Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:


A masterfully told story that brings to live the struggles that Katharina and Luther faced, in their desire to follow God. Spectacularly researched, this book doesn't glaze over the horrors that many of the nuns faced in and out of the convent. The torture endured by many willing to die for the word of God.

A powerful read, that showed Katharina and Luther, as real tangible people, with struggles and flaws, passionate and relatable. I liked how Ms. Hedlund really did a great job demonstrating the obstacles that they faced, and the trials they endured. I also liked how it showed the class differences, and how much influence they carried during that time period. Yet she also showed people in their humanity, no matter the circumstances of their birth, how they carry themselves and treat other people still shows more about character than money and titles ever will.

This story is so well written, and I loved how it showed Luther and Katharina as individuals, both stubborn and desiring of their own way, and how individually they grew, and were forced to rely upon their faith.

Overall, a fantastic book, one of the poignant reads from Ms. Hedlund, and definitely worth the read. Memorable, because the characters were so well defined, it brought to live an entire time period rarely talked about in literature so honestly. Ms. Hedlund just keeps outdoing herself with every book. A must 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."

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

An enjoyable, fast-paced, and engaging read from beginning to end.

Lady Miranda Hawthorne's mother has been lecturing her for as long as she can remember about what a lady does and does not do.
Impulsively she begins a pretend correspondence, where she pours out her heart, with her brother Griffith's friend from school Marsh, keeping the letters in a box beneath her bed. When one of those letters get accidentally sent by her brother's new valet, Ryland, she and the Duke of Marshington "Marsh" begin a very real correspondence.
But Miranda also finds herself intrigued by Ryland, who is unlike any servant she has ever met before, eve though she knows nothing can come of it.
Will Miranda finally find what she's been waiting for?

Miranda is a very likable heroine, admirable, and kind, she tries hard to not dim her sister's coming out, with jealousy, even though it's hard to see her sister get so much attention in her first season than she herself received in all four of her own.

Ryland is an honorable man, of faith and good character, who is not all he seems. He has served his country well these last few years, but wants to retire after this last mission.

This book has stellar dialogue between Ryland and Miranda, filled with many entertaining exchanges, and humor. There are also many interesting side characters that bring this book to life.

Overall, an exciting, engaging, and page turning read. Filled with action and humor, that kept me glued to the page. There is a wonderful multi-faceted plot, with characters that you can't help but cheer for the entire way through. A fantastic read, I'd definitely recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Goodnight Manger by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Jane Chapman ~ Review

My Review:

The Savior has been born, but now it's time for the Litte Lord Jesus to go to bed, but with all the excitement, will He ever be able to go to sleep?

A cute story about the night that Jesus was born, laid in a humble manger. Adorable illustrations, and sing-song rhymes, make this cute book fly by.
Funny, yet sweet, this is a humorous take on the night that Jesus was born, and the excitement and hope that His birth brought to the world.

A great book to share with children. It was kinda short, but it every minute was fun. Though if you are a stickler for accuracy this might not be the book for you, I know that bothers some people. But it is a fun read, the does a great job of capturing the excitement of Jesus' birth.

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 Basket Brigade Christmas by Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Based on a real life event this collection of stories highlights the courage and generosity of the women of Decatur, Illinois, during the Civil War.

A Stitch in Time, finds Lucy Maddox deciding to open her home to the women of the community who wish to help make socks and blankets for the soldiers. Silas Tait, admires Lucy's project and offers the service of his sewing machine that he teaches her to use. Will Silas be able to tell Lucy how he feels or will his feelings of not being good enough for her, hold him back?


A Pinch of Love finds Sarah  taking over for her mother as the food organizer  of the Basket Brigade. Sarah had always avoided the trains before, but now she finds that she enjoys handing out the food, with Jacob, a corporal who helps her hand out the food. Will the war bring them together, or tear their fragile correspondence apart?

After 15 years, Zona and Cardiff are brought back together in Endless Melody. The 15 years between them meeting again shape them and are instrumental in their reunion. Will they get their second chance at love?

A collection of three historical stories that tell stories of love during a time of war and separation. Though there wasn't as much interaction as I normally like, it was understandable because of the time and setting. This collection as a bit of a slow go for me, and the men while of good character, where quick to make assumptions that made the relationships more difficult. Sweet stories of Christmas romance in a time of war.


