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#BookReview: A Family Arrangement by Gabrielle Meyer

22 Dec

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A Family Arrangement by Gabrielle Meyer

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2gfy9YW

Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte’s requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don’t leave—and take his heart with them?

Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.

 

My thoughts:

Gabrielle Meyer’s love of history and her hometown is evident as she transports readers to the Minnesota countryside. Influenced by historical events, A Family Arrangement brings to light the struggles and sacrifices involved in the building of Little Falls and offers picturesque glimpses into the past.

Abram and Charlotte’s story is a delightful blend of history and romance, and I loved experiencing the creation of a town and a family and seeing them both flourish. Brimming with imagery and emotion, this charming story warmed my heart and left me eager to continue the Little Falls Legacy series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Pray A to Z | Prayer Prize Pack #Giveaway

8 Dec

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Pray A to Z by Amelia Rhodes

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2guYoyl

Change the world one prayer at a time.

How would our community change if instead of absently saying, “I’ll pray for you,” we actually did pray—deeply, intensely, and purposefully?

Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Praying for Your Community will help you topically organize your prayer requests and lay the burdens of your community at the feet of our Heavenly Father.

With compassion and encouragement, Amelia Rhodes offers Bible verses and prayer prompts, organized topically for every letter of the alphabet. There are five topics per letter—three prayers of petition asking God to work in a certain area of need, and two more prayers of praise to reflect gratitude for God’s presence in the daily issues and relationships of life. Through petition and praise, your specific, focused communion with God will lighten your heart as you place the heaviness of those prayer requests where they belong—on His strong shoulders.

Whether you are praying for a friend’s adoption journey, a neighbor’s bankruptcy, or a family member’s cancer, this book will give you Bible verses, prayer prompts, and prayer starts to guide you through praying for even the most difficult issues that affect the people you know and love. Perfect for either individual or group prayer, Pray A to Z will help you experience the peace that comes from communicating with God.

 

My thoughts:

Pray A to Z is a wonderful prayer guide! Organized alphabetically by topic, this little book is sure to make a big impact on its readers. Rhodes brings attention to a myriad of issues and struggles that many in our community are facing and calls us to be more mindful and intentional in our petitions and praise. I really appreciated the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the suggested prayers, as well the pertinent scriptures that begin each section. Simple, yet effective, Pray A to Z is a great tool to use in your individual prayer life, as well as in a group setting.

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Learn more about Pray A to Z and how to pray for your community, and enter to win Amelia’s Guide to Prayer Prize Pack to get you started.

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on December 20. The winner will be announced December 21 on Amelia’s blog.

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Amelia Rhodes is a speaker and author of Isn’t It Time for a Coffee Break: Doing Life Together in an All-About-Me Kind of World. Amelia’s writing has also been featured in four Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, devotionals for the OneHope blog Undeterred and the international devotional Upper Room. Amelia has a growing speaking ministry and speaks regularly to women’s groups on topics of spiritual growth, friendship, and community, offering practical tools for living our faith in the everyday. She lives in Lowell, Michigan.

 

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Pray A to Z.

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#BookReview: The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser

7 Dec

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The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2ggTLYa

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service. Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s. While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree. As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.

 

My thoughts:

Boasting wonderful characterization and a fascinating story line, The Pattern Artist captivated me from beginning to end! I loved experiencing Annie’s journey out of her life as an English servant and into living her American dream. I also delighted in the notable historical events that are deftly woven through the fabric of this compelling novel. Alive with imagery and emotion, The Pattern Artist is a beautiful story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Season of Miracles by Alexa Verde

1 Dec

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Season of Miracles by Alexa Verde

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2gMsfCY

Nurse Lana Smith gives herself a gift for Christmas, a fresh start in a small town. After escaping a dead-end relationship with a celebrity, she avoids her patient’s grandson, a pro football player. When Arturo gradually thaws her frozen heart, can her Christmas wish for family and affection come true?
Football is Arturo De La Vega’s life, but he returns to his hometown to help his ailing grandfather. Lana challenges Arturo to reach for stars of faith and love. Is Arturo’s quest for glory worth crushing Lana’s dreams and sacrificing his heart’s true desire?

 

My thoughts:

Season of Miracles is a heartwarming holiday tale! I have enjoyed each of Alexa Verde’s Rios Azules suspense stories, and it was a pleasure to revisit this south Texas town for a little Christmas romance. Each of the characters embodies their own particular charm, and I enjoyed their interactions and the development of their relationships. Lana and Arturo’s story is delightful and a recommended Christmas read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit

30 Nov

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A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2ggUg4K

The road to power and position is fraught with perils, even for a Worthington.  But Sarah does not intend to lose.

Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general–at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible–even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.

Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream–the US presidency?

