Jane of Austin Hillary Manton Lodge ~ Reviewed

Jane of Austin
Hillary Manton Lodge
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (June 13, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601429347

Description:

“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience - or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.” ― Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.

While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.

In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

 Review:

I love Jane Austen. And I tend to enjoy the creative tweaks her ideas have spawned. Traditionalist, classic Austen lovers who don't want her stories trifled with might not find this novel as endearing as I did.

Hillary Manton Lodge stays close to the story but builds it into a believable modern twist. Jane, Celia and Margot are displaced after a family scandal leaves them without a protector of sorts. They move far away from their beloved home to start fresh.

There Jane is rescued (or at least her tea plants are) by a knight in shining armor who then woos Jane's heart. While living in the carriage house on a cousin's property, they rebuild their lives and look for a new, perfect location for a tea shop. They struggle together to make sense of all the difficulties they've faced, in a way. Jane, though distracted by Sean and the search, is concerned that Celia won't even talk about the most important thing she left behind, her love. Distance grows between the sisters. And then a handsome friend of their cousin's enters the picture. Captain Callum Beckett traded his leg for a load of nightmares while serving his country. Burdened and coming home to face a mess his father and brother left behind, he discovers he is concerned about Sean Willis, and the damage he might do to Jane's heart.

The author included quite a few recipes and a satisfying conclusion. I definitely recommend this one.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer


Disclaimer: A review copy of this novel was sent to me for the purpose of reading and reviewing. I was not obligated to give a favorable review. My opinions were not swayed by the free copy. If you purchase a copy through the provided link I will receive a small percentage of the sales.

Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer ~ Reviewed

Out of the Frying Pan

Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer

Paperback: 276

Publisher: Bling!

Language: English

USBN-10: 1938499131

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters' niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters uncover a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.

Review:

For whenever you need a literal laugh-out-loud moment …

Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a delightful cozy mystery with a bit of a sweet romance. The characters presented, from zany Zula and her roommate, Focused Fern to the handsome cop and niece caught between them, provide a perfect balance of humor and pragmatism, blending for an intriguing plot line that keeps one guessing on numerous levels.

Zula, the dumpster diving, flower saving sister-in-law/aunt is the Lucy Ricardo of the 21st century. Oh, the messes she gets herself in, from sneaking “stolen,” discarded plastic foliage into rusted old cars to stumbling upon a dead body. It’s no wonder her sister-in-law Fern lives in a perpetual state of exasperation. Zula was by far my favorite character, though Fern made her all the more delightful.

This is a fun story that will make you laugh on even your most melancholy of days, and the mystery was so skillfully presented, it will keep even the most skilled sleuths guessing.

Highly recommended.   

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

Bonus Thoughts from Amazon Reviewers:

"A laugh out loud mystery with quirky, lovable characters who find themselves in all sorts of trouble. The storyline is believable and comes with descriptions of mouth-watering food, which makes for a delicious plot! A cohesive and fast-moving novel." 4-Stars! RT Book Reviews

“Out of the Frying Pan is a delicious cozy mystery! I loved the humor, the villain surprised me, and the main characters, Fern and Zula, are so richly drawn, they step off the pages and lead you on a merry chase. Masterfully written, it has all the elements of a great read: romance, murder, a dog, and humor. Did I mention the humor?” Ane Mulligan

“I loved this book. The authors, Michelle and Kelly, each writings from one of the two main character's viewpoint, developed a story line that was laugh out loud funny and entertaining. There are many minor characters, and together with the two main characters, they keep the pace moving quite fast while being believable. Scenes are well thought out and the setting, in a senior citizens neighborhood, gives a lot of twists and turns. There's murder, intrigue, romance, love, family relationships -- all written in a fun style. I can't wait for the next book in this series.” John Vonhof

