Kathleen Bauer's Sweet September ~ Reviewed

Sweet September
Kathleen Bauer
Pages 246
Binding Softcover
Release Date Jul 1, 2013
Publisher Ideals Publications
Series Home To Heather Creek
Series Number 2
ISBN 0824934253




OverviewAs tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can restore the Stevensons' hope for the harvest. 

Harvest at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time, but the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Charlotte is determined not to make the same mistakes she did with her own kids, but how can she get her grandchildren back on track? 

Meanwhile, the vegetable garden is uprooted one night. Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids pull together to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together. 

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Sweet September is the second book in the Home to Heather Creek series. Charlotte Stevenson is raising her grandchildren on the family farm after a tragic accident changes all of their lives forever. With the help of her husband Bob and a close-knit circle of friends, she will do whatever it takes to keep this fragile family together. See how God, who makes the sun rise and the crops grow, watches over our lives too.

Review: 

Sweet September is book two in the Home to Heather Creek Series.  It’s Harvest time at the farm during this story.  While the children have seemed to accept their “lot in life,” living at the farm, they still seem to be having trouble adjusting.  Emily is still having trouble getting used to farm life, Sam doesn’t care about school and is failing some of his classes and Christopher is finding things to do off by himself.  Throughout the book, different things begin to happen to bring the family closer together, from a thief in the vegetable garden to an unexpected new visitor.  As the story unfolds, the children seem to begin to find new things to appreciate about their new life.

I was glad that this storyline continued.  I really wanted to see the kids start adjusting to this new life, and realize how blessed they were to have grandparents that cared for them.  At the same time, it was also good to see them begin to take on responsibilities with better attitudes and appreciation for their surroundings.  I hope the story continues!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Diana Sharples's Running Lean ~ Reviewed

Running Lean
By Diana L. Sharples
Pages 400
Release Date Aug, 2013
Publisher Zondervan Publishing
ISBN 0310734975


Overview
In this YA debut from author Diana Sharples, love, self-esteem, and trust meld in a compelling story. Still reeling from the loss of his brother in Afghanistan, Calvin Greenlee pours himself into fixing his motorcycle and spending the rest of his time with his girlfriend, Stacy, who always has the right words to say. But when Stacy starts losing weight---a lot of weight---it's clear she has problems of her own. Calvin is determined to cure her---but could that only push Stacy further into danger?

Review:

Diana Sharple’s debut novel centers around Calvin and Stacey, two teenagers dealing with tragedy and emotional turmoil. The passing of Calvin’s brother as a soldier in Afghanistan leaves him with a hole in his life. A dark incident in Stacey’s past now leaves her with deep emotional scars, along with serious self-image problems. So Stacey and Calvin mutually fill the emptiness in their hearts with each other. However, Stacey’s self-image problems morph into a life-threatening eating disorder. Calvin tries to be the knight in shining armor, but she pushes his concerns away, in denial. Ms. Sharples does a fantastic job of portraying both characters, writing from the two viewpoints. Readers feel sympathy for Stacey, though they can’t help but yearn to shake Stacey out of her denial, longing for her to listen to her caring boyfriend. Though somewhat monotonous in places, this book is a strongly written novel,and enlightens the reader on the perils of eating disorders. It is a story of hope, but doesn’t fail to portray how hard it can be for friends and family when someone they love suffers through this disorder.

Reviewed by: Priya Mellott

Susan May Warren's Take a Chance on Me ~ Reviewed

Take A Chance On Me (Christiansen Family Novel)
By Susan May Warren

Release Date   Apr 1, 2013 
Publisher   Tyndale House Publishers 
ISBN  1414378416  


Description:

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. 

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case. 

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

Review:

Susan May Warren pens a delightful story of heartache and healing in her latest Deep Haven novel, which introduces the Christiansen family and a new series of contemporary romance tales.  Love blossoms between two couples, with all four characters authentically struggling to move past hurts in their lives. Conflict, regret, and the need for forgiveness etch each page as Darek, Ivy, Jensen, and Claire negotiate an emotional minefield as they try to discover the courage to love again. As Deep Haven is threatened by wildfire, danger and sacrifice refine each heart in this tender and compelling story.

