The Horse of My Heart: Stories of the Horses We Love edited by Callie Smith Grant ~ Review

My Review: 

A lovely collection of chapter length short stories from various authors, telling of the horse that captured their heart.

As a lover of horses myself, I could totally relate. I grew up riding a clever little pony named Nikki, round around as a barrel with more speed and spirit than horses almost twice her size. She liked to work hard, and play hard, and had a personality all her own. She almost never did anything she didn't want to do. She had a way of getting anyone off, but nobody could be mad at her for long.

The authors share from their heart stories of the horse that gave them hope, helped them adjust to a new situation, face their fears and more.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read, easy to pick up and put down at will during a busy day. Would make a great gift for a horse lover, and is a fun book to share.

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."

Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Sessa is gifted in restoring carousel horses, and she has the opportunity to win a contract with the Smithsonian. But with the tragic death of her son, and the responsibility of raising her granddaughter, she's more than got her plate full.

Dr. Trey Brown is a changed man since his time spent in prison. He was imprisoned on charges for murder, but was released when it was found that he acted in self defense. Now he struggles to embrace the life he left behind, as he comes to terms with what happened, and what he wants to do with his life.

Will Sessa and Trey let the past get in the way of their growing friendship?

I liked Trey and how prison changed him, before he was all about his career and his also career minded girlfriend, but afterwards he's surprised to find that he doesn't want that life anymore. I admired him, and loved how he connected so easily with Pansie.

While very heartfelt, this book is also quite humorous at times, and it made the book feel balanced in a way. Because it had a perfect blend of sadness and joy, faith and family.

Overall, this rather thin book, packs a large punch, and you won't regret picking it up!

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

Firefly Summer

Redbud Press (June 23, 2015)

by

Kathleen Y'Barbo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.


Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.


A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo.


Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery…it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!


Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own…


Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texas ranch.


How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?



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

Four Secrets to a Forever Marriage by Michael Letney with Karen Hardin ~ Review

My Review:

In this book Mr. Letney goes through the four behaviors that lead to a lasting marriage. Transparency, Truth, Trust, and Unity. He speaks from experience, in a mentoring, yet conversational tone, that feels like speaking to an old friend/mentor, as he recounts moments from rough times in his marriage, when he and his family faced hard times, through personal crisis, and how it made his marriage stronger--and it was far from easy.

I found it to be a very easy book to read, and nice in that it was different than what I had expected, in that Mr. Letney spoke often about his career and related many things to his work as a jeweler. I loved how he didn't talk about all psychology and statistics, but spoke simply from experience, and honesty, sharing from what he'd been through, and the simple facts of what it takes to make a marriage work in real life.

Overall, a straightforward and enjoyable read, that flows nicely and feels like a conversation with a mentor. Worth the 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."

Finding Noah ~ Movie Review

My Review: 

I was so blessed to be able to view this documentary before its release, it will be releasing in theaters for one day only on October 8th, 2015.

This documentary follows a team of men who go up Mt Ararat to search of the Ark, through dangerous territory, near warzones, using high tech equipment, and compiled information from those who have gone before them. With members of the team from various professions and callings, from pastors, a missionary, geological technicians, and scholars, each with a passion for this mission. Various teams have gone up in the past to the mountain, but this is first time much of this landscape and information has been shared on film.

I found it very fascinating, there were many interesting interviews from various scholars and men from various scientific and technical backrounds. I the way that the men described their mission, and how if they were to discover the Ark, it would be tangible proof that God has intervened in the lives of man to save humanity--the more I thought about it, the more I understood their excitement. It was contagious, and I loved how the documentary made me feel as if I was right along with them, minus the more boring and cold parts of their adventure.

The landscape was breathtaking at times, and I immensely enjoyed this film, suspenseful and informative, filled with adventure, and faith. This is an excellent film from beginning to end, it will draw you in, even if you aren't into films of this nature, I would recommend giving it a shot. The excitement was so contagious!

Overall, a wonderful film, I know that I'm lacking in many technical terms to describe much of what was going on, so hopefully I'm doing it justice. I'm looking forward finding out more, an hopefully learning about what they find in future trips to the mountain. A well done film, that takes a honest look at the search for the Ark. Definitely worth watching!



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 Film: For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of Noah's Ark.  Though there have been many attempts, few have been able to fully explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat.  Located in Eastern Turkey, Agri Dagh or "The Painful Mountain" is the tallest mountain in the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically unstable hot spot.  With constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden crevasses, and glacial ice falls, the Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific investigation.  

Join director/producer Brent Baum and the FINDING NOAH film crew as they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt. Ararat's desolate summit.  There, using state of the art technology and real-time satellite imagery, this team of archeologists, scientists and professional mountaineers will begin a grid work of exploration unlike any before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question:  did Noah and his Ark actually exist?  

Shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to go to discover the truth.  Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise, FINDING NOAH is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk and limitation.  

Genre: Documentary

Rating: NR 

Runtime: 116 minutes 

Release Date (ONE NIGHT ONLY): October 8

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The Legend of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall, Illustrated by Richard Cowdrey ~ Review

My Review:

A sweet story of a young boy, who learns the importance of sharing the real meaning of Christmas with others during the Depression.

Jack's Dad has left to find work and times are tough for him and his mother, but at Christmas time Jack's mother makes cookies to share with others, and tells Jack the story of the Christmas cookies.

A sweet tale, with lovely and endearing illustrations that add depth to this charming and heartwarming Christmas read. The story is well done, and I liked how it focuses on sharing the joy of Christmas with others, not just simply celebrating it, but sharing it.

Overall, a wonderful read, with great illustrations, a sweet story that you will want to share.

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."

All is Calm, All is Bright by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Lauren is on the run from a killer, and Bluebird Ranch seems like the perfect place to hide out. And with her gift with horses it is also a great place for her to lend a hand and help with the kids.

Brendan needs a place to recover from his on the job injuries, and Bluebird Ranch seems like a peaceful place to recuperate, and spend the holiday. Brendan suspects that Lauren is hiding something, and he doesn't want her putting the kids at the ranch in danger.

Will they be able to bond together, and fight off the killer who wants to silence Lauren?

I like the good communication between Brendan and Lauren at the try to figure out their next move, and how to stop the killer.

Brendan is a decisive man of faith, who is good at his job and will do anything to keep Lauren safe.

I liked Lauren too, she's had to be strong and make her own way in the world since the death of her mom.

This is a great story filled with faith, suspense, adventure, and plenty of mystery.

In the second novella, when Vanessa tells the town sheriff, Tom of Delilah's accident, he rushes to Tidewater Inn too see if he can help. Tom lost his wife ten year ago, and he's been thinking about getting to know Delilah better for a long time.

Delilah has been receiving mysterious phone calls for a while,and Tom is determined to help her get to the bottom of it. I liked how the work together to solve the mystery, and how it brings them together. I've been wanting to read Tom and Delilah's story for quite some time, so this was a real treat!

Overall, a fast-paced adventure, filled with romance, and I loved revisiting Tidewater Inn again!

NOTE: The two novellas are not connected.


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 Amish Mother by Rebecca Kertz ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Lizzie at seventeen, instantly became the mother of seven children when she married widower, Abraham Fisher. She manages the house and children, despite a bad hip, but she wasn't prepared for the death of her husband two years later, leaving her a widow at nineteen.
She doesn't know much about her late husband's family, as she has never met them, and she doesn't know if the address she has is correct, so she is surprised when Zack Fisher shows up.

Zack is surprised by how young and pretty his late brother's widow is, as well as how determined. So he decides not to do anything hasty and brings back his sister to help them out.

Will Lizzie be able to care for her family, and perhaps find a second chance at love?

I really liked Lizzie from the start, she loves all of the children as her own, and even though the older ones still don't always accept her, the younger ones adore her.

I really liked how Esther and Zack helped Lizzie out, and got a chance to know Lizzie and see how she cares for the children. Zack especially finds ways to bond with the children, by finding them small jobs, and he is impressed by how hard Lizzie works. He doesn't judge her because of her weak hip, he only worries about the pain, and works to lighten her burden.

I just loved how open and welcoming Abraham's family was towards Lizzie, with an engaging storyline, and great side characters, this is a great 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."

12 Brides of Christmas by Margaret Brownley, Mary Connealy, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Susan Page Davis, Miralee Ferrell, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang,Amy Lillard, Vickie McDonough, Davalynn Spencer, and Michelle Ule ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Probably one of the best collections of novellas I have ever read, every story was so well done, and I loved them all!

Festive Bride: Alma's father tells widower Roy Gibbons that he can marry his daughter. Roy has two daughters himself, Elizabet and Frances, who both want a mother for Christmas, so he agrees. But Alma has had little say in the matter, and she won't consider Roy unless he courts her properly. Filled with sweet characters and humor, it is a heartwarming tale of the different ways that we become family.

Nutcracker Bride: When a mysterious rider on a black horse rides up and tosses something into the bed of her wagon, and rides away, it isn't until Lucy shoots him and patches him up that she discovers that he is a Texas Ranger. Will he be able to complete his mission?  A humorous tale, with plenty of action, fast-paced, and well written, perfect read for a night curled up by the fireplace.

