When Love Comes My Way by Lori Copeland ~ Review

Lucie's Review: Mixed feelings about this book that was in many ways charming.

Tess Wakefield, heir to a timber fortune, loses her memory after an accident and finds her self attractted to the cool and rugged lumberman, Jake Lannigan. Many incidents ensue, but will Jake and Tess be able to handle it when love comes their way?

As I said above I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the setting and the oft-times humorous interactions between the characters, especially the teasing between Andre and Jake, and how the lumbermen reacted to having a woman among their midst! And I loved how determined Tess was to go along with the mix up -- because she didn't remember anything!-- and teach school, not to mention put up with a hoard of ill behaved children, who were far from the cute end of the spectrum!

To some extent I felt that Jake acted completely ungentlmanly and was just not much of a gallant hero, and while his actions may have made sense to him I thought it was rather unfair of him to take out his frustration at Tess on her, because she didn't remember who she was! And something that I really didn't like was how Tess formed the ladies of the community into a society, directing them to manipulate their husbands into building a new schoolhouse. In my opinion the way she went about it was just all wrong.

Overall, as I said above I really wanted to like this book, because there are some great parts, yet there are still some elements that I just get stuck on. One thing that I will note is that this book, though it is the second in a series, it has nothing to do with the last book, so picking it up out of order won't be a problem :) I can't give this book the glowing review that I wanted to, but I did like the interactions between some of the characters, and that everything did eventually get resolved :)

I received this book through a publicity program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

The Great Mogul Diamond : The Doppleganger Chronicles by G.P. Taylor ~ Review

My Brother's Review:

Muzz Elliott is a writer who is being threaten by a mysterious source. And the crazy thing is that everything is happening just as it does in her latest suspense novel! Will the Dopplegnagers be able to help her before it is too late?

I have come to the conclusion that this is a series best read by teens or rather those over the age of twelve. Mainly, because of the dark themed illustrations and the veiled spiritual messages, as well as elements of murder and so on that I wouldn't let a younger kid read.

The Dopplegangers have a sort of guardian angel who is the source of much of the book's spiritual content, and they fight admirably for what is right.

Overall, these are books full of adventure and mystery, aimed at the teenage crowd. I'm not sure I could recommend these books as anything other than loads of fun, with an engaging format and style. Thanks!

This review was written by Faye's brother, who saw this book laying around and dove right on in. Plus he wanted to help out his sister by acting as guest reviewer while she is away :)

The Gifted by Ann H. Gabhart ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

My Review: A book that comes with food for thought.

Jessamine is a young Shaker woman, who has seen little of the world outside the Shaker's little sect. She cannot help but question the many rules that she is forced to obey. Her thirst for knowledge of the world grows, and one day she happens upon a wounded young man in the forest. Will Jessamine stay with the gentle Shakers, or will she go into the outside world?

The Gifted is a fascinating tale, from which I learned so much about the Shakers. I had thought I knew a little about them when I began this book, but as I kept reading, I found out how little I actually knew! Though this was a sort of gentle story, it really gave me things to think about, and I couldn't help but feel terribly sad for the Shakers because they honestly believed that what they ascribed to, was the truth.

This book had a gentle pace to it, which I think was great to really get a feel for the simple Shaker way of life. Jessamine was a delightful character, and I loved watching her grow, and her curious spirit was refreshing. I really enjoyed being able to read about what was going on with Tristan and getting to see his side of his entanglement. I think the characters were well developed, but in a way different than I am used to which was actually really nice, because I felt more like I was watching them and I wasn't as able to make snap judgements about the characters, which I liked :)

Overall, this book had a nice gentle pace to it, that at times felt like it could have been faster, but definitely gave me things to think about! This is my first time reading anything from Ms. Gabhart's Shaker series, (and this one was quite stand-alone) and I can tell you that I will definitely be reading more! I enjoyed reading about Jessamine's journey, which could be described as Jessamine finding where she belonged, and also finding bits of herself. A lovely read.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

“Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

What I'm Reading This Weekend Away ~ 7/6-8/12

Hello there! As you may already know I am away on a trip, but thankfully I am able to pop into a local library every once and a while and update my blog! We have already had quite a few advenutures! The sky is gray, and there is the smell of smoke everywhere, because where we are visiting wildfires rage, so a smoke veil hangs over us at all times though we are in no immediate danger. And on Tuesday, my brother got to use his shotgun to decapitate a rattlesnake who very rudely decided to camp in front of the outhouse! Yes, we actually have to use an outhouse where I am!

