for Christmas.

Joy is a young woman with a lot on her plate, trying to keep the family business in the black, while her heart heals from the heartbreak it suffered. Noah is a likable guy, with common sense and a kind heart.

A great story that covers a lot of ground in a short time, so there were some loose ends at the end.

In A Gift for Anne Marie, Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been friend as long as they can remember, and they have a ease to their friendship. Nathaniel isn't interested in anyone but Anne Marie, but wil it take her leaving for him to realize what he really wants?

This was sch a sweet story with great characters, and sweet side stories that I absolutely loved.

 In The Christmas Aprons Ester visits her cousin in West Kootenai, Montana to help with Hannah's new baby, maybe this will be exactly the thing to help her step out of her twin sister's shadow.

Ammon is a kind man who bids on the pie that no one else bid on and it bring him together with the baker herself, Ester.

Such a sweet story, I loved the pie auction, because it brought back such great memories. My mom and dad actually met at a pie social, and I've always found pie auctions to be so romantic because of that.

Overall, a terrific collection of heartwarming tales set in Amish country just in time for Christmas!



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 October Bride by Katie Ganshert ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Emma's father is dying of cancer, but he doesn't let it keep him down, he wants to use his last days to encourage his friends and family in their faith. He also has a bucket list to complete, and one of the things on it is to walk Emma down the aisle.
Emma loves her dad and want to help him complete his bucket list, even if that means staging a pretend wedding with her brother's best friend, Jake.

Told from the first person point of view, we get to see everything through Emma's eyes, so while I understood why Emma was doing what she was doing, I could only guess as to why Jake was going along with it. I liked that Emma had one friend who questioned what she was doing.

The interaction between Jake and Emma was great, to keep u the illusion they had to do coupily things like take dancing lessons, which were pretty fun.

Overall, this was a fantastic story, that I absolutely loved. I had my doubts at first because when I read the synopsis, I was kinda thinking that what they did was a horrible idea, but as I read this novella really won me over. 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."

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould ~ Litfuse Tour & Review

Lucie's Review: 


A charming coming of age tale that tugs at the heartstrings. 

Bea get's a job as a nanny to a couple with triplets along with her friend, Hope. While working with the children she finds that she has a gift for taking care of children and words. And then there is Ben Rupp who loves to tease her just to see what she will do. But as their friendship grows into something more, conclusions are jumped to and everything might just be simpler than it seems.

Bea matures so much over the course of this book, finally getting out from behind her sister's shadow and discovering her own gifts and talents. There are so many wonderful characters, and relationships in this book, and it catches up with previous characters and their growing families.

Well written, with a captivating charm and memorable characters. This is a fun well paced read, with a great heroine, I really like Bea and how she learned so much while working as a nanny.

Overall, this was a tale of romance, miscommunication, conclusions, and humor.

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: Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Dcnfl

About the author: Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestsellerCourting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.

Find Leslie online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/lgould

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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!

Silhouette by Justin Richards ~ Review

My Review:
Only the second Doctor Who novelization I have read, this one was tons of fun, set in Victorian England with the Pater Noster Gang.

The Doctor and Clara join Madame Vastra, Strax, and Jenny solving a mystery of missing carnival performers. Can they solve the mystery before any more are killed?

A fun and exciting adventure, with the 12th Doctor and Clara along with some of my favorite familiar faces. A quick and engaging read, blending humor and adventure in the classic Doctor Who way, this book is excellent for those who are tired of waiting for the next Doctor Who episode. The few books that I have read, have been excellent and very true to the television series, with some of the plots being in my mind even better than the ones that made it to air on television. So for anyone with doubts about the books being as good as the show, I would advise them not to worry, the books are just as well done, and written by true fans who work hard to make them true to the brand.

Overall this was a great adventure, lighter than some, but full of Strax's hilarious and obliviously serious humor. There was some brief language for those concerned with that, but nothing too serious. I don't want to spoil any of the plot by telling you what happened and what marvelous things and being they came across. I think one of my favorite things about this book was the Pater Noster Gang more of the wonderful Strax! Definitely something I would recommend to Who fans!



