God Bless Our Country by Hannah C. Hall, illustrated by Steve Whitlow ~ Review

My Review:

A darling board book, with charming illustrations of adorable furry creatures and their families celebrating what makes are nations great. A rhyming text, and warm illustrations make this a book a lovely addition to any young child's library.

This is an especially suitable read to share around the 4th of July, though it doesn't say it straight out many indicators point to them celebrating the 4th,

An utterly adorable board book, durable, and cute, this is a fun book to share with young ones, and teach then about pride in our great country.

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 Soldier's Valentine by Jenna Mindel ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Retired soldier, Zach, ready to put his haunting past behind, and settle down to a quiet life selling his artwork.

Ginger is a small business owner in the town Maple Springs, she runs the small tea shop, and is very involved in what is going on in town. In fact, she is organizing a store front decorating contest in honor of Valentine's Day.
Ginger is vivacious and friendly, will she be able to break through and get to Zach, and find the one thing missing from her life?

Zach and Ginger are brought together when Zach buys the building that houses Ginger's shop, he agrees to let her decorate the window, in exchange for her watching his shop while he's working. Ginger and Zach are opposites, with him being a man of few words, while she is outgoing and more talkative.

I love how Ginger and Zach both grow as people as a result of their growing relationship, and help the other face the baggage from their pasts, and what they truly want.

Overall, a sweet small town romance, funny, and engaging, it makes for an engaging Valentine 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."

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Sophie Dupont is the painter's daughter, and she often walks the cliffs, which is where she meets Stephen, the brother of the man who loved her and left her with child.

Captain Stephen Overtree is not a stranger to hemming up his brother's loose ends, while in search his brother he comes upon Sophie, a woman that he recognizes from one of his brother's portraits. Upon learning of her condition and his brother's role, he offers her the protection of his name. Stephen can't offer love, but he wants to do something good with his life, and if he dies in battle she will be well provided for. But as they get to know each other the the awkwardness disappears, but when Wesley comes back, Sophie finds herself in a in a love triangle with the man who left her, and the husband that she barely knows...

A well built, character driven story, about forgiveness and powerful unconditional love. Sophie has few friends, so I loved how Mrs. Thompson was quick to offer an ear for listening and to offer her friendship. And Stephen's grandfather is very kind, and is pleased to hear about Sophie and Stephen's marriage, rather than disapproving like many of Stephen's family.

Stephen is a noble man, honor and duty mean a lot to him, and he has been picking up after his reckless brother, since they were boys.  He is a strong man of faith, and he isn't scared to share his faith with his wife. I loved how supportive Stephen is of Sophie's art and encourages her in ways that her father never did.

Overall, this is a well written read, full of drama, surprises, and mystery. Engaging from the beginning, it has a wonderful multi-faceted plot, and engaging and well formed characters. I liked Sophie grew over the course of the book, she becomes involved in Overtree Hall, and comes to find real friends who care for her as she does for them. A fantastic read from beginning to end, with character that will capture your heart and stay long in your memory.



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 Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Frances Alexander, and illustrated by Katy Hudson ~ Review

My Review:

A fresh vibrant book, illustrating Cecil Frances Alexander's famous hymn.
This book is indeed, bright and beautiful with enchantingly vibrant pictures, that make this book a true treasure.

Perfect for all ages this is a lovely book that can be cherished and is one that families will hold onto for years to come. The artwork is vivid and thrumming with life and color.

Overall, the pairing of this hymn with this artwork was s stunning, and fitting, especially when taking the age of the readers into consideration. This is a wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it to families, with young child who enjoy being read to, as I could see this book quickly becoming a a bedtime favorite. A timeless hymn, paired with vibrant illustrations--I loved every minute of 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."

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Christy Reed is finally putting her life back together after the death of her parents and sister in a tragic car accident. But when a letter arrives claiming that Christy's sister is still alive, written in her sister's handwriting.

Lance McGregor, former Delta Force member, and FBI Special Agent, is the man assigned to the case. The more that he discovers, the more the danger increases. Can he protect Christy, from a similar fate as her family?

What kind of game has Christy found herself entrapped in?

