by admin | Nov 23, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Each year I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novel. I would be extremely disappointed if she decided to stop writing them. At this point, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one. As expected, her latest, “The Christmas Cat” did not disappoint. It was a short and sweet story that contained a timely message appropriate to the season.
I felt immediate sympathy for Garrison and his aversion to his grandmother’s houseful of cats because of his allergic reaction to them. How would he ever meet the requirements of her will without becoming ill himself? I especially liked how Garrison found just the right owners for each of the cats and the special effects the cats had on their new owners. Most of all, I loved the changes in Garrison himself as he honored his grandmother’s last wishes and found himself blessed for it.
“The Christmas Cat” is a heartwarming tale that can be read in one evening. Do yourself a favor and begin a Christmas tradition with Melody Carlson’s Christmas books. I think you will love them as much as I do.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he’d thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat.
After years abroad, Garrison Brown finds himself at the home of his beloved grandmother who has just passed away. He must sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly–especially since he is severely allergic to cats–his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends.
Can he match the cats with the perfect new owners? And is it possible that he might meet his own match along the way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, as well as The Christmas Pony and A Simple Christmas Wish. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 22, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Melody Carlson has a gift of taking the ordinary and giving it an entirely new twist. She has managed to do this once again in her latest YA novel, “Trading Secrets”, a story about penpals, one Amish and one Englisch who finally have a chance to meet after corresponding for several years.
There is only one catch, Micah’s Amish penpal Zach believes she is a guy and she has not found a way to tell him the truth. A trip to his family home exposes her secret and the response is not exactly positive. Every attempt to return home early meets with a problem and she is forced to spend more than one extra day with Zach’s family and his mother is less than welcoming.
I enjoyed Micah’s visit to “Amishland” as well as getting an intimate look into Zach’s life from his own point of view. The story is fresh and honest with ample drama, emotion, and humor with just a tiny touch of potential romance. I am uncertain whether a sequel is planned for “Trading Secrets” but its ending leaves it wide open for one. I would love to find out if a more serious relationship develops between Micah and Zach in the future.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The truth may set you free–but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.
Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters–and many secrets–with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah’s kept quiet on the biggest secret of all–the fact that despite her name, she’s a girl.
Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach’s Amish farm, but she’s more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I was not sure what to expect when I realized that this book was about a TV reality show competition. I mean, how lame could that be? That was pretty much my son’s reaction when he saw me reading it. Well, I am here to tell you, it may be about reality television but it is a story that has heart.
With a setting that should be quite familiar to fans of the “Survivor” series, “Last Family Standing” chronicles Monica’s experience as a reluctant competitor. How difficult would it be to meet the daughter you gave up for adoption over twenty years later in front of millions of viewers on a popular TV show? Monica rises to the challenge because she wants to meet that daughter no matter what it takes.
I enjoyed reading all the behind-the-scenes details as well as the interaction between the characters, both competitors and staff. Monica turned out to be a very special person whose approach to life was authentic and caring – even if she did tend to be a klutz. The story is filled with both drama and humor plus a touch of romance. I could say more but find it difficult to avoid doing so without spoilers – and we know how readers hate those.
“Last Family Standing” is a wonderful, positive story that you will not be sorry you read.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Every family has drama . . . but it doesn’t usually play out on national television.
Twenty-five years ago, Monica gave up a baby girl for adoption. Now, the thing Monica didn’t dare hope for has happened: Jessica has reentered her life… and wants to meet her. There’s just one catch: the reunion must happen on a reality TV show. Though Monica has hesitations, she’s willing to swallow her pride—and a few other unsavory items—if that’s what it takes to connect with her daughter. Between the unpleasant surprises of nature, the awkward tension with other cast mates, and her desperate attempts to do or be anything remotely athletic, Monica quickly learns that reality bites… hard. It all might make for good TV, but it isn’t very helpful in building relationships. As she stumbles through challenges and faces buried emotions and regrets, Monica wonders if she can be what her daughter wants and needs—and is that more than just a teammate? Can Monica and Jessica ever really be the Last Family Standing?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Jennifer isn’t spinning tales, she can be found reading, spending time with family and friends, and singing at the top her lungs to whatever happens to be playing on the radio. Her novels include The Love of His Brother (Five Star, 2/07), The Pastor’s Wife (Abingdon Press, 2/10), The Mother Road (Abingdon Press, 4/12) and A Wild Goose Chase Christmas (Abingdon Press, 11/12). Diamond in the Rough, Vanishing Act, and Curtain Call make up the historical romance series co-written with Lisa Karon Richardson, and released by Whitaker House. Comfort and Joy, part of the Mistletoe Memories novella anthology, released 9/13 from Barbour House. Future novels from Abingdon Press are Last Family Standing (9/14) and Vinnie’s Diner (4/15). Jennifer is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
Jennifer resides in the grace-filled city of Las Vegas with her family. Visit her website at www.jenniferallee.com
by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Books, Christmas, ebook, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that encompasses Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is nice to find a bit of stolen time to relax with a book. The novellas that comprise The 12 Brides of Christmas novella series are absolutely perfect for that. I woke early one morning this week and instead of rattling around in the kitchen, I decided to let my husband sleep. In my comfy recliner, I was able to finish “The Nativity Bride” before he woke.
“The Nativity Bride” is a story about lost love, family secrets, broken family relationships, dedication to family, and second chances. The author managed to pack quite a lot into this short but emotional story that illustrates the affect that personal disappointments can have on future generations.
I loved this sweet story of forgiveness and restoration. I hope you will also.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Deborah Summers has waited five years and prayed for Curt Warren to return to Goldendale, Washington, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. When tragedy finally brings him home, will a rift with his father drive him away too quickly?
More About The Nativity Bride with Miralee Ferrell
A devoted young woman who cared for her mother rather than follow after the man she loved, Deborah’s heart springs to life when he returns for a brief visit. Once there, love flames anew but, as usual, misunderstandings abound.
What can a beautifully carved nativity set have to do with it?
And will she make a choice to love in spite of circumstances?
Set in beautiful Goldendale, Washington, The Nativity Bride‘s hero Curt is an honorable man struggling with a difficult past. Will he be able to overcome his disappointments to find happiness?
Who is Miralee Ferrell?
Miralee’s an avid reader and has a large collection of first edition Zane Grey books, which inspired her desire to write fiction set in the Old West. She rides horseback with her adult daughter and lives with her husband on 11 acres along the Columbia River in southern Washington.
For more information about Miralee, please visit her website: miraleeferrell.com
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter