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 Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Leigh Somerall returns to Logan's Point, ten years after the whirlwind college romance that she was forced to break off in order to protect her brother, Tony.
Sheriff Ben Logan never understood why Leigh broke it off with him so suddenly all those years ago, but now she's back with her nine year old son that looks suspiciously like him. But when Leigh's brother Tony is murdered, Ben finds himself promising to protect Leigh and her son from the people who so ruthlessly murdered Tony.
Will he be able to keep the ones he has come to love safe from the dangers that haunt them?

An action packed mystery, that finds Ben dodging bullets in his race to protect Leigh and her son, as they try to stay alive in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

A book with non-stop action, that had me glued to the pages, and I just didn't want to put it down!
Great characters, with a connection from that past that hits close to home. There are dogfights, and gun smuggling afoot, and so much more.

Overall, a thrilling read with non-stop action, and a pace that kept me on my feet. Romance and blackmail, betrayal and loyalty. Definitely a book that I would recommend, I can't wait for the next book in the series!



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

Glen Cambell: I'll Be Me ~ Movie Review + Soundtrack Giveaway!

My Review:

An intimate look into the life of Glen Campbell, as he goes on his farewell tour with his family after announcing that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

This documentary shows the ups and doesn't shy away from showing the downs, moments of anger, frustration, and confusion that Mr. Campbell faces. I loved how he came alive on the stage, when he was on the stage he was almost his usual self again, playing magnificent guitar solos, and singing his classic songs. But this documentary showed the bad times too, as the disease progressed. But at times the disease brought out a spontaneity in him, and even when he couldn't remember things his wit was quick, and often he would find a way to joke about it.

Mr. Campbell's wife, Kim, she really shined, you could see her love for him in everything she did for him, and how it was hurting her to see him like this. She showed true sacrificial love for him, and I heard recently that she was forced to place him in a care facility, which must have been terrible for her.

I loved how unique the tour was, with 3 of his children as part of the band, I'm sure they made some great memories along the way.

As for content to be aware of, I only remember 2 instances of bad language, and within context it was understandable because of how the disease made him feel.

One of the best things about this, was that it didn't ignore the strong faith of Mr. Campbell and his family. He and his wife talked freely about their faith, and their trust in God for His plan in the midst of the hardships they faced and have yet to face.

Overall, this was such a moving documentary, and showed how truly painful Alzheimer's can be on the person who has it and the people all around them. It really was hard to watch, because my grandma has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I know that it will get so much worse for her in the future. But I highly recommend this documentary for anyone, I dare you not to be touched by this poignant and realistic film.

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."

From the Producers of Walk the Line... In 2011, when Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis – the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short “Goodbye Tour,” but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force.  

This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song. 

GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME is the true tale of how America’s greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds.

The film features those who know and love Glen, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many others. Rare vintage footage and extraordinary new performances of Glen’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man. With joy and a tireless sense of humor, Glen and his family live each moment in the present while preparing for the future, all while playing their music to sold out venues on a star spangled voyage spanning the country from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.

Giveaway Time!!! So up for grabs is the five track EP soundtrack featuring Glen Campbell, along with his daughter Ashley, and The Band Perry. 

GIVEAWAY ENDS OCTOBER 31ST, 2014.

US RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE. 
Use the Rafflocopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Promise by Beth Wiseman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Based on a true story, this book is not the easiest of subject matters, and though the writing is excellent with great flow, it was hard to read.

After the death of her cousin, Mallory feels the need to make a difference and save a life, so after meeting a man from Pakistan on the internet she make the decision to marrying him, leaving behind the life she's known and the man who loves her.
Tate is a piano teacher, he had wanted to marry Mallory, but now that she has made he choice there is little that he can do.
The bonds of friendship are tested in this tale of friendship, betrayal, and heartache.

I didn't really understand Mallory and her desire to save a life, and maybe in a way it was her way of saying she needed to find herself and what she believed. It was so hard to read about her and how she was betrayed and manipulated by people who took advantage of her ready trust, because I knew that there was no way this would end up well.

Fozia was a good friend to Mallory and did what she could to help her. Tate was an amazing, and he never gave up on Mallory after she left, and he started trying to help her escape as soon as he found out that Abdul had lied to her. Soraya was another good friend to Mallory, but for the first part of the story I didn't really know why we were following her, especially because I didn't care to read about her and Ishmael and how intimate they were before marriage.