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Bonus Review:

Take A Chance On Me follows Darek Christiansen, the oldest son of the Christiansen family and heir to their historic Evergreen Lake resort, and Ivy Madison, the new assistant county attorney who is looking forward to the closeness of small town life. Darek is a widower and a single father, who is still bitter over the accidental death of a wife that he didn’t love. He holds his best friend, Jensen, responsible, as he was the one that was involved in the accident. When he meets Ivy, he thinks he might be able to start over again, not realizing that Ivy was involved in the original case that kept Jensen out of prison. Ivy has no idea either, until different events start unfolding.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked seeing how all of the characters grew and began trusting the Lord. Darek really came a long way from the beginning to the end. And Ivy started off not believing in God at all, but slowly came to the knowledge that He exists and cares for her. As the story kept unfolding it was hard to put the book down!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Bonnie Calhoun's Pieces of the Heart ~ Reviewed

Pieces of the Heart (Quilts of Love) Bonnie S. Calhoun Pages   240  Release Date   Aug 1, 2013  Publisher   Abingdon Press   ISBN  1426752725

Description:


CordeliaGrace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, setsof memories, hopes, dreams, andprayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their happy-ever-after grows proportionally as the quilt expands.

But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades ofcolor that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?

Review:

Bonnie Calhoun’s Pieces of the Heart provided quite a history lesson about World War II, I also was treated to all a quilt I’ve never heard of and the story behind it.

Cordelia's Pine Cone Quilt was started by her beloved granny for Cordelia’s upcoming 18th birthday. This quilt was a picture of the life of the owner. The history/background sewn into the quilt via well loved articles of special clothing that make the quilt a visual memory quilt. While piecing the quilt together the maker prayed for the owner. Cordelia's granny referred to the quilt as Cordelia's prayer covering, not only for her, but her future family as well.

Cordelia grew in faith as her story unfolded in testing and trial at every bend in the road. While Cordelia is finding her faith and character, her beau, Bernard is being tried at war, and brings home some serious after-effects.

This is a nice book option for readers who like to delve into meaty topics with their history. War, emotional , spiritual and physical brokenness and abuse, depression, segregation and immaturity are a few of the major hitters. Calhoun lightens up the heaviness by spanning the book over years so some of the sorrowful events don’t impact the reader too intensely.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Michael Neale's The River ~ Reviewed

The River

By Michael Neale

Published by Thomas Nelson

ISBN#978-1-4016-8848-6

301 Pages

Back Cover: 

You were made for The River . . ."

Gabriel Clarke was mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. From deep within, Gabriel's passion for The River was undeniable. The rushing waters beckoned him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something was holding him back-the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old-something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprisoned Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He couldn't leave his past behind and remained trapped, afraid of the life awaiting him.

In this compelling story, Gabriel learns that letting go of the past means giving himself totally to The River-heart, mind, body, and soul.

Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that felt like hanging out with a good friend. It also reminded me of how important water is to our lives; without it we quickly die, with it we thrive.

Take a peek at how the author describes The River, “it’s wild, free, and untamable. It’s foaming, twisting and thundering. There are places where the water shoots down into crevices and canyons and creates this amazing thunder and then there are places where the water settles into pools of complete calm…I love being with The River.

The River is Alive. The River is timeless, and its moving all over the world…The River can be known but not fully, therein lies the mystery. The River has a voice, and I love the way it sounds. When I’m with The River, I just know it’s where I’m meant to be. It touches something deep inside my soul. It connects me to a bigger story in some indescribable way…when I’m with The River, I feel Alive…I can tell you this from my journey: the more you experience The River, the more you want to stay closer by.”

The River definitely reminds me of our relationship with God our creator. I’ve given you a taste of the many pages this author writes about The River. This is a unique novel like Dinner with a Stranger and that of Tuesdays with Morrie. I think what the prologue says pretty much sums up the essence of this book. It’s a novel not to be rushed through but savored. The author states, “Every now and then, you have an encounter with someone who simply changes your life…you can’t get his (or her) story out of your head and heart.

