The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews ~ Review

Review:

Anippe grew up afraid of the mysterious gods and their wrath, when her brother Tut arranges her marriage to the captain of his army, Sebak. She begins to worry about providing Sebak with an heir to bring him honor, and when she finds the Hebrew baby, Moses in the basket by the Nile, she is convinced that it is a sign. As the political tides shift and change, she begins to wonder if her son could be the next pharaoh...

This is a rich historical novel, well written and lush with historical details. I did find it had to follow at first with the many characters with their multiple names and similar hard to pronounce names, but after I had it figured out it wasn't so bad, especially since it was realistic and traditional to their culture.

I loved how Ms. Andrews so wonderfully blends history and fiction, especially tackling the difficult to trace Egyptian bloodlines.

Overall, a well written story with many characters, and a setting that brings the story to life.




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 Old Fashioned Way by Ginger Kolbara & Old Fashioned by Rik Swartzwelder & Rene Gutteridge ~ Review and Giveaway

A few weeks ago I reviewed the movie Old Fashioned, and now I have a review of the novelization, and the companion/devotional.

I read through the novelization, and found it be similar to the movie, with very few differences, other than the fact that I found the book to give more insight into the characters and their thought processes throughout the courtship and I felt that it added a lot to the story and added some nice depth.

As for the devotional, I loved it. It is split up into forty easy to read conversational chapters, it could easily be read without seeing the movie, although there are many movie references throughout the book. Each chapter is broken into three parts, with a devotional, summary, and prayer. I really liked how this brought out more of the spiritual message of the story, and connected it all back to God.

And after reviewing all three products, I would have to say that the book The Old Fashioned Way by Ginger Kolbara was probably, surprisingly my favorite, and I would happily recommend it.



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."

Official Website - http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldFashionedMovie

Twitter: @OldFashionedVow

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptxW2lhzbVQ&feature=youtu.be

Official Website to Purchase: http://pureflix.christianbook.com/old-fashioned/pd/033610?event=DVDs||

Now for the giveaway I have a bundle of the novelization, the movie, and the devotional to give to one winner.

Must be a US Resident to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five Brides by Eva Marie Everson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Joan and Evelyn are pen pals, Joan lives in England, and Evelyn lives in Georgia, yet they make plans to meet in Chicago, get jobs and embark on a grand adventure. Joan get's a job at Hertz, where she meets Betty Estes, who is looking for some roommates, and Joan and Evelyn move in. They also meet Inga and Magda, who are sisters from Minnesota.

One Saturday all the girls go out together, and they see a beautiful wedding dress in the store window, and they all fall in love with it. hey decide to try it on, and to their surprise it fits each of them perfectly, so they decide to pool their savings and buy it.

I loved how each of the girls work hard and make their own choices, even if it's different than what their parents would have done. It reads like a photo album highlighting the highs and lows of each of the women, some more than others.

Overall, a very interesting story that shows the changing times and how women were becoming self reliant. A very good story, but sometimes hard to follow because of just how many characters there were to keep track of.

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 Thorn Bearer by Pepper D. Basham ~ Review

My Review:

Ashleigh Dougall has hidden the painful secret of her past for as long as she can remember, and that secret is what drives her everyday to make the world a better place. In love with her childhood friend, who happens to be engaged to her sister, Catherine, and in the wake of a messy broken engagement. Ashleigh travels back to England with Sam in tow, in order to serve others by helping to start an orphanage.

But when the ship they are traveling on goes down, their lives are changed forever.


The riveting, character driven, long awaited debut from Pepper Basham one that goes right to the heart from the very first page. I was drawn to Ashleigh and her story of hope and forgiveness, from the very beginning and my admiration for her only grew throughout, she was truly a character to cheer for all the way through. Ashleigh didn't let the pain from the past stop her from sharing compassion with others, and from selflessly giving to others.

I really liked Sam, and he was a good friend, and gentleman. He had his hurts too, and also his vulnerabilities that made him who he was. I was surprised by how much I didn't hate Catherine at the end of this book, when I fist met her character, I was pretty sure I wouldn't like her, but something kept me holding out hope for her, because of just how complex her story line became.

One thing that struck me about this book was that it wasn't just one or two characters that had their lives completely turn around, but four, who all had their story to tell and growth to experience.

Overall, a wonderfully riveting read that had me hooked late into the night. The story line and characters were compelling and heartfelt, I can't wait to find out what happens next!


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 Texan's Twin Blessing by Rhonda Gibson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When his sister is killed in a bank robbery, William Barns steps up to take care of his two twin nieces while their father tracks down the killers.

Emily Jane Rodgers came to town as a mail-order bride, but her intended chose to marry someone else, so now she lives with the schoolteacher and works at the bakery. Emily Jane invites William and the girls to dinner, and they love her, and she convinces her friend Anna Mae to help her give them a hand. Will these twin girls be what it takes to help bring William and Emily Jane together?

I loved Ruby and Rose, and while they may look alike their personalities are very different and distinct. And in no time Emily Jane can tell them apart without looking at their hair ribbons.

I loved how the friend ship between William and Emily Jane was natural and how they grew to depend on each other.

Overall, a great read from beginning to end, with great main characters, and interesting side characters, along with plenty of surprises along the way!

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 Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Martha Cade is a skilled midwife, trained by her grandmother before her, she is also a mother concerned for her only daughter who runs off with a troupe of actors. This is a well written tale that portrays with authenticity life in rural Pennsylvania during the 1830's as they experience the winds of change.

There is a full cast of characters and I loved Martha's trusty draft horse, Grace.  I also really liked Aunt Hilda, and while she isn't really Martha's aunt she is a great friend.

