Rookie K-9 Unit Christmas by Valerie Hansen and Lenora Worth ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Two exciting novellas in this Christmas edition of  The Rookie K-9 Unit.

Surviving Christmas -- Zoe Trent is in Desert Valley, AZ, training with her K-9 partner, Freya. When she gets a call from an old friend, Sean Murphey, when someone breaks into his apartment with the intention of harming him and his son, Patrick. Zoe offers for them to stay with her.

It's up to Zoe and Sean to get to the bottom of who is trying to harm Patrick.

I liked the way that Zoe encourages Patrick to be brave and try new things, and she and Freya help him to overcome his fears. Zoe also encourages Sean, and lets him know that even though bad things have happened that it doesn't mean that God has left them.

Holiday High Alert --  Josie Calhoun is waiting with one of her students, Maisy, for Maisy's dad to pick her up, when she hears a strange noise outside. When Maisy's father, Dalton West shows up, he offers to check it out.

Josie begins to get strange, threatening messages, so Dalton offers to help her get to the bottom of things. As the danger increases and the stakes are raised, they must find out who is behind the messages before it's too late.

I like Josie, she stands p for herself, and doesn't let fear get in the way of her doing her job.  She and Dalton get to know each other  as they work on the case together, encouraging each other along the way. I like how both of them have clung to their faith through the challenging things in their pasts.

Dalton has wanted to get to know Josie for a long time, but has felt guilty since the death of his wife. But Josie not only helps him to understand, but to help him realize that his daughter is also struggling with her mother's death.

Both of the stories are fast paced, filled with action and faith. I liked the suspense and the strong characters that fought to protect who they loved. There was great interaction between the characters, and I loved the elements of humor. A great read for Christmas time.

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."

Sleigh Bells Ring: Four Contemporary Romance Novellas by Sandra D. Bricker, Barbara J. Scott, Lynette Sowell, and Lenora Worth ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


The four Tucker sisters inherit a ranch, upon the death of their father, but it will need a lot of work to be able to sell it.

In All I Want for Christmas Joanna Tucker returns to her childhood home after the death of her father, and as she is going though the boxes she remembers the good times they had together as a family. So she invites her sisters down to have one last Christmas together on the ranch.

Jed Weatherly manages the horse farm nearby, and offers Joanna help to make her Christmas dreams come true.

I liked how Jed helps Joanna and how they get to know each other again as they work on the ranch together. Joanna also remembers her mother, and her strong faith.

In Her Old Kentucky Home  Bella surprises Joanna by coming home from Chicago, even though she had initially resisted when Joanna invited her to come.

Bella brings her boyfriend, David, with her, he also has his roots in Kentucky and has been thinking of returning but isn't sure what Bella will think of it.

Home in Kentucky Bella and David are able to spend more time together than in the city, where they were both constantly on the go for their jobs. As going through her father's things, she reads some of his letters and they help her to face her faith and to trust.

I'll Be Home for Christmas  finds Sophie Tucker stranded off road in a snowstorm, and Matt Weatherly, Jed's cousin, comes to her rescue.

Matt and Sophie were childhood friends, and they are able to pick up right where they left off, even though they haven't seen each other in years. Matt has loved Sophie for years, but he didn't want to get in the way of her dreams to become a veterinarian.

I loved seeing Matt and Sophie reconnect after so many years, as they come to understand what led to them losing touch with each other, and realizing what they still have in time for Christmas.

Please Come Home for Christmas Amy is the oldest of the sisters, and she has a son, Timothy, and she is doing the best that she can to keep them floating since the death of her husband. Amy could really use the money from the sale of the farm.

The first person that Amy meets is Dan Wentworth, the man who wants to buy the farm and turn it into smaller high end acreages. Amy feels the responsibility of being the oldest, so she grills Dan with questions about his plans for the property, he happily obliges as it let's him get to know her better and join in their Christmas activities. I also like that he connects with Timothy as well, teaching him how to ride.