It’s hard to explain how powerful stories can resonate within us on many levels but it’s often because of the way they speak with passion, heartache, or even joy. Maybe it’s the way they unknowingly reach into our heart of hearts with their words.”

This is one such story! You won’t forget The River or this journey!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

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

Angela Hunt's The Offering ~ Reviewed

THE OFFERING

By Angela Hunt

Published By

ISBN#978-1-4391-8205-5

300 Pages

Back Cover: One innocent mistake… a lifetime of consequences.

After growing up as an only child, Amanda Lisandra wants a big family. But since she and her soldier husband can’t afford to have more children right away, Mandy decides to earn money as a gestational carrier for a childless couple. She loves being pregnant, and while carrying the child she dreams of having her own son and maybe another daughter…

Just when the nearly perfect pregnancy is about to conclude, unexpected tragedy enters Mandy’s world and leaves her reeling. Devastated by grief, she surrenders the child she was carrying and struggles to regain her emotional equilibrium.

Two years later she studies a photograph of the baby she bore and wonders if the unthinkable has happened—could she have inadvertently given away her own biological child? Over the next few months Mandy struggles to decide between the desires of her grief-stricken heart and what’s best for the little boy she has never known.

Review:  Angela Hunt hits it out of the park with The Offering. Once again this author describes an amazing scientific accomplishment and how it affects us individually and spiritually. I always learn so much when Angela shows me how these amazing things play out in real life with real people! This novel explores the topic of being a gestational carrier! I’m so thankful for the review copy of such an eye opening, informative book.

Angela Hunt says in an author interview at the back of the book, “I believe God created every life for a purpose – so we should behave responsibly toward unborn children even if they are only at the blastocyst stage.”

Amanda Lisandra begins her research about becoming a surrogate. She informs her husband, Gideon, “It’s legal, but not everyone approves surrogacy…Here’s how it works hon, “The baby will be the couple’s biological child, but they’ll pay me to carry it until it’s born. For my part in the arrangement, I’m pretty sure I could earn as much as you do in a year…everything I need will be supplied by the other couple.”

Gideon says, “A man wants his wife to carry his own baby.”

Amanda responds, “In a perfect world, sure…but not everyone woman can carry babies while people like me carry them easily. Look at it this way – I want to contribute to our family’s dream and you risk your life for us every time you go out the front door.”

“Ok baby girl! If you want to be generous, why should I stop you?”

Then their off on this incredible journey! This author gives the reader a front row seat as Amanda plunges into being a gestational carrier nook line and sinker! Amanda comes up against things she didn’t realize would be part of the experience! She thought being a surrogate was simply her trying to help her family out financially at the same time she could make another couples dream come true of having a child of their own. Not so easy! Things were getting complicated!

Angela helps the reader look at this matter from several angles and lets you decide how to feel. All too soon Amanda realized it takes “a village to conceive a child.” Who knew? I really appreciated how the spiritual thread was masterfully woven throughout this astounding novel. The author makes the reader think by asking questions throughout this story, like could God work through a Surrogate? What is a couple’s obligation to eggs that are harvested? What is best for the child?

At the same time Amanda starts her surrogate journey her cousin Amelia and husband Mario start the process of adopting a child. They’ve tried to have a baby for years. Time was ticking! They plug into becoming adoptive parents and see a whole new side of life. It’s heart warming and complicated. Amanda was running into a few compilations of her own, she soon discovered that relationships’ of all kind were complicated.

Angela immediately connected with and had for compassion for her characters and their unreal situations. I was glued to this book from the start to finish. Warning you’ll be up late finishing this one. My heart raced and I got teary eyed at the end. I wasn’t sure how this author would end these two couples journey. The ending was satisfying and made me think about so much. When science and man-kind try to play god things get complicated! I highly recommend this for your book club pick and your summer ready list! There is oh so much to talk about! Wow!

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
 

 

Kathis Macias's The Moses Quilt ~ Reviewed

The Moses Quilt
By Kathi Macias
Published by New Hope Publishers
ISBN# 978-1596693586
240 Pages

Back Cover: The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family's past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way—her great-grandmother's Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.