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."

Deadlock by DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Astor's Review:

After two similar murders of homeless people, the question is, are they dealing with a serial killer, or the work of a copycat?

Special Agent Bethany Sanchez operates by the book, and when she is paired with Agent Thatcher Graves she know's that solving this mystery isn't going to be easy. Thatcher goes with his gut, and he's also the one who arrested her brother, years ago.

Will Thatcher be able to count on Bethany to have his back when the bullets come raining down?

A fast paced, action packed adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat, and flipping the pages at turbo speed in anticipation of what happens next. It certainly was that way for me.

But when they find their lives may be at stake, they are in a mad race for their lives to catch the killer once and for all, but in order to do that they must be willing to work together, and trust that the other has their back.

Overall, a great mystery, filled with tension, and suspense. If you are a fan of DiAnn Mills, then there isn't a doubt that you will enjoy this book!


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

Deadlock

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2015)


by

Diann Mills


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling
author who believes her readers
should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with
unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two
Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier,
Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library
Journal
presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fictionaward in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction
Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith,
Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers
Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various
groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her
husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and
would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms
listed at her website.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Two murders have rocked the city of Houston. Are they the work of a serial killer, or is a copycat trying to get away with murder?

That is the question facing Special Agent Bethany Sanchez, who is eager for her new assignment in violent crimes but anxious about meeting her new partner. Special Agent Thatcher Graves once arrested her brother, and he has a reputation for being a maverick. Plus, their investigative styles couldn’t be more opposite: he operates on instinct, while she goes by the book.

When hot leads soon fizzle out, their differences threaten to leave them deadlocked. But an attempt on their lives turns up the heat and brings them closer together, and a third victim might yield the clue that will help them zero in on a killer. This could be the case of their careers . . . if they can survive long enough to solve it.


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

Watch the video:

American Hunter by Willie Robertson and William Doyle ~ Review

My Review:

As many know, hunting is a tradition that runs deep in the Robertson family, of the hit TV reality show, Duck Dynasty. It is something that the family shares that binds them together, and also leaves them in awe at the wonder of their Maker.

Mr. Robertson, along with Mr. Doyle, tells of the great history of hunting in America and how it is in the very roots of this nation, from the Native Americans and their sacred hunt of the buffalo, to great men who roamed the plain like Davy Crocket, Daniel Boone, Hugh Glass, and many more, and even in the White House. Hunting is an American tradition.

Mr. Willie Robertson tells these stories of the hunters of days gone by, along with stories of his family and how they relate. Hunter is a topic that is close to his heart, and also the hearts of his family, and he shares his stories with, respect, admiration, and pride of the great American tradition, along with his signature humor and good nature.

Overall, a enjoyable read, great for a relaxing read or as a gift to the hunter in your life. A very enjoyable read, that mixes modern hunting with great storytelling, and a history lesson to boot!

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 Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

India Hartley is a talented and beautiful actress, who has been on the stage since her youth, when she acted in her father's theater troupe. But upon her father's death, she sets out up on a theater tour, playing parts in theaters across the country. Her first stop is Savannah, Georgia, where she is set to star alongside the local star Arthur Sterling. When a script change in order to impress the local critics goes horribly wrong, she finds herself on trial for murder.

Philip Sinclair is hired as her defense lawyer, and as she grows to trust him, she discovers secrets that threaten her future. Will India's name be cleared or will this scandal haunt her for the rest of her life?

A Southern Historical read, with a gothic twist. Well written, and full of mystery, as secrets are revealed and people are not as they seem, India doesn't know where to turn or whom to trust.

A very unique read, that the more I thought about it the more I realized that I had enjoyed it. This book has so much to offer, and plenty going on, kinda like Jane Erye on the stage of a Southern plantation.

Philip is a good man, far from brooding, though he does tend to keep to himself. He is good at his job, and he does everything that he can to help India clear her name.

Overall, a satisfying read that has much to offer from the mystery, secrets, and gothic setting to the romance, and friendship, along with the suspense. Definitely one to try out!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: 

A Respectable Actress (Thomas Nelson, October 2015)

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father's death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah's Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night's performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best---and handsomest---lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can't go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip's dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

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

About the author:

A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. When she isn't busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.

Find Dorothy online: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dlove

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 ~ Review and Giveaway!

