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Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Book Review: The Amish Widow's Rescue by Rachel J. Good

The Amish Widow's Rescue

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community. But it's difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, and her two mischievous children. Especially now that they've taken to idolizing their neighbor Elijah. While the handsome farmer is kind and generous, he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance...


Elijah Beiler has always admired his neighbor Grace. So standing by while she struggles to support her family isn't an option. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Rachel J. Good


Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel loves to travel and visit many different Amish communities.
Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – Sisters & Friends series, Love & Promises series, and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books and the contemporary novella, Angels Unaware, part of the Hope Chapel series. In addition, she has stories in the anthologies Springs of Love and Love’s Thankful Heart.
She’d love to have you visit her website, or connect with her on FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter, and Bookbub. Rachel also enjoys meeting readers and will be doing talks and booksignings around the country this year. To find out more about Rachel and her books, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q




MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Widow’s Rescue by Rachel J. Good is book three in her Love and Promises series. Though part of a series, this is a standalone novel. I have read one of the books and I had no problem following along. I love reading anything that this author puts out. I know that with her books they will be clean, wholesome, with well written characters and a unique story line. In this story we meet Grace Fisher. She is newly widowed and pregnant. She is determined to make it on her own. She has a jam business. Elijah Beiler is kind of reclusive. However he has always admired Grace.  But I really liked his character. Will they find love? Read this story to find out. The author has done a really good job with her characters for this series. 

Many thanks to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: Louisiana Latte by Rebecca Henry on tour with Silver Dagger Tours



Louisiana Latte
by Rebecca Henry
Genre: Chick-Lit Comedy



Deb hadn’t flown in over 20 years. In 1989, at the age of 22, Deb was enrolled at Griffiss Airforce Base to become a commercial pilot. Somewhere between dating her yuppie fiancĂ© and planning their wedding in Chicago, Deb developed claustrophobia—a fear of enclosed spaces. I blame the yuppie. Deb couldn’t get on a plane for love that day, but she could do it 20 years later for money. Money was worth dying for.



Goodreads:





About the Author

Rebecca Henry is a newly published author. Her debut novel is The Lady Raven, A Dark Cinderella Tale, which was published in 2017. The Lady Raven, is for those who have an infinity for fairy tales retold with a link to witches, magic and the macabre. Her second novel, Louisiana Latte, a chick lit comedy was released February 28th 2019. Louisiana Latte, is a feel good comedy that focuses on the bonds of sisters, and how audacious life can be when you have a diva for one! Both books are available on amazon as well as Barnes & Noble.

Rebecca Henry is a world traveler living abroad in England. Besides being an author of two published books, Rebecca is also a podcast talk host on the show The Latte Talk. The podcast was inspired by her latest novel, Louisiana Latte and her diva sister Deb. She is a serious vegan, gardener, crafter, wife and mom who practices yoga. She loves to laugh, her drug of choice and loves all things witchy with a hint of the macabre. Her favorite holiday is Halloween and her favorite movie of all time is Practical Magic. 



Author Links

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I was drawn in by the description of it. This book is about two sisters, who are on a business trip together and are reminiscing. These sisters live two completely separate lives. I have 3 sisters who live 833 miles from me so I can understand the need to catch up, relive memories and vent when you get together. This book is a short, enjoyable read. I love that the characters are well written. I was chuckling a lot while I was reading along. I love the sisterly bond that I felt while I was reading. It made me miss my sisters. This book has a great storyline that flows along nicely.

I recieved a copy of this book through the Silver Dagger Blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
Giveaway



Louisiana Latte Swag Pack
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!


BOOK REVIEW: Killer Exposure by Jessica R. Patch LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE

Killer Exposure

ABOUT THE BOOK
A killer with a secret motive…

A mother with a secret baby

Crime scene photographer Greer Montgomery didn’t expect to witness a murder at a small-town carnival—nor to be rescued by the father of her secret baby. A storm chaser, Locke Gallagher often stares down death, but he’s never known true fear until Greer’s life is at risk. But how can he protect his newly discovered family when the killer could be anyone

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

essica is the author of the contemporary romance series Seasons of Hope and several Love Inspired Suspense novels. No matter what genre she’s writing in, you’ll always find romance, adventure, some laughs, and a heap of hope. Check out her book club page for bonus features and extras, and don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to stay “Patched In.”


