Week End Wrap-Up (August 30)

This is my fourth addition of the Week End Wrap-Up, inspired by Christian Bookshelf Reviews Blog. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week! Since it's the end of the month, I'll also do a short "month in review," too!

I'm so excited! This week my blog hit 30 followers! Thank you all soooooo much for taking the time to read my blog and follow it! I hope you all enjoy it!

What I read this week:
This was a slower reading week for me since I started school, but I managed to finish one book!


Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck. View my review here.

What I'm currently reading:



What I plan on reading next week:
Hmm.. This depends on several factors, but I plan on trying to finish at least 2 books. Maybe these...



My month in review:
The Reason by William Sirls
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James
The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
Anathema by Colleen Coble
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

And that about wraps it up!!

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Hello again everyone! Wow, this weekend FLEW by! I did not get much reading done this weekend, but I made up for it last night and today. Our additional group read this month in the Christian Fiction Devourers Group was Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck. Boy am I glad I decided to read this sweet story!

Overview: Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

My Review: This book is the first book in the Royal Weddings series. It's also the first book I've read by this author, so I went into it with a completely open mind. This book pleasently surprised me.

Susanna Truitt is a planner. She had her life mapped out from a very young age, and she was dedicated to the plan, that is until someone decided to veer her off course. Susanna is a character I can easily relate to. She is stubborn, down-to-earth, and loyal to a fault. I see myself a lot in Susanna and that made the parts of the story I didn't care for easier to handle. Nathaniel is also a very relatable character. His struggle to accept God's will for his life is very human and very real.

The romance was a little far-fetched in my mind, but it didn't detract from the story. Rachel manages the far-fetched by adding a dose of reality in each page of her story. Both characters struggles and fears are well thought out and nothing is left up in the air and the end of the story. The Christian element to the story makes sense because the characters are of a strong faith. I didn't mind that there was a heavy Christian overtone because it was done in a very good fashion. It wasn't preachy or "in your face" like some Christian novels tend to be. The message was subtly inserted in the characters thoughts, actions, and prayers. Who do you let control your life? Is it God?

Overall, I thought this was a very cute, enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants something sweet and easy. I will definitely look forward to reading the second book in the Royal Wedding series, Princess Ever After.

Week End Wrap-Up (August 23)

This is my third addition of the Week End Wrap-Up, inspired by Christian Bookshelf Reviews Blog. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

Well, folks, I started my FINAL semester this week! I'm so excited to be so close to achieving one of my life goals: getting my bachelor's degree. I am studying Business Administration at Pfeiffer University's Charlotte Campus. Their School of Adult Studies is excellent for working adults or adults with children. I have really enjoyed being there, but I'm ready to be done! Once I finish, I have more time to read (and who doesn't want that!)!

What I've Read This Week:
Summer At Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very well-written book. Susan Wiggs creates a magical world with her descriptions of camp. Her characters are poignant and real. The story is easy to follow, even though there are several sub plots. The conclusion is satisfying.

There is some sexual content in this book, but it is tastefully done and doesn't go into too much detail. There is also some language in the book, but not overdone either.

The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good second addition to the first book, Summer at Willow Lake. It is well-written and very well thought out. The themes of family, love, friendship, and trust are evident in everything each character says and does. There are no parts in the story that I found lagging.

There is some language and a bit of intimate content, but it is tastefully done just as it was in Summer at Willow Lake. There is nothing vulgar or x-rated about the romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would read it again!

Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake. This book was reviewed on my blog. You can find it here.









What I'm currently reading:

What I plan on reading next week:

There you have it folks! That's my week in a nutshell!

Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

Hello all! I am excited to bring you this book review because it's the first group read I have done with the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads.com! We vote on a book each month to read as a group. Since I had other reading commitments this month, I didn't get to read Fancy Pants until now, but I enjoyed reading the discussions in the group!

