Weekend Wrap Up (June 30)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. 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!

 

Current Giveaway: WINNER!!!!

Congratulations, Meghann M!
*Winner has been notified and has 7 days to respond before another winner is chosen.*

What I've Read:


Reviews Posted:
Fired Up  by Mary Connealy
Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long
Summer of the Midnight Sun  by Tracie Peterson

What I'm Currently Reading:


What's Next:


Month in Review:

Summer of The Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson

I am a big fan of Tracie Peterson. While not all of her books make my favorite list, I thoroughly enjoy reading every one of them! This book was no exception. I picked this book to read because it was a group read on my Goodreads group: Christian Fiction Devourers. We have a lot of fun in this group, so if you aren't a part of it, join us today!

Overview: Leah Barringer and her brother, Jacob, have come to love the rugged Alaskan Territory they call home.

But when Jacob determines to join an arctic expedition, Leah realizes her heart yearns for more than this solitary existence.

The unexpected arrival of Jayce Kincaide, the man who spurned her ten years before, awakens feelings that Leah would much prefer to leave buried. As Jayce sets out to prove he's a changed man, Leah cannot deny the effect he once again has upon her. But the appearance of a young investigator casts a cloud over Jayce's past...and over Leah's dreams for the future.

ISBN-13: 9781585588701
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 3/1/2006
Series:Alaskan Quest Series , #1

 Buy it: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: As I stated at the beginning, I am a huge fan of Tracie Peterson. Her books are always good and entertaining. I've not read one that I haven't enjoyed. Summer of the Midnight Sun was no exception. The story is set in the beautiful and rugged Alaska. Tracie Peterson's description of the land and the ways of life of the people who lived it back then is phenomenal. She makes the setting come to life and become an integral part of the story. I could picture the land and the story taking place as I was reading, which I really enjoy!

The characters were well-written, but I feel their development was shallow. Both Leah and Jacob are strong Christian characters already, so there wasn't much development for them. Leah does grow up throughout the story and you can see her mature to her thirty years. Jacob struggles with his faith a little when he meets Helaina, but overall he kept his feet on solid ground. Jayce's development could have been so much more! At the beginning of the story, we learn that he is a new Christian. I didn't feel like he learned or grew much throughout the story. The biggest development was in Helaina. Though she hasn't come to fully except anything, she is beginning to question herself and her beliefs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations between Jacob and Helaina. While some might view this story as a bit preachy, I didn't. We could all follow Jacob's example of witnessing to Helaina. Forgiveness and trust are also present messages in the story. Overall, this was a good read. I would recommend it to any Tracie Peterson fan!

About the Author: Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field. 

Tracie received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. 

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell and her daughter Jennifer. 

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father. 

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!. 

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.. 

Follow Tracie: Website | Blog | Facebook

Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long

I received this book as part of the Christian Fiction Book Swap and Sell Group on Facebook, as part of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Books! It's fun to look at the names of the people who already read it before me.  Check out the group on Facebook. We have lots of members who are trying to sell or swap their Christian books and I've gotten some real deals on books!!

Overview: Quite by accident, Sarah King has fallen in love. But this love is forbidden, and could cost her everything she holds dear.

Tucked into the majesty of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains is a garden Sarah King has been nurturing for years. She never feels more alive than when she is alone with her thoughts and her Creator among the delicate rows of plants. But then duty calls her away from her beloved garden and into a world she knows little about.

Grant Williams, a handsome young veterinarian, has left the city to open a rural practice among the Amish. Within minutes of meeting shy but feisty Sarah King, he is captivated by her.

As their feelings grow for one another, Sarah insists they can never be together. Marrying Grant would mean being uprooted from her home, her family, and her community. Throughout the cold Pennsylvania winter, with her garden tucked away until spring, Sarah begins crafting a quilt that illustrates her pain. Can anything lasting blossom from a love that's forbidden?

