Buttermilk Sky Book Review

 About the Book

Weary of the expectations imposed on her by her strict upbringing, eighteen-year-old Mazy Pelfrey prepares to leave her home in the Kentucky mountains for the genteel city of Lexington, where she'll attend secretarial school. She knows her life is about to change--and only for the better. Everything will be blue skies from now on.But business school is harder than she thought it would be and the big city not as friendly, until she meets a charming young man from a wealthy family, Loyal Chambers. When Loyal sets his sights on her, Mazy begins to see that everything she'd ever wished to have is right before her eyes. The only hindrance to her budding romance is a former beau, Chanis Clay, the young sheriff she thought she'd left firmly behind.Danger rumbles like thunder on a high mountain ridge when Mazy's cosseted past collides with her clouded future and forces her to come to terms with what she really wants. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have to say this is probably my favorite book by Jan Watson. I have read many of her other novels and this one has much stronger characters and depth of story line. I loved Mazy and reading about her daily life with silly women and life at school. In a lot of the books I read the schooling is not usually included but I really enjoy reading the things that they did back then. I was a bit confused on the start of the story and why it was so important to the rest of the book. I do think the story line could have been better organized, it jumped around a lot. Chanis' side of the story was not as interesting but the two story lines went together in the end nicely. 

I think this is Jan Watson's best book thus far and recommend for a light read. 

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Forever Christmas Book Review

About the Book

This Christmas will change Andrew Farmer s life forever.

Andrew can t remember the last time he spent Christmas away from work. The end of the year is crunch time for literary agents. But when your career is your life, your life starts to suffer . . . beginning with your marriage.

When a heart-wrenching accident in a Christmas Eve snowstorm jars this high-powered agent from his obsession with success, a Christmas miracle will give him a second chance at love, life, and gratitude, but only if he can put aside his own ambition and learn to appreciate each moment.

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change a man s life and to teach him to treat every day as if it were his last." (Goodreads)

My Review

Every year I read a short Christmas read like this book. There is nothing wrong with simple Christmas stories, they usually have a good point. This book surprised me because I really didn't know what would happen in the end. I liked the characters and how realistic their marriage was portrayed in the book. Andrew had been a pretty ungrateful husband to Beth and for Christmas she wanted things to be special, until another woman answered her husband's phone.

At a startling turn of events Andrew had the opportunity to change. Yes, this is a bit like a Christmas Carol/Scrooge, but so much better! You don't know the ending and there is a lot more depth to the story.

In just a few short pages Robert Tate Miller made me think, feel extremely sad, and overly happy. I usually don't expect that from a book like this.

Highly recommend for the holiday season!!

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Art of Storytelling Book Review

 Goodreads

About the Book

Many of us would love to hold the attention of a crowd, a classroom, or just a group of our friends by telling them a great story. We have felt the pressure of a public presentation or the disappointment of a story that is ignored and we are ready for more.

In The Art of Storytelling, John Walsh talks through the steps to presenting a compelling story, outlining the strategies that helped him move from stutterer to storyteller as he fulfilled his calling of becoming a preacher. This book will help any person with a story to share, as it talks through all aspects of presentation, from what to do with your hands as you speak, to crafting a killer ending. It is especially relevant those who teach through the stories of the Bible or who would like to do so. (Goodreads)

My Review

 What a great resource! This book contains some great step-by-step examples on how to tell a story well. I really like how John broke down each detail to the point where you really have to think about what you are about to say, whether in front of a huge audience or just your family. When I speak I usually ramble, and this book talks about that and how to rein in that rambling and get you to focus on the topic. I wish I had this book in school, I think it would have been helpful for writing speeches and getting in front of the class. I also like this book because it can be used for writing a story as well. John makes things fun to read and this book is not boring in how it is organized. 

I highly recommend if you needing to tell a story. 

"I received this book from MP Newsroom for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Be Rebellious Book Review

Fight Back Against a Culture That Doesn't Care About You

What if we were created for more than just “fitting in” to the culture around us? What if we were meant to change our world?

Young women today are being seduced by a culture of lies. When pop-culture says a woman has to be ultra-thin and movie-star gorgeous, Megan Clinton says, “Let’s rebel against such crazy conformity.” Women will learn to cultivate the inner woman they were created to be, love themselves, and serve God in a way that leaves people awestruck.