Jessica lives in the mid-south with her handsome husband, her college bound daughter and her middle-schooler son.
MY THOUGHTS

WOW. That was my reaction as soon as I finished the book. I thought I had the killer figured out - but BOY was I wrong. I love everything that this author puts out. She has a way of pulling you in and causing you to cancel all of your plans to make sure you finish the book. I read most of this book sitting  at the beach. While others were swimming, jumping in the waves or playing paddleball, I chose to read. I could not put this book down. 

Greer is the main character of this book. She is stubborn, hardworking single mom. I love that Jessica created a character with a secret baby. It made me happy when Locke shows up. Their chemistry is so strong.... you can feel it!!!! Greer is a sheriff deputy among other things and witnesses a murder. The killer WILL Not stop until Greer is dead also. Locke who is in town shooting/chasing weather can't deny he stil has feelings for Greer. But when someone tries to kill her, he makes it his mission to keep her and his child safe. 

Who did it?

Pick up a copy and find out!!

I received a copy of this book through the author. All thoughts are my own. 

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: A Welcome at Our Door By: Amy Clipston on tour with JustRead



Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for A Welcome At Our Door by Amy Clipston with JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Welcome At Our Door  
Series: Amish Homestead, Book 4  
Author: Amy Clipston  
Publisher: Zondervan  
Release Date: May 7, 2018
Genre: Amish Fiction

After a devastating loss, Cindy Riehl is still searching for peace. Will she find it in the community she calls home—or will love send her down a new path?

Over the last few years, Cindy Riehl—the youngest of the Riehl children—has watched her siblings find love and happiness in Lancaster County. But as her family has settled down and grown, Cindy has continued to grieve her mother, whose death left an enormous hole in her heart. Since that haunting day, Cindy has struggled to find peace and wonders if the community is the place for her—and if her faith in God will ever feel the same as it once did.

When a handsome and kind Englisher named Drew crosses Cindy’s path one surprising day, the two of them become fast and easy friends. Drew dreams of starting a family after some losses of his own, and before long, he and Cindy discover that their feelings for each other are romantic. As they spend more time together—often in secret—Cindy is drawn further and further away from the Amish community and the family she loves. In time, she is faced with a difficult choice that threatens to upend her world.

Will Cindy find contentment and love, and will she ever find restored comfort in God and her beloved community? In this final installment of the Amish Homestead series, we return to the charming town of Bird-in-Hand for a story of healing, family, and God’s perfect provision.


PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook


MY THOUGHTS


I had not read all of  Amy Clipston’s  Amish Homestead series. I had no problem following along with this story. I will be going back and reading the beginning of the series.  This story is about  the youngest sibling, Cindy Riehl. Ms. Clipston always does a great job in creating unique and memorable lscenarios and characters. One of the things that you will see in this book is faith lived out in real life. 

My  most favorite character was that of Cucumber. A family dairy cow that has figured out how to unlatch the gate and loves to explore.... especially the neighbor's yard. I loved how the story started out with Cindy chasing Cucumber down the street. 

Cindy is still searching for peace and contentment after her mother's death. Will she find it within her community? You will find yourself laughing, crying, smiling and turning pages quickly with this book. I enjoyed reading this book. 


A Welcome at Our Door is a  heartwarming, and uplifting story. I always look forward to reading Amy Clipston's new releases. 

I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program. All thoughts are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, and Amish Homestead series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats.  

CONNECT WITH AMY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram



TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Welcome At Our Door.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter link located below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 13, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm May 20, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Enter: Here

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Book Review: On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher


ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving. 

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises. 

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Suzanne graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and was a free-lancer writer for magazines while her children were growing up. A former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today, Suzanne’s work has appeared in many magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, and Marriage Partnership.
Her first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story, was published by a small press (Vintage Inspirations) and received three literary awards. It opened the door to a literary agent, Joyce Hart. The agent knew of Suzanne’s connection to the Plain People—her grandfather was raised Plain—and introduced her to an editor at Revell, a division of Baker Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was the result of that first conversation. It was an 2010 ECPA Book of the Year finalist…and it is the book Suzanne wants to be buried with.
And that was over thirty books and one million sold copies ago! So it seems things are working out pretty well.
MY THOUGHTS

I have been a huge fan of this author since I started reading Christian Fiction books. I was excited to see something a little different from her. In this book, On A Summer Tide brings together a story of family bonds broken and now given the space to heal. Some of this story reminded me of my family and how broken it has been at times. I love the description of coastal Maine. It makes me want to visit. I have 3 sisters. We did not have a great childhood. We all lead very separate lives just like the ones in this book. - I loved the sisters in this book. The author did a great job in creating the characters. They were flawed. They were real. Intriguing storyline. Incredibly well written. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more. 