REVIEW: Kathi Macias introduces readers to Harriet Tubman in this compelling read about an amazing young woman, who sacrificed so much to help others achieve freedom. Freedom she had and wanted others to experience.

This novel starts out in current time as a grandmother tells her grandchildren about Harriet, a hero of our faith.

Can one person make a difference? The author answers that question in this novel as she shows how Harriet Tubman’s faith and courage in the way she walked down the path she said God put her on. Harriet’s complete reliance on a faithful God, helped her face death threats head on and be assured her every need would be met.

Edward and Mazie learn about Miss Tubman through the story blocks of the Moses Quilt. Mazie’s grand mother had the quilt made so she could talk about Harriet’s life with others. The quilt also reminded her, “God is greater than any obstacle, any of them could ever face, and if they lived their lives as Harriet Tubman did – believing that God would indeed do exactly as he said – than anything was possible.”

I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to Harriet Tubman, a courageous woman, a hero of our faith and someone that paved the way for all people to be free to be what God has made them to be.

Harriet lived what she believed; she had no fear of death and did not hesitate to get in the middle of unimaginable situations to offer her assistance. She was brave as she gave love to others at a great personal sacrifice.  Reading about her made me thankful of what others endured so I could enjoy the freedoms I have today. I highly recommend this book not only for a book club read but also for you to learn about a remarkable young lady who endured hardship and did all she could so no one would have to stay a slave.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg ~ Reviewed

Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
By: Jocelyn Green 
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 320
Vendor: River North 
ISBN: 0802405770
Description

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering--and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
When the scout doesn't die, as expected, she discovers that he isn't who he claims to be.

While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

Review:

Widow of Gettysburg is book two in the Civil War series.  It revolves around a young widow, Liberty Holloway, who lives in Gettysburg.  Her husband was killed in the war as a Union soldier and she is trying to make something of herself, and discover who she is.  In the meantime, her home is turned into a Confederate hospital after the battle of Gettysburg.  At the same time, secrets are coming to the surface involving Liberty and her hired help, Bella, a former slave.  These secrets could change Liberty’s life forever.  As she learns more about her past, she has to decide whether to let it bring her down or whether she can triumph over it. 
                
 This book was wonderful.  I can easily get lost in this time period, especially when the Lord is involved.  The author made the time period come alive.  I couldn’t put it down!  I loved seeing how Liberty’s character grew throughout the story.  At the beginning, she was timid and unsure of herself.  But the experiences she went through during the war only made her stronger.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.  It was written so well!  You won’t be disappointed!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers 

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's Mind of Her Own ~ Reviewed

Mind of Her Own
By Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
Published by Tyndale
ISBN#978-1-4143-8103-9
Only in Ebook Format

Back Cover: Who knew making dinner could change your life? Louisa Copeland certainly didn’t. But when the George Foreman grill fell out of the pantry onto her head, resulting in a bump and a mighty case of amnesia, Louisa’s life takes a turn for the unexpected. Who was this Collin fellow, claiming she was his wife? And whose kids are those?
Her name couldn’t be Louisa. Why, she was the renowned romance writer Jazz Sweet, not a Midwestern mom of three. Struggling to put the pieces together of the life she’s told she had, Louisa/Jazz may realize that some memories are better left alone.

Review: I know this will sound funny by hang in there with me a minute as I tell you what popped into my head when I started to read this novel.  I was reminded of how Buzzlight year in Toy Story,  reacted to his new environment on Andy’s bed. He knew deep in his heart he was a space ranger from another planet and thought he would choke to death if his helmet was opened.

Main character Louisa Copeland wakes up in a hospital bed. She learns she’s received a hard blow to her head that knocked her out. They tell her she’s married to Collin and has three children. She doesn’t remember much but she knows in her heart of hearts that she is a Christian and her name is Jazz Stewart. She’s an author, who’s never been married and doesn’t have kids.

Her husband and doctor try to tell her differently; just like the
other toys try to tell Buzz he was a toy, a child’s’ play thing, an
action figure not a space ranger.

