Weekend Wrap Up (June 12) - 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!

Current Giveaway:
Enter to win a copy of The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert - Ends 6/17 - Click Here.

What I've Read: 

 

Reviews Posted: 

Murder Simply Brewed by Vanetta Chapman

Love Finds You in Sunflower, Kansas by Pamela Tracy

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

What I'm Currently Reading: 

What's Up Next for June: 

Challenge Updates:

1 book toward my goal of 12 for the 50 States Reading Challenge - Total Complete 3

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question: Do you pre-schedule your posts?

My Answer: Sometimes. It depends on the post and my schedule for the week. If I finish multiple books on the same day, I'll schedule those posts so I'm not bombarding my followers with multiple book reviews in one day. 

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."

"Sophie heard God in every explosion of thunder as she listened to the awesome power of the approaching storm. But there was more. There was something coming - something more than rain." - Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

My Thoughts: I've already read this book, but it's been a long time. The first couple sentences hint at excitement and adventure!

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Overview: A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

ISBN-13: 9780764212802 | Publisher: Bethany House

Publication date: 6/2/2015 | Pages: 352

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

Deleted Scene | Read an Excerpt | The Making of the Cover

My Review: I love Karen Witemeyer. Her books are action packed, exciting, and full of love and faith. This book was no exception. I was immersed in the action from page one, and this fast paced plot had me turning pages night after night. I could have blown through the story, but I wanted to capture every moment, so I made myself take it slowly page by page. It was totally worth it! I loved the story from beginning to end. How could story about a teacher on the run with a rag tag bunch of children not be entertaining?!

Charlotte Atherton is full of grit, determination, and love. Her love for her students Lily, Stephen, and John is palpable. Her distrust and unease around men is also very evident and understandable from the moment Stone Hammond comes on the scene. Her past comes back to haunt her where men are concerned, which causes her trust to be something hard to earn. Her faith, though at times small, is admirable considering the circumstances. Stone Hammond is your typical male heroine, humble, flawed, and handsome. Even though his life has hardened him, he still has a soft spot for women and children. Their sparks are evident from their first meeting, even though neither one of them recognizes it.

Karen Witemeyer writes a compelling story, full of action, love, and a great message. Learning to lean on the strength of the Lord, when our own strength fails us, is something both characters have to learn to do. God doesn't promise our journey will be easy. In fact, there are several places in the Bible that clearly state there will be trials we'll have to face. But God promises to be with us always. He will never leave us or forsake us. Learning to accept that is, indeed, a "a most worthy pursuit."

Overall, I highly enjoyed this amazing story. I look forward to reading more great works by Karen Witemeyer and I hope the next book features Marietta and Dan!

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

About the Author: Christy Award finalist and winner of both the ACFW Carol Award and HOLT Medallion, 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.

Connect with Karen: Website | Facebook

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the REST of 2015

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic: Top Ten Books I'm Anticipating for the REST of 2015

There are always so many great books that come out. Being a part of so many blogging programs, I generally get "first pick" of those books that are releasing. Sometimes, that decision is so hard to make! I only get to choose 1 after all!

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen - Releasing July 2015 -  The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen - Releasing December 2015 - I LOVE Julie Klassen and I am so looking forward to these book!

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren - Releasing July 2015 - I recently read Take A Chance on Me and really enjoyed it. I plan on reading the rest of the books in the Christiansen Family Series at the beach in a couple weeks.

In Good Company by Jen Turano - Releasing July 2015 - Jen Turano's books never fail to entertain me. I'm certain this will hit the mark, as well.

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky - Releasing October 2015 - I have really enjoyed the other two books in the Edwardian Brides Series, so I'm looking forward to this conclusion.

Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter - Releasing October 2015 - Denise Hunter has an amazing writing style. Her stories are always amazing. I can't wait for this new series!

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy - Releasing October 2015 - Mary Connealy's books have my in stitches every time I read them. I read the first book, Tried & True, and loved it. Somehow I missed the second book, Now & Forever, so I'll need to read that before October!

When Love Returns by Kim Vogel Sawyer - Releasing September 2015 - Kim Vogel Sawyer's stories are always poignant and full of emotion. I love them and can't wait to read the conclusion to the Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy.

