Friday, September 18, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up (Sept. 4-18) | Friday Memes

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!

Don't forget to check out my post: Mission Monday | Gettin crafty! Please be in prayer for our upcoming mission trip to Belize. We really appreciate it!

Books I've Read
 

Reviews Posted
An August Bride by Debra Clopton
A Heart's Promise by Colleen Coble
Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman
Daughters of the Heart by Carol McAdoo

Currently Reading
25058237 

What I plan on finishing in September: (I've got a lot of catching up to do!)
2253612423647120Ties That Bind24605318248560692493398520014890

Hosted by: Rose City Reader
"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

""Good morning, and welcome to Last Chance." Rita Sandoval, owner and manager of the Last Chance Motel as well as the town's mayor and chief booster, tucked her pencil back behind her ear and smiled up at Dr. Jessica MacLeod. "I know you're going to love it here."" - Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong

My Thoughts: This is not a particularly exciting beginning, but I have loved this series so far and I have no doubt this book will be great!

Daughters of the Heart by Caryl McAddo

Overview: God’s perfect plan is sometimes so hard to determine. Gwendolyn, Cecelia, and the youngest, Bonnie, make a pact never to break their father’s heart like their big sister did. Then their determination is sorely tried when suitors show up, and he gets so pigheaded with his rules. Will Henry survive his daughters coming of age? Will they endure and keep their promises to each other?

From one man asking to court her—who Daddy sends packing—Gwen goes to three! How can she ever decide? Cecelia knows exactly who she wants, but she’s still a year away from Daddy’s acceptable courting age. What if her beau doesn’t know or won’t wait? And Bonnie hates being the baby and wants to be grown-up more than just about anything…except her man. She is for sure and for certain in love.

In his life, Henry Buckmeyer has never been so beside himself. His little girls are so young, just babies, too young. He hates the whole idea of men coming to take them away and is inclined to shoot every one of them, but praise God for a level-headed, loving wife and step-mother! She helps keep him sane amidst the female chaos. Packed with fun, romance, deception, action, heartbreak and tears, this delightful Christian novel keeps the twists and turns coming. Will the Buckmeyer home ever be settled and peaceful again? Will any of his daughters find true love…a man he'll approve and to whom he can give his blessing?

Link to purchase book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1512273791 

My Review: I wanted so badly to like this book, but it just wasn't for me. After reading the description of this book, I thought I was going to love it. The plot didn't hold my attention. It was choppy and lacked in focus. There were some good points to the book. I loved how the family functioned as a whole. I loved Henry's love for his daughters and his wife and his protectiveness of all of them. The sibling rivalry was entertaining. Other than that, I didn't feel any real connection to any of the characters. There was no depth or growth. There were also a couple parts towards the end of the book that shocked me to even be mentioned in a Christian novel. Overall, as much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it fell short of my expectations. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*


About the Author: Caryl, praying her story gives God glory, loves writing for Christian genres--historical and contemporary romance, Biblical fiction, and mid-grade especially. In 2014, Simon and Schuster debuted VOW UNBROKEN, a historical Christian romance set in 1832 Texas, and Caryl followed with three additional novels. In April, LADY LUCK'S A LOSER (contemporary, mature, inspirational romance) September's debut, HEARTS STOLEN (set in 1839-1844), book two of her historical Christian Texas Romances--a #1 Amazon Best-seller, and in November, A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, volume one of her new Biblical fiction series, The Generations--also an Amazon #1 Best-seller.

For every good blessing - including ten children (four by birth, six by marriage) and sixteen grandsugars - she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her high school sweetheart husband of forty-seven years and two grandsons, in the woods a few miles south of Clarksville, Red River County seat, located in far Northeast Texas with two grandsons Christian (16) and Benjamen (13).

Monday, September 14, 2015

Mission Monday: Gettin' Crafty

Good morning literary friends! I know, I know! You're wondering, where have you been? Things have been busy, busy, busy in the life of your Faith * Love * Books Blogger, and I've fallen behind on everything! So, in an effort to get back on track, I will be reading up a storm (especially since my hubby will be working late all week).

In other news, my church (New Sterling A. R. P.) is gearing up for another fun and exciting mission trip to Belize. I went last year and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Some of the people in that village had nothing, and they were willing to give us all they had. It was definitely a humbling experience and an honor to go. I've made several life long friends and got to be a part of two people giving their lives to the Lord. We also helped paint and repair a school, repaired and basically remodeled a family's home that was falling apart from termite damage, and bought them a new energy efficient refrigerator to replace their very old, costly one.

I say all this to say that we need your prayers as we head into this next mission trip. We have plans, but as my preacher likes to say, they are "loose" plans. We want to do what the Lord directs us to do, so we keep our options open and our hearts ready and listening. Right now, we are in the fundraising portion of our preparations, with a few major events coming up to help cover the costs of our plane tickets and the supplies we will need once we
get there. If you are interested in making a donation, please message me through the CONTACT ME page. I would love to send you a formal letter and an envelope addressed to the church. It is a taxable donation and the church will send you a receipt.

If you can't donate right now, but still want to help, please consider purchasing one of the book marks or cards that I've made (they are first come, first serve until I build my supplies and stock up on paper in order to accomodate special orders or requests). Half of every book mark and card sold will be given to the New Sterling Mission fund. Please comment below if you are interesting in purchasing a book mark or card with your name and email address in a non-spam format (email(at)domain(dot)com). I will contact you for your mailing address and arrange for payment.

Any way you can help out would be a tremedous blessing, and know that we covet your prayers. Thank you for your time and consideration, friends! God Bless!

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" Hebrews 6:19
Bookmark - $2 (2 available)

"For the Lord is Great and greatly to be praised" - Psalm 96:4
Bookmark - $2 (2 available)

Stampin Up! "Happy Birthday" Card w/ Envelope
$6 (1 Available)

Stampin Up! "Thank You" Card w/ Envelope
$6 (1 Available)

Stampin Up! "Just Beecause I love you" Card w/ Envelope
$6 (1 Available)