It’s difficult for Louisa’s husband, Collin Copeland who doesn’t quite know how to deal with this. She looked like Louisa but she sure didn’t act like her. The Dr. said it could be hours or days before she remembered anything.  What will he tell the kids?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author it definitely wont’ be
the last. She’s funny and deals with some surprising tough topics with compassion and grace. This is a fun, heart-warming story that will make you laugh out loud and make you think too!

Collin is committed, kind and starts to worry Jazz will never remember who she is. Both Collin and Jazz face each situation as it arises with prayer and patience with themselves and each other.

Jazz hits it off with her teenager daughter Madison. They go shopping together and get earrings her real mother would never approve of her wearing. Jazz says to her with a smile, “Wear them and enjoy.”

“But what if you remember being mom and you don’t remember you told me I could wear these? You might ground me.”

“I hadn’t thought about that. What do you think we should do just in case?”

“Maybe you could write me a permission slip….Madison Copeland has my permission to wear her dolphin earrings whenever she desires. Signed Jazz Sweet, aka Louisa Copeland.” They both agree to this. Love the fun situations the author put in this book. Here’s another peek in this families journey to wholeness.

Sunday morning came along and Jazz says, “Wake up everyone. Were going to be late.”

“Late for what? Collin said.”

“Church. Come on, Collin, we have to get the kids ready. They’re still sleeping.”

“Jazz, we don’t go to church unless it’s Christmas or Easter, and it’s neither one today. Go back to bed.”

“We’re going to church as a family, so get up…as long as I’m here
we’re going to go to church every Sunday.”

They went to church and started a new family adventure. Jazz would show them all she was an author as soon as she found one of her published books! Collin kind of liked the new Louisa! She was fun and growing on him. He was committed to his marriage whoever Louisa turned out to be.

This author gets to the heart of the matter with her engaging fun
characters and situations. So, sit back and enjoy this book. It’s a
fun read that will help take the cares of the day away and make you
laugh too! It’s a win win!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!

 

Evangeline Kelley's Seaside Harmony ~ Reviewed

Seaside Harmony, Nantucket Dreams Series #1

By: Evangeline Kelley

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
Vendor: Guideposts Books
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 0824932463

Product Description

When Caroline Morris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters discover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880?

Review:

Seaside Harmony revolves around three sisters in their late 50’s and early 60’s.  Caroline Marris is a free spirit who has traveled the world and has trouble committing to anything.  Gracie Gold is a widow who lives to take care of her children and grandchildren.  Sam Carter is a single mother and retired school teacher.  They vacation to Nantucket Island to Misty Harbor Inn, a place their recently deceased mother took them to as young girls and always wanted to purchase.  They are amazed to see that it’s not only run down and abandoned, but also for sale.  Caroline is immediately on the band wagon to buy it, and eventually convinces her sisters to go in on it as well.  The next step is getting the inn ready to open.  Not only do they encounter many obstacles along the way, just in fixing it up, but they begin to find hints as to the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner who disappeared mysteriously. 
This book took a little while to get into, but it was worth sticking with.  The more I read, the more I could picture the inn come to life, and the different personalities of each of the sisters.  It made me want to go to Nantucket to stay with them!  I thought it ended a bit abruptly, but to my surprise, I have since found there is a sequel which I’m currently reading.  I can’t wait to see what awaits the sisters in this next book!
Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Patrick Carr's A Cast of Stones ~ Reviewed

A Cast of Stones

By Patrick W. Carr

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-9701-4

400 Pages

Book Cover: An Epic Medieval Saga Fantasy Readers  Will Love 
 
In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.
 
Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny.

Review: Patrick W. Carr’s debut novel will quickly draw you into a unique adventure. A Cast of Stones is a fun fantasy story that will remind readers of King author adventures in Camelot. This is a delightful character driven story in the POV of a young broken young man named Errol.

Patrick’s kingdom names are Illustra and Erinon! The main character Errol instantly grabbed my heart and attention as this orphan boy (who’s seen more than a nineteen year old man should!), turns to Ale to deaden life’s pain and sorrow! He’s a regular at Cilla’s Tavern in the village of Callowford. The only home he’s known.