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck - Releasing November 2015 - I loved her Royal Wedding series. I can't wait for this new book to come out!

Christian Fiction makes up the majority of what I read. However, there are a few authors I thoroughly enjoy outside of the Christian genre. Here are a couple of their books I'm super excited about:



Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich - Releasing November 2015 - I love the Stephanie Plum series. They are laugh out loud hilarious books that are quick and easy to read.

Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich - Releasing THIS MONTH - Again, the Lizzy & Diesel series is similar to the Stephanie Plum series. I love them.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - Releasing October 2015 - I love the Percy Jackson series, the Heroes of Olympus Series, and the Kane Chronicles. I'm sure I'll love this new series too.

Love Finds You in Sunflower, Kansas by Pamela Tracy

Overview: Will Annie find treasure in her field of sunflowers? Annie Jamison is the sister who keeps the peace. So when her mother goes missing, Annie’s the one sent to retrieve her. There’s one problem. It seems the town Willa Jamison (willingly) ran off to—Sunflower, Kansas— doesn’t exist. Sure, it’s on the map, but when Annie drives there, she finds herself in the middle of a field. Of sunflowers. In nearby Bonner Springs, Kansas, Annie finds her errant mother…and Joe Kelly, a handsome veterinarian who thinks Annie is part of a team of con artists out to swindle his father. It takes some time, but eventually, Joe’s working with Annie instead of against her to bring their wacky parents to their senses. When this unlikely team turns into an unlikely couple, Annie no longer wants to leave her field of sunflowers. She wants happily-ever-after with Joe Kelly. But when evidence of the con resurfaces, will Joe have enough faith in Annie to recognize the truth?

ISBN-13: 9781609365943 | Publisher: Ideals Publications
Publication date: 5/1/2012 | Pages: 320

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This is definitely a feel good, sweet novel. While there wasn't a lot of action, the story moved along at a nice speed. The characters were sweet, quirky, and well developed. I loved Annie's character. I felt like I could relate to her because I'm a "fixer" too. Joe Kelly rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. His attitude and brusqueness at the beginning of the story set me on edge, but I warmed up to him. I loved Joe and Annie's parents. They add a lot of humor to the story. The message of the story is, essentially, about change. Both characters have to allow God to work in their lives so they can accept the changes that are happening around them. Sometimes, change is for the best. We just have to let God take the lead. Overall, this was a sweet story and a great addition to the Love Finds You series.

About the Author: Pamela Tracy is a USA Today award-winning author who lives with her husband (He claims to be the inspiration for most of her heroes) and son (He claims to be the interference for most of her writing time.) She was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and started writing at a very young age (a series of romances, all with David Cassidy as the hero. Sometimes Bobby Sherman would interfere). Then, while earning a BA in Journalism at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, she picked up the pen again only this time, it was an electric typewriter on which she wrote a very bad science fiction novel.) First published in 1999 , Pamela has since published more than twenty books. Her suspense novels have garnered her an American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol award and a RITA finalist. You can find out more about Pamela by visiting her website: http://pamelatracy.com

Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman

Overview: When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury’s Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery.

Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops—until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.

When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop’s duties, the two women become fast friends—as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced.

Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.

ISBN-13: 9780310326168 | Publisher: Zondervan | Publication date: 3/25/2014

Series: Amish Village Mystery Series, #1

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I have been reading reviews on these books since they started coming out last year and have been eager to read them. I finally broke down and bought this book and I'm so glad I did! It was certainly worth the money. This was my first book by Vannetta Chapman, so aside from the reviews I'd read, I didn't know what to expect. While this wasn't a fast paced, action packed novel, I didn't expect it to be. It moved along at just the right speed for the subject.

The characters were well written and developed. I could easily relate to their feelings and emotions throughout the story. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together with them was exciting. I enjoyed reading about Hannah and Jesse. Hannah's sweet innocence and adolescent confusion made for an interesting character. Amber is a great manager. She is kind, compassionate, organized, and caring. Her relationship with Tate was swift and sweet. I didn't like Tate at the beginning of the story, but quickly warmed up to him as his character developed.