About the Author

Megan Clinton (now Megan Clinton Allison) graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Pre-Med/Biology and is currently attending Physician Assistant (PA) School at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. As part of the Extraordinary Women travel team with her mom, Julie Clinton, Megan has a passion to see young women find their identity in Christ, be set free, and live God’s dream for their lives. In addition, she is excited to be equipped as a PA to provide medical care to those in need through international mission work. Megan is the author of Totally God’s (with her dad, Dr. Tim Clinton), Totally God’s 4 Life Devotional, and Smart Girls, Smart Choices: Avoiding the 10 Biggest Mistakes Young Women Make (with Laura Captari). Megan was recently married to the love of her life and high-school sweetheart, Ben. They have a teacup Yorkie named Bella.(Worthy Publishing)

My Review

This book took me by surprise and I actually got a lot from it! The topics are organized in a way that didn't make this book boring. Pretty much it's about being in the world but not of it, rebelling against worldly standards. Some of the things I think could be geared more toward teenagers but really its a good book for women in general. One that made me think was "True Friends in a Fake World", especially pertaining to women. I think it's difficult to be ourselves when we are constantly judging and categorizing every other woman we know and see. I like Megan's point of view and thoughts on the matter.

For a non-fiction read this one is really pretty good and not a dull read.
I recommend to any woman teen and up.


"I received this book from Worthy Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."

Mountain Autumn

Isn't he the cutest!? This is my nephew and he is getting so grown up.

There seemed to be a lot of red in the trees this year, which I love!

From the Kitchen of Martha Stewart Living One Pot Cookbook Review

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About the Book

The editors of Martha Stewart Living take 30-minute meals and everyday food to the next level with one-pot meals; more than 120 innovative, comfort-food recipes make use of just a pot, a sheet pan, a skillet, a slow cooker, or a pressure cooker for meals that are delicious, satisfying, and quick to clean up, too.

MSLO's latest cookbook features something everyone wants more of: all-in-one meals. Packed with 120 gorgeous images and recipes for one-pot wonders (including their food hack for One-Pan Pasta that went viral over the summer), this cookbook helps you get in and out of the kitchen with only one vessel to clean. From chicken and vegetables that roast on the same sheet pan to skillet lasagna, baked risotto, soups, and down-home casseroles, this is the volume that gives you the biggest flavor payoff with the smallest efforts. Here, too, are a dozen recipes for one-bowl desserts that can be ready when you are. (Goodreads)

My Review

What a great cookbook! I will say this is one of my new favorites! While reading and exploring this book, it seemed like my Pinterest food page in a book! All of the meals really are pretty simple, meaning easy to do and available ingredients. Honestly, sometimes I don't want to/have time to go shopping for a bunch of random ingredients, I just want to use what I have. This book is for those meals, I have the ingredients and most only take about an hour at the most.

This book is split up into categories: Dutch oven, skillet and sauté pan, slow cooker, roasting pan and baking dish, pressure cooking, stockpot and saucepan, and desserts. On a few of the recipes the variations are split three ways, such as pork stew-here are three different recipes for pork stew. The pork stew with asparagus and peas, linguine with tomato and basil, and pork chops with bacon and cabbage are the top recipes for me!

This book has a picture for each recipe, which I really like in a cookbook.

This is a great cookbook, I can't recommend it enough! Simple one pot meals that taste yummy!

Five Stars.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

God Gave Us Angels Book Review

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 About the Book

“What do angels do all day, Papa?”

When Papa finds Little Cub looking for angels, it gives him a chance to tell his beloved child about those that may be in their midst, even when they can’t be seen.  Exploring their exhilarating Arctic world as they talk, Papa lovingly answers all of Little Cub’s questions about angels—and as usual, she has a lot. She wants to know what they do, how they look, how they guard God’s loved ones, and best of all, how they serve the Creator of the world. 

“God really created angels to serve him more than us, Little Cub.
They love him and would do anything for him.”

This uplifting tale will encourage young hearts by exploring the glory and design of God’s messengers, while turning toward him with praise.  (Goodreads)

 My Review

 This is the second book I have read in this "God Gave Us" series. I really like the books because they are simple, to the point, colorful, and easy for little ones to understand. They are also board books which is also a huge plus. I feel like angels can be difficult to explain and this book does a pretty nice job. I think the main thing is separating what the Bible says and what is portrayed in movies and such. Little Cub is looking for angels after being told they are all around us. Papa Bear proceeds to explain. Yes, there are angels, usually we can't see them, and they serve God. 