“Who knew life in a seniors community could be so wild, suspenseful, and hilarious? Sisters-in-law Fern and Zula Hopkins are opposite in every way except age. How they keep from killing one another is a mystery, but that's not the mystery of this book. Their zany antics to solve the murder of the cook keeps detective Jared Flynn on his toes. Cozy mysteries are my favorite, and this one is good, with a twist ending that caught me by surprise (the best kind).”  Debra Butterfield

“Absolutely loved every word of Out of the Frying Pan! Having read other of Michelle Griep's work, I knew I was in store for a great story and Out of the Frying Pan did not disappoint. Quirky characters, high adventure. Can't ask for much more. I highly recommend this cozy little romance with a side of murder!” Deanne Davis

Tom Pawlik's Beckon ~ Reviewed

Beckon [Kindle Edition]

Tom Pawlik (Author)
File Size: 572 KB
Print Length: 413 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1414338732
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 16, 2012)

Description:

Some things weren’t meant to be discovered. Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin’s disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle. One by one they discover the town’s ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?

Review:

This book released a few years ago. And I loath to admit I am just now read it for review. There are so many books that I want to read and just not enough time to read them. This one was a have to and I finally squeezed it in.

Okay. Mutant Cave Creatures, Batman! This is an intense and mind boggling novel. A very well written one I must add, that didn't sacrifice character development or attention to detail for the plot factor. This one has it all. I can see why Pawlik is a Christy Award winner. The man can write and he can weave a story. If you have a trip coming up and need a travel or beach read/listen, or just want to be thoroughly juiced on intensity give this one a chance. Creepalicious.

The publisher sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Allison Pittman's All for A Sister ~ Reviewed

ALL FOR A SISTER
Allison Pittman
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 20, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414366825
Description: 

In Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, Celeste DuFrane has it all. Her father’s work with color movie film opens doors that lead to the stardom she’s always aspired to. But after losing her mother, she discovers that half the estate has been left to a woman accused of killing Celeste’s baby sister before Celeste was even born.

Dana Lundgren arrives on the steps of the DuFrane mansion having spent most of her life imprisoned for a crime that never happened. After accusing her of murder so many years ago, why did Marguerite DuFrane leave her a sizeable inheritance? 

As Celeste and Dana learn each other’s stories, they come up with more questions than answers. Then a surprising discovery begins to fill in the missing pieces: Marguerite DuFrane’s written confession, penned shortly before her death. Uncovering the treachery and deceit that changed the course of countless lives—most of all, their own—the two women find more than they ever dreamed of.

Review:

All For A Sister takes place during the roaring 20's and follows the journey of two young women. Celeste DuFrane is a young, beautiful, upcoming actress who's father has paved the way for her in Hollywood. After both of her parents pass away, she receives news that she is to share the estate with Dana Lundgren, a woman who has been imprisoned for 20 years for supposedly killing Celeste's baby sister, before Celeste was born. The two are thrown together due to the terms of the will, and develop an affection for each other. The book jumps back and forth between the current time, Celeste's childhood, Dana's childhood, and Mary DuFrane's (mother of Celeste) confession of what really happened and why Dana was imprisoned for most of her life.
    
I LOVED this story. The fact that it kept jumping back and forth between time periods didn't confuse me at all, as each chapter was clear about what it was speaking about. I had a hard time putting it down, because as I read each chapter, it kept me wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen next. I've read all three stories in Ms. Pittman's Roaring 20's series, and this one was by far my favorite. I really did have a hard time putting it down, and highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Stephanie Grace Whitson's A Captain for Laura Rose ~ Reviewed

A Captain for Laura Rose [Paperback]
By Stephanie Grace Whitson
Pages 336
Binding Softcover
Release Date Mar 4, 2014
Publisher Warner/Faith Books
ISBN 1455529052




Description
Laura Rose White is one of the most gifted riverboat pilots on the Missouri River--her late father taught her and her brother Joe everything he knew, and even named their family's riverboat after her. But in 1867, the idea of a "skirt" being a captain is unheard of. At least until Joe takes ill and dies in the middle of a trip, leaving Laura grieving and halfway upriver with a full cargo. She successfully takes charge of the crew and expertly guides the "Laura Rose "back to St. Louis. But it seems her troubles are just beginning. 


