The Remnant By Monte Wolverton

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are mine.

Book Description: 

In the year 2069 the Apocalypse came and went, but Jesus didn't show up, as some expected.

Instead, a cataclysmic war, natural disasters and pandemics eradicated 90 percent of earth's population. Now, in 2131, a totalitarian government rules the world from the majestic, opulent capitol of Carthage, Tunisia. Blamed for igniting the war, religion and religious books are banned. Citizens who will not renounce their religion are sent to work camps.

Grant Cochrin, imprisoned in a bleak petroleum camp in what was once North Dakota, leads his family and friends to escape and embark on a long, dangerous quest for a Christian community. Their resource in this journey? A cherished page torn from the now banished Bible---a remnant of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount handed down from Grant's grandparents. 

What if there were an Apocalypse and Jesus didn't return? What if the survivors found themselves living in a world ruled by a totalitarian government, where religion is forbidden and all religious texts have been destroyed?

In The Remnant, award-winning author Monte Wolverton tells the tale of a band of concentration camp escapees who trek through the lawless American wilderness on a quest for authentic Christianity, only to come face to face with an unthinkable dilemma. The Remnant is a fast-paced story punctuated with dry satire, memorable characters and hard questions about religious institutions.

My Thoughts: 

The Remnant is Monte Wolverton's latest book and it is great! This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading and I am glad I did.  I don't usually read dystopian books but this one seemed different and it was. This book is set in 2131 under a totalitarian government that has blamed religion for the war. Monte Wolverton poses the idea of what the world could be if Jesus didn't return and there was no faith guiding most in this situation. I found all of the characters in this book very interesting, good or bad. They are well written. I found myself drawn Grant the most of all the characters. He is a strong man who takes a risk because of one page from his Grandparents Bible, handed down. This is a remnant of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Grant finds his strength to lead family and friends from the work camp to find a band of Christians. His faith, that withstood the persecution of the Government, is such an admirable thing. I found it to be inspiring. From the start, this book grabbed a hold of me and kept a hold until the end. I truly enjoyed Monte Wolverton's style of writing, I found myself feeling like I was right there with Grant and his group on their journey to find other Christians. I found his flashbacks seamless in transitions and loved how things in the book jumped out at me. This book definitely has highs and lows, I found myself laughing in some parts and sad in others. I am so glad I decided to read this, outside my typical genre. I cannot wait to read more from Monte Wolverton. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will enjoy it. I give this book 4 STARS. 

A Portrait of Emily Price By Katherine Reay

I received this book from Katherine Reay for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .
Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.
But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.
Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.
Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?


My Thoughts: 

A Portrait of Emily Price is Katherine Reay's latest book and WOW it is fantastic. I am a huge fan of Katharine Reay and I was so excited to have this opportunity to read and review this book. Katherine Reay writes with authority about Italy, The United States especially Atlanta, The Art world and how it works, restoration art, Italian culture and family dynamics, reading, and restaurants especially Italian. This book completely grabbed a hold of me, I found myself sad to have to put it down for the evening.  I love Katherine Reay's style of writing, she writes so vividly that I feel like I am right there while everything unfolds. I found the characters to be well written. The cast of characters had imperfections and life was messy. I could relate to them. It is very hard to choose a favorite one but I would have to say it's Lucio, Ben's Father.  Lucio is a wonderful husband and father. He is very wise and sees people for who they are, even if they don't. He uses literature , especially The Bible to help the other characters understand. Lucio's faith was deep and he shared it with everyone.  I found him to remind me of my Grandpa, who was Italian.  Coming from an Italian family it was easy to relate to the family dynamics in this book. All the food, loud, and the closeness.  I loved being able to watch Emily's transformation in herself, her art, and her faith. Besides relating to the Italian family dynamics, there were quite a few things I could relate to. I can't really get into those without giving away key parts of the book but to say that I found myself laughing in places and heartbroken and crying in others. This book really touched me, and will stay with me for a long time. Such a fantastic book. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this book. I cannot wait to read more from Katherine Reay, she is one of my top 10 must read authors! 
I give this book 5+ STARS.  

Trust My Heart By Carol J. Post

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for an honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.
After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.
The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…

My Thoughts: 

Trust My Heart is Carol J. Post's latest book and it is AWESOME! This is my first time reading one of her books and I am hooked.  Carol J. Post writes with authority on: North Carolina, lawyers, journalism, the newspaper business, and estates. I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish I found myself in Murphy, North Carolina with all these characters. I absolutely love Carol J. Post's style of writing, I felt like was there seeing and being a part of this book. In this book there are a great group of characters that I truly enjoyed. They are real people with messy lives and things in their lives they struggle with. I found myself truly enjoying Jami Carlisle. Her fun-loving personality and her approach to getting the story about the McAllisters was inspired. I found myself in awe of her attitude toward life, her unwavering faith in God, and her ability to share that with those around her. I truly enjoyed her.  Her interactions with other characters brought lots of laughs and some tears. This story definitely has highs and lows. This book is definitely one that will stay with me for a long while. This book made me look at my relationships especially with God and where I am in the process. I am so thankful for reading this book and finding another must read author. This book is wonderful, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Christian Contemporary books, you will definitely enjoy it. I give this book 5+ STARS.

Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Trust My Heart
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog.

A Name I Call Myself By Beth Moran

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

All Faith Harp wants is a quiet life—to take care of her troubled brother, Sam, earn enough money to stop the poverty wolves snapping at her heels, and to keep her past buried as deep as possible. And after years of upheaval, she might have just about managed it: Sam's latest treatment seems to actually be working, Faith is holding down a job, and she's engaged to the gorgeous and successful Perry. But, for Faith, things never seem to stay simple for long. Her domineering mother-in-law-to-be is planning a nightmare wedding, including the wedding dress from hell. And the man who killed her mother is released from prison, sending her brother tumbling back into mental illness.
When secretly planning the wedding she really wants, Faith stumbles across a church choir that challenges far more than her ability to hold a tune. She ends up joining the choir, led by the fierce choir-mistress Hester, who is determined to do whatever it takes to turn the group of ragtag women into something spectacular. She also meets Dylan, the church's vicar, who is different than any man she has ever met before . . . “Uplifting tone, memorable characters, and snappy dialog make this [a] great vacation read.” ―Library Journal “An exceptional novel of faith, hope, and fresh starts.” ―Christian Market “Moran cleverly utilizes elements familiar within love stories, resulting in a compelling and whimsical tale. . . . The plot is excellently paced and builds to a near-perfect emotional climax.” ―Foreword Reviews

My Thoughts:

A Name I Call Myself is Beth Moran's latest book and it is fantastic. I am a big fan of Beth Moran's books so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this latest book. Beth Moran writes with authority on weddings, mental illness, family challenges, abuse especially physical and sexual, mental illness, substance abuse,insecurity, and the struggle as women we encounter. This book grabbed me from the start. I could NOT put this book down. Beth Moran's books are Christian Chick-Lit and I love them. The characters in this book are great. They have messy lives and struggles just like the rest of us. I especially loved Faith.  Faith really takes family seriously and works hard to make everyone happy, except herself.  All she ever wanted was a peaceful, comfortable life. I did also love Faith's choir and her best friend Marilyn. They absolutely help Faith navigate her sticky life.  This book had me crying in many parts but laughing in between. This book really grabbed ahold of me and will stay with me for awhile. I could not put this book down, I felt like I was there with Faith navigating through these things. I absolutely love Beth Moran's books, each one just as good as the next. I cannot wait to read more from Beth Moran. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Chick Lit, you will not be disappointed. I also recommend the other books by Beth Moran. I give this book 5 STARS.

A Sister's Wish and An Amish Family Christmas By Shelley Shepard Gray

I received these books from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of these books. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A Sister's Wish

Book Description:

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.
Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.
Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.
He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy.
But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

My Thoughts:

A Sister's Wish is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series The Charmed Amish Life and it is great. I have read many books by Shelley Shepard Gray and enjoyed them, A Sister's wish did not disappoint. A Sister's Wish is the third book and I haven't had the chance to read the two previous book but that really didn't matter. Shelley Shepard Gray definitely finds the balance in her writing for new readers and the others who have read the series. Besides having to catch up with some of the other characters, this could definitely be read as a stand alone. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with authority on Amish life, Amish settlements especially Charm, Ohio, different ways of life, and seeing people past their appearances. I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish it kept my interest. The characters in this book are very well written and show the realities of life. I found myself drawn to Amelia and Simon. Amelia found herself in love with someone whose life isn't perfect and his outward appearance is something people judge him on. She has a good heart and strong faith. Simon lived a life that wasn't perfect. He lived in the Amish community and in the English community. He decides that coming back to Charm, Ohio is the best thing for him and he finds himself having to be strong and keep going even when others judge him. These characters have admirable faith and strength. I really enjoyed their story and I have bought the first two books to read, I cannot wait to get started. I love Shelley Shepard Gray's style of writing, I feel I am right there with the characters experiencing their lives. I highly recommend this book and any of the other books by Shelley Shepard Gray, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.


An Amish Family Christmas:



Book Description:

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love.
Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.
But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help having doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true…
Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could do: she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she’s hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually…perhaps even sharing her life with him.
Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together…in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

My Thoughts:

An Amish Christmas is the fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series, Charmed Amish Life and it is fantastic. I am a huge fan of all this author writes and this one doesn't disappoint. I don't typically read Christmas type books but this one really drew my attention and I am so glad I did give it a chance. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with authority on Amish life, Amish settlements especially Charm, Ohio, having faith, and being a single mother. I found myself drawn to this book from the start. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. I did really enjoy the characters in this book especially Julia. Julia finds herself an unwed mother and has gone through her share of issues. She moved herself and her child to a new town, where no one knows her and they believe she is a widow. I admire Julia's strength, faith, and her devotion to her daughter.  I enjoyed getting to know her. I love Shelley Shepard Gray's style of writing, I felt like I was there, part of Julia and Levi's journey together and separately. This book is well written and drew me in from the start. This book addresses real life issues, proving that no matter who you are or what your faith is we all encounter hardships and temptation. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction and/or Christmas novels you won't be disappointed. Again this book can be read in order or as a stand alone. I cannot wait to read more from Shelley Shepard Gray. I give this book 5 STARS.

Check out this great giveaway Shelley Shepard Gray and Litfuse are offering!




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