Well, enough said about that, and on to the books!

I am very excirted to start Vannetta Chapman's newest, A Promise for Miriam.

Here's the blurb:
A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Amish schoolteacher Miriam King loves her students. At 26, most women her age are married with children of their own, but she hasn?t yet met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school that sits along the banks of Pebble Creek. Then newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.



Will Gabe be able to let go of the past that haunts him? He thinks he just wants to be left alone, but the loving and warm community he and his daughter have moved to has other plans for him. After a near tragedy is averted, he hesitantly returns offers of help and friendship, and he discovers he can make a difference to the people of Pebble Creek?and maybe find love again.

I am also reading a biography of a man named Zvi. It's an older classic!

Here's the blurb:

Zvi is the biography of a man who, like his nation Israel, defies explanation apart from God. His story in the early stages is reminiscent of the Book of Esther in the Bible--God is not consciously represented, yet He is obviously present and at work.

One will recognize, as the story unfolds, that people and events touched Zvi's life at strategic points in ways that cannot be coincidental. Over the tortuous course he followed in his flight for survival, the reader will discern a clear pattern of divine provision.

Unlike many of the stories that confront us today, this true-life epic has a satisfying climax. Zvi's life is far from over, of course, but the issue has been settled. He is alive today and living a joyfully triumphant life in the land of his fathers.
How he survived the Holocaust, found his way to the shores of Israel, and faced his life-transforming encounter with the Messiah is a story one can ill afford to miss. A careful study of his life is a revelation of the lengths to which a loving Lord will go to bring one soul safely home.




Well now you know what I'm reading :)

What are you reading this weekend?

Blessings!

The Secret of Indigo Moon : The Doppleganger Chronicles by G.P. Taylor ~ Review

My Brother's Review: After reading the first in the series I wasn't sure what to expect. But I liked this one much more than I liked the first in the series. The sequel seemed a little less dark in general, which I deem a good thing.

In this adventure the Dopplegangers work to uncover who is stealing precious artifacts from their elderly neighbor.

I thought there were good elements of mystery and adventure. The mystery kept me guessing until the end.

What struck me as strange, was how vague the spiritual elements were, and how if I hadn't been looking for them I wouldn't have found them. So this makes me pause to recommend this to a 12 and up audience.

Overall this book was just "alright" for me, like, I enjoyed the format which I thought was super cool and really well done! I liked the adventure and I think I read this book in less than an hour, so it was definitely engaging! Those are my honest thoughts. Thanks!

This review was written by Faye's brother, he saw this book laying around the house so he decided to read it and share his thoughts. Thanks!

Happy Independance Day!

What a day to celebrate freedom, and the wonderful things that God has blessed us with. I am so thankful to live in a land where I can have the freedom to worship God as I please, there are so many places where people don't have that freedom.
It's also a great day to think of our wonderful service people who give up so much to keep us safe.
Well, today I'm celebrating with my family and friends, probably shooting up a few fire hazards...
Well, I wish you all the best Independance Day!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite patriotic songs by Dierks Bentley, it even has some firewrks going in the backround!

A Family to Cherish by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Lucies's Review: Another terrific love story set in Allegany County.

High School sweathearts, Cam and Meredith were torn apart by the ruthless lash of gossip and judgemental townspeople. But God has given them a second chance. Cam is now a widowed single father of two daughters, and Meredith comes back to town to start her own beauty spa in the town she grew up in. Though they makes plans to avoid each other, in a small town they can't avoid each other for long!