Overall, a lovely and highly enjoyable collection about a family that welcomes many new members, and chapters of life into the New Year. I liked how the sisters reconnect and come together again to celebrate what's important.


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 Baxter Family Christmas by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


The Baxter gather together for Christmas, bu this year John Baxter has invited Kendra Bryant, who was the recipient of Erin Baxter's heart after the tradgic car accident that took her life, and that of her husband and three of their children.

Landon and Ashley now live in the Baxter House, and are raising Erin's daughter, Amy.

Connor Flannigan is helping his sister Bailey put on a kid's Christmas pageant. While home for Thanksgiving break he meets Bailey's assistant, Maddie, whom he connects with, when he comes home for Christmas, something has changed.

It was great to see the Baxters all together for Christmas, I loved Landon and Ashley and how still very in love they are. Maddie has a younger sister, who is disabled, and though Haley has made remarkable progress, she still feels guilty that there are so many things that she can do and that Haley will never experience.

This is a wonderful book about a family that comes together, and has weathered many a storm in the past. I loved this  heartwarming read, and loved seeing the Baxters all together this 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."

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Archaeologist Tzivia Khalon falls into the earth in the Middle East and discovers several ancient bronze censers. Suddenly strange things begins to happen in the camp, to which Tzivia seems to be immune.

Tox Russel is headed back to D.C. to meet up with his brother, Galen, when he walks into a sketchy situation, that is most likely a trap.

Kasey Cortes is the deception expert for the FBI, as well is the sister-in-law to the president. She and her sister Brooke grew up with the Russel boys, and everyone called her Haven, until she married Navy SEAL, Duarte Cortes, who never made it home from one of his missions.

When Kasey learns the truth about Tox she is pleased, as she had never believed that his team was guilty in the first place, plus she had always admired him, but he only had eyes for Brooke before he joined the military. Then Brooke married Galen, and they had a daughter, before Brooke's tragic death.

Now it's up to Tox and his reassembled team to get to the bottom of the strange happenings in the Saudi Arabia, and to clear their reputation.

There is definitely a lot going on this story, with many characters, that make it hard to follow everything that is going on at first. I liked Dr, Cathey, who is a wise man who knows his Bible well, and helps to connect the past to the present. I also really liked Chiji, who proves to be a great friend to Tox. I kept wondering when Tox would realize who Kasey was, and it was one of my favorite story threads.

This book definitely packs a lot into the short time frame, and there is almost non-stop action throughout. Vivid descriptions bring places like Jerusalem, New Delhi, and Syria to life. I would mention that there is a sort of Indiana Jones type premise to the story, that asks some what ifs, that give the story a more speculative twist. I think one of my favorite things was that Tox wasn't a perfect hero, he had his flaws, but he did his best to live up to his duty. A fast paced read, with a lot going on, great for fans of Ms. Kendig's previous books and new fans as well!




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 Aspen Creek Christmas by Roxanne Rustand ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Hannah Dorchester wanted to take in her niece and nephew 7 months ago after the death of their parents, but the court decided that they would stay in Texas with their great aunt. But now after a hip injury, the great aunt agrees that it's time for the children to go and live with Hannah in Aspen Creek, Wisconsin.

Hannah does all she can to help Molly and Cole feel welcome, she understands that they are still grieving and are not happy about moving. But she isn't prepared when their Uncle Ethan, who is also her ex-fiance, shows up to claim  custody of his late brother's children.

Will Hannah and Ethan be able to make amends and perhaps find a second chance at love?

Hannah is a PA, with a heart for animals. There is no animal shelter in Aspen Creek so she and several others keep animals in their homes. She tries her best to always be kind and civil to Ethan, even though he left her to chase a career far from her.

Ethan is back stateside and recovering from injuries that he received when a bomb exploded taking his arm. But the wounds that he needs to recover from the most, are the ones on the inside.

As Ethan and Hannah spend times together with the children they begin to see how good it would be for the children to have both their Uncle and Aunt in their lives.