While in the tavern a church messenger desperately seeks help in delivering an extremely important message to a hermit priest in the wilderness. Everyone in the tavern points to Errol. They know he’s the only one that knows the hills like the back of his hand! They also know he’ll do most anything to earn coins to purchase more ale.

The messenger barked out a laugh, “A drunkard? You want me to give the most important message in half a century to a drunkard? Look at him: He’s barely a man. Only Deas knows what keeps him on his feet…How would I know he delivers the message?

Cruk pipes up, “You’re willing to pay, aren’t ya? Half pay now and a receipt in Pater Martin’s own hand will earn him another half crown. He’ll get it done.”

Errol is thrilled the church messenger gives him a coin up front and there’s hope for an additional coin when he delivers the signed note from the priest. Errol has to hurry. This message was urgent. It was a message on behalf of the church. His mission to deliver this urgent quickly has his life on the line when he notices a man dressed in black, holding an arrow aiming at him from across the field. He rushes through the woods trying to escape his attacker. When he arrives at the priests’ house – in record time - He explains everything! The Hermit Priest says they need to evacuate the house immediately. This wasn’t good news! They were in danger. The Assassin would stop at nothing to get to them!

So off they go on adventure of a life time, with the most unlikely traveling companions, running for their lives. Errol is forced to embark on a wild and mysterious journey outside his home of Callowford heading to Erinon! He’s filled with questions.

I liked how this author had the reader learn about things and places as Errol did. It was fun to learn together and try to piece the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery along with Errol. Who was after them? Why the chase? Why did the Priest have to rush to Erinon? What was in that message? Do you like King Arthur stories? Lord of the rings? Like a good mystery with surprises. If you do then you’ll love this book as much as I did.

Even if you aren’t a fantasy fan you’ll quickly be drawn into Errol’s unforgettable journey to Erinon and captivated by this author’s creative imagination. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this expedition. You’ll catch yourself marking your calendar to purchase the next book in this series too!! Patrick W. Carr is a writer to definitely watch!!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Kim Vogel Sawyer's Sweet Sanctuary ~ Reviewed

Sweet Sanctuary
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published By Bethany House
ISBN#978-0-7642-0789-1
352 Pages

Back Cover: Lydia Eldredge longs to provide a sanctuary for her son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get
him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher serves the immigrant population in Queens, but under cover of darkness he provides another service that must not be discovered lest his and his brother's lives be in danger.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Through unforeseen twists and turns, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God unexpectedly puts in their lives.
 
Review: I’m thankful for the review copy that introduced me to author Kim Sawyer and her tender and encouraging story. I instantly cared for her characters especially 4 year old Nicky. Micah heads to Boston to straighten out matters in an upsetting letter sent by N. Allan Eldredge, accusing him of things he hadn’t done. It’s there he meets Nicky who captures his attention and heart too.

Nicky says to Micah; “think the bug would be happy in a shoebox?
That’s all I got to put him in.”

“Some how it pleased Micah that the child trusted him enough to ask his opinion. He scratched his head thoughtfully, considering the boy’s question…We-e-ell, seems to me that bugs are happier in the grass rather a gloomy place to live.”

The child’s face fell, “You mean he’d be sad in a box? I don’t want to make him sad. It’s not fun to be sad.”

Micah catches a glimpse of Lydia Eldredge a woman he went to school with, oh my she had changed. Lydia is surprised to see Micah too, it’s been years. Micah fills Lydia in on the letter written by her father.
 
She’s horrified. How could her father accursed Micah of such a thing.

Micah talks to Lydia’s dad and thinks to himself. “What an incredible mess! A morphine-addicted father seeking to sell his child… He might not be able to keep all the world’s children from pain and anguish, but he desperately wanted to help this small, tousle-haired boy who worried about bugs being happy…he also wanted to help Lydia.”

Micah heads back to a clinic he runs in New York for the poor. Micah can’t stop thinking and praying for Lydia, Nicky, and their situation. Lydia surprises Micah and stops by his clinic asking for help. Lydia quickly discovers Micah has a few secrets of his own. She could tell Micah was involved in some pretty serious stuff. Will he trust her enough to explain what’s up?