I received a copy of this book through the Revell Blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 


Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Book Review: Dear Daughters by Susie Davis - On tour with Read with Audra


About the book


Do you sometimes wonder what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? Do you wish you could find someone a little older who is walking just a few steps ahead who would give you some wisdom and remind you that God is still in control and that everything is going to be okay? Would you like a mentor in your life?


Susie Davis understands the importance of having and being a mentor. In Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation, she will help you:
 
  • Understand God’s will for your life
  • Listen to God’s voice through your daily circumstances
  • Find contentment and peace right where you are
  • Foster friendship and deep connection with other women

No matter your season of life, Susie invites you to join her in pondering things that matter most. And she gently reassures you that you are not alone and that God is still in control.

Click here to read the introduction and chapter 1
Click here to view the sample note pages

Links to purchase
About the author
Susie Davis is an author, speaker and co-founder of Austin Christian Fellowship. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Will Davis, Jr., and they have 3 delightful young adult children (Will III, Emily, and Sara) who are all married and living their own beautiful life.

Susie’s podcast, Dear Daughters, is full of wisdom and joy, offering women young and old the kind of comfort and companionship they crave.

Aside from family and ministry, Susie is hopelessly addicted to horseback riding, McDonald’s coffee and pink geraniums. She loves bird watching, creek walking and connecting the dots between God and nature. Her favorites include cooking, gathering people at her big French farm table and asking deep questions.

Visit her website: www.susiedavis.org.

She is also active on Facebook (@davis.susie)Twitter (@susiedavis) and Instagram (@susiedavis).

                                            My Thoughts                                                         

This is a beautifully well written book. Inside and Out. I love the cover 
design on it. Inside all the wisdom and joy is what I needed. I had 
wanted to read this book because I thought it would be good to read 
and discuss with my 17 year old old daughter, but God knew what I 
needed. It felt like it was written from God to me. This book offers great 
wisdom, mentoring and joy from a Godly perspective. Some of the 
topics covered are: Worry and caring for your soul (which we forget to 
do so many times these days!!!) We need more books like this to share 
with our daughters, grand daughters, etc. 

I received a copy of this book through the Read with Audra blogging 
program. All thoughts are my own. 
Tour schedule
(You do NOT need to include this part on your post.)
 
Biblically UnPc4/23/2019
The Forgiven Former Feminist4/23/2019
Girls in White Dresses4/24/2019
My Devotional Thoughts4/24/2019
All-of-a-kind Mom4/25/2019
In The Pages4/25/2019
SK Bell4/27/2019
Inklings and Notions4/28/2019
Walking in the Light4/28/2019
Kcreatives4/29/2019
Radiant Light4/30/2019
The Knowlton Nest4/30/2019
This Is Me4/30/2019
Book Babble5/1/2019
Inspired to Faith5/1/2019
Life in the Mundane5/1/2019
Moments5/1/2019
Once Upon a Storyville5/1/2019
Reyna Orozco5/1/2019
The Little Friar5/1/2019
a TAD more faith5/2/2019
Finding My Yellow5/2/2019
Mommy Ramblings5/2/2019
A Peace of Mind5/3/2019
Create With Joy5/3/2019
Maidens for Modesty5/3/2019
More Of Him5/3/2019
More Than Just Coffee5/3/2019
Pray Species5/3/2019
ReviewsByErin5/3/2019
cecily moore writes5/5/2019
Inspired by fiction5/5/2019
Rockin' My Mom Jeans5/5/2019
Mama's Coffee Shop5/6/2019
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting5/7/2019
God is Love5/7/2019

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Book Reviews and Giveaway: Isaac's Ice Cream Tree by Angela Henderson and When God Made Color by Sheri Carmon --- On Tour with Celebrate LIt

isaac and god made color FB banner

About the Books

Isaac and God Made Color-1

WhiteSpark Publishing is thrilled to bring readers young and old two delightful stories all about color!
Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree
Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!
But how long can this magic last with spring on the horizon? A magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits that is sure to delight.
When God Made Color
The wonders of creation spread out before us in all the glories of the rainbow…the deep purples and blues of night, the bright yellows of day, the pinks and oranges of flowers. And of course, the colors of all the creatures…including us! These sumptuous fine art illustrations will thrill parent and child alike!
Click here to purchase Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree.
Click here to purchase When God Made Color

About the Authors

Angela Henderson resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. After creating her blog and Facebook page, Kidsbook Friends, and her Instagram, Instabooks, she’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives.