ISBN-13: 9781595548702
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 7/13/2010
Series:Patch of Heaven Series , #1
Pages: 304

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

 

My Review:  The first Amish book I read, I didn't enjoy at all. I struggled to get through the book and decided the Amish genre was not for me. Recently, though, like taste buds for food, my reading tastes have changed. I've read a few Amish books and actually enjoyed them. This book is no exception. Kelly Long has mastered story telling. While there was no action or adventure in the story, it flowed smoothly and was written in a way that had me eagerly turning pages until the very satisfying end.

I've come to appreciate the simplicity of the Amish faith. Sarah King is a great example of that. I loved her internal struggles that made her seem so human, yet her strong faith in the Lord who loves us all shined through her life, no matter what turmoil she was feeling inside. I think that's what drew Grant to her. Grant Williams is a good man. He is a Christian, whose faith is not so different from the Amish, but his way of life is. He has a great appreciate for the Amish community, instilled in him by his parents, and works hard to become accepted by the community. They form a friendship and their romance is a sweet, sweet story.

The message of the story, in my opinion, is simple: have faith in the God who created you and knows what is going to become of your life before it happens. As the Bishop reminds Grant, "You're tired because it's normal. Don't give in to despair. Have faith in what Der Herr (the Lord) can do, even if you feel that you have done all you can. That's where He gets His space to work, when it's at the end of what you are."

Overall, Kelly Long has mastered the art of Amish Fiction. I highly recommend this book for Amish and non-Amish fans alike!

About the Author: Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Arms of Love. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.

Fired Up by Mary Connealy

I work in an inbound call center. I know I'm reading a good book when I get so caught up in the story, I jump when I get a call (the phone beeps in your ear to alert you)! That's how involved I became in this book.

Overview:  When a doctor who attracts danger falls for a cook determined to make it on her own, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to make a go of it on her own. In a town full of men, Glynna decides she can support her two children by opening a diner—never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent.

 

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment—which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Though his doctoring business is booming due to Glynna's questionable cooking, Dare seems to encounter unexpected dangers wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And the fire. And then the shadowy figure with a knife. Can Dare survive it all long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

ISBN-13: 9780764209154
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 9/15/2013
Series: Trouble in Texas Series , #2
Pages: 336

See my review of Swept Away 

 Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I'm so glad this book picks up with Dare and Glynna's story!! There is a lot of action in this book and the mystery of "who done it" wasn't obvious until 3/4 the way through... And even then I wasn't absolutely sure!! 

I loved Glynna's character. She was strong despite what happened in her life. She had the courage to pick herself up and keep going. Yet, she yearned for the love of a decent man and the reassurance that she was a good, honest, loving mother and woman. That's a character I can relate to. Dare Riker is an honest man, yet he can't seem to move past the fact that he isn't really a doctor. We see him fighting himself and God the whole story about it, at least half-hearted. Glynna and Dare fired each other up whenever they were together and sparks flew! 

The message was one of forgiveness. God calls us to forgive others, not for them, but for Him and ourselves. As Dare reminds Paul at the end of the story, "It does a lot of damage to carry hate around inside," and "giving up the hurt and anger would leave space in your head for something better." Connealy also reminds us that though we are Christians, "live has challenges for everyone, no matter who they are." God doesn't smooth out all the bumps, but he'll get you through it!

Overall, Mary Connealy delivers another hilarious cowboy romance with a little action and a big message!

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Weekend Wrap Up (June 20)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. 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!

 

Current Giveaway:Win a copy of Kim Vogel Sawyer's What Once Was Lost and a $10 e-book gift card! *Giveaway ends June 30* Enter here!

What I've Read:

Reviews Posted: 

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Seagrass Pier  by Colleen Coble

Swept Away  by Mary Connealy

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What's Next: (These are the books I'm going to try to finish for June!)

 

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader.

I'm giving away one copy of What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer plus a $10 e-book gift card!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with a wacky, fun question you would like to ask an author! Your question could be featured in an author interview on my blog!

View my review here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Remember, this is a giveaway HOP, so HOP on over to the other blogs too!

Swept Away by Mary Connealy

Overview: When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

ISBN-13: 9780764209147
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 3/1/2013
Series:Trouble in Texas Series , #1
Pages: 320

B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I had forgotten how funny and entertaining Mary Connealy's stories can be! This one pulled me in from the time Ruthy gets swept away in a flood and kept me hooked until the very last page.

Ruthy MacNeil is a hard working, smart, God-fearing woman who finds herself in one bad situation after another. Her attitude throughout the book reminds us that we should try to find the positive in any situation. Luke Stone is an honorable, tough man bent on revenge. As the story goes on, we find his priorities lining up better with the God he was raised to know and love.

With witty dialogue, an action packed story, and God's reminder that revenge belongs to Him, this is another fantastic story by Mary Connealy!

About the Author: Mary Connealy is the bestselling author of romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner and a Rita and Christy and IRCC Award Finalist.

She is the author of The Trouble in Texas series, Swept Away, Fired Up and Stuck Together, The Kincaid Brides Series, Out of Control, In Too Deep and Over the Edge.
The Sophie's Daughters Series, Doctor in Petticoats, a Rita Award finalist, Wrangler in Petticoats and Sharpshooter in Petticoats. These three books are now contained in the single volume Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now available in the single volume Montana Marriages Trilogy.

Find Mary online at: Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols | Mary's Blog | 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Seagrass Pier by Colleen Coble

Overview: Seagrass Pier is the perfect place for Elin to hide from a killer, but an old love's ability to see her true heart could be her undoing.

When Elin Summerall contracted a virus that damaged her heart, she was lucky to get a transplant. At first it was an overwhelmingly good gift. But then she began to remember a murder she never witnessed—the murder of her heart's donor.

When she reveals what she knows to a disbelieving police officer, she's exposed as a witness and must flee for her life to a remote cottage on Hope Beach.

Fearing what might happen to her daughter and mother, she asks Marc Everton for help, though she hasn't seen him since the night her father died. She remembers that night with shame, and she never told Marc about their daughter.

Marc is less than convinced that Elin's "memories" are real. He is blindsided by the news about his daughter, but for her sake, he agrees to help. Then he begins to notice the small ways Elin is different. She now likes coffee, her musical tastes have changed, and she's ditched her jeans and sneakers for dresses and high heels.

As Elin tries to stay alive and bring the killer to justice, she begins to doubt her own identity. Did her new heart save her life only to cause her to lose herself? And if she's really changed, why does her new heart love Marc just as much as her old one did?

ISBN-13: 9781595547842
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Series: The Hope Beach Series , #3
Pages: 336

 B&N | Amazon | CBD

(P.S. The e-book version is being offered for $4.99. Pre-order your copy today!!)

Read my reviews on the the other books in the "Hope Beach" series: Tidewater Inn | Rosemary Cottage

My Review:  Every book in the the "Hope Beach" series was fantastic, but Seagrass Pier was the icing on the cake! I read this story every chance I could get! The story touches on some intense topics. Elin Summerall had a heart transplant. Since then, she is having strange dreams about the murder of the woman whose heart she received. In the medical community, this is known as cell memory. I've never heart of it before, but this story stuck some interest in me. Elin's mom is also struggling with dementia, a disease typically found in elderly patients. The story is fast-paced, intriguing, and suspenseful despite the heaviness of some of the topics. That's where Coble excels at writing!

Elin Summerall is a beautiful, independent single mother struggling to cope with raising her daughter, caring for her ailing mother, and overcoming widowhood. She is also recovering from a heart transplant. Elin's character is who I strive to be: strong in her faith, yet humble enough to know she isn't perfect and can't do it all on her own. Marc is the typical man's man, but he is also strong in his faith. He has the right amount of flaws to make him more human and less "perfect." I liked him immediately, and loved him when he found out about his daughter. With a slew of supporting characters, the story never gets to a boring point.

The meat of the story centers around finding your identity. Who are you? What makes you who you are? Is it your looks, your role in life, your job, or something more substantial? What  happens when life changes us? Is our identity shaken or does it hold firm? As Christians, Colleen reminds us our real identity is in Christ. As Elin's mother says, "It's how we love, honey. And you love with your whole heart. God shines through you. Don't ever let that change."

Colleen Coble delivers another face-paced suspense full of twists, turns, with a little romance, story that will keep you enthralled page after page! I highly recommend this book!

*I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

 Connect with Colleen: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

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