I enjoyed Kim Sawyers’ characters and the time period she describes. She said, “During the second world war, a number of people worked tirelessly to rescue Jews from Hitler’s systematic annihilation. Among them were ministers, farmers, housewives and business owners…being caught assisting Jews meant a death sentence, so these people literally risked their lives for the sake of another. Although Micah Hatcher and the others are fictional characters, they are inspired by many selfless individuals who sacrificed all in reaching out to a persecuted people with compassion.”

I found the subject matter interesting as I learned what others did in
secret to save lives of strangers. The characters are endearing and
this story leaves you with warm feelings in your heart.

Reviewed by:  Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins

Lisa Bergren's Grave Consequences ~ Reviewed

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES
Lisa T Bergren

Format: Paperback Number of Pages: 340 Vendor: David C. Cook Publication Date: 2013 ISBN: 143476432X

 Description:

                Grave Consequences is book two in The Grand Tour Series.  The story continues with Cora Kensington and the rest of her family, traveling through Europe.  They managed to escape near death while in Paris, but soon find that the enemy is still pursuing them.  In the meantime, Cora is being heavily pursued by Pierre, a man she met in Paris, yet finding herself more in love with Will, the group’s guide for the tour. 
 
                I was SO excited to get this book!  I loved the first book and was excited to see what happened next!  I saw the romance budding between Cora and Will in book one and was glad to see it further develop in this story.   My respect for Cora grew in this book.  She has finally won the friendship of her siblings and their friends, but she is still struggling with who she is, wanting to go back to her old life, yet realizing she is not the same person.  It looks to me like there will be another book in this series and I can’t WAIT to see what happens next!

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

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!

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.

Dan Walshs' and Gary Smalleys' The Dance ~ Reviewed

The Dance
By Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
Published by: Revell
ISBN# 978-0-8007-248-0
352 Pages
Back Cover: 

Jim Anderson is a successful businessman, and his wife, Marilyn, is the perfect wife. And why wouldn't she be? He gives her
everything she needs. That's why Jim never expected to come home one day and find Marilyn gone.
 
After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn has had enough of feeling unloved and neglected. She wants to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it, even signing up for dance lessons, something Jim would never do. What will it take for Jim to finally become the man Marilyn needs him to be?
Review: 

I’m thankful for the review copy written by a dynamic writing
team. Gary Smalley’s marriage counseling experience combined with Dan’s writing style creates three dimensional characters you instantly care about wrapped in a topic that will grab your heart.
The divorce rate for Christians is about the same as everyone else on the planet, the story shows how any marriage can break down. The novel opens with Jim Anderson, he’s angry his wife left him and says to himself, “She’s got a gorgeous house, a nice car to drive, and a huge closet full of clothes. We hardly ever argue. When did they start to have problems? What in the world did his wife have to be unhappy about?...She can’t just walk out. We’re both believers, for heaven’s sake! She doesn’t have biblical grounds for divorce…he couldn’t believe he had to eat his dinner at a fast food place, another consequence of his wife’s selfishness.”

Marilyn, Jim’s wife can’t believe she had the courage to leave. She’d been unhappy for years. She tried to tell her husband but he was never home. He was married to his job. She decided to do something she always wanted to do and that was learn to dance. She signed up for lessons. There were a few things she wanted to experience in life and learning to dance was one of them.
Will Jim and Marilyn Anderson give their marriage another chance?
Could God work a miracle? Where either of them willing to do whatever it took to resurrect their marriage? Their grown children are not as surprised as their father about their split, especially their
daughter.
  
Both Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh have experienced pain in their
marriage relationships and say they can relate to the main character
Jim Anderson. Dan writes in the beginning of the book, “To Gary, whose first book rescued my marriage thirty years ago.” Gary Smalley gets real about his marriage relationship and how he could relate to Jim too and his struggles. I appreciate the fact that both men were transparent in the author interview at the end of the book where Dan interviews Gary about writing The Dance.

They tell of how God can pick up the broken pieces of our lives and
put them back together in the most surprising and amazing ways. I
highly recommend this book for everyone especially book clubs, there is so much to discuss. It’s a book that will tug at your heart and have you look at relationships and family with new eyes.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins