What's Up?

Hello there, If you have been following this blog you have probably noticed the sporadic postings, and that I haven't really been around much. Well, here's an update.

Lately school has kept me pretty busy, clinicals started at the beginning of November so I spend 2-3 days a week at a dental office following people around and helping where I can. The rest of my days I pretty much spend studying. So there hasn't been much time for reading books as I would like, or blogging. I do have some reviews though that I have yet to write and post, so look for those later this week.

Today I took a break from studying to attend choir practice and perform a small concert, which was a ton of fun and a welcome distraction from the loads of homework.

So hopefully I'll be back to blogging a little more in the upcoming weeks. Thanks!

A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

After an accident leaves Daisy injured she retreats to family's secluded ranch to avoid the gawking stares from the townspeople. She is self conscious and coming to terms with the accident that changed her life.
Ricky is a changed man who wants to make right the wrong that his fighting caused in the life of Daisy Richards. So he goes to work on Daisy's family's ranch with their full knowledge of what happened and why he's there.
Will Ricky be able to help Daisy appreciate the joy of Christmas again?

This is a wonderful story that is so much more than a Christmas story or a romance. I loved how Ricky encourages Daisy to rediscover her hobbies and passions that she had before the accident. He even makes things to make things easier for her to do on her own.

The characters were so well developed, especially Ricky, and his stories about his family and brothers, who you might recognize from previous books in this series!

There were also fantastic side characters like Daisy's family who loved her and wanted be there for her, even though they didn't know how to help her they didn't ignore her.

Overall this was a wonderful story that I would highly recommend! Ricky was just wonderful and I admired his determination to be there and not run away from helping Daisy. 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."

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

Megan McClare has made many changes during her year abroad, so many in fact that no one recognizes her as the shy, often deemed unattractive girl that she once was, not even her best friend, Bram. With her sights set on becoming a lawyer or a doctor she prepares to start her internship working alongside, Devin Caldwell, who as a child she had a hopeless crush on.

Will Meg find herself Surprised by Love?

There is much to like about Bram, and I liked him from the start. He's been Meg's closest friend through all the ups and downs on school, but now that she's all grown up he doesn't know what to do with her anymore. He's made some mistakes in his past, but he's determined to make up for every last one of them, despite his growing feelings for Meg.

One of my favorite characters was Logan McClare, a man who goes through the most change over the course of the book. I love how he is trying to change and "have faith like Abraham" even when things weren't going his way.

This book has plenty of fantastic dialogue between many of characters, especially at their big family dinners. I loved the interaction between Bram and Meg, and how they fight to salvage their friendship and redefine it.

Overall, this was a well written, family drama...with lots of drama! Great characters and inspiring 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."

The Advent Bride by Mary Connealy ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

Melanie Douglas is a teacher in a one room schoolhouse, and when she discovers a special box in the room of the boarding house where she is staying, little does she know that it might be just what she needs to breakthrough to one of her troubled young students.

This was a short and sweet heartwarming tale from one of my favorite authors, and it did not disappoint. I loved how Melanie was strong in her faith, and shows grace in the face of trial.

Simon is a troubled young boy, who is the first one to school, and the last one to leave because his father works hard, and his mother died a while back.

Overall, a wonderful heartwarming tale that will make you want to read every novella in the 12 part 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."

A Rancher for Christmas by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Breezy comes to Texas out of duty, before he died her half-brother named her the guardian of his two daughters. Breezy has never had a place to call her own, but she's beginning to feel at home in Martin's Crossing taking care of her nieces. But she isn't the only one taking care of the girls, Jake Martin shares custody with her. He's had his heart broken more than a few times and doesn't feel that women can be trusted. But as he sees Breezy with the girls, his heart begins to open to all the wonderful  possibilities...

I loved this wonderful story from beginning to end, the wonderful setting and townspeople, who I'm hoping to see more of in the future! I loved how Breezy had such a caring heart and noticed Joe, alone on the street and took the time to talk to him. As well as how Breezy took the time to bond with the girls and get to know them.

I also really liked the brotherly relationship between Jake and his brother, Duke.

Overall, a fantastic read, with great characters. I loved how their relationships were built naturally, and they genuinely came to care for one another and come to terms with the circumstances that brought them together. Not only that, but there was mystery afoot as well! A well written read that you will not want to miss!


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."

Saving Christmas ~ Movie by Kirk Cameron ~ Review + Awesome Giveaway (Open to US & CANADA Residents)!

My Review: 

An easy to watch documentary/drama laced with humor that will have you laughing aloud in your seat!

I was thrilled to be chosen to see a preview of Kirk Cameron's new movie Saving Christmas and it it not disappoint. Poignant and downright hilarious, Mr. Cameron reminds us that Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, and we should not hold back from celebrating the season by remembering Jesus' birth and resurrection.

Humorous and entertaining this was a fun movie to watch. While I'm not sure that I buy into all of his explanations, because at times I felt like only the positives were shown and not a well balanced view, with more facts to back up his arguments.