The key point that I really liked is when Little Cub asks, "Should we pray to the angels?". Papa Bear answers saying, "We should pray only to God." (page 8)

Needless to say I was impressed with this book and I can't wait to share it with the little ones in my life!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Treasury of Bible Stories Book Review

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 About the Book

From “The Salty Tale of Noah and the Ark” to “The Lasting Story of the Last Supper,” the rhyming tales in Treasury of Bible Stories remind us God loves his people — in the Bible and today. Not even mom or dad will grow tired of reading its pages night after night . . . after night.

The book is the fourth installment in David C Cook’s Magnificent Tales series, which includes the three previously released stories. Treasury of Bible Stories contains the most beloved biblical narratives from both the Old and New Testaments, leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. Pulley chose key stories with the strongest spiritual lessons and images that would jump off the pages.

Filled with clever cadence, captivating art and clear spiritual lessons, Treasury of Bible Stories will quickly become a reader’s beloved family tradition. (Goodreads)

My Review

This book is so much more than I expected! It is a thick hard back book that children will enjoy reading! Kelly Pulley took the many Bible stories and told them in rhythmic form for example from Esther's : 

The king of the kingdom of Persia made known

 that he needed a queen who could fill the queen's throne. 

The king sent out searchers to search all around. 

And bring back the beautiful women they found. (pg 164)

The entire book is put in easy language for youngsters to better understand and it makes it more fun to read to kids with a little rhyme! Obviously this is a not the Bible but these stories mean a lot to children who are learning about the Bible and who God is. 

I have learned that while I grew up in Sunday school, others my age did not. And while I know all of these stories, others do not. They are just now hearing about Jonah and Esther. I so want the little ones in my life to hear these stories because they are important things that happened and show God's presence. 

This is such a great book for ages 4-8 in particular. I highly recommend!!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Part of the Magnificent Tales series, Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times will delight children ages 4–8 with rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Enter the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway 9/15 – 10/12.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Kelly's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Kelly's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

The Turning to Autumn

I know it's a bit early but I can feel the change in the air. Autumn has started in my hometown and I can't help but feel it has here as well. The weather is so nice, I think I have spent more time outside than inside this past week. We just finished our patio area so we have been eating outside a lot. Our yard is slowly coming together. We have been in our house for a year and a half and always have a project going. This winter I'm going to attack the basement/spare bedroom. All of the floors are just concrete and I just don't enjoy the space.


We started a new study at church and I am loving it! Many have heard of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, it really is splendid. I am in the middle of the study and I have now read the book and it really has changed my perspective on daily life. Being thankful and always thankful to God really does change how you view things. If you haven't read it I suggest you find a copy.


I am always planning the next thing and this month it is my grandparent's 70th birthday celebration. Their birthdays are about a month apart so we are celebrating in the middle. I'm excited because we don't get together as a family too often so it should make for some good memories and family pictures.


This week has been strange for me and I've just been thinking "get through it as fast as I can". But really I shouldn't think that way, I need to get out of this glum mood. So I pick up a book and get lost in another world that I love. I see a friend and it lifts my spirit. I see my husband and get to make him dinner. I see our dog Remi greet me and I take the time to stop and pet her.

Love's Fortune Book Review

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About the Book

Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--filled with family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read all of the books in this series but this one might just be my favorite. While you could read the books apart from each others, since it is a family, I recommend starting at the first book.

This book grabbed me and sucked me in until the end, I don't think I ever set it down. Rowena or Wren is a great character and I loved reading about her life. Her attitude with life and simple ways make this book so much better. James is also a great lead male character. He is smart and not an over the top hero type. Laura has made all of her characters realistic with real problems but creates a beautiful story continuing on the Ballatyne legacy.

I loved the setting and getting to imagine being on a steamship. Silas and Eden are also strongly in the story line which I also enjoyed.  Wren struggles with living in high society and she has to decide if she wants to marry as a business transaction, for love, or perhaps go her own way.

This is a sweeping story of family and love-beautifully written.

Highly recommend this book and the rest of the series!


Watch a video on how the cover was made!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

Tried and True Book Review

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About the Book

Kylie Wilde fought in the Civil War dressed as a boy---and now she's homesteading as a man! When somebody tries to burn her property, land agent Aaron Masterson inspects her claim---and realizes she's a woman. Will he keep her secret? And when the attacks continue, will she marry him just so she won't have to be alone anymore?  (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read many of Mary Connealy's books and she has a distinct way of writing in my opinion. This book is very similar to her other books with it's characters and humor.

