A Tapestry of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas

A Tapestry of Secrets

Appalachian Blessings, Book 3
Bethany House
8/2/2016
ISBN-13: 9780764212277

This Decade-Spanning Novel of Family and Faith Will Delight

Now in her eighties, Perla Phillips has carried a secret since she was eighteen years old. When she sees her granddaughter, Ella, struggling for perfection, she decides to share her secret to show that God can use even the biggest mistakes for good. But before she can reveal what happened during that summer sixty years ago, she has a debilitating stroke.

Carrying a secret of her own, Ella arrives back in Wise, West Virgina, to help her aunt Sadie care for Perla. Both know the woman wanted to tell them something, but she's now locked in silence. Together they begin looking into the past, but they may learn more than they expected.

Will they have the courage to share their hearts? Or will the truth remain buried forever?

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My Review: I have loved every book in the Appalachian Blessings series, so far. They are poignant stories that reach down deep and touch your heart. While A Tapestry of Secrets took me longer to really get into than the other stories, I ended up loving it just as much!

I enjoyed catching up with Perla, Sadie, and the rest of the family. Perla plays a big part in Ella’s story, though she is silent through most of it. Ella is a wonderful character. I felt such a connection to her struggle to accept herself as worthy, beautiful, and forgiven. At the point in the story where she had three beaus, I had already chosen who I wanted her go for. Seth provided a strong, silent support for Ella, following God’s prompting in his relationship with her.

Sadie’s quest for her biological father provided a nice side story, and added to the importance of the message. Sometimes, in order to embrace what God has for your life, you have to let go of the past. Ella, Sadie, and Perla all struggle with this throughout the book. The verse that kind of brings home the point to me is found in Acts chapter 2: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Overall, while it took me several chapters to get hooked to this story, I was caught well and good once it happened. I recommend this sweet, soul stirring story.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, released August 2014 through Bethany House. Book #2, Until the Harvest, released May 2015. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

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The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

The Hesitant Heiress
The Everstone Chronicles, Book 1
Whitaker House
8/1/2014
ISBN-13: 9781629112299

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.

Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been “managing her life” isn’t who she thought at all.

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My Review: I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: It’s rare to find an author who can write in the first person point of view well and keep my attention. I don’t know why, but I find it hard to read a one sided story. That being said, Dawn Crandall is a master! I was totally absorbed in Amaryllis’ and Nathan’s affairs from beginning to end. Dawn Crandall does an excellent job of giving enough dialogue and expressions of the characters that Amaryllis is involved with that it’s not at all one sided (well, it is, but I didn’t feel that it was!)

While I could have wished for more interaction between Nathan and Amaryllis before discovering their love for one another, I was not disappointed in the relationship trials they had to endure. Amaryllis’ character is full of contradictions: she is strong, yet vulnerable; happy, yet experiences deep sadness; trusting, yet not easily. In effect, I LOVED HER. She behaved exactly as one would expect, based on her circumstances and what’s she had to endure in her life. Watching Nathan through Amaryllis’ eyes gave me quite a good notion of his character, and watching him fight for her was so romantic!

Amaryllis’ biggest problem in her life is trust. Based on all she’s had to endure, she finds the motives of people… really people in general hard to trust. She doesn’t take people into her confidence easily. The message of the story centers on Amaryllis learning to trust God, and in effect, trust the plans and people He has for her. It’s a beautiful message woven masterfully into a beautiful story.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this wonderful story and can’t wait to read more in the Everstone Chronicles.

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

A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he let her quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter. The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.

Learn more about Dawn Crandall: http://dawncrandall.blogspot.com/

If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy by Rhonda Stoppe

When I first saw this book, I was intrigued by the title. It caught my attention because I know I've made that statement before, either to my husband or to myself. So, I thought "why not?" Let me tell you how happy I am that I picked up this book. Rhonda Stoppe is an excellent author. Her conversational tone throughout the book made me feel at ease, even during the topics that pricked at my consciousness. I felt like I was sitting down with my girlfriends for a nice chat every time I picked up this book.