But definitely a fun film for the whole family, full of laughs and reasons to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

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 Movie: 

This Christmas, have your family join with Kirk Cameron's family and dive headfirst into all the joy, dancing, celebration, feasting, imagination, and traditions that glorify the true "reason for the season." Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas is an engaging story that provides a biblical basis for our time honored traditions and celebrations, and the inspiration to stand firmly against a culture that wants to trivialize and eliminate the faith elements of this holy season. So take in the splendor; take in the majesty; take in the story. Take it all in...and let's put Christ back in Christmas! Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas  is in theaters for a limited engagement beginning Nov. 14th for 2 weeks only!

Website: www.savingchristmas.com 



Giveaway: As part of this tour we are giving away a SIGNED poster, a movie soundtrack, and a car air freshener!

Soundtrack Track List:

1. Joy // 1 Girl Nation
2. Christmas Time Again // Steven Curtis Chapman
3. Saving Christmas // Building 429
4. Let Us Adore //Jason Crabb
5. Away in a Manger // Casting Crowns
6. Deck the Halls // Tenth Avenue North
7. Hark! The Harold Angels Sing // Matt Maher
8. Silent Night (Christ is Born) // Jason Crabb
9. O Holy Night // Kerrie Roberts
10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel // Rhett Walker Band
11. Father, My Father/Silent Night // Isabella Cameron & Kenzie Mae


The giveaway is open to US & CANADA residents only!


So use the rafflecopter that will appear below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

When ten orphans find themselves stranded in Turnabout due to the sudden illness of their guardian, Miss Fredrick, Eileen Pierce opens her boarding house doors and her heart to the children.

Simon was only supposed to help escort the children to their destination, but now that Miss Fredrick has fallen ill he decides to make the most of it by helping to fix up Eileen's boarding house.

Will Eileen and Simon be able to give the children a family for Christmas?

Eileen has had a strained relationship with the town since the death of her husband so when the children come to town needing a place to stay she is hesitant to welcome them, but the town pitches in bringing food and their support. I loved how she came to care for the children and even let them keep a dog that they brought home.

Simon was a great father figure to the children, offering what stability that he could to them. He is a wonderful man of faith.

Overall this was a wonderful story with great characters, and I just loved how the children changed Simon and Eileen's lives. Before the children, Eileen was mostly alone and isolated from the townspeople, but the children helped her open her heart. A delightful romance, 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."

A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

 Eric and Sadie have been "just friends" for years, and the longest relationship Eric has ever been in is his friendship with Sadie. So when Eric's friend Phillip suggests that Eric stop looking for a new love interest, and date Sadie instead, he wants to say the idea is crazy. But is it really?

Sadie and Eric have an easy relationship that changes as they get to know each other in another light. I loved how they took swing dance lessons, and how they prayed about everything over the course of their relationship.

A humorous read, with endearing characters , and snappy dialogue.

Overall, an absolutely delightful read, full of humor and 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."

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Kate Sherwood is on a vacation with her grandmother, Sally to Rainbow's End, a place with no cell service and very limited internet.
Greg Vange is a guest at Rainbow's End, working as a handyman during his stay, he's at a crossroads in his life and he's knows God will guide him to the next step in his life.
Will they find what they are looking for at Rainbow's End?

To be honest when I saw the cover of this book I thought this would be a western romance, but as it turned out that wasn't quite the case. But I still enjoyed it.

I especially liked Kate's grandmother, Sally who found a friend in a widower, named Roy. This was a fun read, with likable characters, and a great setting. The plot was a bit more predictable than I had hoped.

Overall, this was a sweet romance, I loved that Kate and Greg got to know each other before Kate found out about Greg's real job, and how Sally and Roy found each other, Just a really fun 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."

Saved by the Fireman by Allie Pleiter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Charlotte is new to Gordon Falls, she's bought a home even though she recently lost her job.
Jesse Sykes is a volunteer fireman, and an honest contractor who is helping Charlotte to fix up her cottage, even though he wanted to purchase the cottage himself.
As their friendship grows the question looms will is last or go down in flames?



I loved everything about this book, the characters and the way they met, and how their relationship grew naturally out of friendship. I loved how Charlotte had a close relationship with her grandmother "Mima" and even though she is gone, Charlotte still remembers the valuable lessons that she taught her. And the knitting group was just fantastic, welcoming Charlotte with open arms.

Jesse was a great guy, he can cook and sing, I loved that he was willing to pray with Charlotte even though he wasn't a believer himself.

Overall, a wonderful story, full of humor and wonderful characters. Entertaining and engaging from the beginning, with a fantastic storyline full of heart.



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 Saved by the Fireman Love Inspired (October 21, 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

Building their future

Charlotte Taylor isn't good at playing it safe. Reeling from the sudden loss of her job and her beloved grandmother, Charlotte knows buying a dilapidated cottage in Gordon Falls isn't exactly practical. Especially since she just hired the one man who may love the property more than she does to help renovate it. Volunteer firefighter and part-time contractor Jesse Sykes can't stay mad at Charlotte for very long. Though she snatched up the home he'd planned on purchasing, Charlotte's dreams are big enough for both of them…if only she'd let him in. Charlotte promised she'd never fall for a first responder, but is it already too late?

Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town

If you would like to read the first chapter of Saved by the Fireman, go HERE