Friday, January 30, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up (Jan 30) - Month In Review

 
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!

What I've Read
Price of Privilege

Reviews Posted
At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta

What I'm Currently Reading
22514181

What's Up Next
A Woodland Miracle (The Amish Wonders Series)The Trouble with Patience (Virtues and Vices of the Old West, #1)After a FashionSabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5)Hope Crossing: The Complete Ada's House Trilogy, includes The Hope of Refuge, The Bridge of Peace, and The Harvest of Grace

January Wrap Up
Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege, #3)When Mercy Rains (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, #1)coverAt Home in Last Chance (A Place to Call Home, #3)Steadfast Heart (Brides of Seattle, #1)A January BrideDeadly Devotion: A Novel12563573Shattered Silence, Men of the Texas Ranger Series #2   -     By: Margaret Daley
Scorned Justice (Men of the Texas Rangers Series #3)

Severed Trust: The Men of the Texas Rangers Book 4


Finish the Series Reading Challenge: 2 series completed. My goal: 10
CBLH Re-Read Challenge: 2 books re-read. My goal: 24
50 States Reading Challenge: 1 book read - My goal: 12
This is my 21 post for the month! My goal for each month is to post at least 20 times! :D

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Water Your Faith Wednesday - The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 6)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!
 
  Week 1, the introduction: The Power.
Week 2, His Wife.  
Week 3, His Work
Week 4, His Finances
Week 5, His Sexuality
Week 6, His Affection.
 
Today, we are continuing our devotions with the sixth chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Temptation
 
"Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." - James 1:13-15
 
My Thoughts: This chapter is pretty self explanatory. "Temptation," says Stormie, "is everywhere today and we're fools if we think we or our husbands can't be lured by it in some form or another." (pg. 69) The devil knows our weakest points. Don't you think he will do everything in his power to destroy what God has built? That includes sending temptations our way. (pg. 70) The key verse I chose states that temptation does not come from God. OUR desires lead to temptation when we allow them to. It's not hopeless, though. If we pray for ourselves and our husbands to resist temptation, and we are willing to listen to the Lord and follow His will, we can overcome temptation.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Price of Privilege by Jessica Dotta

Price of PrivilegeOverview: Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

ISBN-13: 9781414375571
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date: 1/1/2015
Series: Price of Privilege Series , #3
Pages: 464
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I absolutely enjoyed this final book to the Price of Privilege series. Book two left us with more questions than answers, and I'm happy to say that the author provides a satisfying conclusion. This book is definitely written in the Victorian Gothic style, as are the other books in the series, but with humor and witty conversation sprinkled liberally throughout, the reader does not get bogged down in the negative. The plot itself is fantastic. Scandal, romance, murder, and intrigue kept me turning page after page late into the night! 

As in book two, Julia's growth throughout the book was natural and well-written. I didn't expect her to become a religious fanatic, and the author didn't write her as such. She struggled daily against all that was thrown at her, and her faith struggled as well. Her relationships with the people she interacted with on a daily basis grows as she overcomes her personal issues. Edward's character was the true vicar and husband I had been hoping for. He is patient, caring, kind, fierce, loyal, and protective all at once. The comic relief comes in the form of Jameson, Edward's father's personal valet. He is a loyal man with a knack for knowing just what is needed, and when. 

The masterful way the message was weaved into the plot gives true credit to the author who wrote it. Overcoming fear and learning to trust comes when we fully and wholly rely on God. Isaac, in my opinion, was the picture of Christ for Julia. He was there for her over and over, time after time, even though she rejected him and hurt him deeply. In the end, just as Christ's sacrifice saved us from eternal damnation, Isaac's sacrifice saved Julia.

Overall, the author provided a satisfying conclusion, ripe with scandal, romance, and a hefty dose of faith. I was choking back tears reading the last couple chapters of this book as the beautiful sacrifice and acceptance of all that had happened took place in Julia's life.  I look forward to reading more from this masterful author.

*Spoiler alert* - Here are a few quotes from this book that really touched me:

"God is rich with mercy on the castaways and smoldering brands. They are precious to him, and he's willing to cast aside all that is dirty and offensive and replace it with robes of honor."  - Edward to Julia

"'Though he slay me,'" he quoted softly after a minute, "'yet will I trust in him.' If anything happens to me, then fix your eyes on the star, Juls, and never look away, even if you sink and drown. You let God kill one life to resurrect another." - Edward to Julia

"Shame will unmake and warp any soul." - Julia

"Pain, it seems, was God's sharpening tool." - Julia

**Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**
http://www.jessicadotta.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/author2.jpgAbout the Author: Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

Monday, January 26, 2015

At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

At Home in Last Chance: A NovelOverview: Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over. Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?

