One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

Publisher—Revell

Available—May 2014

Trade paper: 5 ½ x8 ½

304 Pages

978-0-8007-2247-0

e-book: 978-1-4412-4508-3

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Overview: Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.

My Review: This is my first look at Last Chance with Cathleen Armstrong, and it won't be my last. This book can read as a stand alone novel, but I will definitely be picking up the first one. Change is hard for some people to accept. The people of Last Chance are no different. I loved the feeling I got of Last Chance. It is a place where everybody knows everybody and word spreads like wildfire, but there are no greater people in the world and everybody has your back. At least, that's the impression the author gave me!

Sarah Cooley is a short little spitfire who is trying to find herself after a relationship gone bad. Chris Reed is the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, and is determined to breathe new life into the restaurant and Last Chance. When their paths cross, sparks fly. I would have loved to see a little more character development on Sarah's part and I would also have loved to see more sparks fly between the two. I definitely agree they belonged together, but I just didn't feel the flame.

Each character faces change in different ways. Their faith in the Lord, that He will guide their paths, is something each characters learns. The ending, for me, was a little rushed and anticlimactic. It felt like there was a bang in Sarah's life, then all of a sudden we're at the end (that's the only way I could explain it without spoilers, so forgive me for the vagueness!). Overall, it was a very engaging story and I would recommend it to readers looking for a laid back, easy read.

**Thank you Revell Reads for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.**

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

Contact Cathleen:

• Event inquiries: info@cathleenarmstrong.com
• Media and review copy requests: RBarnett@BakerPublishingGroup.com
• Reader Inquiries: Cathleen@cathleenarmstrong.com
• Social media links:
  • Goodreads
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
• All other inquiries: info@cathleenarmstrong.com

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

Overview: Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

Release date: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Waterbrook Press 
ISBN-10:  1601425902
ISBN-13: 978-1601425904

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My Review: I honestly don't even know where to begin. This book was such a fantastic book. I think Denise Hunter, author of Dancing with Fireflies, says is best: "Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day." I think every girls of every age should read this book as Ganshert challenges the worlds idea of what is beautiful in a gripping and powerful way.


Ivy Clark is a model. That's all she's known since she was 14. Now that her career is lagging, she is lost. She doesn't know what to do with her life anymore because she believes what she's been told for years - you won't amount to more than being a beautiful face and gorgeous body. Davis Knight has a gift. He sees things that others miss. God has given him the ability to see, through the lense of a camera, the beauty that people take for granted. The only problem is, he hasn't picked up a camera in two years. 

When his path and Ivy's cross, they both begin a journey to God's healing grace and mercy. Davis feels drawn to Ivy because of her brokenness. There are times I wanted to strangle Ivy for her attitude and actions, but I couldn't. I've been broken before, I know what that's like. I wanted for Ivy what Davis and Sara and Marylin wanted for her, which kept me rooting for her the entire book. The author did a great job of weaving in the message of the book: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine" - Isaiah 43:1.

For someone who has been broken by the world, this story was poignant and well written. Everyone can benefit from the message that the author is trying to get across. Beauty is not what's on the outside. It's what's inside that makes us beautiful. Overall, I can't say enough great things about this story, and my review really doesn't do it justice. I just can't put into words how great this story is. Go pick up your copy today!

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

About the Author: Christy Award finalist and Carol Award winner, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young 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. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.


After reading this book, I was reminded of the song "A More Beautiful You." I think it fits well with what the author is trying to get across. Listen to the song and let me know what you think!

Weekend Wrap Up (May 9)

 

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

 

What I've Read: 

 

 

Reviews Posted: 

The Pelican Bride by Beth White

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble

 

What I'm Currently Reading: 

- Let me tell you, I'm thoroughly enjoying this book and cannot wait to review it for you!

 

What's Up Next: (in no particular order)

 

 

 That about wraps it up! What are your reading goals for next week?

Bluebonnet Bride by Colleen Coble

Overview: At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.

Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she's ever made.

Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.

After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli's ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan's employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.

As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.

My Review: What a fantastic novella! I have not read one of Colleen's stories that I've not liked, and this little novella was no exception. I only wish it was a full length novel! The story line was not rushed, surprisingly. I have found in many novellas, the story seems rushed because they author tries to put too much into too little space. Even the romance had, what I felt, was the right amount of time to develop.

The characters, Elli Korpela and Nathan White, were adequately developed in the short story. Elli learns to overcome her trust issues with the help of Nathan's kind attention. Nathan is such a great hero! He is kind, patient, loving, and mature. The fact that he cares for his niece is evident and makes him more appealing to the reader. His protective nature helps Elli become the woman she's meant to be.

Each character has to learn to open their eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to God. Without doing that, we let what God wants for us slip away. We miss out on so many blessings and opportunities by not paying attention! Overall, I really enjoyed this story.  I wish it were longer!

**Thank you, BookLook, for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

About the Author: Lonestar Angel, the 4th novel in Colleen Coble’s popular Lonestar series won the 2012 Carol Award in Romantic Suspense.

With more than 300 products nominated, industry retailers chose the titles to receive the Retailer’s Choice award. The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble, received an award in fiction: historical romance. When hearing the news, Daisy Hutton, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson’s fiction division had this to say: “The Thomas Nelson fiction team is delighted that Colleen Coble’s work has been recognized by retailers through this award. Colleen is more than a Thomas Nelson author; she is a part of our family, having celebrated her 10th anniversary with us this summer. We greatly appreciate the support that retailers have given to Colleen throughout her career, and we join her in celebrating this achievement.”