My Review:

If you are at all familiar with Christian children's media, than Phil Vischer will be a name that you will recognize, as he is the creator of Veggie Tales.

Buck Denver works in a call center, distributing tote bags, and dreaming about doing big things for God. So when he get's a chance to prove himself as a captain, he is determined to take it and do big things. But will he find that maybe that's not what it's all about after all?

A fun fast paced adventure, full of humor and words of wisdom. I love how a fun exciting adventure was blended with scriptural truths in a way that made it easier for children to understand. There were even a few voices that I recognized from Veggie Tales (I'm thinking Pa Grape was one that stood out a lot).

Overall, an excellent program for children, that both young and old can enjoy and appreciate! Definitely on that I will 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."

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a must-see for all ages, from VeggieTales creator PHIL VISCHER! Kids will enjoy Buck Denver's latest adventure with his friends from What's In the Bible? and parents will appreciate the humorous nods to Star Wars and Star Trek.  More importantly, Phil Vischer's gifted teaching delivers a clear message to kids and adults about God's love and purpose for our lives.  Galaxy Buck communicates important Biblical truths that will add to everyone's faith foundation, whether a life-long Christian or a new creation in Christ.

About the movie:

Buck Denver has a simple dream - to save the galaxy.  Working for the Galactic Mission Board, Buck dreams of carrying God's love to every corner of the Milky Way!  Except he doesn't have a starship.  Or a crew.  Or even a captain's license.  He just needs a chance.  But when that chance comes and Buck finds himself leading a real mission into deep space, things don't go at ALL like he imagined!  If he's doing what God wants him to do, why is everything going wrong?  From VeggieTales® and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer, Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a wild, galactic adventure that teaches kids a powerful lesson about trusting God with everything - even our dreams! 

Run time: Approximately 40 minutes 

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Giveaway: 

US and Canada residents only. To enter leave a comment either about the program reviewed or a memory about Veggie Tales, along with an email address so that I can contact the winner. There must be content to the comment. Comments containing only an email will not be entered. Followers of this blog will receive double entries.

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

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

What we are giving away:

DVD of Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9

Giveaway ends 10-30-15

Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Ester Detweiler has been raising her cousin's deaf daughter, Daisy, while Daisy's father is away at war. Ester teaches Daisy to sign, and helps to open up a whole new world to her. When Daisy's father, Joe returns he wants daisy to come and  live with him, but he sees that he can't just take Daisy away from Ester either, so he asks her to teach him to sign.

As Joe learns to sign, he begins to reconnect and build a relationship with Daisy.

Will Joe and Ester be able to draw together to give Daisy a family?

Ester has experienced a lot of loss in her life, but I liked her resilience. She deeply cares for Daisy and wants to do everything she can to help her and her father reconnect.

This was kind of a slow read for me, It was hard to read about all that Ester had to lose, and how the Amish community wasn't exactly supportive of her, but I admired her strong faith. I think it bothered me that Joe kept initiating kisses, when he knew she was Amish and he wasn't looking for anything serious in a relationship.

Overall, this wasn't my favorite of the books that I have read by this author, but it tells the story of a a woman with a strong faith that I deeply admired, through everything she had to endure.



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

Promise to Keep

Howard Books (October 13, 2015)

by

Elizabeth Younts


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.


I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.


My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.


ABOUT THE BOOK

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.


Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.


When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.


As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise to Keep, go HERE.

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A rich story, full of faith, family, and Christmas.

Every Christmas the Binders celebrate Christmas together in Grandpa Wilson and Granda Dodie's cottage in the Northwoods of Minnesota. When the traditional celebration begins with a breakup instead of an engagement the Binders take it in stride, welcoming Micah's girlfriend to the family despite the fact that she said, "no."

Micah has a calm spirit, and is a man of integrity, he wants a forever love like his grandparents, and he takes rejection with grace.

This is a great story full of humor, and depth. I loved how they were just so happy to be together, and they came there to spend quality time. Grandma and Grandpa collect all the phones and hide the TV remotes.

Katie has never had a good family life, and she fears that she isn't what Micah is looking for, his family is the opposite of everything her family was, and she struggles with questions of inadequacy.

Overall, a heartfelt Christmas story of family and what matters most, a great read, with plenty of depth and humor. A little bit of everything, that made for an entertaining, and satisfying 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."