by admin | Nov 5, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have not read book one in the Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast series but that did not hinder my understanding or enjoyment of “Raining Fools”. When I began reading it my first impression was that it was a book intended for teens due to thoughts and actions expressed by one of the characters. However, as I continued to read the story grew in both scope and depth and ended up being a pretty satisfying book.
Overall “Raining Fools” is a story of second chances, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Bekka had been hurt badly when a previous relationship with Stephen had ended so she was not happy to learn that he was also to be included in the special project her brother Ethan was developing. Stephen had never gotten over Bekka and was trying hard to turn his life around to please her but alcohol and cigarettes were temptations difficult to resist on his own. Lots of old baggage held him back, not the least of which was his own mother. Ethan and Haley seemed to have everything figured out but even they had secrets that could destroy their testimony.
I did enjoy “Raining Fools”. In particular I liked the Stephen’s character was developed, especially why he had come to make the poor choices he had made. A scene between him and Haley was extremely touching and I was happy with his eventual choices regarding his mother. Although “Raining Fools” is technically a romantic novel, it has plenty of “meat” for the reader to chew on. Some may not like the inclusion of some of Stephen’s choices but to me they just help illustrate the changes that are made in his life.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Bekka Winters hung up the phone. Ethan, her brother, needed her help with his new music production studio. She stared at her already packed bags. Why not? She’d just graduated from college and didn’t exactly have a job to go to. Besides, a music video might look good on her resume when she looked for real work.
Stephen Gaines couldn’t believe Ethan had called him after their last blow up. They’d been music partners once. Stephen had ruined that. It was his expertise to wreck relationships especially those he had with women. Fortunately, Ethan didn’t know about him and Bekka. She was the one woman that had broken through to the deep parts of his heart. If only… how many times had he said that in the past? A fresh start is just what he needed.
Bekka’s mind bubbled with ideas for Ethan’s studio. Not to mention she couldn’t wait to see Ethan and Haley, the woman who’d captured her brother’s heart. But when she pulled into the drive and saw the familiar fancy car that Stephen drove, her heart dropped. There was no way she’d let him back into her life.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jackie Castle looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day that she experiences. She is the author of The White Road Chronicles a fantasy series, The Sentinel Archives for school-age readers, and newly released Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series. She has also published articles and short stories in numerous magazines. She’s enjoyed many crazy adventures from working as a hairstylist, to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of being a Story-weaver.
Now she lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins entertaining tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband Bob, their children and grandchild.
Her favorite pastime, besides reading, is traipsing through her imaginary worlds in search of another story.
Find out more about her shenanigans over at Jackie Castle’s Story World: www.jackiecastle.com. There you can also sign up for her monthly newsletter.
GUEST POST FROM JACKIE CASTLE:
I’m best known for my fantasy series, The White Road Chronicles, and I love the make-believe world of Alburnium. But as these stories have traveled towards the ending, I’ve decided to venture into a more modern world. I enjoy a good, clean romance as much as anyone else, and I love writing stories about communities where people band together for the greater good.
So, I came up with Madison Creek, a small town on the verge of dying out. But the people there aren’t ready to give up. They decide that if they band together, maybe they can revive their little lakeside town and make it thrive.
My husband is from Michigan. I’m from California. We met in the middle: Texas. He’s adapted quite well to the south, loving the hot summers, hot food, and well, he simply likes being warm. Though I miss my moderate California, I’ve also grown to love Texas. Whenever we travel up north to visit his family, we lament over to lack of flavorful food and the ability to stay warm. (Even in the summer we’ve had to wear winter coats!!)
We are often teased by his family for how we put two syllables into words such as fire, dead and y’all. (Yes, he’s been in Texas long enough now to have developed a bit of a twang). I don’t know how many times we’ve talked about moving up north to open a BBQ joint so there’d be somewhere good to eat. Except, we both hate the cold and I’m sure I’d never survive a Michigan winter. I spent two weeks up there once in December, and swore I’d never do that again. I mean, 4 feet of snow in one night? Good Lord have mercy!
Basically, that’s how I came up with Haley Madison, the blond Texas gal who inherited her grandpop’s farmland in Madison Creek, Michigan. Her life has been one big mess after another and she’s determined to take this opportunity to set things right. She’s lived on ranches for over half her life and loves to cook a lot of food for folks. (My family was always big on cooking lots of food at holiday gatherings, so it just seems natural.)