This is a fast paced read, with a quick, hook and a back story that heaps on the tension from the start. I liked that there was a lot going on and great interaction between Hannah and Ethan, and that they worked together to make Molly and Cole's first Christmas without their parents a good one. A wonderful read from beginning to end.

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."

Mistletoe Daddy by Deb Kastner ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Vivian Grainger returns to Serendipity, TX after a disastrous relationship in the city that leaves her alone and pregnant. She buys the old barber shop with dreams of changing it into a hair salon and spa, all she needs is help fixing it up. Vivian bids on Nick McKenna at the town's bachelor auction, because she's heard that he is handy and good with construction. Vivian bids low because she expects a lot of competition, but no one else bids.

Nick McKenna isn't pleased with the low bid, but he is a man of his word and he helps Vivian with her shop even though he thinks that she is in over her head. He is surprised when she keeps her end of the bargain, sticking it out and working hard, he had always written her off as a flighty social butterfly, but working alongside her he comes to admire her determined spirit.

Will these unlikely friends, make the perfect family?

I liked how Vivian get's to know Nick, and learns that there's more to him than his shaggy hair and beard. He isn't quite the lady's man that she had him labeled as, in fact he doesn't think that anyone would go out with him after the mess that he made of his last relationship. I liked how Vivian and Nick become friends, and learn to trust each other.  Vivian is hardworking, and determined, yet compassionate and outgoing.

Nick is a very protective person, and a man of his word he does everything that he can to help Vivian despite being a busy man himself and having a ranch to run.

Overall, I loved returning to Serendipity, and loved seeing the regulars like Jo, and Dr. Delia. This is a delightful read, filled with surprises, humor, and great character building interaction between the characters. A very enjoyable 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."

Amy Grant: Tennessee Christmas CD ~ Review + Giveaway

My Review:

Amy's newest CD, and the first Christmas CD in decades. From beginning to end it is a very cohesive album, with relaxing, lilting melodies that could be called the official soundtrack to a plethora of Holiday activities. Songs about coming together for Christmas, as well as old favorites fill the track list.

I wasn't sure what to expect because this album has been pitched to Country listeners, Christian radio, and pretty much everyone. But despite this, I would say that this album isn't Country or especially religious, but is simply Christmas music for everyone at Christmastime. When I first popped in the CD I instantly imagined opening presents on Christmas day, or baking Christmas cookies, with this album playing in the backround. The songs have a gentle relaxing quality to them, yet still contemporary, all in all it would best be described as a classic Amy Grant album.

Overall, an album perfect for fans of Amy Grant, especially at this time of year. Would makes a great gift for a fan of her music at Christmastime!

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."

Enter to win by commenting with your favorite Christmas tradition below. Don't forget to leave your email address encoded (youremail at gmail dot com) below so that I can contact you if you win. The winner will be chosen Dec. 11th, 2016 CST. Open to US residents only.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever by Melinda Rumbaugh ~ Review

My Review:

Christmas is an exciting time, and it's easy to get caught up in the hoopla. But Bob, Larry, and the rest of our favorite vegetables want you to know that the real reason that we celebrate Christmas.

A vibrant read, that flows swiftly in rhyming verses that talk about all the many things that we do at Christmas time, and the most important reason for it all. I loved the brightly colored illustrations that made this book really pop. It was a fun quick read, great for sharing with the next generation of Veggie Tales fans.

I loved the simple but important message of remembering Christ's humble birth, and the hope to a fallen world that He brings. Definitely great for young ones, and would make a great gift.



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 Healer by Pepper D. Basham ~ Review

My Review:

The scars of war run deep. Nurse Jessica Ross returns to her hometown to find that not only has it become home to a camp of displaced Germans, but that one of them is her grandfather's assistant. Scarred from what she saw and experienced alongside her brother, David, Jessica is bitter against the people that took so much from her. But when her widowed childhood friend dies in child birth, leaving her children Faith and Jude in Jessica's care, she wonders if she will be able to step up to the demands of motherhood.