The message of the story is about learning to be comfortable in the situations we find ourselves in. Life isn't always easy. Sometimes we stop and question why God put us here. In the words of Hannah's Mamm, "Sometimes Gotte (God) has a way of putting us in situations where we're uncomfortable." He does it for our own good and growth.

Overall, this was an exciting story and I look forward to reading more in the Amish Village Mystery Series. 

About the Author: Vannetta Chapman holds a BA and MA degree in English and has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. She published a novel with Abingdon Press called A Simple Amish Christmas in October of 2010. Her first Quilt Shop Murder Mystery, Falling to Pieces (Zondervan) was released in September of 2011 and received the 2012 Carol Award for best mystery. She currently lives in the Texas hill country.

Connect with Vannetta: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Weekend Wrap Up (June 5)

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

Current Giveaway: 

Enter to win a copy of The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert - Ends 6/17 - Click Here.

What I've Read: 

 

Reviews Posted:

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

What I'm Currently Reading: 

What's Next for June: 

 

Challenge Updates: (I haven't done this in a while...)

2 books towards goal of 24 - Completed 6 total - CBLH Re-Read Challenge 

3 books towards the Finish the Series Challenge - Goal 10 Series - Completed 3 series total

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert - Review and Giveaway

Overview: Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.

Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together. But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?

WaterBrook Press | Apr 21, 2015 | 320 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 | ISBN 9781601425928

Read an Excerpt.

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

My Review: I'll admit, I was leary about starting this book after I read the description. I knew it was going to be heart-wrenching and poignant because that's the kind of stories that Katie Ganshert writes. I kept putting it off and putting it off and finally I just broke down and decided to read it. Let me tell you, I am SO glad I did! I devoured this book. I was reading while I cooked dinner, and I intended to read for just another hour after my evening run, and ended up finishing it after midnight. I couldn't put it down!

The story was, of course, heart-wrenching. Katie Ganshert captures the emotions of loss and disappointment in poignant detail. This is definitely not a light read, but the author does a fantastic job of keeping the plot engaging. At one point in the story, I had tears rolling unchecked down my face.

I loved reading the story through Carmen and Gracie's eyes. My soul, Carmen's story tugged at my heartstrings. I cannot imagine the amount of pain, sorrow, confusion, and heart ache this woman had to go through. I can well imagine her doubt, depression, and coldness. Gracie is a girl after my own heart. Growing up in a similar situation, I was easily able to relate to her feelings, fears, and understand her rebellious nature. At one point in the story, the author mentions that Gracie picks at her cuticals around her fingers and I thought, that is me in book format! The men in the story were swoon worthy for sure. As I was reading, I thought WOW, these guys are definitely a picture of God's love for us. Ben is a totally and completely devoted husband. He loves Carmen and his actions prove it. Elias is sweet, caring, kind and compassionate. Neither woman makes it easy on them, but they are there for them anyways.

The message of the story brought me to tears and humbled me. With all that Carmen's gone through, she begins to doubt the sovereingnty of God. She questions his Will and doubts his goodness. Who can blame her? We've all gone through periods in our Christian walk where we have questioned God for what's happened to us. Gracie knows of God, but doesn't have a relationship with Him. She feels alone and abandoned, and pushes everyone away who might try to get close because she doesn't want to be let down or let them down. As the book progresses, though, we see God working in each of their lives. I love how, at the end, the author doesn't make the jump from not believing God and doubting His goodness to everything is perfect and happy. The ending is as natural as the progression of the story. Sometimes, we have to completely surrender to be whole. "Losing yourself" to be found is hard, but sometimes, that's the point. It makes your belief and faith that much stronger.

Overall, as you can tell, I highly recommend this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Katie Ganshert's awesome stories!

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

About the Author: Christy Award finalist, Katie Ganshert is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. She lives in Iowa with her handsome husband, their dinosaur-loving son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption, which she and her husband hope to complete sometime before they are fifty.

Connect with Katie: Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Website

GIVEAWAY TIME: To win, answer the following question in a comment below: Have you read any of Katie's books before? If so, which one? Please leave your email address in a non-spam format (name (at) domain (dot) com) Giveaway ends 6/17.