Haley ends up meeting Ethan Winters, who she calls the handsome Yankee that plays a violin. The first book, Snow Belle is about how they meet. The second book, Raining Fools, continues Ethan and Haley’s story in the background. But in Raining Fools, you’ll meet Ethan’s sister Bekka and his best friend, Stephen Gaines who have a history with each other that neither cares to remember, except those old feelings they had for each other refuse to go away. Bekka, though strong in her faith, is uncertain about what God wants her to do with her life. Stephen, a playboy with a troubled past, appreciates his friend’s strong faith, but believes God doesn’t care about the ‘little people.’ At least, not until a series of mishaps has him taking a second look at the Winters’ beliefs.
What I hope people take away from my story beside an entertaining tale, is that God loves them. That they belong to a kingdom that’s bigger than themselves. That we are stronger together than apart. These are themes that readers can find in my stories.
I have several more ideas for novels and novellas that will continue Haley and Ethan’s story while we meet various people who visit the B&B when they come to Madison Creek hoping to start a new life. My hope is that readers will come to enjoy visiting this quirky little town as much as I do when I write the stories. Texas might have its spicy food and natural ruggedness, but I do love Michigan’s wild beauty and kindhearted folks. I just love it more in the summertime.
BLOG STOPS:
November 3: Quiet Quilter
November 4: Bibliophile Reviews
November 5: Daysong Reflections
November 6: Proud to be an autism mom
November 7: Reviewing Novels Online
November 8: Janet Pecorella
November 8: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
November 9: Moments Dipped in Ink
November 10: A Greater Yes
November 11: Blogging With Carol
November 12: inklings and notions
November 13: Carpe Diem
November 14: Mom Is Forever
November 15: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
November 16: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Jackie is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter;
be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/a81d
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by admin | Oct 28, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I have sat at my computer for awhile trying to decide how to write a review that will even come close to doing justice to this magnificent book. It is at times like these that I know how inferior my writing is by comparison and I almost hesitate to put my thoughts to the page.
When I saw the cover of “Long Way Gone” I knew it was a book I wanted to read, a story I had to hear. I was certainly not disappointed because the words within the cover were every bit as powerful as the image on the outside. My daddy loved music and my mama sang in the choir so my sisters and I were exposed from a very young age and music is still very important to us. I have never quite heard music described as eloquently as Charles Martin expressed in this novel. I was thoroughly hooked before I even got to the meat of the story.
As many have said, “Long Way Gone” is a contemporary story of a prodigal. It is a tale that will bring most readers to tears at one point and have them laughing at another. Then there are those Holy Ghost moments where you just want to throw up your hands and praise God. I pretty much loved everything about the book and can already think of several people who MUST read it.
“Long Way Gone” really needs a soundtrack. Descriptions of Cooper’s and Daley’s songs left me wanting to hear them. It would be wonderful if movie negotiations were in the works so that it could come to pass.
“Long Way Gone” is probably the best book I have read in years and I have read a lot of books. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy for yourself and your reader friends who love music.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.”
At the age of eighteen, musician and songwriter Cooper O’Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish.
Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns home to the remote Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith.
When Daley shows up on his street corner twenty years later, he wonders if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past—and if he is ready to face it himself.
A radical retelling of the prodigal son story, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Charles Martin is the author of nine novels (Unwritten, Thunder and Rain, The Mountain Between Us, Where the River Ends, Wrapped in Rain, Chasing Fireflies, Maggie, When Crickets Cry, and The Dead Don’t Dance. He currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and family. Learn more about him at charlesmartinbooks.com. Facebook: Author.Charles.Martin Twitter: @storiedcareer
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by admin | Oct 21, 2016 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
One of the special perks of being a book blogger is the opportunity to start my Christmas season early by reading some wonderful Christian Christmas fiction months in advance. This week I was happy to escape for a few hours into Cindy Woodsmall’s Christmas novella “The Angel of Forest Hill”, a sweet Amish romance.
Rose Kurtz is a young Amish woman who has lived a difficult life as the lone sister of eleven brothers. Her self-esteem is at rock bottom and her soul longs for kindness when she is asked to help out a family hours away. When she arrives Rose learns that Joel Dienner’s wife has just died, leaving him with a new baby and two other small children. At the bishop’s suggestion, Rose agrees to marry Joel in order to help care for the children without causing a scandal. The story progresses over several years with highlights of her life with Joel’s family and the development of their relationship.