Sheri Carmon seeks to incorporate the beauty of the Lord’s heart, His ways and His love in her writing for children. As an author, her goal is to shine His light through stories. In the past she has published poetry and inspirational compositions with both Blue Mountain Arts and The GroupPublishing. Sheri has always cared for the individual needs of families and spent fifteen marvelous, fast-paced years in real estate, specializing in family friendly homes. She and her husband have helped facilitate whole church Bible-reading programs in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. They make their home in Colorado, on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, where they’re surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation every day.
Sheri Carmon cap

More from Angela

Why children’s books? After all, I teach young teens. Well, my reasons:
  1. I love art, and reading children’s books is like looking at an artist’s showcase of creativity!
    * Shout out to my amazing illustrator, Rachael Koppendrayer!
  2. I love to dream up the impossible, and you can make anything happen in a children’s book!
  3. I love togetherness and nothing brings a family together like a good book.
As I read picture books with my kiddos, the teacher in me wanted to instruct too. I created a blog (www.kidsbookfriends.com) so teachers, librarians and parents could have little lessons to help them “make friends” with the characters in the stories I featured. Surrounded by such inspiration from these books and my kiddos, I started writing my own manuscripts when my kids were all under age five, mainly sketches of thoughts until I had segments of time where I could construct stories.
After several years of attending SCBWI conferences; connecting with writers; creating manuscripts & editing and revising, editing and revising (you see a pattern?!); and submitting them to publishers, Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree was accepted for publication and was released January 15, 2019, by Whitefire Publishing! (It’s a process!!!)
The message embedded in this colorful, magical story expresses a very real part of my heart as it’s our family motto: “Always remember to look for the rainbow.” My kids and I both literally and figuratively practice this principle, rushing out after every rain to see if the sky is painted with a bow as well as trying to find the good that comes through the storms of life.
Through my journey, I’ve experienced much loss through moving many times, caring for my mother during her dying days, and losing my husband through divorce. Yet in it all, God redeems and uses each pain and joy like brush strokes on a canvass, reminding us of His unfailing promises while creating a masterpiece.
Creativity, imagination, inspiration . . . make magical moments.
Gather together. Dream the impossible. Embrace the colors. . . as I introduce you to a new friend, Isaac! Excited to share this story with you. . . and my next one . . . and the one after that. . . until we have many new kindred spirits . . .together.
Click here for a fee printable coloring page.
Click here to learn the story behind the story.

More from Sheri

A child asks, “Who am I?”
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27 NIV. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?
Click here to view a special video

My Thoughts

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

I chose to read this book with my 5 year old son. He loved it so much! The pictures are breath-taking, the story was so adorable! My 5 year old has wanted to read this book over and over again. He is in kindergarten and has had some struggles with reading, and identifying colors and days of the week. This book was a perfect edition to our library to help him on his journey. Plus, he is a ice cream monster so he loved when all the ice cream melted at the end. I love books that teach. This will be a family favorite. 

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 


When God Made Color

This is an amazing book. I love how it tells the story of creation, and when we get to day 6 when God made man - it shows how God made the different colors. Especially in today's age where others are hated for the color of their skin, this is a great way to show children diversity. I love how the author reminds us that while we are different, we are made in God's image. This book is beautifully illustrated, has a beautiful message. Both of my boys (5 and 7) enjoyed this book. 

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

 Blog Stops

By The Book, May 2
Mary Hake, May 5

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Angela and Sheri is giving away a grand prize of The Great Color Giveaway Package that includes a$25 gift card from Amazon, Rainbow ice-cream cups with colored spoons, a paperback copy of Issacs’s Ice Cream Tree, a $25 gift card from Barnes and Noble,
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2a9/the-great-color-celebration-tour-giveaway