by admin | May 20, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Janice Thompson just has to be the queen of taking a slight misunderstanding and stretching it for all it is worth into a hilarious scene or two. She is also quite adept in coming up with one-liners that might just have her readers laughing out loud or perhaps rolling in the floor. Janice is one funny author but she tempers the laughs with practical and spiritual wisdom that her readers can take with them into real life situations.
“Every Bride Has Her Day” is the third and final installment in the Brides With Style series. It wraps up Katie and Brady’s story quite nicely as they are the main focus of the series. Now that the pair are engaged, they have a wedding to plan but as can be imagined, there are multiple complications along the way. Everyone, and I mean everyone has an idea about when, where, and how their wedding should take place. No one seems to have a clue that it is their wedding.
Janice outdid herself with the romance in this one. Romance seems to be coming out of the woodwork and grabbing everyone in its path. Why, a girl cannot even get through her own engagement party without someone else receiving a proposal and weddings seem to be fair game for similar scenarios. So for those who just cannot get enough romance, “Every Bride Has Her Day” should provide it in abundance.
“Every Bride Has Her Day” is the perfect home town romance filled with the unique and quirky characters Janice is well known for. Aunt Alva alone is enough due to her witty and sometimes clueless statements.
I hate to see this series end and am also sorry that Revell did not see fit to renew this author’s contract. But I am happy to know that I will continue to see her light-hearted stories available in other outlets in the future.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
the author and by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Katie’s determined to make it down the aisle this time–but it may be easier said than done
Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can’t wait to start planning their life together. But it’s hard to focus on her own happily ever after when her calendar is filling up with celebrations for friends and family. Beyond that, it seems everyone around her has an opinion–and a strong one at that–on what Katie’s special day should look like. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her storybook wedding? Or will her overzealous friends and relations make a mess of everything?
Read an excerpt from “Every Bride Has Her Day” HERE.
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.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | American Revolution, Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Oh my, what a book! There is no way I can do justice in describing the absolute genius of Lori Benton. The way she gets right to the heart of her characters makes me feel like I know them. She is not afraid to tackle difficult situations but does it with such finesse and grace. I was blown away by the opening words of her very first book, “Burning Sky” but “A Flight of Arrows” dug deep into my soul and brought forth emotions I was mostly unaware existed. I am one who does not cry easily these days but this book brought me to tears.
“A Flight of Arrows” continues the story that began in “The Woods Edge” but those who have read Lori’s books from the very beginning might find some other familiar faces here. Just keep your eyes open for them. Anna and Two Hawks’ story is continued as he, Stone Thrower, and Reginald Aubrey attempt to locate William in the midst of heated battles with the British and their Indian war parties.
This book is so filled with quotable lines that it would be difficult for me to choose one to share. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, forgiveness and sacrifice, joy and grief. But most of all it is a glorious picture of the grace of God and how he works in hearts that are open to Him and how redemption can come through tragic circumstances.
I cannot say more for fear of spoilers. Just read this book! You will not regret it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hearts are Divided
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance
Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.
Book 2 in the Pathfinder Series
Click here to download Chapter 1 of A Flight of Arrows
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Silence in the Dark” is the final book in Bradley’s Logan Point series. A tale of second chances in both love and faith, it starts off with a bang and the suspense continues for the remainder of the story.
Bailey Adams broke her engagement with Danny Maxwell and fled to the mission fields in Mexico because what she always did when afraid was to run. Little did she expect to run into Danny in Mexico, much less have him rescue her and the little girl she had agreed to escort back to the states. The question is – who exactly is after Bailey…or is it the little girl they want? And who is the mysterious man who goes by the name of Angel and can they trust him and Danny with their lives?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Silence in the Dark”. It was easy to relate to the characters and to understand what drove them. I could appreciate how Bailey’s experiences had made her doubt her faith but was happy to see its renewal before the conclusion. I also liked how at times the suspense was very intense but would level off long enough for me to catch my breath before revving up again. Second chances at love are always a plus in my estimation and had high hopes for Bailey and Danny getting back together.
Patricia Bradley has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and “Silence in the Dark” just confirms that for me. I recommend it and the entire series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.
When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan–neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what’s coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?
With lean, fast-paced prose that will keep you turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is a published short story writer and cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
by admin | May 20, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
ABOUT
MY REVIEW:
Suzanne Woods Fisher never ceases to amaze me with her often unique plot twists that always keep me reading far into the night. Most people know that I am not the biggest fan of Amish fiction but I will always make an exception for her books.
I loved how several members of David Stoltzfus’ family showed up unannounced to “help” at the first hint of trouble in his new community – even if they were not exactly wanted. A bossy, interfering mother/grandmother was not his family’s idea of help and cousin Abigail was just weird. What was especially fun for me was the fact that weird Abigail turned out to be the highlight of the book, especially her unexpected romance with equally “different” Dane. The two of them were quite the pair and Abigail learned a lot about accepting herself with all her foibles as she began to see herself through Dane’s eyes.
“The Quieting” follows up the previous novel from The Bishop’s Family series so it would be a good idea to read “The Imposter” first. The reader learns more about the growing problems in the church that has begun to divide the community and David’s dilemma about how to solve the situation in a merciful manner.
I really enjoyed “The Quieting” which had a good blend of drama, humor, and romance as well as a focus on spiritual wisdom. I would happily recommend both books of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group.
THE BOOK:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
Purchase your copy of The Quieting 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:
May 17: Singing Librarian Books
May 17: Heidi Reads…
May 18: Just Commonly
May 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 19: ASC Book Reviews
May 19: A Holland Reads
May 20: Inklings and Notions
May 20: Quiet Quilter
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 21: cherylbbookblog
May 22: The Power of Words
May 22: Giveaway Lady
May 23: Texas Book-aholic
May 23: Splashes of Joy
May 24: Lane Hill House
May 24: Book by Book
May 24: Mary Hake
May 25: Jeanette’s Thoughts
May 25: Seasons of Opportunities
May 26: Book bites, Bee Stings & Butterfly Kisses
May 26: For the Love of Books
May 27: Southern Gal Loves to Read
May 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 28: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 28: Cassandra M’s Place
May 29: Bukwurmzzz
May 29: Bigreadersite
May 30: Blossoms and Blessings
GUEST POST FROM SUZANNE WOODS FISHER:
Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.
As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”
In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.
This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!
Warmly, Suzanne
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8
by admin | May 18, 2016 | Giveaways
Today is release day for the final installment of Brides With Style, Janice Thompson’s romantic comedy series. To help celebrate, I have one copy to give to some lucky reader.
Be sure and come back for my review of Every Bride Has Her Day within the next week.
Answer the question in the comments on this page and after doing so, please use Rafflecopter to enter.
United States residents only please.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