“The Angel of Forest Hill” is an emotional story of a deeply wounded young woman and a grieving husband. I enjoyed watching Rose bloom under Joel’s kindness and being away from her mother’s demeaning comments. The difficulty Rose and Joel had communicating their feelings was quite believable under the circumstances although frustrating at times. I loved how the story was resolved with forgiveness and restoration at the end.
Such a fitting story for the Christmas season. Be sure and pick up a copy for a cozy evening by the fire.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging for Books. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Old Order Amish Rose Kurtz is asked to leave her family, travel deep into West Virginia, and help Joel Dienner with his children in the wake of tragedy, the quiet young woman recognizes a home where she might find kindness instead of criticism. Hope replacing harsh words. She agrees to stay in Forest Hill and become Joel’s wife for the sake of his family needs, but their marriage is to be a partnership, one built from need, not love and affection.
As the years pass Rose continues to beckon Joel to join life again, to take joy in his growing children, and to awaken his heart to the possibility of new love. Joel, too, hopes that Rose can move beyond deep-rooted hurts to see the beautiful Christmas ahead, their season— and Joel’s longing for more than friendship. But will the arrival of a beautiful widow and a series of misunderstandings threaten to reverse how far Rose and Joel have come?
Filled with deep emotion and the wonder of the season of Christ’s birth, The Angel of Forest Hill invites readers experience an amazing journey toward love and belonging.
Read an excerpt of The Angel of Forest Hill
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of more than a dozen novels. Her connection with the Amish community has been widely featured in national media outlets from ABC Nightline to the Wall Street Journal and a National Geographic documentary on Amish life. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.
Visit Cindy on her blog at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.
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by admin | Oct 21, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
One thing I like very much about Suzanne Woods Fisher’s novels is that although her stories usually feature a primary character, they revolve around that character’s entire family and/or community. I have especially loved that aspect of The Bishop’s Family series. In this third volume of the series, Bishop David Stoltzfus’ daughter Ruthie is the focus but as usual I was able to keep up with much of what was going on with other family members and friends from the previous books.
One thing I loved about “The Devoted” is that is wasn’t the usual romance novel. Yes, there was absolutely some romance in it but it wasn’t the center of attention. This book is such a human interest story with several intersecting story-lines. I thought it was a genius move to have Ruthie so dissatisfied with Amish life only to have Patrick, an Englisher show up wanting to become Amish. Patrick’s fresh view of life in Stoney Ridge gave Ruthie at least a few things to ponder. If I were part of an Amish community, I would definitely want a bishop like David, a man devoted to his family and community and so filled with God’s wisdom. His concern about how their new wealth was affecting the community is something that could apply to most Christians today.
“The Devoted” is a sweet, sweet story with more than one lesson that could be useful to many readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one by this author.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase.
Restless and adventurous, Ruthie Stoltzfus is right on the cusp of leaving her Amish home. Secretly, she’s earned her GED, saved her money—but she can’t quite set her journey into motion. Just as everything falls into place, along comes Patrick Kelly.
Patrick is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time is of the essence and every moment is to be cherished—especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.
Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back—and Patrick Kelly is in his way.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a story of dreams deferred—and the promise of hopes fulfilled.
Read an excerpt from “The Devoted” HERE.
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
BLOG STOPS:
October 18: cherylbbookblog
October 18: Blogging With Carol
October 18: Mary Hake
October 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
October 19: Simple Harvest Reads
October 20: Singing Librarian Books
October 20: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
October 21: Seasons of Opportunities
October 21: Daysong Reflections
October 22: Back Porch Reads
October 22: Southern Gal Loves to Read
October 23: Lighthouse Academy
October 23: The Power of Words
October 24: Bigreadersite
October 24: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
October 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
October 25: Artistic Nobody
October 25: Donna’s BookShelf
October 26: Pause for Tales
October 26: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
October 26: Bukwurmzzz
October 27: Splashes of Joy
October 27: Bibliophile Reviews
October 28: ASC Book Reviews
October 28: Vic’s Media Room
October 28: inklings and notions
October 29: Jeanette’s Thoughts
October 29: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
October 30: A Baker’s Perspective
October 30: Book by Book
October 30: Quiet Quilter
October 31: Two Girls and a Book
October 31: Blossoms and Blessings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a copy of The Devoted and an iPad Mini 2 16GB!
Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a60b
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by admin | Oct 21, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Lexi Eddings was a new author to me but I agreed to review “The Coldwater Warm Hearts Club” based almost entirely on its gorgeous cover art. With a cover that beautiful, how good the book not be good as well? I am happy to say that I enjoyed the book equally as much as I liked its cover.