With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into the reader's psyche, Cathleen Armstrong continues to delight her readers and win new fans. Readers will be thrilled to return once more to the small town they've grown to love.

ISBN-13: 9780800722487
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 1/6/2015
Series: A Place to Call Home , #3
Pages: 304
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD
Read my review of One More Last Chance, book 2.

My Review: Welcome back to Last Chance, a place that invites you to sit down and eat at the Dip 'N Dine, gossip with some of the locals, and visit with Elizabeth for some tea. I love the small town setting and the community feel that the author invokes throughout the story. Getting to hear from my old friends Chris and Sarah wasn't bad either. This is the third book in the series, but it does not have to be read in order (I do want to go back and read the first book, though!).

At the end of book two, Chris had just picked up his sister, Kaitlyn from Florida. I really enjoyed getting to know Kaitlyn better in this book, because my opinion of her was not very high. Steven Braden is your typical handsome charmer. I loved the depth the author provided to each character. I really felt a connection with both of them as they struggled to overcome the stigmas of their past. Their relationship was not rushed or over done. It was the background story line for the book.

The message of the story can be summed up in these words from Elizabeth, "Never underestimate what the Lord can do...He can take the biggest mess you ever saw and turn it into something so beautiful it can take your breath away." We have all done things we are not proud of; things we struggle to let go of in our past. The hardest thing to do is to let it go, like God does (as far as the East is from the West), and get on with our lives. Each of these characters works to overcome their pasts in the story and receive the beautiful blessing God has for them in their present and future.

Overall, this was a sweet, contemporary romance with a deep message of making our messes beautiful.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review.**


Cathleen ArmstrongAbout the Author: Cathleen Armstrong is the author of Welcome to Last Chance, winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction in 2009 and the first volume in the series “A Place to Call Home.” She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi, but her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives.
Contact Cathleen:

Friday, January 23, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up (Jan. 23)

 
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!
 
What I've Read
When Mercy Rains (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, #1)coverAt Home in Last Chance (A Place to Call Home, #3) 
 
Reviews Posted
When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer
 
What I'm Currently Reading
Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege, #3)  
 
What's Up Next
A Woodland Miracle (The Amish Wonders Series)22514181The Trouble with Patience (Virtues and Vices of the Old West, #1)After a FashionSabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5)Hope Crossing: The Complete Ada's House Trilogy, includes The Hope of Refuge, The Bridge of Peace, and The Harvest of Grace  
 
Challenge Updates
50 States Reading Challenge: 1 book read - My goal: 12
 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Secret of Pembrooke Park - Behind the Scenes

Good afternoon blogging friends! I hope you are having a wonderful day. I absolutely love reading and the fact that I have the opportunity to help promote the wonderful authors whose books I so enjoy. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to help promote one of my favorite authors, Julie Klassen! I adored The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Julie's latest release (see my review here).

In fact, I loved it so much, I wanted to share some cool things about it with you!

My favorite Quote: There are so many good ones in this book, it was hard for me to narrow it down. I have bookmarked in my review copy a passage where William is preaching a sermon after a fire at the parsonage. This particular passage struck me as it made me question where I am laying my treasures: here or in heaven? "But we all know that earthly treasure will never satisfy the deepest longings of our souls, don't we?" (pg. 309).

Behind the Scenes: The manor that inspired The Secret of Pembrooke Park's setting.
 

Check out the trailer for The Secret of Pembrooke Park

  

Interested?? Buy it at these following retailers - B&N | Amazon | CBD



Water Your Faith Wednesday - The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 5)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!
 
  Week 1, the introduction: The Power.
Week 2, His Wife.  
Week 3, His Work
Week 4, His Finances
Week 5, His Sexuality
 
Today, we are continuing our devotions with the fifth chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Affection.
  
"Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband." -  1 Corinthians 7:3 

My Thoughts: This is an area where my husband and I struggle. He is not an affectionate person, by nature. He thinks that our sexual relationship is all of the affection I should need. I feel like I need more. I never thought to pray about it. That is probably why most of our arguments revolve around my need for affection and his indifference towards it. I have had my eyes opened several times throughout this book, so far, and I relish it. I hope it makes our relationship stronger and better in the Lord.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

coverOverview: s the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana Colonies have remained at peace—until now. Amalie Wiese arrives in the newly built village of Amana in 1863 only to find that her fiancé, Friedrich, has left to fight for the Union army.