From Barnes and Noble:
Overview: When "Big Tim" Creighton spies the mincing fop headed toward Forsaken Ranch, he is appalled. Thankful his boss isn't around to witness the arrival of his kin, Tim decides he'll turn "Fancy Pants" Hathwell into a man worthy of respect.

Lady Sydney Hathwell never intended to don men's attire, but when her uncle mistakenly assumed she was a male, the answer to her problems seemed clear. Her disguise as "Syd" was meant to be temporary...but the arranged marriage she's fleeing, her uncle's attitude toward the fairer sex—and her own pride—compel her to continue the guise far longer than she had intended.

When her deception is exposed, will she be forced to abandon her hopes for family...and true love?

My Review: I thought this was a very enjoyable book. From the beginning of the book, when Lady Sydney Hathwell starts scheming, I was hooked. Lady Hathwell is running from a future she doesn't want and into new adventures and places she's never been. She is a strong-willed and independent, albeit proper, girl with a mind of her own. She enjoys the freedoms being an American brings her. Her running brings her to the Forsaken Ranch and right into the arms of Tim Creighton. Tim is a rough around the edges man whom you can't help but fall for (once you get past the gruffness).

There was a part of the story that I felt were not quite necessary. The "villian" aspect, as a friend points out in the group discussion, felt unhashed and not vital to the story's development. The romance part also felt a little rushed. There was no "ah-ha" moment that makes most romance lovers swoon. The spiritual aspect of the story, while some argue wasn't strong enough, was beliavable to me. Sydney's coming to faith seemed natural, to me. I also thought Tim's portrayal of the faith was real. He approached it one way when he thought Sydney was a boy and then more gently, but still firmly, when he found out the opposite.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this story. The plot is a little unbelievable, but that doesn't make the story any less enjoyable. The interaction and dialogue is excellent and the story was easy to follow along with. This won't be my last book by Cathy Marie Hake, for sure!

You can purchase this book at your favorite retailers, including, Barnes and Noble. I hope you enjoyed this review!!

Week End Wrap-Up (August 16th)

This is my second addition of the Week End Wrap-Up, inspired by Christian Bookshelf Reviews Blog. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week! (Like this week!)

This week, I'm on vacation at Topsail Island Beach in North Carolina. We got here Saturday (Aug. 10) and we leave tomorrow (Aug. 17). It's been a pretty exciting week for me. I got engaged!!! He was sneaky about it too! We went to the beach to take some family pictures. In the first picture, his sister and brother-in-law were writing the message in the sand while we took pictures together. His little nephew comes running over to me and tells me he has a surprise for me, and boy what a surprise it was!

Now! Onto the books I've read this week:

The Governess of Highland Hall. (See my review here)

*Anathema. (See my review here)

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book shows the characters beginning to mature and grow up a little. There is a little romance in the book, a little teenage angst, and of course the action you would expect from a Riordan book! I enjoyed it immensely.



The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The final installment of the Percy Jackson series provides a satisfying conclusion to the story of Percy Jackson! Riordan keeps the book from being too dark and depressing with his witty dialogue and the interaction between the characters. This was a great book!


Books I'm Currently Reading:

Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Books I plan to read:  Unfortunately,  I start school on Monday. BUT, this is my last semester so I guess I'll endure it! This seriously cuts down my reading time, though. So, I'm only going to shoot for one book this week.

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

And that about wraps it up, folks! I hope you all have a fantastic week!

Anathema by Colleen Coble

Good morning all! It's started out to be a dreary day here at Topsail Island Beach. We are hoping it clears up so we can get some good beach time in, but it doesn't look promising. In the meantime, I would love to tell you about the fabulous book I just finished: Anathema by Colleen Coble. This was chosen as a TBR (To-Be-Read) Pairs challenge on the Christian Book Lover's Hideaway group on Goodreads.com.

From Barnes and Noble:
Overview: Welcome to Parke County, Indiana-land of peaceful farms and covered bridges, Amish quilts and horse drawn buggies, romance and murder.

After years of running, Hannah Schwartz has finally built a life for herself-far from the close-knit Amish community who raised her, then shunned her. Still haunted by nightmare memories of her parents' murder and the guilty secret that made her anathema-a true outcast-from her friends and family.

Only love can bring her home again. Love for a child she had feared was lost forever. And love for the peaceful people who shaped her life. But can love heal old wounds . . . or keep the community safe from a deadly danger?

My Review: This is not your typical Amish book. I have always admired Colleen Coble's way with words and storytelling. She is a masterful writer and this book doesn't disappoint. I'll admit, I'm not normally a big fan of the Amish genre, but this one is definitely an exception. Throughout this whole book, Hannah is running away from God. She is a strong, intelligent woman who has been belittled by her husband since her parent's death. She struggles with her self-assurance and coming back to God throughout the story, and her struggles are real and something everyone can relate to. Matt, oh Matt. He seems like the dream guy. Strong, handsome, and a great father. He has his struggles too, like learning to trust God for all situations in his life. Again, this is something every single person can relate to in their Christian walk. 

The plot is wonderful. There is enough mystery and romance in the book to keep anyone from getting bored with it. I also liked how each chapter started out with a tid-bit of knowledge from the Amish faith and their quilts. Those were particularly interesting to me. I also learned a lot about the Amish way of life and their belief system. The story line, told from multiple points of view, is interesting and intriguing. I didn't figure everything out until Hannah and Matt did. 

Mystery, a little bit of love, and a lot of God's grace make this book a perfect 5 out of 5 in my mind. Check it out today!!

**You can learn more about the author by clicking on her name in the first chapter, and a link to the Barnes and Noble website by clicking on the title.**

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Hello all! Greetings from Topsail Island Beach! My vacation is underway and it's been pretty exciting so far! My boyfriend asked me to marry him on the beach! It was so romantic and of course, I said yes! I also go to finish this book: The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky.

From Barnes and Noble:
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help?
 
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey.
 
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith.
 
While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?



My Review:  This is my first book by Carrie Turansky.  It was enjoyable, but not as engrossing as I had hoped it would be.  Carrie creates characters that are real and their feelings are very relate-able.  However, I did not like all of the brooding that William did, and I don't feel like his character's spiritual journey was well developed. The fact that the story is told from several different people was kind of distracting, as the stories told by two of the characters were not very well developed and the fact that one of them gets away with deviousness is a little disappointing to me. I feel like that character should have been reprimanded.

The romance between William and Julia is typical in these types of books. They fall in love, but they have to come seemingly insurmountable odds to be together until an almost tragic incident tears them apart. It was a typical story. The message in the book is this: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. We need to learn to rely on God in times of trouble because he is a source of strength.

Overall, this book was enjoyable. It is not a mystery or action packed. It's just a simple, clean romance story that is sweet and inspiring. **I received this book from WaterBrook Mulnomah through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review.**

This book is now available for pre-order from: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers, Barnes and Noble, Amazon,  and Christianbook.com and will be available for purchase on October 15, 2013.

Week End Wrap-Up (August 9th)

I got this idea from Christian Bookshelf Reviews, which is one of my favorite blogs to follow. I thought it would be interesting to give it a try! Every Friday, I will post my "week-end wrap up" describing what I've read the past week, what I am currently reading, and what I hope to read in the next week. So here is goes...

**WINNERS** Of The Reason by William Sirls are:

**Amanda
**Leigh
**Julie
**Darlene

If you have not read this book, I would highly recommend it. William Sirls is a great author and the book was fascinating. You can see my review here.

What I've read this week:

*Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James. This has been reviewed on my blog.

In anticipation of the release of Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters movie, I have been re-reading Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Series. These are my secular reading "guilty pleasures" hehe




The movie, by the way, is amazing!