Laura learns Joe had taken out a loan, and if she fails to repay it, she could lose the boat that is not only her livelihood, but also her home. The only way to save it is to convince the men in charge she's capable of being a captain and pilot, and they have a few nearly insurmountable conditions. She must secure a full cargo (who would trust their wares to a woman?), she must find a chaperone (she is an unmarried lady, after all), she must get to Fort Benton and back in less time than it would take most male pilots, and she must get a licensed pilot to agree to oversee her. The only man she can find for that job is her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight. She's loath to ask him--though he's as good a pilot as she is, he has a terrible reputation. But a woman alone in the world will do what she must to survive, and Laura may just gain far more than she ever expected on this historic trip.

Review:

 A Captain for Laura Rose is about a young woman named Laura Rose White.  She grew up on a Steamboat with her mother, brother, and father, who was always the Captain.  Eventually, her father purchased a new steamboat and named it after her.  Her father taught her everything she knows, yet she is never really able to show what she can do as it isn’t “proper” for a lady to run a steamboat.  However, when her brother takes ill during a trip, she is left alone as her mother tends to him at a nearby clinic.  She makes it back only to find that her mother and brother have died.  Not only that, but her brother had taken substantial loans out against the loan on the steamboat, leaving Laura in a terrible predicament.  In the meantime, in order to try to deliver another load to make enough money to pay the loans back, she must ask Finn MacKnight, her brother’s old drinking friend, to help her pilot the boat.  She has a hard time believing he’s changed, but she has no other choice but to give him a chance.

             

 I LOVED this book!  It held my interest from the beginning.  I also loved how it mentioned the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, as I live in that area, so I was able to connect even more.  I enjoyed Laura’s character.  Though she had Godly parents, she never did take hold of her own faith, but relied on herself, not thinking the Lord cared about her.  As time went on, it was getting harder and harder to rely on her own strength.  It was interesting to see her walls break down as she began to see that she could rely on the Lord instead of herself.  I highly recommend this book.  It was over way to soon!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Jolina Petersheim's The Outcast ~ Reviewed

The Outcast

By: Jolina Petersheim

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 400
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 141437934X

 

 

Description

Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop.

Review:

The Outcast is a modern day re-telling of The Scarlet Letter.  Rachel Stoltzfus was raised in an Old Order Mennonite Community, along with her twin sister, Leah.  Shortly after Leah marries an older widower, Tobias, she asks Rachel to come live with them, as she is having a difficult pregnancy.  By the time Leah’s baby is born, it becomes apparent that Rachel is also expecting, though she is un-married and refuses to reveal who the father is.  She is kicked out of her sister’s home and left to fend for herself.  As more secrets are revealed, other tragedies present themselves, threatening Leah, Rachel and Tobias’ relationships even further.

I REALLY enjoyed this book.  It’s been years since I’ve read The Scarlet Letter but I really enjoyed the parallels between the two stories.  I also thought it interesting that the author chose the names Rachel and Leah for the twins.  It takes you back to the Bible, with the struggle between Jacob and Esau, and Rachel and Leah.  I really wasn’t sure what was going to happen next and I had a really hard time putting the book down.  This was a great read!
 

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Mary Connealy's Swept Away ~ Reviewed

Swept Away

By Mary Connealy

Published by Revell

ISBN#978-0-7642-0914-7

318 Pages

Back Cover: 

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't all that upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. She prayed for a chance to get away, and then came the raging flood. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is heading home to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men who killed his father are working hard to ensure Luke doesn't make it alive. He has no choice but to keep moving. Still, he can't just abandon Ruthy, so she'll have to come along.