A fast paced, and tension filled read, filled with suspense and action, it was hard to put the book down as more things were revealed.

I really liked Lance from the beginning, he is a very noble man, with a history of bravery and strength, yet he has questions and is at times vulnerable, which only added to his strength and complexity as a character.


The writing in this book was tight! Tension with every turn of the page and the parts of the story told of the bad guy's POV only added to that. The was a kind of frantic feeling to it, in a good way, because I felt the time clock ticking off the time, which is why the tension in this book was so magnificent. I loved the characters, and how they came to rely on each other, with a genuine give and take relationship, drawing from each other's strengths. I loved how Christy stayed true to her beliefs and faith in God through everything.

Overall a fantastic read filled with suspense and thick tension, this is a non-stop action packed 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."

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz and illustrated by Diane Le Feyer ~ Review

My Review:

A lovely well illustrated book about the names of God, with stories, devotions and prayers. Each "chapter" is focused on a name of God, and includes a story, devotion, and prayer that goes along with each.

Beautifully illustrated this is a well put together book that would be great to read with children before bed, and can be a great conversation starter.

The one thing that I noticed, was that the storytelling was kinda more like a "tell rather than show" style, which isn't my favorite way of storytelling, so I felt it was a little more passive than I liked.  But I thought that they did a great job with putting together good stories and ways to describe things to young minds.

Overall, I felt this book would be best suited for young readers, or children who are still at an age for being read to, so perhaps ages 3-5. A great way to connect with children and show God's greatness and his multiple roles in our lives.

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."

Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Lillian Porter is a young woman who wants to make a difference, and is tired of staying safe and protected in her grandfather's mansion, so she takes a job as a nanny, for Woody Colton's young son, Jimmy. But rumors swirl about Woody and the death of his wife, and Jimmy hasn't spoken a word since.

When the rumors don't seem to match the man, Lillian can't help but wonder if there is more going on than meets the eye...

 Lillian is eager to learn and she quickly befriends Mrs. Goodman, who offers to teach her to cook. Lillian is also patient with Jimmy, and finds ways to keep him actively involved and engaged, communicating even though he still doesn't talk.

I really liked Mrs. Goodman, and how she and Lillian studied the bible together, encouraging Woody to join them. One of my favorite characters was Harry, a kind man who befriends Jimmy. Many people are mean to Harry, including his own brother Darwin, who I disliked and didn't like spending so much time reading about him.

Overall, a great read. A little slow to start, but as it picks up the tension mounts. I learned alot in this book and thought it was interesting that table olives were only beginning to be popular in 1890. Good relationships, and friendships throughout.


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:  Beyond the Silence (Bethany House, January 2016) The shadows over this olive grove hide more than just the truth. Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know. Still, something dark did happen in the family's past. Lillian's seven-year-old charge hasn't spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love---or will it endanger her even more? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PtlZWv About the authors: Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Connect with Tracie: website, Facebook Kimberley Woodhouse is a multipublished author of fiction and nonfiction. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared her theme of Joy Through Trials with over 150,000 people at more than a thousand venues across the country. She lives, writes, and homeschools with her husband of twenty-plus years and their two awesome teens live in Colorado. Connect with Kimberley: website, Twitter, Facebook

Lillian Porter takes a chance on a new job and a new future . . . but rumors surrounding her job make Lillian begin to wonder if she made the right choice in Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse's Beyond the Silence. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know . . . but soon the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?

Tracie and Kimberley are celebrating the launch of Beyond the Silence with a Loaded Fire Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on February 11!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of Beyond the Silence
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A $50 Amazon gift card to load your Fire with books

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/11. The winner will be announced at the Beyond the Silence Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie, Kimberley, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

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!

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Kevin O' Connor is determined to keep Mallory safe, even though she was the girl who broke his heart 15 years ago. At first he plans to help her and her small daughter home, but it soon becomes apparent that the safest place is with him.

Cryptic messages and strange warnings, surrounding her father's death have them wondering if her mother really died in a boating accident as they would have her believe.

Kevin is the father to and eight-year-old daughter, Sadie, who is blind. He loves her dearly and is teaching her to be independent and brave.