While a lot of the topics addressed in this book I haven't experienced in this stage in my marriage (2 years in September!), I will definitely read this book and refer to it again throughout our marriage. The wisdom I've gleaned from it's pages is immeasurable. I could have little orange sticky note tabs all over the book, but I tried to contain myself! Here are a few of the points that really stuck out to me:

"The key to having an all-out love for your husband lies in how well you love God." (pg. 16)
"The first insight into building a love that lasts is to take your focus off of how much you want to be loved by your husband." (Now, I'll admit, I had to really let that soak before I could appreciate it's truth - pg. 39)
"When you are selfishly devoted to yourself rather than to God and others - in this case, your husband - you will resist giving of yourself to him selflessly." (pg. 111)
"When you commit to seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness, you will find contentment and peace in your marriage--and life." (pg. 136)
"It is not enough to merely read the Bible and pray for a marriage free from conflict." (pg. 143)
Lastly, the prayer for her husband she wrote on page 187 is a beautiful model prayer that I wouldn't hesitate to say over my hubby regularly.

Overall, whether you're in your first years or in the thick of your marriage, it's never too early or too late to read this fantastic book.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rstoppe

About the book: 

If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy: And Other Myths Wives Believe (Harvest House, August 2015)

Like most brides on their wedding day, you no doubt were filled with love for your husband and the hope of a happy life together.

But perhaps today, as the realities of life together have settled in, those happy expectations are going unfulfilled. And it's tempting to think, "If only my husband would change, I'd be happy."

That myth is but one of many that Rhonda Stoppe dispels in her easy-to-read exploration of what it takes to experience a truly happy marriage. In the process, she addresses such important topics as

-understanding your husband's need for your unconditional respect

-rekindling the love that drew you to your husband in the first place

-refusing to believe the lie that you'd be happier married to someone else

-learning to be content in the midst of financial struggles

-thinking about sex from a biblical worldview

If you desire to rekindle the love and hope you felt on your wedding day, this book will go a long way toward making that dream come true.

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2a9Izc6

 

About the author:

Rhonda Stoppe is the No Regrets Woman. She is an author and speaker dedicated to helping women live life with no regrets. With more than 20 years' experience as a mom, mentor, and pastor's wife, Rhonda's wisdom and experience helps women discover significance in God and His specific purpose for their lives, connect biblical principles to everyday decisions, develop a loving marriage that others dream about, and influence the next generation by raising children with integrity.

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A Flight of Arrows | Review & Giveaway

A Flight of Arrows

The Pathfinders #2
WaterBrook Press (Penguin Random House)
April 19, 2016
ISBN-10: 1601427344
ISBN-13: 978-1601427342

Hearts are divided.
Loyalties will be tested.
The fates of two families hang in the balance.

Twenty years ago, during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry in 1757, a young Redcoat named Reginald Aubrey stole a new-born boy--the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins--and raised him as his own.

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William's twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God's forgiveness--and her love.

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York, and the Continentals, aided by Two Hawks and the Oneida warriors, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture but united by love and faith must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.

Read the first chapter.

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My Review: If any of you follow me on Goodreads, you know that it normally does not take me long to read a good book (2-3 days). There were several reasons it was hard for me to read this book, none of which had ANYTHING to do with the book itself. A Flight of Arrows is powerful, compelling, and intense. The story is heart-wrenching and had me in its grips from beginning to end. This is not a story for the faint of heart or those of you looking for a fun, light-hearted read.

Lori does an excellent job of describing the war between the British and Americans. She describes the scenery, emotions, and battles in vivid detail (without being too graphic). She also excels in keeping us informed on what is going on both with the menfolk and womenfolk involved in the story, even though they are not together for most of it. This story invokes a powerful feeling of the fear, anxiety, and anger present during the Revolutionary War.

The characters made the story. Lydia, Anna Catherine, Two Hawks, William, Stone Thrower, Reginald and Good Voice come together in an amazing way, and you can see the work of the Lord in each of their lives. The heartache, joys, disappointments, fear, and anger each character feels is gripping and raw and powerful. My heart swelled with emotion for each blow these characters took, and cried in joy with each moment of happiness they were rewarded with. Lori made the characters come to life in my mind with each page.

Now, the reason I had such a hard time reading this book is because of the message. It hit home FOR REAL Y’ALL. Each of these characters had to make choices that would affect the rest of their lives, for the better or worse. The paths we walk are not always clear, as each character comes to realize, but if we ask the Lord for guidance in earnest, He will direct our paths. Two Hawks says it best, “Life is a blessing, but it is also a testing. Take the one as you do the other and trust Him who allows all.”

