Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

I sat down to do this review, and ended up writing a little memorial for my hero, PFC James Fleet McClamrock. I didn't feel like the review should go on the same post, so here I am! I finished Blue Moon Promise in a weekend. It was that good. I won't keep you in suspense any longer! Here's my review:

A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a blue moon . . .

Lucy Marsh has lost everything but her determination to provide for her brother and sister. When she realizes her father’s death was no accident, she decides to accept a proxy marriage in order to get her siblings out of harm’s way. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, and nothing there is as she expected. Not the man she came to marry nor the family ties she’d hoped to find. Can it be true that real security is in letting go of her own strength and trusting in the One who is far stronger than she?

Nate Stanton always knew he’d marry someday, but he planned to find his own wife. The woman his father deposits on his doorstep is not the kind of wife he had in mind. She knows nothing about ranching, and she brings two siblings with her in the bargain. He moves her into a tiny cabin and expects her to run back to Chicago, but Lucy is made of sterner stuff than he imagined. And when danger moves in, he realizes he’d give anything to protect her and the children he has grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

My Review: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Colleen Coble is a fantastic writer. Her stories have a way of pulling you in. They don't let you go until the very end. This book is no different. While the mystery and romance are not as prominent as some of her stories, the book is still fantastic. Lucy is beautiful, strong-willed, independent, and likes to have everything under control. She is a "control freak" to a fault. When she's left caring for her two younger siblings, she'll do whatever it takes to keep them together. Even if if means marrying a man, sight unseen. Nate does not want a wife. He wants to ranch, grow his cattle business, and be left alone. That is, until Lucy comes to Stars Above Ranch. Everything changes.

The story progresses in a way that allows the author time to develop the characters we've met, while still keeping the mystery and intrigue alive.We see their struggle to let go of control and let love in. We see Lucy's strong desire to be loved. We see Nate's denial of his loneliness. We also see them both try to deny, then control the sparks that fly between them. There are still parts of the mystery that come into play. It's never far from either character's mind that trouble is coming. Little things happen that make your skin crawl! It's what Colleen Coble does best.

Overall, the story was a satisfying read. The message of the story is summed up in the "Dear Reader" note by Colleen at the beginning of the book. Who has control of your life? Let go, and let God. I absolutely loved it, and look forward to reading the next book in the Under Texas Stars series, Safe in His Arms.

More fun! with links:

• Visit Colleen Coble
• Follow her: Twitter * Facebook
• Buy it here: B&N * Amazon * Christianbook.com

Have a great week! I hope you enjoyed this review!

Upcoming review: Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

Honoring A Life: PFC James Fleet McClamrock

Hello everybody! This weekend was quite eventful and emotional. Yesterday, I honored and remembered my hero, PFJ James F. McClamrock. Who is that, you ask? James was my husband. He was killed September 7, 2010 in Iraq. Every year on the anniversary of his death (or as close to it as possible) I get away to the mountains with my in-laws for the weekend. We play games, laugh, support each other, and most of all share our memories of our time together with James. 

I tell you this, not because I want sympathy, but because I want everyone to realize the price of freedom. It's not free. People make sacrifices every day for you and I, and if you haven't thanked them lately, you should! God took James from me and I'll never understand why, but through his death I've had the unique opportunity to share his (and my) faith to many people who might never have heard of Jesus' love and grace. God has blessed me with yet another family, the men in James' Army unit. My "battle buddies." 

I've also grown closer to God in my spiritual life through this event. No one can prepare themselves for the loss of a husband. It's not something I would wish on even my worst enemy. I stumbled blindly through at least the entire month of September. You know who never left my side? Our precious Lord. For a while there, I think he was carrying me. He surrounded me with his love and strength and helped me put one foot in front of the other. He's given me wonderful friends and a great family. He's also taught me to love again. I don't know where I would be without my fiance, he's been such a huge support and source of strength to me. And I love that he loves me, despite my "baggage." He has never once asked me to denounce my relationship with my in-laws. In fact, he encourages me to keep in touch with them. He is a strong man, and he will never know how much he truly means to me.

Well, I sat down to write a book review and ended up writing a journal entry instead. I guess God had other plans for me tonight. I felt this on my heart, so I'm going to share it. Never let anyone tell you God isn't real. If he wasn't real, I never would have made it through such a tragic loss. 

"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

Week End Wrap-Up (September 6)

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

This is my "slow" reading season, I guess you'd say. I've got a lot going on with a new job, school, and just life. Unfortunately, that means I can't read as much as I would like to. However, I've still managed to finish two books, start a third, and get my school work done (GO ME!)