• Learn more about Colleen Coble
• Follow Colleen: Twitter | Facebook | Blog 
• Purchase Bluebonnet Bride: B&N | Amazon | CBD
• Read my review of Butterfly Palace
• Purchase Butterfly Palace: B&N | Amazon | CBD

The Pelican Bride by Beth White

Overview:

ISBN-978-0-8007-2197-8

ISBN-978-1-4412-4547-2
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It is 1704 when Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board a French ship headed for the Louisiana colony as mail-order brides. Both have promised to marry one of the rough-and-tumble Canadian men in this New World in order to escape religious persecution in the Old World. Genevieve knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of beheading. But when she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer whose courageous stand for fair treatment of native peoples has made him decidedly unpopular in the young colony, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. And a secret she harbors could mean the undoing of the colony itself.

My Review: This was a great book, once the action started happening. The story line was familiar; it is very similar to the historical mail order bride stories. Each girl has a different story, and I'm glad the author did not try to write about all of their stories in one book! The historical time period is one that is quite new to me. I haven't read many, if any, books from the 1700s during the very beginning of American settlement. The author provided great historical detail, without going overboard. Because it was the first book in the series, I believe it took a lot longer to get into because the author had to set the background.

The author chose to jump between several different points of view: Genevieve Gaillain, Aimee Gaillain, Tristan Lanier, Nika, and Julian Dufresne. Because of this, I feel like I didn't get a good sense of the story until over half way through. You have to really pay attention to what you're reading to follow along well. However, the main characters of Genevieve and Tristan were very well written.

Overall, this is a story about love, faith, and bravery in a strange new world. I recommend it to any history buff who also loves fiction, as the author did a great job of blending the facts with the story. Also, I recommend reading the note to the reader at the end. The author provides a great amount of detail as to where her idea for the story came from, plus a whole lot more historical information.

**Thank you Revell Reads, for providing this book for free in exchange for my honest review as part of your blogging program.**

About the Author: 

I grew up in the South, specifically North Mississippi, which has a rich tradition of fostering writers, storytellers, and musicians. I’m fond of both music and literature, so I amuse myself by teaching chorus and piano in an inner-city public high school by day, while conducting a secret life as a romance writer by night.

Anyway, I find myself, after more than half the years I’ve been alive, still married to my last college boyfriend. He still makes me laugh, he still gives me the warm fuzzies, and he still checks my tires, so I guess I’ll keep him. We somewhat successfully raised two young adults, who are both married and have begun producing amazing grandchildren. My cup runneth over.

Anyone who wants to know more about me should read my books and my blog. I am something of a hermit In Real Life, except in the classroom and on my computer, but I am very much interested in what makes my readers tick. And what ticks them off. And what makes them smile. So please email me here. I promise to answer.

Weekend (and Month end) Wrap Up (May 2)

 

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

 

What I've Read: 

 

 

Reviews Posted: 

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

 

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

 

What's Next:

 

April in Review: 

 

Not too many books this month, but I was on a mission trip for the first half. I expect to read more next month!

 

That about wraps it up! What did you accomplish this week? I'd love to hear from you! 

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander - Book Review

I am so excited to be FINALLY bringing this review to you! I loved the book and I love this author! 

Since I was part of Tamera's Blogging Buddies, a special group of bloggers who helped promote this book, I posted the overview along with a trailer and excerpt already. To view that post, please follow the link below:

A Beauty So Rare - Trailer and Excerpt

My Review: 

I absolutely love Tamera Alexander's writing. She has a way of pulling you into the story and leaving you wanting more. This sweet story is no exception. The story itself has a lot of components that are woven together seamlessly. It focuses on time period specific issue: women's rights, treatment of immigrants, mental illness, and the recovery of a nation after war. It's often hard to appreciate the beauty in life after something as ugly as war, and Tamera doesn't diminish that fact, in the least. That is something I can really appreciate, especially in light of my circumstances.

The characters, oh the characters! I absolutely fell in love with Eleanor. She is kind, sweet, witty, and strong. She is, indeed, a beauty so rare. Her development, while important, is not as highly played up as Marcus' development. I believe that was done because Eleanor is already the person God wants her to be, she just has to learn to embrace and trust. Marcus, on the other hand, while handsome and witty, had a lot to learn. His development from prideful to humble was an experience I think everyone goes through at one time or another. We all question our place in the world and do our best to find out where we belong. One important note: I REALLY did not like Adelicia Cheatham. I understand what she was trying to do for her niece and I admire her strength and ambition, but I just didn't like her!

The message was fantastic. I absolutely enjoyed seeing Eleanor and Marcus' journeys, which were both separate, but similar. While there thoughts are different in regards to God, their realizations were very similar. God doesn't protect us from all the hurts in life. Sometimes, He allows pain and suffering, even war, to come. What we have to grasp is that everything happens for a reason. We may never know the answer to the "why's" in life, but we have to learn to trust God and his righteousness. The Bible says in Isaiah 55:9, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." - NKJV (thank you Tamera for including this verse in your reading guide, it fits perfectly!).

**Thank you Bethany House, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

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My Favorite Quotes:

There were so many parts of this book that I loved, I had a hard time choosing, but I narrowed it down to three that meant the most to me:

"Not everything has to be beautiful to be worthy of admiration." - Eleanor Braddock

"Every brick laid in the foundation of life, however meaningfully or haphazardly places, shaped the whole." - Marcus Geoffery

"Just because a husband--or wife--passed on didn't mean the love they'd shared had died. It lived on in the hearts of the people who still loved them. Good-byes were simply part of this life..." - Eleanor Braddock

Quick Links:
BethanyHouse Website
BethanyHouse Blog
Tamera's Website
Tamera's Facebook
A Beauty So Rare Trailer
A Beauty So Rare Excerpt