His friends--a ragtag group of former Civil War soldiers--take a fast interest in the pretty gal. Luke thinks that's rather rude--he's the one who found her. And the more time he spends around the hard-working young woman who is a mighty good cook, the more he finds himself thinking beyond revenge and toward a different future. For the first time in a long time, Luke is tempted to turn from his destructive path and be swept away by love.

Review: 

I’m thankful for a review copy of a book that reminded me of the movie Silverado. It has a great cast of characters mixed together with an action packed western just like the movie. Inside Swept Away you’ll see the good, the bad, and the ugly up-close and personal!

I enjoyed the leading man and woman in this story. They made me smile! I truly cared for their situations and enjoyed how Luke and Ruthy found each other. It was a definite divine appointment.

Luke Stone is on a mission to bring justice to his father’s death and reclaim the family ranch. Luke was prepared to do whatever it took to over-throw the people that stole his family’s inheritance- legacy.

Ruthy MacNeil has a mission of her own. She’s tried to escape a family that took her in after her parents died. She had thought they did this out of the kindness of their heart but she soon learned they had another agenda she didn’t want any part of. She often looked for ways to escape.

Luke literally stumbles upon Ruthy MacNeil! She was hurt bad. He couldn’t just leave her behind. He wasn’t raised that way. Helping her put a cramp into his plans but he’d make it work out some how.

Mary Connealy pens a suspenseful, page turning western that gives readers a climatic conclusion and an ending that satisfies your soul. If you love a good western you’ll enjoy this first book in the trouble in Texas series! Be sure to add this western to your summer reading list!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Bonus Review:

Swept Away is about an orphaned woman who fell to the mercy of a pack of heartless folks looking to benefit from a tragedy. The novel begins with heroine Ruthy MacNeil manning a horse drawn wagon with her “family”. As they travel, her doing the work of two men but being treated like a lazy rat, she’s on the alert for possible escape routes. When the caravan reaches a river, she notices a storm on the horizon and attempts to warn her brutish “father”. She soon finds his dense stubbornness can become a blessing and that storm she feared? A chance at freedom…if it doesn’t kill her.

This novel has all the elements one would expect from a historical romance with an unexpectedly gripping depth that leaves one contemplating the characters and situations long after the book is read. I’ve always loved strong female characters, and the stubborn, determined, hard-working Ruthy MacNeil did not disappoint. Having been beaten down by a family of abusers, one might expect her to become fearful and docile, but Ruthy turned a painful and frightening past into a noble purpose that spurred within her a courageous and persistent strength.

The secondary characters woven throughout the novel are equally spunky, intriguing, and unique. Luke is a true hero in every sense of the word. Initially, he fights to reclaim his father’s ranch. But upon encountering a woman in desperate need of rescue, his fight is deepened, motivating him to lay everything—including his life—on the line so others might live.

Although he didn’t speak much, there was a child in the story—the son of a battered woman—that captured my heart. His fierce desire to protect his mother and sister, his childlike hope, and his selfless courage, made me want to snatch him up in a motherly hug! Of course, he’d be much too grown for that. ;) I also enjoyed his mother, a woman who initially seemed hateful but later turned out to be quite compassionate and tender.

I especially love Ms. Connealy’s ability to write a sweet, tender, and heart-stirring romance without feeling the need to add sensuality into the mix. Those who enjoy sweet and pure romances will love Swept Away. But even if you’re not a romance reader, I’d encourage you to give this novel a try, because it contains a depth of plot and characterization I believe will appeal to readers of all genres.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

Cindy Thomsen's Grace's Pictures ~ Reviewed

Grace's Pictures (Ellis Island)
Cindy Thomsen
Paperback: 7895 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (May 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414368437

Description: 

Grace McCaffery hopes that the bustling streets of New York hold all the promise that the lush hills of Ireland did not. As her efforts to earn enough money to bring her mother to America fail, she wonders if her new Brownie camera could be the answer. 