So far, I've re-read the first three. Here are my reviews from Goodreads.com: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this book. Riordan has a way with dialogue that pulls you into the story. I laugh out loud with the characters, I can imagine what they are seeing with perfect clarity, and I root for them througout the story. It's a great book!



The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another hilarious, riveting, and exciting addition to the Percy Jackson series. Rick Riordan creates characters and scenes that come alive. The dialogue is fantastic. Riordan knows when to be serious and when to lighten the mood, and the interaction between the characters is how he does it. I love this book!


The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Rick Riordan. His writing is phenomenal. He knows just how to lighten a serious scene with well places humor. This book, like the first two, was excellent!





Books I'm currently reading:
*Anathema by Colleen Coble
*Percy Jackson and The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Books I plan on reading the in coming week:
I'm going on vacation next week, to the beach! I'm very excited and since this is my last week of "vacation" before I start my last semester of college, I plan on getting in as much reading as possible!
(This list is subject to change, depending on my mood of course)
*Percy Jackson and the Lasy Olympian by Rick Riordan
*The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
*The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
*The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

So, there you have it. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I look forward to reviewing any of the books I get to read before my vacation ends! If you do a week end wrap up, or something similar on your blog, feel free to post it in the comments section! I would love to take a look!

The Reason by William Sirls - A Review and a Giveaway!!!

I'm so excited to bring this post to you, my followers! I received a signed copy of the book The Reason by William Sirls from the author himself. It came complete with a special note!  When I received this book, I didn't know what to expect. I read the back of it, and it is definitely not a book I would normally choose to read (I tend to stray away from serious books). I decided to give it a try anyways. 

From Barnes and Noble: 

Overview: When facing the impossible, will you believe? Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker... and then go out. All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross — leaving it ablaze and splintered in two. When the storm ends, the search for answers begins. James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.” Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine — yet is challenged to “only believe.” And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening... to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.” The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound listeners while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.

My Review: Where do I even start? This book is in no way a light read. It is not one you can easily read in a couple of hours. It is thought-provoking, emotional, and extremely well written. This is the first book I've read that has literally brought me to tears.

As I began reading, I thought the fact that there were several "main" characters would be distracting. William Sirls did a great job of weaving all of the characters stories together in a way that made sense. Following the different points of view was not at all difficult because all of the characters stories were inter-related and pretty much picked up where another left off. The development of each of the characters was well thought out, and natural. I could relate to each of their struggles to "only believe" (the main theme throughout the book).

There were several parts in the book that stuck out to me. I don't want to list them out because I don't want to give any spoilers away. I can, however, list a few quotes that particularly meant something to me:

• "Everything happens for a reason, Zach. Every single thing." 
• "Believing is a choice..."
• "What we need to understand is that it isn't about what we want. It's about what God wants for us. It's about God's plan and God's will. And if we want something and pray for it, we will get it if.. it is God's will"
• I actually underlined this one: "..if we didn't experience pain and hardship, we would never know the full measure of triumphs and joy."
• This particularly stood out to me as well because everyone, at one time or another, in their Christian walk will ask themselves this question: Why do bad things happen to good people?"His promise isn't that bad things don't happen...His promise is that God can turn every circumstance into something good. Every circumstance. Sometimes we just need to look... Sometimes it takes a lot of time to see it. Sometimes we don't get to see it at all - but somehow our suffering aids others. The key is trusting the master through it all."

And finally, the reason God does everything that He does is God loves you. This book will have you laughing, crying, and examining your own faith. All God wants us to do is "only believe." (Luke 8:50 - But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.) Do you believe?

Find out more by clicking on the links (a link to the Barnes and Noble site is at the top of this post):

• Read the First Chapter
• About the Author
• William Sirls is on Facebook!
• Do you know someone who looks like a Character from the book?

