by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Amish Christmas at North Star” was a bit different from most Amish books I have read. A collection of four novellas written by four different authors, each story features one of four babies born on the same snowy night almost twenty-five years earlier. Not only does each story contain a romance, but each of them has a unique twist that often is just a bit of mystery.
I loved reading these stories by some of my favorite authors. Strong characters and interesting plots held my interest with no problem. I was particularly blessed by the compelling redemptive message of forgiveness and healing expressed by each of the novellas.
I believe that all readers who enjoy Amish or Christmas fiction would enjoy “Amish Christmas at North Star”. It is the perfect book for a cozy chair next to a blazing fire this Christmas season.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife on the edge of North Star, Pennsylvania.
On a cold, snowy night almost twenty-five years ago, Rebekah, an Amish midwife, delivered four babies. Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now young adults. In four heartwarming novellas, each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.
Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa, will his discoveries upend her world?
Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.? Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great-nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?
In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love. But when he is unexpectedly called home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.
Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Paralyzed” is a heart-pounding suspense that takes the reader right into the experiences of Kennedy Stern. Daughter of missionaries, Kennedy is pretty much on her own in the U.S. while attending college. As a survivor of a recent abduction, Kennedy has returned to her classes but nightmares and flashbacks seem to haunt her when least expected. Is it just her imagination or is someone still determined to eliminate her? If only she can pray enough and make good enough grades, she believes she will be okay.
Alana Terry has such a way with words that I was pulled right into the story and did not want to put the book down until I reached its end. The author vividly describes the frightening life of a person suffering from PTSD and at times I almost felt as if I were experiencing it along with Kennedy. The story deals with some tough subject matter but it is handled very well.
I have not read the previous book in this series but I have it on my Kindle and plan to read the first part of this story asap. I recommend it heartily to those who enjoy a fast-paced suspense. Why don’t you check it out soon? The author is currently offering a free digital copy on her website at http://www.alanaterry.com/free-novel.html
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kennedy Stern has returned to campus after surviving an abduction, but old scars cut deep. Vivid flashbacks and terrifying dreams paralyze her, threatening to ruin her academic career and any chance she has at peace or happiness. This mental anguish, however, constitutes only a small fraction of her post-traumatic nightmare.
A partner in Kennedy’s kidnapping remains at large and will not stop until he has silenced her witness permanently. His violent resolve risks not only her life, but the safety of anyone who tries to help.
Kennedy must engage in a deadly battle of the mind as she struggles to stay alive. While fighting on two fronts — one psychological and one physical — the question isn’t whether she’ll come out of the war stronger in the end.
The question is whether she’ll come out of it at all.
The newest release from inspirational suspense author, Alana Terry, who Christian Fiction has won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and several others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Alana isn’t writing, it’s likely that she’s on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she’s probably not cooking or cleaning.
Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.
Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for “The Beloved Daughter,” her debut inspirational novel.
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
After reading “Whispers in the Reading Room” as well as the previous two novels in Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, I seriously hope that the author will continue to provide books of this vein. I consider her to be one of the better authors of Amish fiction but I much prefer this series.
As a voracious reader myself, I can certainly identify with Lydia’s love of books and also found the mysterious male book lover who frequented the reading room to be of great interest. I loved both characters and although I knew they would eventually end up together, it was so entertaining to read about their interactions and exploits as Lydia and Sebastian hoped to find the actual person responsible for murder. Sebastian was a true gentleman despite his humble background and his questionable occupation. Despite Lydia’s own negative opinion of herself, I found her to be a strong and very likable heroine. The plot moved along at just the right pace and descriptions of different settings, characters, and society practices brought the story to life.
As always, I enjoyed seeing the true villains get their just comeuppance and an unlikely pair rewarded with true love. Loved this book so I recommend it and the entire series to those who love historical romance with a large dollop of suspense.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
by admin | Dec 1, 2015 | Christian CDs, Christmas, Giveaways, Music
I have one copy of the Chris Tomlin CD “Adore” to give away this week. I you would like a chance to win it, please leave a comment below no later than Friday, December 4.
“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.”
by admin | Dec 1, 2015 | Christian CDs, Christmas, Music
MY REVIEW:
My first listen to “Adore” was in the car with my husband and may I say I was underwhelmed? The volume was down low and I could not concentrate on the music because of conversation and road noise. At that point I would have given it a ho hum review. The next time I needed to make a trip in the car I decided to give it another chance. I was alone and could crank up the volume without annoying my husband. I also do my best listening in the car since I usually have at least a thirty minute drive with very few distractions other than traffic.
Second time was a charm. At the greater volume the songs literally came alive. Without distractions I was also able to actually understand the lyrics. As usual, Chris Tomlin came through with his own interpretation to several well-known Christmas songs – sometimes by the addition of lyrics and other times by creating a unique medley of several songs. Other unfamiliar songs were also excellent and the combination of songs is one that relates the true meaning of Christmas and should help bring listeners to worship. I can imagine that many worship services may include some of these songs during this Christmas season. One particular line that has stuck with me is “Jesus, the love song of God”. How meaningful is that?
With a wonderful list of songs and such a great group of guest artists, “Adore” is certain to be a favorite for years to come.
A copy of this CD was provided by Flyby Promotions in exchange for my honest review.
This new Christmas album released on October 23, 2015. It features classic Christmas songs with a mix of original Christmas songs. There are special guest performances from Lauren Daigle, All Sons & Daughters, Crowder, and more on this album.
Songs:
1. He Shall Reign Forevermore
2. Adore
3. Midnight Clear (Love Song)
4. Noel featuring Lauren Daigle
5. Hymn Of Joy
6. Silent Night featuring Kristyn Getty
7. What Child Is This? featuring All Sons & Daughters
8. It’s Christmas
9. A King Like This
10. Bethlehem
11. A Christmas Alleluia featuring Lauren Daigle & Leslie Jordan of All Sons & Daughters
 |
Chris Tomlin is an American contemporary Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter who has sold nearly 30 million records. Some of his most well-known songs are “How Great Is Our God”, “Jesus Messiah”, “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”, “Our God”, and “Whom Shall I Fear”. His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No.1. Throughout his career, Chris has been nominated for 32 Dove Awards (6 of them collaborative efforts) and he has won 19 of them. |
SOCIAL • CORNER
by admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Book two in Thompson’s Brides With Style series continues Katie Fisher’s tale. Still happy working in the Dallas bridal salon and pretty sure she is in love with Brady James, Katie is blind-sided by a few things that make her question her choices. What is a gal to do when the man she thought she would marry turns up in her life again and all signs point to his wanting to renew their relationship – especially when the man she loves has suddenly gone into a depression and seems to be avoiding her?
In her unique style, Janice Thompson has once again offered her readers a humorous yet thoughtful novel that is brimming over with romance. Her characters are fresh and lovable and the plot just grabs you and pulls you along for the ride. I loved reading about the preparations and showers for Katie’s grandmother’s wedding. My, there were some laugh-out-loud scenes there, especially the one involving the wedding punch. You just have to read it!
But seriously, almost hiding behind all the fun and romance is a strong lesson about not trying to micromanage our lives but to just relax and let God have control. One more reminder of why I love Janice’s books.
If you have never read a Janice Thompson novel, please take my advice and pick up both books in this series. If you have any sense of humor at all, I think you will love them.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How can she choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath?
Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. Katie’s almost-fiancé Casey is back in Fairfield, ready to rekindle their relationship. And there’s nothing Katie’s parents want more than for their small-town girl to leave Dallas and come home for good.
But can she really leave Brady behind? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.