Amalie fears for his safety even as she struggles with his decision to abandon the colony's peace-loving beliefs. She hopes that working alongside Friedrich's best friend will provide some comfort, but instead of offering support, Matthias is abrupt and cold. When Matthias himself leaves for the battlefront to deliver supplies to the soldiers, war wages inside Amalie. Who will claim victory for her heart?

ISBN-13: 9781609361358
Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 6/1/2011
Series: Love Finds You Series
Pages: 320
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

My Review: When I first started this story, I was a little....well....nervous as to how I would like it. It starts of kind of slow, but right around the middle of the novel, it picks up the pace and doesn't relent until the end. The events of the story are heart-wrenching for this peaceful community, and for me. I almost cried several times towards the end. It has a happy ending, which I am thankful for, and nothing felt forced or rushed. The description of the Inspirationalists community gave me a better understanding of their ways and customs. I envy their sense of community and selflessness.

The characters are complex and well-written. I loved that the novel encompassed Friedrich, Matthias, and Amelie's points of view. It provided more depth to the story, as well as the characters. Reading Friedrich's point of view from the front line of battle almost places you back in time during the Civil War and the horrors our soldiers on both sides had to face. Reading Matthias' struggle to keep his thoughts and actions towards his best friend's fiancé made me sympathetic toward his otherwise cold demeanor. Reading Amelie's background with her parents and separation from her fiancé for three years had me rooting for her after tragedy strikes and she is left to pick up the pieces.

The author really drives home one main point, in my opinion. God speaks to everyone in different ways. It is not our job to judge others or understand what God has called them to do. We are called to support, uplift, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter the decisions they make. Our path will be made clear, when God is ready for us to know it.

Overall, I enjoyed visiting the Amana Kolonie and look forward to reading more by Melanie Dobson.

About the Author: MELANIE DOBSON is the author of 5 novels including Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and has a background in publicity and journalism. She grew up in a small Ohio town but now lives with her husband and two daughters in Oregon. Read more at www.melaniedobson.com.

Friday, January 16, 2015

When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Overview: She left, heavily weighted with secrets. But God reveals all things, in His timing. And He redeems them.

Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.

Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.

Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again, giving him the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion. But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret—one that changes everything.

Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago. Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?

ISBN-13: 9780307731319
Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
Publication date: 10/7/2014
Series: Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy Series
Pages: 352
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Wow! Kim Vogel Sawyer knows how to write. This book was fantastic. The plot is engaging, serious, and well thought out. While the focus of the plot was on the lies, betrayal and anger, it wasn't heavy or hard to read. There were moments of dialogue that provided comic relief to keep the story flowing effortlessly.

The characters were phenomenal. I loved Suzanne and Alexa.Suzanne's character was weighed down by guilt and shame. Her attitude through it all, though, was what really amazed me. She was strong, courageous, and kind-hearted despite her past angst. Alexa was a sweet, innocent girl that provided much needed relief to the story. Paul's character was also well-written. He was a great father and worked hard to emulate Jesus in his every day life. Abigail changed the most, in my opinion. At the beginning of the story, she was spiteful, bitter, and angry. I cringed every time she talked! By the end, though, I wept and laughed right along with her!

The message of the story is aptly summed up in the title of the book. Mercy certainly did rain down on this family. As Alexa says, "...when mercy rains, lives become fresh and new." When we allow our past mistakes to bog down our lives, we generally react in one of two ways: like Suzanna, who tried to cover her lies and past with secrets; or like Abigail with bitterness and anger. God doesn't want that for us. As far has He's concerned, when we ask for forgiveness, we are washed clean; like it never happened. That's how we should live our lives! That's what God wants!

Overall, this was a sweet story of God's mercy and grace.

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

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author with more than one million copies of her books currently in print. Awards include the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Sawyer lives in central Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their feline companions. She savors time with her daughters and grandchildren.
Author Hometown: Kansas

Connect with Kim: Email Kim  | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Weekend Wrap Up (Jan. 16)

 
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!

What I've Read
Steadfast Heart (Brides of Seattle, #1)A January BrideDeadly Devotion: A Novel
 
Reviews Posted
Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson
A January Bride by Deborah Raney
Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

What I'm Currently Reading
When Mercy Rains (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, #1)

What's Up Next
Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege, #3)A Woodland Miracle (The Amish Wonders Series)At Home in Last Chance (A Place to Call Home, #3)22514181The Trouble with Patience (Virtues and Vices of the Old West, #1)