THE MOST EXCITING PART OF THIS REVIEW:  THE GIVEAWAY!!!! William Sirls has graciously allowed me to give away 5 *signed* copies of his book! All you need to do to enter is:

Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you)

Entries will be accepted until Thursday, August 8th! Winner will be announced on Friday, August 9th! Thanks everyone, and good luck!

Dressing for Tea! The Born of Persuasion Book Launch Party for Jessica Dotta

Hi All! I discovered this new author through The Literary Maiden's blog and I thought it was interesting for two reasons: #1- The title of the book and book blurb look fantastic. #2- I LOVE Downton Abbey.

So, I've decided to help promote this book launch and tea party for the author! I am really excited about this book and can't wait for it to come out so I can read it!

Here is the invite Jessica Dotta sent out on Facebook:

Please help me celebrate the launch of my debut novel, Born of Persuasion and Win an autographed copy when it releases!!! I’m hosting an online tea party! How can you help and celebrate this amazing moment with me and possibly walk away with 1 of 5 autographed 1st Edition copies!

1. Take a picture of yourself holding a teacup and wearing a hat. Any hat will do!

2. Make it your profile picture (or simply post it on your wall) during the 31-Days of Giveaway (the month of August.) When you change the picture, let people know you’ve joined the Tea Party and link to: https://www.facebook.com/BornofPersuasion

Here’s a sample status you could use:

Why the hat and cup? I’m helping Jessica Dotta celebrate the release of her debut novel, Born of Persuasion! You can celebrate too by posting a picture of you having high tea!

What can you win? Here's the list!

What can you win?

We’re glad you asked!

Week 1 – Getting Set for Downton Book-club Tea

August 1: Stacked Teacup Painting by Wanda Wright

August 2: Gracie China TeaSet

August 3: Faerie Cakes for Tea

August 4: Wooden Flower Napkin Rings for Tea

August 5: Hand painted Teacup Cookies

August 6: Loose Tea Sampler

August 7: Honey Tea Favor plus Signed Copies of all 3 of Gina Holmes’ novels, Crossing Oceans, Dry as Rain and Wings of Glass)

Week 2 – Now for the Book

August 8: Magnetic Clothes Pins + 3 Copies of Abbey Cooks (4 winners that day)

August 9: Edwardian Ladies Apron Pattern plus Signed Copies of all 3 of Gina Holmes’ novels

August 10: Jane Austen Fairy from this Etsy Store

August 11: Audio Book of Born of Persuasion, donated by Oasis Audio

August 12: Personalized Wooden Book Stamp

August 13: Vintage Ex Libris Book Stamp

Week 3: – Getting Dressed For the Tea

August 14: Packable Portwine Velvet Hat

August 15: Dapper Fox Neck Tie

August 16: Victorian Neck Ruff

August 17: Tribal Jewelry is coming out of retirement to design a Downton Abbey Necklace- Reveal is on August 17th!

August 18: Even the Cat Dresses for Tea!

August 19: Edwardian Necklace and Earrings specially designed by this Etsy Shop. Reveal coming August 19th!

August 20: Lace Cuffs

August 21: Vintiques Necklace – Reveal August 21!

Decorating your House for the Tea!

August 22: Vintage Pink Garland of Hearts

August 23: Winners Pick of 3 Tutorials from the Feathered Nest

August 24: Clay Magnets made from Old Button Impressions plus Michelle Griep’s Book Club Kit with A Heart Deceived, printed invitations, CD of the music.

August 25: Jane Austen Pillow

August 26: Paper Wreath

August 27: Angel Wing Soap plus novella giveaways by Carrie Fancett Pagels

August 28: Instant Library – 35 Fiction Titles from Tyndale House Publishers

August 29: Message Chalkboard with hand-painted roses by this artist

August 30: Paper Flower Bouquet

August 31: Queen Anne Scarf

HOW can you win? It’s easy! Simply like Jessica’s author page on facebook and check back every day to enter for that day’s prize(s).