 This book is a romance with a western flair and touch of humor. I love the front and back cover of this book, the colors are so pretty! I also like the idea about Kylie having fought in the Civil War as a soldier because it really did happen. I think this part of the story line could have been written better and I was a bit disappointed. I don't think Kylie's reaction to things or how she handles life is very realistic from someone who went to war. Her story is somewhat believable but the story line with the rest of the book was rather disappointing. Kylie's character drove me nuts, but I really liked Aaron. The romance was rushed (even considering the circumstances) but the side story of the sisters I really enjoyed. I think I will like the following books more so because I like the sister's characters more than Kylie.

This is not a bad book but I think it could have been better.

If you are looking for a light western romance you will enjoy this book!

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Don't miss the first book in Mary Connealy's Wild at Heart series. In Tried & True, Mary is back with her signature humor and heartfelt story-telling.

Mary's celebrating by connecting with readers during a live webcast event and giving away a Kindle HDX.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Tried & True by Mary Connealy

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 23rd. Winner will be announced at the Tried & True LIVE webcast event on September 23rd. Connect with Mary for an evening of swoon-worthy book chat, fun trivia, laughter, a sneak peek at the next book in the Wild at Heart series, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Tried & True and join Mary and friends on the evening of September 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

The Daring Heart of David Livingstone Book Review

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About the Book

The captivating, untold story of the great explorer, David Livingstone: his abiding faith and his heroic efforts to end the African slave trade

Saint? Missionary? Scientist? Explorer?

The titles given to David Livingstone since his death are varied enough to seem dubious--and with good reason. In view of the confessions in his own journals, "saint" is out of the question. Even "missionary" is tenuous, considering he made only one convert. And despite his fame as a scientist and explorer, Livingstone left his most indelible mark on Africa in an arena few have previously examined: slavery.

His impact on abolishing what he called "this awful slave-trade" has been shockingly overlooked as the centerpiece of his African mission.

Until now. "The Daring Heart of David Livingstone" tells his story from the beginning of his time in Africa to the publicity stunt that saved millions after his death. (Goodreads)

My Review

David Livingstone was such a remarkable person. I had read a few things about him in school but this book goes into great detail on his journeys, maps included. I didn't realize he was such a well known person in his time. I guess I should have since they sent a reporter to find him when all thought he was dead. It's amazing how one person could have such an impact on others and the slave trade alone.
If you haven't read much about David Livingstone this book is packed with his life.
I do think the book was a bit slow just because of how it was written. I still enjoyed the book.

Four stars.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

Honest Thankful Moms

I've been getting rather irritated about people and the constant complaint about having children. We don't have kids yet, while there is a constant pressure from everyone in society to have them.

Then I log onto Facebook, get a text from a friend, visit a friend, read a blog post, and all I hear is negative. "Oh just you wait until you have kids you won't get anything done." "Oh I haven't sat down to watch a movie because our house is so crazy with kids."

"If I could just get away from the kids!"

"I'm so glad my kids are back in school, they drive me crazy."

I understand being tired and needing a break or needing to vent to a friend.  I'm talking about the constant complaint.

Honestly for a culture that pushes for others to have children they sure don't act like they are a blessing.

 I'm sick of children being made out to be mistakes and life enders.

After hearing these complaints on pretty much a constant daily basis, why in the world would I ever want kids?!

For you moms, that while you are tired with the youngsters, you are thankful.

You don't continually grumble.

You don't make those of us feel like we never want kids.

Thank you.

A Love Undone Book Review

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 About the Book

A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone. A young woman who sacrificed her dreams. How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way? At nineteen years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. For the next ten years, Jolene throws herself into family life—and then she meets Andy Fisher. The horse trainer and father to a sweet nine year-old challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face. Andy is cautious about his deepening friendship with Jolene, but he believes she knows the truth about him – that he is a grass widower. As a man whose wife abandoned him six years past, he is unable to divorce or remarry according to the Amish ways. Andy has wrestled with God concerning his reality, and he had found peace with the solitary future facing him…until he met Jolene. As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God’s guidance—or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?(Cindy Woodsmall)

My Review

 

I really enjoy Cindy's writing because I find it to be unique. Many Amish stories are all too similar but Cindy does a good job in keeping the stories real and different. This book has a great twist to it that I definitely did not see coming. The characters I really loved. Jolene goes through so much in such a short time, grief, more grief, confusion, hope, and shattered dreams. Jolene's love for her siblings was evident and I really like that because it seems so easy for families to be ripped apart. I think that was my favorite aspect in this book. The closeness of family, even when it's a difficult decision to remain close. 