Overall, I absolutely LOVED this powerful, emotionally challenging story. I cannot wait to read more from the Pathfinders series.

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

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.

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GIVEAWAY:

I have a copy of this amazing story to give away! To enter, comment on this post: Have you read Lori Benton's books? If so, which is your favorite? 

Giveaway will end SATURDAY, JULY 23 at MIDNIGHT (EST).

*Blogging for Books provided me with two copies of A Flight of Arrows in exchange for my honest review. They are not affiliated with this giveaway.*

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do
A Ladies of Harper Station Novel
Bethany House, June 2016
ISBN-13: 9780764212819

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

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Read an excerpt.

My Review: Karen Witemeyer writes another engaging, romantically fantastic story! I loved it from beginning to end. It will pull at your heart strings; make you laugh, and keep you hooked until the very end. I love the idea of “women’s colony,” and I fell in love with all the women at Harper’s Station. The spunk and determination they showed in the face of danger and conflict made for some exciting moments.

Emma Chandler is a woman that I would love to meet. Her compassion for others (especially women in need), enthusiasm for whatever she does, and her humble faith makes her an engaging and unique woman. I also loved the fact that even though she sided with the Women’s Suffrage movement, she still saw the value of men, especially Malachi Shaw. Malachi Shaw is a man with many hurts haunting him. It causes him to hold people at arm’s length, only creating surface relationships with the people he encounters. I can understand that and empathize. I loved watching their relationship grow. Even after ten years, you could feel the connection they had coming through the pages. Karen Witemeyer provides a host of side characters, and gives just information about them to intrigue without encroaching on the main story.

I loved the message Mrs. Witemeyer wove expertly into this story. Psalm 18 says that the Lord is our rock and our strength. Both Emma and Mal learn, through the trials they are face that all they need to do is cry out to Him and he will deliver them. Watching them struggle to trust God with their problems is something we can all relate to.

Overall, I find this story enchanting. I absolutely loved it and I hope Mrs. Witemeyer will write more stories about the ladies at Harper’s Station.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review which I have given.*

Christy Award finalist and winner the ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

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The Goodbye Bride by Denise Hunter

The Goodbye Bride

A Summer Harbor Novel, Book 2
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 3/2016
ISBN-13: 9780718023737

She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.

Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.

Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?

Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away. And Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever.

Read an Excerpt.

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Read my reviews of the other books in the Summer Harbor series.

My review: When I first picked this book up, I had the same thought some of you probably did: I really hope this isn’t a book about a flight female who can’t make up her mind! BOY, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Can you imagine losing 7 months of your life *just like that*! Denise Hunter captures your attention from the very beginning and creates a compelling story.

I enjoyed being back in Summer Harbor with Beau, Eden, and Aunt Trudy. I really enjoyed getting to know Zac more, as well. I was immediately drawn to his vulnerability where Lucy is concerned and his quiet strength of character. Lucy’s concussion and memory loss make her an extremely vulnerable character. I was worried that because of her fear of her memory never returning, she would be whiney and that would make me not like her. I was pleasantly surprised! Lucy, though her fear and vulnerability were a big part of her story, was a strong and feisty woman! I loved how the author brought them together and gave us glimpses of their pasts, which made me appreciate their present.

The message of the story is simple, yet strong. God never promised our lives would be easy. Both Zac and Lucy have to work through their troubles to embrace their second chance. As Eden points out to Lucy, ”Life will always have troubles. It’s what shapes and molds us and makes us into the people He wants us to be.” I could also relate to Lucy’s struggle with her past. It’s hard to let go of something that hurt you so deeply. She didn’t realize how it was affecting her until God brought it to light.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of second chances at love, letting go of the past, and embracing the troubles God brings us as he shapes us into what He wants us to be.

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

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 20 books, including Dancing with Fireflies and The Convenient Groom. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband will soon be facing an empty nest.

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Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Dawn at Emberwilde
A Treasures of Surrey Novel, Book 2
(Thomas Nelson, May 2016)

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father's death.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore---along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it---in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/24hHcui

Litfuse Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/sladd

Read my review of The Curiosity Keeper, book 1 in the Treasures of Surrey series.