August Reinhold has fallen in love with Jessica Ross through the letters that she has faithfully sent home to her grandparents. He admires her strength and compassion. He knows that despite her coldness towards him and his German heritage, she is the still the same woman from the letters on the inside, and he is determined to win her heart.

The third book the series, but don't let that stop you, it stands well on its own. I liked that it told the story of coming home from the front from a woman's perspective, as Jessica deals with coming home and finding that home is not how she left it. I loved seeing her grow in her faith, and as person in love and grace as she becomes a mother to Jude and Faith.

People are not all as they seem, and there is a trouble maker framing the displaced Germans, making the townsfolk uneasy that a plot may be afoot. And Jessica finds two men vying for her attentions.

I also loved August's sister, Anna and her daughter Sylvie. Anna is a strong woman, who despite everything is full of hope, and strong sensibility. Cliff is Jessica's cousin, who is like a brother to her. He is kind, and open-hearted.

I liked August's determination and faith, he is an honorable man to the core of his being and he is passionate about what he sets his mind to. He quickly befriends Jessica's new children, but time is quickly running as his time at the camp is drawing to an end.

A well written and characterized read. I loved Jessica and her journey of faith and forgiveness, as she finds herself in a very different position from the one she was in a few months ago, facing the remnants of the battles fought over seas at home. She is a strong woman, who doesn't always like change but finds ways to adjust. There is mystery and suspense as she and August try to prove who is behind the attacks against the Germans. I also really liked the story between Cliff and Anna, as well as getting to see Catherine and David and their young daughter again. A fast paced and engaging romance, filled with tension and 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."

Unwritten Melody by Tessa Emily Hall ~ Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review

Today I have a special post to share with you, I had the privilege to review Tessa Emily Hall's newest book Unwritten Melody, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Also be sure to check out the giveaway opportunity at the end of this post!

About the Book: Does breaking free require breaking the rules?

Cassie Gilbert lives every day in the shadows of her deceased mom’s rebellion.But now that she’s seventeen, she finds herself longing to break away from her grandmother’s suffocating rules, experience what it’s like to be a regular teenager, and fulfill her songwriting dreams.

James Russo, former American Spotlight contestant, escapes to small town Willow Creek, SC hoping to flee from his tarnished past. When a school project pairs him with the shy principal’s granddaughter, he’s determined to get to know this Emily-Dickinson- obsessed and typewriter-using girl. His plan? Convince Cassie to co-write songs for his demo album.

As Cassie gets to know James over “project meetings” (more like opportunities to match her lyrics with his melodies), she becomes intrigued by his sense of adventure and contagious passion for music. But soon, his past becomes exposed. Cassie’s left to wonder—did she make the same mistake Mom did by falling for the bad boy?

Then, Grandma’s control pushes her over the edge. Cassie must choose between remaining in the chains of yesterday, or delving into her own freedom by completing the melody her mom left behind.

Where to find Unwritten Melody:

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble


My Review:

Cassie Gilbert longs for freedom, and she finds a refuge in words, poetry and lyrics to songs. She lives a sheltered life with her grandparents, attending a small private Christian school where her grandmother is also the principal. Cassie's life is tightly managed by her grandmother, who only allows her to hang out with her best friend, Shelby, and her cousin, Dakota, and doesn't want her to make the mistakes that her mother did.

When teen singer/songwriter James Russo comes to their small school, Cassie finds herself paired with him for an English assignment, to write a song using the words of Emily Dickinson. Though they are different, James and Cassie find in each other kindred spirits, both hurting from the pain of their pasts.

James has never met anyone like Cassie, he is amazed by her ability to capture emotions infused with hope. He has been struggling to put together his first album, and whether or not he should pursue a music career or be practical an go to school and get a job. Cassie has him rethinking everything, will they be able to help each other find hope?

Told from alternating perspectives this book follows the unlikely friendship between Cassie and James. I liked both of them immediately, and it was easy to see that while most people wouldn't put them together, they were both on the similar journeys of the heart, and were true friends there when the other needed them the most.

Cassie struggles to love her grandmother, who holds her to strict rules and curfews, and she often wonders if she is a burden to her grandparents. I liked the relationship that Cassie shared with her grandfather, whom she called "Dad," he is soft where her grandmother is hard and encourages Cassie to spread her wings and to know the truth. Cassie doesn't wear her feelings on her sleeve, but writes them down with her treasured typewriter, expressing them through prose and lyrics.

James found fame on a singing competition reality show, but he is still dealing with the demons of his past. I liked how he reaches out to Cassie and makes an effort to really get to know her, he is understanding and is amazed to find someone who understands him in return. James is a likable young man on the inside and out, he knows that he has made mistakes, but he tries to do better.

Overall, a heartfelt read, engaging with magnetic characters that had me glued to the page. Well written in a riveting style that drew me to Cassie and James, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Full of hope, this is a heartfelt read that explores the hurts and pain of humanity, as well as the hope that comes from beyond. 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."

Enter for your chance to win the Unwritten Melody Prize Pack! Two winners

will be selected and announced on Tessa’s blog the final day of tour (Friday,

December 9 th ) and will be notified via email.

This prize pack includes…

•  E-copy of Unwritten Melody
•  Signed paperback copy of Purple Moon
•  Unwritten Melody mug, filled with goodies
• Unwritten Melody swag, including a bookmark, pen, and poster
•  Starbucks mocha flavored instant coffee
• Free Unwritten Melody: Page-By- Page Secrets PDF
• Handmade journal
• Typewritten thank you note

*This giveaway is open to the US only

To enter the giveaway follow the link to the rafflecopter:  https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b814e64b20/

Tessa Emily Hall

About the Author: Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show others
they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). The debut novel she wrote at 16-years- old, PURPLE MOON (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) was a Selah 2014 Finalist. Her second novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, releases with Clean Reads November 2016. She’s the Founder of PursueMagazine.net, a magazine that inspires teens to embrace their calling. Tessa also enjoys helping writers achieve their dreams through her
internship at Hartline Literary Agency.

When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, Tessa can be found making healthy homemade lattes, speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. She writes in a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southeastern coast. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media
(@tessaemilyhall), and website.

• Website: www.tessaemilyhall.com
• Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ef5bu1
•  Blog: www.ChristisWrite.blogspot.com
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemilyhall
• Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tessaemilyhall
•  Instagram: www.instagram.com/tessaemilyhall
•  Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall

Follow the Blog Tour:

Tues., November 1 – Christ is Write

Wed., November 2 - Adriana Gabrielle Writes

Thurs., November 3 – The Depth of My Faith

Fri., November 4 - Sarah Ruut

Mon., November 7 – God is Love

Tues., November 8 – The Bibliophile Angel

Wed., November 9 - Emily Rachelle Writes

Thurs, November 10 – Word Changers For His Glory

Fri., November 11 – Christian Teen Book Reviews

Mon., November 14 – Phyllis Still

Tues., November 15 – In The Bookcase

Wed., November 16 – Girl Meets Publishing World

Thurs., November 17 - Anna Schaeffer

Fri., November 18 – Ramblings of a Writer

Mon., November 21 - Naomi and Books

Tues., November 22 – Reading is My Superpower

Wed., November 23 – Zerina Blossom’s Books

Thurs., November 24 - Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud

Fri., November 25 – Labor Not in Vain

Mon., November 28 - Barbara Bruitt

Tues., November 29 - Katy Kauffman

Wed., November 30 – Jen Pheobus

Thurs., December 1 – Northern Belle Meg

Fri., December 2 – 2Me From Him

Mon., December 5 - Nicole Quigley

Tues., December 6 – The Destiny of One

Wed., December 7 - Catherine Castle

Thurs., December 8 - Rachelle Rea Cobb

Fri., December 9 – Leslie L. Mckee