Will Kevin and Mallory be able to get to the bottom of things, and provide a safe haven for their daughters?

I love how Kevin and Mallory work together to find what is behind everything strange that has been happening. I like Kevin, he is a game warden and that give him juridiction to investigate some people related problems too. He enjoys his job, but his parents always wanted him to be a doctor and they blame Mallory for that not being a reality.

A well done read, with a fully fleshed out storyline and setting. I loved returning and seeing what the characters from the last book were up to and how their lives were going. A multi-layered mystery, with plenty of interaction and intriguing characters.

Overall, a fast read, that I couldn't bear to put down, I just had to find out what would happen next. A fantastic read, with a lot going and a full cast of characters, great characters, and I loved how Aunt Blanche was a great witness to Mallory. Highly recommend, one of Ms. Coble's best!

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: 

Mermaid Moon (Thomas Nelson, January 2016)

Mallory's mother died fifteen years ago. But her father's last words on the phone were unmistakable: "Find . . . mother."

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn't have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.

Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O'Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart---and left---without a word, years ago.

When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life---and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie---their search intensifies. There's a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.

As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father's killer---it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1J0PXVl

About the author: 

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn,Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. Her books have sold more than 3 million copies.

Connect with Coble: website, Twitter, Facebook

To move forward past a life of shame and confusion, Mallory Davis must go back to Mermaid Point to find out who murdered her father in Colleen Coble's new book, Mermaid Moon. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.



Celebrate the release of Mermaid Moon with Colleen and a mystery e-reader prize pack giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Mermaid Moon
• A Kindle Fire
• A mermaid necklace
• A pair of mermaid earrings

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 1st. The winner will be announced February 2nd on the Litfuse blog.

Mail-Order Marriage by Tracie Peterson, Mary Davis, Denise Hunter, Judith Miller, and DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

5 couples find love through mail-order arrangements.

Cinda's Surprise finds Cinda in for more than a few surprises--her mail-order groom for instance. Whom so knows nothing of, until he appears on the doorstep, expecting to marry her! I loved how Cinda dealt faithfully with all of her surprises, trusting God to guide her choices.

His Brother's Bride finds Emily arriving, only to find that her intended has died. But his brother Cade, needs a mother for his young son Adam. And so she accepts the offer. I liked the way that they worked hard to make it work, and got to know each other naturally through raising Adam and working together.

Changes of the Heart is about Maura and how she sails around the world to marry Luther Buchanan. A heartfelt, realistic look at what happens when a couple is disappointed in the match, but allow God to work in their relationship.

Mail-Order Husband  is a lovely, humorous story, about Gabriel Hunter, a man unfamiliar with farming and prairie life, but who has read much about it, and is willing to learn. Lena Walker needs a husband and though she is skeptical, she gives him a chance. Gabe is good with her sons, and he is a man of strong faith, though he knows next to nothing about real farm work. The boys are quite funny in this book, and loved how Gabe and Len learn to love and respect each others for their strengths and weaknesses.

Forever Yours was one of my favorites, Daughtry marries Nicholas by proxy, so she begins to fix up the house while she waits be him to show up. A wonderful fast paced read, that I thoroughly enjoyed.


Overall, a lovely collection, including some that I had read before, and were previous published in other collections. If you like mail-order romance this is a great 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."

Instant Frontier Family by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:



Maddie O'Rourke has finally earned enough money to send for her younger siblings, Ciara and Aidan. But she's expecting them to come alone, not accompanied by Michael Haggerty.

Michael is looking to get away from New York, as he doesn't want to be involved with the Irish unrest there, so his Aunt thinks that it would be a good idea to send someone along with the children.

After a series of vandalisms, specifically targeting Irish owned businesses, including Maddie's bakery, Michael is determined to stay and help them get to root of the mystery.

Michael is very willing to lend a hand, even learning to do the laundry. He also helps the children adjust and understand that Maddie has worked hard to make a better life for them.

A well written read with  plenty going on, mystery, romance, and humor. Great interaction between the characters, as they get to know each other. I also loved being able to catch up with characters from previous books. Entertaining and enjoyable.



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."