My Review: This story put me in mind of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. It has a Gothic feel to it, with talk of ghosts, fairies, and a "haunted" forest. Sarah E. Ladd writes an intriguing story, with a plot that is ripe with surprises. I wanted to visit Emberwilde in all it's grandeur and the Emberwilde Forest (a.k.a. the Black Wood Forest) in all it's haunting beauty.

I love Isabel Creston. She does her best to remain true to herself, even with all the changes and expectations her family places on her. I admired her ability to, in the end, do what's right. Colin Galloway is now one of my favorite male heroes. His ability to accept his birthright and fit in with those from all classes is unmatched. He is honorable, good, and handsome. With a cast full of overbearing characters like Mrs. Ellison and Mr. Bradford, and characters that just like to keep the peace, such as Constance Ellison, Colin helps Isabel hold on to herself.

The message of the story, as the title would imply, is about God's mercies being new every morning. As Isabel's friend Mary reminds her, "We do not find ourselves in new situations by accident. Oh, no! Remember, with each dawn seek guidance, and with each night give gratitude." Isabel learns to turn to God each morning for guidance and give gratitude for the things He has done for her by facing the trials that her family imposes on her.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was an exciting change of pace from what I had been reading and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.

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

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Cold Shot
Chesapeake Valor, Book 1
Bethany House, Jan 2016
ISBN: 9780764211973

Four Best Friends. And Then One Went Missing . . .

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top--and they aren't Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

Read an excerpt.

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My Review: I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with this series and this is only the first book! I can't believe I have to wait until 2017 for the next one! While the epilogue wrapped up Griffin and Finley's story quite nicely, I was shocked at the revelation Kate threw at us at the end. Dani Pettrey shines once again in her masterful descriptions and plot lines. Suspense abounds along with a lot of faith and romance in this exciting story.

I felt at home in the Chesapeake area with Finley, Griffin, Declan, Parker, Avery, and Kate. I loved Finley. She is strong in an understated way. She is smart and sassy. She dealt admirably with parts of her past, but as we all do, had to work really hard to really let go. Griffin is also a strong character in an understated way. His accomplishments make him shine, yet he doesn't allow them to give him a big head. I would have liked to see more sparring between the two characters. Their interactions before their feelings were revealed amused me. Griffin's past with Parker, Declan, and Kate made for an intersting side story, and I can't wait to see their relationships continue to heal.

Both characters grapple with coming to terms with their past. They both endured ugly, hard things. But they both had to realize that "God brings beauty and light to the darkest places" and that He can bring "beauty out of brokenness." Once they both accepted this realization, they could fully embrace what God brought to them: each other.

Overall, I am hooked on this series already. I am eagerly anticipating the release of book 2. Dani Pettrey writes another nail-biting, edge of your seat romantic suspense with a deep message.

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

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Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection | Book Review

Sins of the Past
ISBN: 9780764217975
Bethany House
April 2016

Secrets and Lies. Danger That Will Never Go Away. Join Three Beloved Masters of Romantic Suspense for Novellas Where the Past Will Not Stay Buried.

Dee Henderson - "Missing"
A Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her retirement community. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two soon launch into a race against the clock when they realize something dark may lie at the heart of the disappearance.

Dani Pettrey - "Shadowed"
Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young Alaskan fisherman nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor. Another swimmer, who'd been the dead woman's roommate years ago, is pulled into the search for answers as it grows more and more clear that something sinister is at play.

Lynette Eason - "Blackout"
A young woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong finds herself at risk years later when the real culprit is up for parole. The loot taken that night has never been found and he believes she knows where it's hidden--only her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety?

Get your copy: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: Wow! These three authors emanate the definition of romantic suspense. When I say I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, I mean it. This is a fast-paced, page turning, suspenseful novella collection full of faith and love.

Each author brings a unique style to the table. I've never read Dee Henderson or Lynette Eason before, but after these novellas I will definitely be reading more. I am very familiar with Dani Pettrey and I was so excited to read about the McKenna siblings parents, that I started the Alaskan Courage series all over again! While their writing styles are different, these stories flow together seamlessly.

I loved that each story focused on a different message, but they were all related to letting go of the past. Each character was "stuck" in their past in some way, shape, or form, and had to learn to deal with the past and move on to embrace God's future for them. Overall, I highly recommend this collection of Romantic Suspense novellas to anyone looking for mystery, love, and faith!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

Dee Henderson is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels including Full Disclosure and Taken. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois. Visit her online at www.deehenderson.com.