With an ample supply of interesting and sometimes even quirky characters, “The Coldwater Warm Hearts Club” is a tale that invited me in and encouraged me to stay awhile within its pages. It’s one of those “you can’t go home again” stories that pretty much disproves that old adage by its end but it takes awhile for Lacy to understand that Coldwater is exactly where she belongs. Returning home broken and ashamed, Lacy Evans just wants to get back on her feet so she can leave Coldwater again. But an unlikely old friend and the help of the Warm Hearts Club show Lacy that there is more to life than what she considers success.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Coldwater, especially getting to spend time with some of its special residents. I particularly liked Jacob Tyler and his mostly positive attitude considering his circumstances and rooted for him to win Lacey’s heart even when it was beginning to look doubtful.
I am still not entirely certain if this book fits within my usual Christian fiction parameters but overall I found it to be a clean read with a good positive message. The plot was well written with an inviting and easy-to-read style and held my attention throughout. I am hoping to have a chance to read other books in this series soon.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For Lacy Evans, returning to flyover country is the definition of failure. She had everything she wanted—an award-winning design firm, a chic city condo, a handsome, aristocratic almost-fiancé. Then her boyfriend ran off with her receptionist and her clients’ money. Now she’s out of business and crashing on her parents’ couch. When she slides into a booth at the Green Apple Grill, she’s feeling lower than a worm’s belly.
But Lacy’s old classmate Jacob Tyler is happy to see her. Coldwater’s football hero came back from Afghanistan short part of a leg and some peace of mind, but he’s counting his blessings, and Lacy could be one of them. Then there’s her ex Daniel, wearing a sheriff’s badge and a wedding ring but looking like young summer love. And a host of unlikely serendipities: the selfish do-gooders who sneak around taming curmudgeons and constructing second chances, The Fighting Marmots and the sprawling, take-no-prisoners Bugtussle clan.
Lacy thought she knew her hometown, and herself. She just wanted to get on her feet and keep running. But the longer she stays, the more she finds to change her mind . . .
Read an excerpt HERE.
Coming September 27th to these fine stores!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lexi is the award-winning author of the Coldwater Cove series, a collection she describes as big stories in a small town…with Ozark snark! Her goal is to make her readers laugh a little, cry a little and then leave them with a guaranteed happy ending. When she’s not writing, she loves singing, reading and spending time with her kids and pets. She also loves traveling with her husband who’s taken her on more adventures than she deserves!
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by admin | Oct 16, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I remember reading the two books of Bunn’s Reluctant Prophet series (“The Warning” and “The Ultimatum”) nearly twenty years ago (could it be that long?!) and then watching later as much of his warnings seemed to play out in real life. I didn’t know if this author was a prophet or someone who just knew finance and paid close attention to what was happening in that world. I did decide that I could trust that his research for his novels would be thorough.
Well, Davis Bunn is back with another financial thriller in his latest novel “The Domino Effect”. As usual, the story itself is riveting with plenty of drama, action, and dangerous situations. I was almost unable to put the book down before I finished it. I had to admire the heroine Esther Larsen for her courage and determination to do what was right even at her own risk. Although it did not come as a total surprise, I did find it somewhat frightening to read about how close the world could be to a total financial disaster due to the manipulation of the markets by large and powerful banks.
Mr. Bunn provide a wealth of information within this suspenseful story. I cannot say that it was exactly a pleasure to read because the subject matter is so crucial, especially if it is based on true possibilities as I believe it must be. “The Domino Effect” is a novel that should grab the attention of its readers and give them some serious matters to consider about how they handle their own money in the future.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging Bistro. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats
Esther Larsen, a leading risk analyst at one of the country’s largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to overshadow 2008’s market crash. And as her own employer pursues “investment” strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. Yet what can one person really do?
The markets are edging closer to a tipping point–like the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther does sound the alarm, she wonders if anyone will take her seriously. But as public support grows for her ideas, so does the desperation of those whose conspiracy of greed she seeks to expose. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race with the clock to avert a worldwide financial meltdown.
This fast-paced suspense novel will make you wonder where the fiction ends and reality begins. . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.
His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.
Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford. Visit Davis at http://www.davisbunn.com/
Davis’s other online outposts:
Download a free PDF of Davis Bunn’s published novels: http://bit.ly/1nUdVIb
Subscribe to Davis’s e-newsletter: Send a blank email to davisbunn@aweber.com
Receive Davis’s latest blog posts via your feed reader: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/davisbunn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davisbunn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/davisbunn/
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