I was also tagged in two different, unique posts:

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award!

How Different... A Tag

What I've read this week:

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

What I'm currently reading:

What I plan on reading next week:













I will probably read another book, I just can't decide which one to read after Born of Persuasion! Here are my thoughts: you pick for me!



Well folks, that is my week in review! Do you have your own version of a Week End Wrap-Up? I'd love to read it! Leave a comment with the link below and I'll check it out! Thanks for reading!

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

 Hello everyone! I cannot believe I finished this book in literally three days! I think it only took me that long because I've been in training classes all day at work and haven't had any time to read (I know, how sad!). Anyway, I didn't realize when I picked this book up that it was set in Asheville, North Carolina. This automatically endeared me to the story because I live a couple hours from Asheville and have been to visit several times. This is also not my first go-round with one of Deeanne Gist's books. She is a very talented author and I've read several of her books including: Beguiled, The Measure of a Lady, and A Bride Most Begrudging. Now, onto the review!

 Overview: Falling in Love Could Cost Her Everything

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled--by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid. After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations ...and their hearts.

My Review: This book is set at one of my favorite places on earth: the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. Having been there several times, I can attest to the accuracy of Mrs. Gist's description. She is not lying about the opulence and grandeur of the family's living quarters. She is not lying about the servants quarters either. Each room was furnished with a wrought iron framed bed. Their servants looked to be treated very well. The descriptions used throughout the book really make you feel like you're standing in the house or the mountains of Asheville.


Tillie Reese is in the running for the coveted lady's maid position. She gives her all to her job. After all, she's been training for it her whole life. She is kind, compassionate, and a little (ok, a lot) stubborn. She is a Christian, as well, and believes she is following God's will for her life. That is, until Mack Danver shows up. Mack is a ruggedly handsome mountain of a man (hehe) who falls in love with Tillie the moment he sees her. He is a smart, well-educated, God fearing (and did I say handsome) man. So, of course, Tillie is also attracted to him. But does he jeopardize the very thing Tillie wants the most?

The plot, along with the romance, is expertly written. Deeanne Gist knows how to build a story that sucks the reader in from the beginning and doesn't let them go until the end. In the midst of the romance (there are some "steamy" PG scenes), is a well-thought out and developed plot about the town orphanage. Her description of the orphanage makes you cringe along with Mack and Tillie. The Sloop's attitudes and actions make you angry, right along with Mack and Tillie. The story is not preachy; Mrs. Gist weaves in the spiritual element seamlessly and effortlessly. You root for Mack and Tillie in their struggles to do discern God's will for their lives and overcome their own desires and dreams.

Overall, I can't say enough good things about this book! I absolutely loved it! FIVE out of FIVE stars! Go read it!!!

More fun! with links:

• Visit Deeanne's Website
• Learn more about the Biltmore
• Buy this book: Barnes and Noble * Amazon * ChristianBook.com

**Note, the pictures scattered throughout the review are from my visits to Biltmore!**

How Different... A Tag

I was tagged by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. Thanks!

What To Do: This is a "make you think" tag. List three to five things that would be different in your life without fictional books, or fictional characters. When you're through, tag three other people.

Without fictional books, I...

1. Would not have a blog. I never thought of writing a blog until I decided I needed to share my opinion of the great books I'v read with the world!

2. Would never be able to escape the realities of life in the pages of a book! I love a book that draws me into their world, even if it's just for a moment!

3. Would watch a lot more television. Reading is my "relax and rewind" time. Without it, I would probably watch T.V.

I tag:

Miranda from To Be a Person
Rebekah from Backing Books
Britt from Britt Reads Fiction

Have fun ladies!

Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

Hello everyone! It's been quite a relaxing weekend for me! I've finished two books and I plan on starting two more this week! I received the book Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, so here it goes!

Overview: The first step in a challenging journey is often the one that means the most. 

 
Though it means saying goodbye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boones Lick Company wagon train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although the unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.

During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and avoiding God’s calling on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed her from the beginning— independent, beautiful trouble.

Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts toward God’s grace and the promise of a new home? 

My Review: This is the first book I've read by this author. I love when I read books by new authors and they are intriguing and well-written! I believe I've found a fantastic author. Mona Hodgson has a way of bringing problems many people face to life in a fiction book. The issues that each character is dealing with are real issues and are written in such a way that everyone who reads the book can relate to them. Anna Goben is a strong, stubborn, and independent woman. Circumstances have forced her to put her life "on hold" and care for her grieving family. Her emotions have been pushed to the side so she can be strong for everyone else. Caleb Reger thinks his sin is unforgivable. Since the war ended, he's been searching for a way to ease his guilt and find God's grace, but it's just out of reach. 