While I still don't understand why the Amish do some things, why some things are forbidden, I still like reading about a different lifestyle. This book has so much to it and Cindy has created another beautiful story. 

I rate four stars, simply because it got a little slow in the middle. 

• More Info
• Author Bio

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."

A Bride In Store Book Review

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 About the Book

"Mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell is on her way to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store business when her train is held up by robbers and she loses her dowry. She's further thwarted upon arriving in Salt Flatts only to find Axel, her groom, away on business.
Hoping a wife would push Axel to become a better business partner, William Stanton had encouraged him to seek a mail-order bride. With Axel gone, Will feels responsible for Eliza, so he finds her a place to stay and lets her help in the store.
Working together isn't what they'd expected, and when Axel is further delayed, neither can ignore the sparks that fly. But Eliza is meant for Axel and is set on a future with the store, while Will is biding time until he can afford medical school.
Their troubles are far from over when Axel returns to town, however, and soon both Will and Eliza must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams--or if God has a new dream in store for them both.(Goodreads)

 My Review

I really enjoyed the first book in the Unexpected Brides series. I had high expectations for this book and I suppose I shouldn't have. I knew this book would be a love story, I just felt like it was so predictable. I honestly finished the book thinking I had read the exact same story line in a different book. I so wanted this book to be unique because even typical love stories can be unique! I really didn't connect with Eliza or William at all and I felt a loss of depth of character. I felt like I didn't really get to know who they were. While I did enjoy the slight twist that happens in the middle of the book, this just was not my favorite book. 

I like Melissa's writing and I enjoyed the first book so I will be reading her next!

For a light mail-order bride story you will enjoy this book.

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."

Get to Know Apostle Paul Book Review

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About the Book

Apostle Paul part of the Get to Know series is a unique biography about Paul. Focusing on the life and character of this Biblical hero, using color photographs, maps, and other visual resources to tell the whole story, young biography fans will come to learn more about this man of the God, his writings, his impact on the early church, and the role he plays in history.

Featuring a bibliography and scriptural references throughout, this is sure to become a favorite for young readers and for first book reports." (Goodreads)

My Review

What a great book! This book is for young adult (6-10 years) though I think older kids (8-10) would understand it better.

This book is a pretty sturdy book for youngsters and packed of information. The book isn't a story it is more factual like what you would read in a biography. There are many pictures, which I loved! I feel like Biblical references could have been used more so that the reader would know where exactly things are said.

The book starts with Paul as a boy and how he grew up and until his death.

The book is well written and explains many things that went on, things that I didn't even know. There are vocabulary words with definitions, which is helpful for the big words. This book would be great for home school students but really for any children, perhaps and Sunday school class.

I think this book would create a great discussion between parent and child.
Paul's final words, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. "

I loved this book and am excited to share it with the little ones in my life.

Five stars! 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."

The Desire Book Review

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About the Book

For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts--and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time--and their money--on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something's got to give. But they both hope it's not their marriage.

Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . (Goodreads)

My Review

 I read the previous book in this series so I was curious to read about what would happen next. This book is all about infertility and family helping a young woman who is pregnant and doesn't know what to do. Michele can't get pregnant and Allan can't get Africa out of his mind. I really liked the Africa parts because it's always nice to see another unique part of view. The living conditions of the orphans is obviously awful but I feel like it was explained nicely in the book. Granted actually being there is a different story but I really liked this part of the book. The rest of it was very slow and while there is hope I really just thought there were too many details. Not much happens in the course of the book from start to finish and it was really difficult for me to get into. 

If you enjoy reading books like this or have read the other books in the series, you will probably enjoy this one. 

Three and a half stars. It's well written just slow. 

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

Nowhere To Turn Book Review

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About the Book

The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe--but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won't be able to hide for long . . .