But a casual stroll through a beautiful New York City park turns into a hostile run-in with local gangsters, who are convinced her camera holds the first and only photos of their elusive leader. A policeman with a personal commitment to help those less fortunate finds Grace attractive and longs to help her, but Grace believes such men cannot be trusted. Spread thin between her quest to rescue her mother, do well in a new nanny job, and avoid the gang intent on intimidating her, Grace must put her faith in unlikely sources to learn the true meaning of courage and forgiveness.

Review:

Grace McCaffery has managed to escape a life working in the factories in Ireland to make a fresh start in America. Her hope is to save enough money to bring her mother over as well. She is sponsored by a Christian organization bent on taking care of young Irish immigrant woman. She is excited and nervous to find herself a position as a maid and nanny for a family. In her free time, she invests her time taking pictures with her new Brownie Camera. However, without meaning to, she finds herself being pursued by local gangsters who think she is following them and taking pictures to give to the police. In the meantime, she is finding herself attracted to a local policeman, Owen McNulty, who is bent on coming to her aid, even when she doesn’t want his help.

This was a lovely story. I enjoyed watching Grace grown from a scared girl, alone in a new world, to a confident young woman. It was also nice to see her faith in the Lord grow, too. This was a great story and is very well written. I would love to see a sequel!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Robert Liparulo's The Judgment Stone ~ Reviewed

The Judgment Stone
Robert Liparulo
Release Date   Apr 1, 2013
Publisher   Thomas Nelson
ISBN  1595541721  

What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?

Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe--the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God's grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power--a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.
Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.

By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.

Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won't stop until they've annihilated all those close to Him?

In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.


Review:


If I see a book with Robert Liparulo's name on it, it ends up in my to read pile. His writing is tense, descriptive (chickens take note, this is not always a pleasant thing) and hopeful. Liparulo crafts characters that are flawed and real and pull at your heartstrings and have kept me up past bedtime a night or two.

And his stories. Whew. Always full of what if's and enough truth to keep me thinking and enough speculation and twists to make me wonder what kind of pizza he eats before bed. This particular book is number two in the series. If you haven't read The Thirteenth Tribe, you may want to whip through it first, however, you won't be lost if you don't. The story centers around Immortals and an epic battle of good vs evil. And The Judgment Stone provides some seriously epic battles. And a story line that is haunting.

The Judgment Stone is an excellent choice for a beach read, plane trip or just because. I was home alone a couple nights and I couldn't open it after dark, so chickens and sensitive readers, you have been warned. Keep em coming, Robert, puleeze.


Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Denise Hildreth Jones's Secrets Over Sweet Tea ~ Reviewed

Secrets Over Sweet Tea

By Denise Hildreth Jones

Published by Tyndall

ISBN#978-1414366845

416 Pages

Back Cover: 

Secrets can be funny things. We think they keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd and Zach Craig are about to learn the hard way. As the lives of this boisterous pastor’s wife, polished news anchor, and beleaguered divorce attorney intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, desperate to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.

Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that answers the question, “What does it mean when someone says; God has healed me from the inside out? How can I let God touch the hurts in my heart and be healed?”

Denise says, “You can only live with your heart shut down for so long. Eventually you will fight for your healing or you will die… Some even find God when their lives fall apart!....Sometimes a person has to die in order to really live. ..Hungry for something real?.. (tired of just going through the motions of life and feeling numb inside?) Want to feel alive? Seek whatever helps you rediscover that carefree childlike heart I know is in there somewhere – that is what you should be doing to Feel Alive!”

This is a journey Denise’s characters having gone on and some have just started down this path. I enjoyed this cast so much they are fun, bold and each have been knocked around by life. Each has a different result.

Scarlett Jo is a Pastor’s wife that’s fun and doesn’t care what people think about her. Denise writes, “Scarlett Jo hadn’t simply survived her life. She had learned how to live inspire of it- and not to worry too much about the perceptions of others.”