Overall, this wasn't a book that I particularly enjoyed, but it was good and serves as a true cautionary tale about meeting people online.


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: 

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal---and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal---to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart's desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CP8sr 

About the author: 

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.

Find Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwiseman

Persuasion, Captain Wentworth, and Cracklin' Cornbread by Mary Jane Hathaway ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


A thoroughly modern, and Southern tale, with a Jane Austen twist!

Lucy Crawford knows she made a mistake all those years ago, but that still doesn't make her in any hurry to see Jeremiah Chevy again. But she's desperate and willing to do just about anything to keep her family home from foreclosure, even if it means renting it out to the free clinic run by Dr. Stroud and his new assistant fresh out of medical school, Dr. Jem Chevy.

Lucy has a love of history and the Civil War, she has a love of learning and appreciation for the history. But her family takes advantage of her and are unkind more often than not.

I really liked the Strouds and how kind they were towards Lucy. Jem hada good heart to help others, and even though he didn't always show it, he had never forgotten about Lucy. I loved their interaction and howslowly they got to know each other again, and realized that they still had so much in common.

Overall this was a fun read with great characters, and a definite Jane Austen-like plotline. Great for Southern Jane Austen fans!


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 Love Undone by Cindy Woodsmall ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When Jolene Keim's parents died, Jolene gave up everything to keep her sibling together and raise them. Because of her selfless choice she lost her fiance, Van, who quickly married another girl in the community.

But Jolene works hard, baking, cooking, and cleaning to take care of her family. She finds joy in the little things like painting, something forbidden in their district by the bishop
.
When Andy and his son, Tobias come to work with his brother Levi at Lester's horse farm, everything changes. Andy and Jolene become friends, yet teeter on the edge of something more that can never be, because Andy is a grass widower, a man who's wife left him, and he cannot marry again nor divorce his first wife.

Will Jolene and Andy ever be able to come to terms with what can and cannot be?

Jolene was such a giving and selfless character, she could have married Van and started a family of her own, but she chose to stay  with her family and raise all of her younger siblings. I loved her friendship with Lester, everyone thinks that he is old and grumpy, but Jolene wins him over. Lester is more than a bit gruff, but he truly has a heart of gold and lets Jolene have his attic to paint in.

What I loved about this book was the characters, and how they interacted with each other and new friendships were born. I especially liked the scenes where the siblings got together. Ray grew up a lot over the course of the book, and I was so happy when he found a passion, and good friends.

Overall, this was such a good book, both Jolene and Andy handled their situation well and they wanted nothing but what was best for the other person. And they helped each other grow in their faith. I would definitely recommend this book, it was well written and thoroughly captivating.



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 Love Undone WaterBrook Press (September 9, 2014) by Cindy Woodsmall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written fifteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers.

She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.

Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest. (Since that last line sounds sad and bare, I thought I’d add an “epilogue” of sorts. Our two oldest sons are married and live only a couple of miles from my empty nest, and below are my three adorable grandchildren! ♥)

ABOUT THE BOOK

A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone.
A young woman who sacrificed her dreams.
How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way?

At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene throws herself into family life—and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year-old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face.

Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him – that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife has abandoned him six years past, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy has wrestled with God concerning his reality, and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him…until he met Jolene.

As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God's guidance—or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Love Undone, go HERE.

Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

My Review:

Hannah Roberts is a busy young woman, with a schedule jam packed with activities and everything that a girl could wish for, except what she really wants. Her mother and step father are always gone, living in other countries, working to further their political careers. When Hannah finds out that they won't be home for Christmas, her mother tells her about her biological father who joined the army so many years ago.
Hannah becomes determined to find the man who is her father and soon enlists the help of local politicians and townspeople to help her in her quest.
Will Hannah find the miracle she's looking for?

The final installment in the Red Gloves Series, follows the quest of one girl to find the father she was never allowed to get to know. Hannah is a girl who is treated like an adult, with a grueling schedule and high expectations on her shoulders. My heart really went out to her, because of the distance between her and even her mother, was just so sad.

Overall, a sweet story of love, loss, and miracles just in time for Christmas. One of my favorite characters was that of the car driver, Buddy, who was one of her best friends, and who prayed for her constantly. If you are a fan of this series, then you will definitely appreciate this heartwarming novella.



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