Christmas Star Bride: Is a sweet tale of two people who thought love had passed them by, getting a second chance at love. Emily needs a special picture painted for her niece's Christmas Star, and when she sees Jeremy's work she knows that he's the one to do it. Two people who thought they were forgotten by love find it, at Christmastime.

The Advent Bride: Melanie is the schoolteacher, and she has one student that get's picked up later than the other kids, so she finds a box and fills it with puzzles to do until his father comes to pick him up. Will their prayers be answered this Christmas? I loved how Melanie went about and beyond what was expected of her, she was a heroine truly devoted to her students.

The Christmas Tree Bride: Polly and her family are moved to Wyoming from the East, they run a stagecoach station, and Polly asks one of the drivers, Jacob to find her the perfect tree for Christmas.
Will he be able to find her the perfect tree and win her heart?  I liked how Jacob is a strong hero, who is always respectful and polite, very likable and considerate.

The Nativity Bride: Five years ago Curt's father gave him an ultimatum, give up woodworking or leave. He chose to leave, but that also meant leaving Deborah, who couldn't leave her ill mother. Now he's back hoping to win back Deborah, but will his father keep them apart yet again. Probably one of the most poignant reads of the collection, with touching characters, and emotions that run deep.

The Evergreen Bride: Annabelle has always wanted a "White Christmas" so when she get's the chance to visit her cousin, she's determined to make the most of it. But with the excitement of a White Christmas, will she overlook love? A sweet story, filled with the wonder of Christmas.

The Gift Wrapped Bride: Noah has changed alot since he moved to Chicago, but Sophie doesn't buy it. She remembers how he used to tease her, when they were children. But Noah is persistent, will he be able to prove his love for her before it's too late? A charming romance. I liked how Noah didn't give up and was determined to show that he'd changed.

The Gingerbread Bride: Maddie can't wait for Harlan to propose so she buys a love potion and makes cookies for him with it, but when he does propose she feels so bad, and can't bring herself to believe his sincerity. A humorous comedy of errors, that will keep a smile on your face throughout!

The Fruitcake Bride: Karen comes to town to marry her childhood sweetheart, Clay, who is now a preacher. But the Mayor's daughter has her sights set on Clay, and she tries to run Karen out of town, bringing to the surface all of Karen's insecurities about being a preacher's wife. A strong story about a likable heroine and the obstacles that she overcomes for love.

The Snowbound Bride: Ara is desperate ti escape her uncle's henchmen, so she hides in the wagon of a rancher named, Nate, who is headed up to his ranch. But when a snowstorm strands them together, Nate's mother is ready to do some matchmaking! Nate is a very likable hero, strong and silent. And his mother is great!

The Yuletide Bride: Ewan know that Kate is the girl that he wants to marry, but her father won't consent unless he earns, $70 by Christmas. He takes every job that he can, but he also has a rival, Josiah, who works in a bank. Will Ewan be able to earn the money before Christmas so that he can marry Kate? This is a sweet story, I liked how supportive and helpful Kate was, and how they work well together.


Overall, a great read, short and sweet stories, every story was engaging ans entertaining, with great characters, and plenty of humor, filled with faith, family and the joy of 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."

Her Holiday Protector by Lenora Worth ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Blain Kent shows up to investigate the murder of Rikki Allen's best friend, who mysteriously looks similar to Rikki, and it makes him question murderer was really targeting. When he questions Rikki she dodges his questions, and he knows there is more to the story than what she is telling him. Will Blain be able to get the bottom of the danger that Rikki is in while keeping her safe over the holidays?

A fast-paced read, filled with faith and family, just in time for Christmas. Rikki's mom is a great lady, full of grace, and faith, she always seems to know what to say to Rikki.

I like that Blain is such a strong character, and ex military man, with plenty of great connections, from his former career.

It's a action-packed read from beginning to end, full of suspense, with someone always seeming to know their next step. Secrets abound, and tensions are high in this thrilling read. 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."

Love in the Details by Becky Wade ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Holly is a YA fiction writer, and the church wedding coordinator, so when her ex childhood sweetheart, Josh, returns to town for a friend's wedding, he is surprised to see the girl that he never got over. But what he doesn't know is that years ago his mother had visited Holly, and asked her to break up with Josh rather than risk ruining his future at MIT. As they work together to organize the wedding, past hurts are brought to light, will Holly and Josh be able to give love a second chance?

This book has good interaction, and a good premise, though I can't help but dislike the mom for interfering and breaking up a good thing.

I like that Josh has held firm to his faith despite everything he's been through, and all of the success that followed. And Holly faithfully prays about her relationship with Josh, and trusts God with what is between them.

Overall, this is a good story, with humor, poignant memories, good dialogue, and strong characters who are open about their faith. A sweet 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."