Scarlett Jo is fun loving, free spirit and an inspirational person! I loved her voice and her outlook on life she says, “Oh, child do you not know about couponing?...I’m feeding a pack of wolves at my house. If I didn’t know how to coupon, my children would have had to eat me by now. But if you ever want to learn how to do it, you just let me know. It is crazy girl! I can go to a store and leave and they’ve paid me money.”

The characters in this novel welcome you in as family. They’re situations will tug at your heart. What I love about Denise’s books are you’ll be having a good time then all of a sudden she cleverly interweaves spiritual truths that pierce your heart, make you stop and think. Denise will help you “See lies we believe.” You’ll laugh out loud and get teary eyed in parts. A winning combination.

I really liked Scarlett Jo’s husband too he says, “I watch people. I take in people. And to be honest, I learn a great deal about them by what they don’t say.”

I highly recommend this novel and the non-fiction companion book called Reclaiming your Heart! It’s a win win combination. A book you’ll want to put on your summer reading list. Did I mention I just love the cover of this book too! It’s a keeper!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Miralee Ferrell's Blowing on Dandelions ~ Reviewed

Blowing on Dandelions, Love Blossoms in Oregon Series #1
By: Miralee Ferrell 
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 384
Vendor: David C. Cook
ISBN: 0781408083

Description:

Do Dandelion Wishes Actually Come True?

 

 

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

 

 

Review: 

 

  Blowing on Dandelions is about Katherine Galloway, a young widow who is struggling to raise her two daughters while attempting to run a boarding house alone.  On top of everything, her mother, who has never said a kind word to her, comes to live with her and tries to run her boarding house and her life!  In the meantime, when newcomer Micah Jacobs comes in to town, she is face with the prospect of falling in love again, which she never thought would happen.                   
This is the type of historical romance I love reading.  I loved Katherine’s character especially.  Her mother was quite mean to her throughout the story, though she thought she was being helpful.  Yet Katherine did her best to show love and respect to her, even though she didn’t feel she deserved it.  It’s something I would have had a difficult time doing, but as you read the story, you come to love Katherine more for it.  This was a wonderful book!  It won’t disappoint you!
 
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers
 

 

Nick Vujicic's Life Without Limits ~ Reviewed

Life Without Limits
By Nick Vujicic
Published by Waterbrook
ISBN#978-0-307-58974-3
272 Pages

Back Cover: Vujicic’s story is about how, despite extreme
disabilities, he wants to be seen as a normal person. Readers might
find extraordinary a better word, as they learn how Vujicic, born
limbless (but with a tiny foot), lives what he calls “a ridiculously
good life.” By learning to be a help and resource to others, and
choosing to dwell on the positives in his life, including a supportive
family and friends, he has overcome the despondency natural to a young person in his predicament and become a source of inspiration for those he meets as a speaker and those who see his videos on YouTube.
 

Although much of his account is straightforward biography, he also
devotes considerable space to sharing his faith in God and offering
practical suggestions for making one’s life happier and more
productive.

Nick Vujicic is a motivational speaker and the director of the
nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs. A long-time resident of
Australia, Nick now lives with his wife in southern California.

Review: 

 

Wow! This is one fascinating man. I’m thankful for the review
copy that introduced me to a very encouraging man who lives life
without limits.

Nick has no arms and legs; this fact hasn’t stopped him from doing the things he’s desired to do. Nick says, “My goal in writing this book is to encourage you to overcome your own challenges and hardships so you can find your own purpose and pathway to a ridiculously good life.”

This 27 year old man has been around the world speaking and meeting other over comers such as Bethany Hamilton who taught him how to surf, and others he met that inspired him such as, Joni Erickson Tada, Kathi, Daniel, author Christy Brown, Reggie Dabbs and a few others.

Life Without Limits is about real people, facing tough stuff all the
while helping others find their own purpose in life. Nicks parents
encouraged him, his mom told him when he was young, “Nicholas, you need to play with normal children because you are normal. You just have a few bits and pieces missing, that’s all. “She set the tone for years to come for him. She didn’t want me to feel less than normal or restricted in anyway, “Nick says. His parents are courageous that’s for sure.

Nick includes pictures in his book of himself as a toddler, as a grown man in a wheelchair, graduation pictures, family pictures and some fun shots of him scuba diving and surfing!

This book is about walking in what God has called you to be and lean on him for your strength and courage. God sets us free to be what he’s made us to be. We limit ourselves.

Nick says, “Often it’s the challenges in life that show us who we
truly are meant to be…We come packed with presents waiting to be
opened…

Life isn’t about having,  its about being You could surround  yourself with all that money can buy, and you’d still be as miserable as a human can be…you’ll find contentment when your talents and passion are completely engaged, in full force…when you look for happiness in mere objects, they are never enough.”

He has multiple youtube videos to watch that will just amaze you. He’s also an encouraging speaker, that’s what he does for a living. In the back of the book is a personal action plan. He states, “I have a choice. You have a choice. We can dwell on disappointments and short comings…to be bitter, angry or sad. Or we can choose to learn from the experience and move forward, taking responsibility for our own happiness….Fear (stands for) – False Evidence Appearing Real – We become so focused on our fears that they become real to us – and as a result, we let them control us!” I love his outlook on life.

I couldn’t help but smile along with Nick. He had me re-evaluate how I view myself, life and my circumstances. This young man challenged me, encourage me and helped me inspire others around me as I talked about this book.

I highly recommend it for book club or just for inspiration. Oh, and
be sure to watch the youtube video’s they are a must see. This is an
amazing, life changing book. Nick has chosen to life a life without
limits, what do you choose?

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Jill Eileen Smith's Rebekah ~ Reviewed

Rebekah

By Jill Eileen Smith

Publisher: Revell

ISBN-13: 978-0800734305

320 pages

Back Cover: When her father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Her hope for the future is restored when she falls in love with her cousin Isaac, and their relationship starts strong. But marital bliss cannot last forever, and the birth of their twin sons marks the beginning of years of misunderstanding, disagreement, and betrayal. The rift between them grows wider and wider until it is surely too deep to be mended. And yet, with God all things are possible.
Join bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith as she fills in the blanks around the biblical women behind the men we know well. Her in-depth research and creative storytelling bring Rebekah's unique story alive with romance, heartache, and the power of forgiveness.

REVIEW:  

Jill Eileen Smith has a gift of bringing characters from the bible to life. I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that helped me catch a glimpse of Abraham, Isaac, and Rebekah lives up-close and personal.

Jill’s author notes to readers in the back of the book explains how there isn’t enough documentation on many aspects of Isaac and Rebekah’s life so she had to take some liberties. This author explains the things she added to make the novel work. I like when authors do that. I think Jill does a great job of piquing interest in Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and their children to cause readers to go back to the bible and read the story for themselves, to draw their own conclusions.

I’ve read a few of Jill Eileen Smith’s books now and I like that I always learn something new; for instance did you know that Abraham had another concubine other than Hagar and they had six children together? I was clueless. This information had me running to get my bible to find out more about this relationship and their kids.

I appreciated the fact that this author includes scripture references along with the passages; which made it easy to reference. Thanks to this author I’ll never look at Rebekah, Isaac and Abraham the same way. She helped to give me fresh eyes when I read the scripture passages once again. Thanks Jill for bringing this story to life and letting me get to know the women in the bible in a fun and unique way. I’m looking forward to this author’s next book and so will you!

Reviewed by:: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book FunBegins!

Irene Hannon's Vanished ~ Reviewed

Vanished

By Irene Hannon

Published by Revell

ISBN# 978-0800721237

336 Pages

Book Cover:  Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road. 
A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.


Vanished is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.