Ruth Logan Herne is an expert at writing romance where sparks fly, with a good dose of fatal attraction. I loved how Meredith and Cam's relationship developed, and grew naturally, with plenty of great encounters. Not only is there a great relationship between Meredith and Cam, but the many other relationships are well crafted as well, like Meredith and her mother. It was wonderful to watch Meredith also develop a great relationship with Cam's daughters, Sophie and Rachel.

This is a tale that really tugs at the heartstrings, and there were so many characters that I came to love. This is my fifth trip to Allegany County, so I loved the mentions and connections with past characters, but one can certainly read this book without having read the other books, but I'm sure that after reading this one that you will want to!

Cam was just a terrific hero, he was just a wonderful father, and great guy, and even when he was sort of a jerk, he realized it and made things right as soon as he could.

Overall this was a terrific read, that had great romantic tension, and plenty of  *sigh* moments. I love how Ms. Herne does such a great job of weaving the family relationships, making the most of each character, so that there aren't any loose ends and the book feels so connected. I can't wait for the next time I will get to go back to Allegany County. My daughter really got me hooked on this series! Definitely a book well worth your time :)

I got this book from the public library, and I'm reviewing it just because I loved it so much!

A Proper Companion by Louise M. Gouge ~ Review

Lucie's Review: One of the best heroines I have ever read!

After the detah of her father, Anna Newfield must take a job. Things start to look up when the Major Edmond Grenville offers her a job as the companion of his somewhat difficult mother, he feels that it is the least he can do after her brother went MIA after saving his life. Anna faces each new challenge with courage and determination, perhaps she may even find love?

I loved everything about this story! The characters were so well developed and I just loved how sensible and compassionate, Anna was. She was a strong Christian woman, who made rational decisions and was just so level headed in light of everything that got thrown her way. She really had a beautiful faith to fall back on. The character of Edmond's mother was really well done, and it was fascinating to find out more and more about her, like peeling back layer by layer, each one revealing the true woman beneath all the gruffness.

There were snatches of humor intermixed into the story as well, and I just loved how intricate the storyline was. There was alot going on, and there were so many layers, to this well written romance.
The interaction between Anna and Edmond progressed naturally and was well executed, I loved the touch of forbidden love added to the mix!

Overall this book was just terrific! One of the best Love Inspired Historicals I have ever read, and probably the best Regency Era novels too! I highly recommend snapping this one up before it's gone!

I got this book from the public library in my area, so I'm just reviewing this book because it was so good!

What I'm Reading ~ Weekend 6/29-7/1/12

Well, I guess I'm off again! Two weeks with minimal internet, having a great time in the country :) I have a couple of reviews scheduled and I'll be sure to get some blogging done when I visit the local library that they have there, so it'll be just like I'm here!

Now onward to the books!

I've never read a book directly about the Shakers, so I'm excited to start this one. I read recently that there are only 3 Shakers living in America today, so I'm sure to learn some things from this book.

Here's the blurb:

By 1849, Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down. Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?

The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart's Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.

I'm also really happy to finally get to The Messenger by Siri Mitchell :)

Here's the blurb:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith
...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?
Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.
With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

Well that's what I'm reading this weekend?
Now, let me shoot that question back at you. What are YOU reading?

Blessings!

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

My Review: An entertaining read about the entertainment industry!

Tia Morales is the director of the Golden Globe winning hit TV sitcom, Stars Collide. Tia stuggles to hold on to her sanity while trying to stay strong and take care of everything all by herself. With a hit TV show comes...a lot of pressure! Will Tia be able to keep her head above water, with all the craziness going on around her?

I'm gonna be honest it took me awhile to get hooked onto this book, longer than I would have liked, somewhere around page 100. But after that, the book really took off and I became invested in the characters and the pages didn't stop turning until the last page was turned down.

I think that one of my favorite characters was Lenora, who was just the sweetest old lady, who marched to the beat of her own drum, and had fun even though she was losing her memory.

I liked the interwoven humor, and I really liked the larger than life characters. Even though I hadn't read the other books in the series I was able to enjoy it, though that might have been why I didn't jump on right away. But this was just overall a fun book, that was just a blast to read!

I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. Thanks!

“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”