Dani Pettrey is the award-winning author of the acclaimed Alaskan Courage series as well as Cold Shot, the first in her Chesapeake Valor series. She lives with her family in Maryland. Find her online at www.danipettrey.com.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and Always Watching from her new Elite Guardians series. She resides in South Carolina and can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com.

Murder Comes By Mail by A. H. Gabhart

Murder Comes By Mail
A Hidden Springs Mystery, Book 2
ISBN-13: 978-0800727055
Baker Publishing Group, May 2016

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn’t particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses–a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn’t last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs’ concerned citizens.

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves–because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

Readers will love racing along with Deputy Sheriff Keane as the clock ticks in this page-turner.

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My Review: This is such a cozy, easy read mystery. It is unique, at least to me, in the fact that it is told exclusively from the hero's point of view. I've read very few books that are from only the male's point of view. The simplicity in which this book is written gives the book a down to earth feel. I loved the small town feel of Hidden Springs.

As for the characters, they are highly entertaining. They are everything I picture small town folks to be. Each person plays a role in solving the deadly game that has been foisted upon Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane, and sometimes it's quite humorous. Throughout most of the story, we see Michael struggling to let go of his worries so God can work in and around his life. Every Christian can relate to that same struggle (or at least I can)!

Overall, I really enjoyed this sleepy town novel, full of fun, loving people with good intentions and a deadly plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. (Note: this is the second book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series, but it can be read stand alone.)

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

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky.

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Becky Wade’s ‘Her One and Only’ Porter Prize Pack and $100 Cash Card Giveaway | Book Review

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade

My Review: Talk about a book hangover!! I finished Her One and Only last night and sat there after putting it down thinking...WOW. I am pretty sure this is my favorite out of all of the Porter family novels. I loved the flow and feel of this novel. Becky Wade has a knack for creating life-like characters with genuine emotions and reactions. She pulls you into a story and leaves you wanting more at the end (in the best possible way, of course).

Speaking of characters, I absolutely LOVED Dru and Gray. Dru is everything I wish I could be: strong, independent, feisty, and did I mention strong!! She has her flaws, of course, like everyone else. Grayson had my heart from the beginning. Like Dru, I couldn't help but to be drawn into his life. I was curious about him. I wanted to know what made him tick, what made him keep people at arm's length. His broken family is something I can definitely relate to. Their relationship had me in tears at some points I was laughing so hard. Their banter and the sparks that they both tried to ignore were entertaining! I also loved catching up with the rest of the Porter crew: Meg and Bo, Celia and Ty, and Jake and Lyndie.

The message of this story is about letting go. Dru and Gray both have things in their past that have defined how they view life today. By not letting go of those things, they are holding God back from what He can do in their life. As the verse at the end states, by letting go, we can embrace the "new things" God has for us.

Overall, I'm sad that the Porter Family series has come to an end, but I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to one of the best family series I've ever read!

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43:19

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Litfuse Blogging program in exchange for my honest review*

About the book: 
Her One and Only (Bethany House, May 2016)

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt---none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives---and their hearts---to one another. 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NrA4cO

About the author:

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.

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Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of Her One and Only

A $100 cash card

Follow Your Heart tote bag

24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler

The Blind Side DVD

Necklace with star charm

Porter Family navy jersey

 Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson

Every Bride Has Her Day
Brides With Style, Book 3
ISBN-13: 9780800724016
Baker Publishing Group
May 2016

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can’t wait to start planning their life together. She’s confident she’ll make it down the aisle this time–but it still may be easier said than done.

A high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone’s competing visions regarding her own special day–and she’s beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her perfect day? Or will bridal shop chaos and overzealous friends and family make a mess of everything?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers what they’ve been clamoring for: another funny, romantic romp with a Texas twang.

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Other books in the Brides with Style Series:

Every Bride Needs a Groom (Review)

Every Girl Gets Confused (Review)

My Review: Janice Thompson's latest book, Every Bride Has Her Day, is the perfect ending to the Brides with Style Series. It's been an absolute blast following Katie and Brady on their journey. I've enjoyed visiting Cosmopolitan Bride in Dallas and Katie's hometown of Fairfield. Each place reminds me of my hometown and the feelings of love and family that come with it. I'm kinda sad that the journey is over.