This journey is supposed to be a fresh start for all the members on it, and the author does a great job of portraying the hardships and enjoyments of trail life. The plot and storyline gives you a look into what life might have been like on the long journey west to a new life. The hardships and trials faced by those on the trail are intriguing. The romances between characters in the books developed in a realistic manner. They didn't fall in love in a day as some authors are prone to make you believe. 

This book touched my heart in ways that some books don't even begin to do - I guess because I've lost a loved one in the war and I can relate to grief and wanting to start fresh. I found the book sweet and interesting. Overall, this book was wonderful and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Hearts Seeking Home series! 

Read an excerpt from this book here.

Buy it here:

• Barnes and Noble
• Amazon
• Christianbook.com

You can learn more about the author by clicking on her name and more about the book by clicking on the title in the first paragraph. I hope you enjoyed this review!!

I've been nominated for the Liebster Award!

This is the first time I've ever been nominated for a blogging award, and I can't tell you how honored I am! I never, in a million years, thought my humble little blog would attract so much attention! Thank you, Miranda at To Be A Person for nominating me for this award!

There are a few rules to be followed upon accepting this award and they include:
- Link back the blogger that tagged you.
- Nominate ten others and answer the questions of the one who tagged you.
- Ask ten questions for the bloggers you nominate.
- Let your nominees know of their awards and tag backs.

Without much further ado, here are the answers to the questions I was asked:

1. If you had to choose one author to have a face-to-face chat with, who would it be and why? This is such a hard question! There are so many great authors out there, but I think I would have to choose Colleen Coble or Tracie Peterson because their books are some of the first Christian books I read that really sparked my interest in reading.

2. Describe your ideal leisure day. My ideal leisure day would be one where I could read for most of the day and spend the evening with my fiance, friends, and family.

3. If you were offered any vacation spot in the world free of charge, where would you go? Well, I would say Hawaii but I've been there (4 times!). I think I would like to go to Germany. I've always wanted to see the remains of the Berlin Wall.

4. What day would you say was the happiest in your life? This is also a hard question! I have experienced so many happy days in my life, but I think the happiest day of my life was the day I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I haven't been the same since! :)

5. If you were asked to pick one book you believe should be adapted into a movie, which would it be? Oh boy! This is a tough one! There are so many books I've read that I would LOVE to see as a movie. Picking one that a movie would do justice to is hard! I think I'll go with... Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

6. Describe your ideal Christmas, or any other holiday. My ideal holiday in general is one spent relaxing with my family and friends! I love spending time with my sister and her twin babies, my cousins and their families, and my fiance's family, along with all of my friends!

7. Which book (or movie) have you read that you wish you wrote? I don't really have an answer to this question. I am in no way, shape, or form a writer. I don't think I could write a book any better than the authors do. As for movies, there are some that I would like to re-write to make it better fit the book! Twilight comes to mind...

8. What good cause do you believe God has laid upon your heart to impact positively ( if it is not personal)? It's not a cause really. Through tragedy, God has brought many people into my life. I have the unique opportunity to witness to those people through the way I live my life. They know I'm not perfect, but they know in whom I believe, and that gives me the "power" to impact their lives in a positive way.

9. Coffee or tea—what’s your preference? Coffee! I'm definitely not a hot tea drinker.

10. Name one blogger that inspires you. One of the first blogs I ever came across was Melanie's blog, Christian Bookshelf Reviews. She has been such a great help to me while I worked to build my blog, followers, and refine my reviews. (Thanks Melanie!)

My nominations:

Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Thoughts on Books
Backing Books
Christian Book Review Blog
Too Read or Not Too Read
The Indigo Quill
Billie's Pink Reviews!
For the love of books
Seasons of Humility
The Power of Words...

My Questions:
1. Who is your favorite author and why?
2. What made you want to become a blogger?
3. What is your favorite book and why?
4. What would be your ideal vacation spot?
5. If you  had to choose, what would you do: Read or Write?
6. What is your favorite spot to read?
7. Which blogger has been your biggest inspiration?
8. If you could choose any person in the world to spend the day with, who would it be?
9. What are your other hobbies (besides reading)?
10. What inspires you daily?

I hope you all had as much fun as I did answering these questions and I can't wait to read the answers from the other bloggers!