Review:  Irene Hannon’s new novel engages the reader from the start. Action crashes on the scene literary from page one. Reporter Moria Harrison is caught in a bad storm at night. Someone runs out on the road. Moria sees her at the last minute. Tries to avoid the women but it’s too late! A Good Samaritan shows up on the scene to help. He says he’ll call 911 and see to the woman in the street. Relieved, Moria feels kind of out of it – the next she knows she’s been out of it for a few hours. When she awakes she doesn’t see police, no ambulance and no women! Did she dream all this?  She dials 911 herself and they soon arrive on the scene, hear her story and find nothing to back it up.

Did she imagine all this? Was the night playing tricks with her mind? It was dark and storming. She’s not sure what the woman or the Good Samaritan looked like. The Police think she’s bumped her too hard! She wants answers but needs help. A Phoenix PI service is recommended. All they could do was say no we can’t take the case! You’re Crazy. She already heard this from the police, so off she goes. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain if they said they’d look into it.

I enjoyed the three young men who made up the Phoenix team. They were college room mates and had history together. They reminded me of the three musketeers’. All of them had an Irish heritage and served in different parts of law enforcement before they decided to work together. The Phoenix team specializes in cases that fell through the cracks of traditional law enforcement.

This author pens a suspenseful drama that could be ripped from today’s headlines.  It’s the first novel in a new series about the Phoenix P.I. Service called Private Justice. Vanished focuses on Cal one member of the team who takes on Moria’s case. I liked reading about the mystery, suspense and the budding romance between Moria and Cal. It was playful and fun as they sandwiched it in between the drama and the surprising turns the case takes. It’s a tale that keeps you guessing right up till the end. I recommend this as a book club pick. It will create lively discussion. It’s a layered story everyone one will want to discuss, and give their opinion how they viewed the story. I’m looking forward to the next book in this suspenseful and fun series.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

 

Travis Thrasher's Hurt ~ Reviewed

HURT

By Travis Thrasher

Jan. 2013

David C. Cook

978-1-4347-6416-4

Review by Michelle Griep

When Chris Buckley first encountered the mysteries of creepy Solitary, North Carolina, he had little idea how far he would fall into the town’s shadows. After losing the love of his life, Chris tried to do things his way. He hunted answers. Then he gave up trying to find them.

But now Chris comes back to Solitary knowing there’s a purpose for his being there. As he watches his place in a twisted and evil bloodline become clear, Chris waits for the last battle—and wonders who will be left when he finally makes his stand.

I was seriously afraid to read HURT. I’d waited like a puppy at his dish for this baby to arrive, but once I held it in my hot little paws, I set it on my desk for weeks without cracking it open…not that I didn’t look at the cover every time I passed by.

There were two reasons for my fear factor, and neither of them involve creepy mannequins or broken doll heads. I was afraid to read HURT because I feared I wouldn’t like the ending, that there just wouldn’t be enough closure to satisfy me. And I was scared to death that I’d love it so much I’d be devastated that this was the end of the series.

Now that I’ve finished the last sentence on the last page, I can honestly say I was right—and wrong. The ending brought the series full circle in a fresh-chocolate-chip-cookie-out-of-the-oven sort of way and left me begging for more.

Chris Buckley is an unlikely hero that will stick with me for a long time. At first, he’s so awkward you can’t help but love the little buddy. But over time he sure develops into a champion. Oh, he’s still got his quirks and inconsistencies, but that just makes him all the more real.

Make no mistake about it…The Solitary Tales is a series pulls the reader through a lot of darkness. However, it’s the blackness that makes the light at the end shine all the brighter. This is one creepy, angst-filled young adult story that I wouldn’t hesitate to give to any struggling teen who is overwhelmed with life. And even though my own adolescence is nothing but a dot in my rearview mirror, I still loved the story.

Why? Because author Travis Thrasher is an amazing writer. His words are magical. Solitary was my first exposure to this superstar, but it’s not my last. If you want to be a writer, study his work.

And if you want a great read that’s sometimes jolting, give The Solitary Tales a try.