As I was reading this story, Katie really reminded me of myself. Her "eager to please everyone" attitude is so much like my own.  I love how Brady kept reminding her that their wedding day was really all about what they wanted, not what everyone else wanted. His attitude is the perfect compliment to hers. The love they have for each other shines through the pages. It's breathtaking!

The message of the story is clearly defined in Philippians 4:12: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry whether living in plenty or in want. Each person in this story is learning a lesson about seasons and what it's like to have it all and then what it's like to feel at your lowest. It's a beautiful lesson that we all need to learn from.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the Brides with Style series and I can't wait to see what fantastic stories Janice cooks up next!

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

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.

Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.

She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

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Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

Every Girl Gets Confused

Brides With Style, Book 2

ISBN-13: 978-0800724009

Baker Publishing Group

October 2015

How can she choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath?

Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs.

Katie’s almost-fiancé Casey is back in Fairfield, ready to rekindle their relationship. And there’s nothing Katie’s parents want more than for their small-town girl to leave Dallas and come home for good.

But can she really leave Brady behind? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?

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Every Bride Needs A Groom, Brides With Style - Book 1 Review

My Review: It's been almost a year since I read the first book in the Brides with Style series, Every Bride Needs A Groom, and I had forgotten just how much fun Janice Thompson's books are! Every Girl Gets Confused is a breath of fresh air with sweet Southern charm. I read the story in my head with a thick, southern drawl. I loved returning to Cosmopolitan Bride and catching up with all my favorite characters.

I still love Katie Sue Fisher. She is everything sweet, humble, and just all around good. Watching her relationship with Brady grow and change warmed my heart. Speaking of Brady, his trials broke my heart! I wanted to just hug that sweet man.... and shake him at the same time. The ups and downs of his emotions helped me understand the confusion Katie endured, and I surely sympathized with her.

The message of the story is about seasons. Our lives aren't perfect just because we believe in the Lord and follow His commands. There are "seasons" we have to go through in order to embrace the life God wants for us. How we handle those seasons is what counts. As Katie's brother, Jasper, reminds her, "worry doesn't empty tomorrow of it's sorrow, it empties today of it's strength." Both Brady and Katie navigate this "season" of confusion and depression in different ways, but the end result was the same.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this fun, light-hearted story that perfectly fits Janice Thompson's tag line "Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After."!

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.

Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.

Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.

She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

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The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Quieting
The Bishop's Family (Book 2)
Publication date:05/03/2016
ISBN-13: 9780800723217
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

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The Imposter, The Bishop's Family (Book 1)

My Review: I was so excited to get this book! I loved the first book in the Bishop Family series, The Imposter, so I jumped at the chance to review The Quieting. I was not disappointed. I was so excited to return to Stoney Ridge and the Stoltzfus family.

Their family dynamic is very interesting for an Amish family, and became even more interesting with the addition of David's nieces and mother. I loved picking up with David where we left off. He is a prime example of a man and a pastor who makes mistakes and learns and grows from them. He embraces the challenges God gives him, and handles them with as much grace and mercy as God gives him. His treatment of Birdy in this story tore at my heart, but of course, the end result is what matters! Abigail was an interesting character. Her outlook on life was clearly black and white. I loved watching her change and grow throughout the story with the help of Dane. Catching up with Katrina, Ruthie, Jesse and all of the other Stoney Ridge characters was an added bonus!

As with The Imposter, there are many lessons to be learned from this story. The main points, I think, are learning to let go of the past and taking the time to listen, REALLY listen for God's guidance. Abigail's work on genealogy is important, but it kept her focus on the past. Dane, through God's guidance, helped her see what was right in front of her! David and the little church of Stoney Ridge were facing what seemed to be an insurmountable problem. He had to learn to listen for God's prompting as to how to handle the situation.

Overall, I loved this book. It's an excellent addition to the Bishop Family series and I can't wait to read The Devoted, book three (coming Fall 2016!!).

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

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction. Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief in her books–you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God.

When Suzanne isn’t writing, playing tennis, or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Keep up on Suzanne’s latest news by receiving her e-newsletter, as well as connecting on Facebook, Twitter and her blog!