Martha is a strong heroine, who is compassionate and kind. She is very close with many of the townspeople and shows kindness to many who would normally be over looked.

Overall, a very well written story that makes the setting and time period come alive.


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

The Midwife’s Tale

Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)

by

Delia Parr


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.


Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.

Old Fashioned ~ Movie Review

My Review: 

Clay Walsh is a reformed frat boy who has decided to go against the grain and live out his theories on love and romance, that have roots in old fashioned courtship.

Amber is a young woman with a wandering soul, who stays in one place until she is hurt or has the money to move on. Her free-spirited abandon and curiosity hide the pain of her past.

When Amber rents the apartment above Clay's shop, it bring two different people together as they develop a friendship and learn about what it takes to build a relationship.

Clay and Amber are two very different people, so this is sort of a unlikely romance, in that way. Both Amber and Clay have escaped things in their pasts, and though they are different they are drawn together. It was interesting watching this movie with my mom and talking about how things change, The influences around Amber and Clay were realistically done, and it's true, the hook up culture is very prevalent.

Throughout, I appreciated the counter-culture message. But there were moments that I'll admit I felt the movie ran a bit long. There were snippets of faith threads, but for the most part I felt like there could have been much more of a connection with faith.

Overall, this was a good film, a sweet romance, turned to romantic drama. The acting was well done and this was a interesting and thought provoking film, about two very different people who find love unconventionally by today's modern standards, but in some ways more traditionally than you would think.


About the Movie:

 A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an "old-fashioned" and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America. 

DVD Releases on June 16, 2015

115 minutes // Genre: Drama // Rating PG-13

Social Media:

Official Website - http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldFashionedMovie

Twitter: @OldFashionedVow

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptxW2lhzbVQ&feature=youtu.be

Official Website to Purchase: http://pureflix.christianbook.com/old-fashioned/pd/033610?event=DVDs||

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

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


In this book we are introduced to a new main character, Emmie Croftner, Ben Croftner's sister. She's been living in Indiana as the wife of an up-and-coming lawyer, but now her husband is dead, and to add to the grief another woman shows up claiming to have been married to her husband.

When everything unravels for Emmie, Sarah and Rand invite her to come stay with them at Fort Laramie. Suddenly Emmie is a very popular woman among the soldiers as a single woman, but will her secret keep her from a second chance at love?

This was a well written book with a quick hook and great descriptions of life on Fort Laramie and the increases tensions. And  great friendship and communication between Sarah and Emmie. I like how it continued with Sarah and Rand's story, and really set the stage for what is to come. 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."

About the book:
A Heart's Betrayal (Thomas Nelson, June 2015)

Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.

When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband's home, she discovered an awful truth: her deceased husband was a bigamist. And what's more, the home she thought she inherited never belonged to her at all.
Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can't stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she's pregnant---and without a husband. The new start she'd hoped for slips from her fingers.

But then she meets Isaac Liddle, a handsome soldier with a kind heart. When he begins to court her, Emmie wonders whether she could ever really be his---and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man's baby.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1B65ZsM

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide.Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble 

Emmie finds shelter in the arms of a soldier in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, but will her big secret drive them apart? Find out in book four, A Heart's Betrayal, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. Suddenly displaced, powerless, and ashamed, Emmie can’t stay in Wabash, Indiana. She makes a hopeful start for Fort Laramie to find her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning. But when she arrives, she discovers she’s pregnant—and without a husband. The new start she’d hoped for slips from her fingers.

Melt into summer with a new giveaway from Colleen: four books (books one–four in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series) and a box of chocolates to pair with your new books!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Heart's Betrayal
• A box of Colleen's favorite chocolate truffles from DeBrand Fine Chocolates
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of A Heart's Danger

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 30th. Winner will be announced July 1st on Colleen's website.

I Hope You Dance by Robin Lee Hatcher ~ Review

My Review:

Skye Foster is the one that wedding parties go to to learn how to make that magical first dance one to remember. Skye has lived in King's Meadow for as long as she can remember and she's always dreamed of finding the special man to swing her around the dance floor, but in a small town where everyone seems to be marrying up, there aren't many options.
Until one day when she meets Grant Nichols on the street, he's a groomsman in the upcoming wedding of Buck and Charity. He's a cowboy with two left feet, but when he meets Skye he begins to think that learning to dance isn't such a bad idea, it's losing his heart that he'll have to watch out for!

Grant is a skilled cook, with just a cast iron skillet and a fire he can create a meal to awe those around him.

This is a fun up-beat, fast-paced read, and if you have read the King's Meadow series you will probably be familiar with so many of the characters already. When I saw that this book was about Skye I downloaded it and read it within the hour!

Overall, a great read, I loved how Grant and Skye both trust God and while marriage is a thought in their minds, they aren't desperate or anything. I really like reading this story from Skye and Grant's point of view, and seeing King's Meadow through their eyes. It was a sweet satisfying read that you won't 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."

Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ryan McKinley has never been able to forget about Abby. So when he realizes that his ex-wife never told her parents about their divorce, he agrees to accompany her to her parents anniversary celebration. He sees it as an opportunity to see Abby again, because he misses her.

I liked how kind and patient Ryan is, he has grown a lot, and he prays for her. There isn't a lot of dialogue at first, but both of them remember things from the beginning of their relationship and I liked how Ryan asked her about random things, rather than rehash the demise of their relationship.

I really liked how Ryan stood up for Abby in the face of her father's belittling. He is honorable, and knows that he made mistakes, but wants to do whatever he can to help Abby.

Abby is really smart, and uses her smarts as a private investigator. She works hard and keeps her head down.

Overall this was a good read, but also a hard one to read because of the painful memories of their past and some innuendo. But there is drama, romance, and humor to bring a smile. A very well rounded 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."