From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold readers in its iron grip. Bestselling author Lynette Eason propels readers along at a breakneck pace in a race to discover the truth and a better future. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have not read the first book in this series but this one was great and I felt like I hadn't missed anything. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, yes, it made for another late reading night. I was so ready for an exciting book and this one held my attention and was full of suspense. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next! I love Dani's character and I was surprised at how quickly the storyline took off. She has been abused by her husband long enough, but right when she gets the courage to leave, he dies. Who is her husband really and why does her brother in law not leave her alone?! Dani's son is a great addition for the story and Adam's job was fun to read. Taking people into protection would be an intense job when running from crazies. The only part is I feel like they would have done more things to be secure while in hiding.

In any case this is such a great book and if you enjoy suspense this a book for you!

Five stars!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

All's Fair In Love and Cupcakes

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About the Book

Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself her is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana. (Goodreads)

My Review

I enjoy reading about friends who end up falling in love because that is what happened to me. This book has a cute idea with cupcakes, a contest, and a nice guy. That being said this book didn't draw me in at all. Lucas and Kat are funny together at times, but this story has been written many times before. I could have guessed the entire story line by reading the back cover. There are no surprises and it does end like you think it will. The contest part is interesting but the relationship part seemed to drag out and was a bit irritating to read. This isn't a bad book, I just wanted something deeper.

If you want a light fluffy romance story you will enjoy.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review." 

Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.

Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party! One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle
• All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!

So grab your copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days Book Review

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 About the Book

In this uplifting book, Holley Gerth invites readers to sit down with her to be filled with the strength, peace, and joy that come from God's promises to us. Each of the 52 devotions based on the Psalms will help weary women remember that God is good and we're all in this together. Whether it's a bad hair day or a broken heart, Holley offers hope and encouragement to get us through whatever life brings.
Women need that kind of encouragement because we all have hard days--days that make us want to give up, retreat inside ourselves, and drown our sorrows in a pint of ice cream. And while we may crave all sorts of things to ease the pain we feel in our hearts, what we really need is truth. We need to be confident in God's character and his promises. We need to remember--and celebrate--who he made us to be. And we need exactly the kind of encouragement Holley Gerth loves to offer. (Goodreads)

My Review

I have read one other book by Holley and she really is inspirational. I wish she was my friend in real life, I feel like I would always feel empowered and meaningful. This book is great for 52 lessons on God's love and understanding along with personal stories. She makes things easy to relate to and understand and adds a blank space for you to write in each time. There are verses obviously but I really like the ones she picks out and how she explains things. If you need some inspiration and a reminder that God loves you and made you for a reason, this book is great!!

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Thief of Glory Book Review

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About the Book

In the tradition of Brock and Bodie Thoene's Zion Chronicles and history-meets-contemporary mysteries like those of bestseller Kate Morton, this WWII drama is both exciting in its revelations and heart-rending in its truth about human nature and forgiveness.

In the early 1940s, Jeremiah Prins was a 12-year-old living a content life as the son of a school headmaster in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). When Holland declared war on the Japanese in 1941, the situation changed swiftly. The Japanese army invaded, and Jeremiah and his family were placed in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp-a camp Jeremiah finally escapes and returns to Holland. Yet wartime complications force him to abandon a marriage engagement with Laura Jensen. The young man flees to California, where he struggles with the lingering anger and war stress he faced as a child.

Determined to find some kind of redemption, a now-elderly Jeremiah tries to make sense of his life by journaling of all that he does not want to reveal to his children about his past, intending to leave his writings as an apology after he is gone.

An online encounter puts Jeremiah in touch with his true love from the war years, Laura, and when they meet again, it triggers the time bomb of long-buried secrets. Even seventy years later, if uncovered, these secrets can harm everyone who matters to Jeremiah. (Goodreads)

My Review

Jeremiah Prins' story is a strong and realistic one that reminds us that his story was experienced not long ago. While fiction, this story has many truths to it as the author goes into details on his past and family. This book, while I love the plot and story line and intense moments, it was really slow for me to read. My favorite parts are the details about what life for Jeremiah was like living in a camp with a bunch of people. The bed bugs, the toilets, the pain, and the death. It's really a sad story but I can't imagine going through that and then having that life as your past. The older Jeremiah is interesting to read about because his memories are so strong, how could they not? Laura, who he does end up finding much later in life, was not in the book as much as I thought she would. The ending was not what I was expecting but still good.

I rate this book four stars because of it's depth of detail during the war and what life was like in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp-a camp.

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."