 

My thoughts:

The Worthingtons are back and better than ever! Leman and Nesbit masterfully capture the dynamics of this powerful, political family and drama ensues as their long-buried secrets begin to surface. Rife with themes that are relevant and conceivably ripped from the headlines, I loved the intrigue and excitement of this compelling story. A Primary Decision is a page-turning conclusion to The Worthington Destiny series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

29 Nov

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Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gCxCR8

Are you ready to release your control of needing to be everything for everyone? . . . The invitation is yours. In Choosing REAL, author Bekah Pogue walks with you into life’s unplanned circumstances–specifically frantic schedules, pain and transition, feelings of unworthiness, loneliness, and tension. . . And she’ll remind you that it is in these very moments that God invites you to notice, respond, and even celebrate how He shows up in every little detail.

 

My thoughts:

Reading Choosing Real is like experiencing a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Author Bekah Pogue openly and honestly shares her own feelings and struggles, letting readers know they are not alone in their circumstances. “You matter, and how you respond to what goes on in your day-to-day life matters. And celebrating your trust in God, regardless of how large or small your plans are, matters.” Uplifting and encouraging, Choosing Real is a great reminder to embrace and celebrate life’s moments, both planned and unplanned.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Love, Lies, and Typewriters | Facebook Launch Party

28 Nov

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Love, Lies, & Typewriters by Heather Blanton

On sale today for $0.99!  http://amzn.to/2eKaMG7

A cowboy with a Purple Heart. A reporter with a broken heart. Which one is her Mr. Right?

When Lucy Daniels is rescued from a stampeding herd of cattle by war hero Dale Sumner, sparks fly and headlines are born. Smelling an opportunity, the local newspaper decides to send the couple on a tour selling war bonds—not to mention, subscriptions. Enamored with her handsome savior, Lucy is happy to play her part … until she realizes her affections are slowly slipping toward the wrong man.

Ace reporter and aspiring mystery writer Bryce Richard is tasked with building up Lucy and Dale’s budding affair. He can’t think of anything worse for a journalist than switching from hard news to pounding out romantic drivel. Complicating matters, Bryce wishes Lucy would look to him for her happily-ever-after. Only, that would wreck the whole tour and Bryce’s coveted book deal.

When love and lies collide on the front page, will Lucy and Bryce have a chance to write their own fairy tale ending? Or are they already yesterday’s news?

My thoughts:

“The fairy-tale ending is non-negotiable.”

This happily-ever-after is witty, humorous, and full of charm! I loved the time period and delighted in the characters and their antics. Love, Lies, and Typewriters is an entertaining novella and a great introduction to Heather Blanton’s writing. I look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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YOU’RE INVITED!

Heather is celebrating the release of Love, Lies, & Typewriters with a Facebook launch party, TOMORROW, November 29, from 5-8 PM EST.  There will be chatting, freebies, and fun, so join the party now!  https://www.facebook.com/events/586955768155915/

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#BookReview: Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

21 Nov

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Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2eOj0Nu

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, the Belle of All Things Southern, is serving up down-home southern dishes with a healthy side of laugh-out-loud entertainment in Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce. Featuring dozens of tried-and-true recipes complemented by entertaining stories, your hunger–and your craving for humor–are sure to be satisfied! Uncomplicated, delicious recipes including Bodacious Black Bean Salad and Spicy Sausage and Crawfish Spread (125 recipes, to be exact!) fall into categories including Feeding the Funny Farm, Carnivores Are Us, Holidays in Dixie, and Watching the Curves. Eye-catching photos, guaranteed to make your mouth water, are included throughout. . .sure to be a much-appreciated gift or centerpiece on your very own kitchen countertop.

 

My thoughts:

I love cookbooks, and Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce is one I’ll be reaching for and recommending again and again! Dubbed as “Recipes and Ramblings from The Belle of All Things Southern”, this spiral-bound storytelling cookbook is brimming with sumptuous southern fare, laugh-out-loud stories, and beautiful photographs.

Believing “the best meals come with a story”, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson has compiled a wonderful collection of recipes and served them up with heaping helpings of humor and heart. My family and I have certainly enjoyed adding some of these delicious dishes to our menu and are eager to try more. They are tried and true and plate licking good, but you’ll have to grab a copy of the book to find out more about that!  😉

 

A wonderful recipe card from the publisher!

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#BookReview: Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne

17 Nov

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Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dGI1wW

Can the brother left behind and a woman without hope work together for the good of two precious children?

Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.

For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.

Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?

 

My thoughts:

Ruth Logan Herne welcomes readers back to the Double S Ranch, once again capturing the intricacies of ranching and family life. I quickly became immersed in the lives of Nick and his girls; the angst and emotion they felt was palpable. Experiencing their journey was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, and I delighted in their happiness and healing. Home on the Range is an engaging story and a wonderful addition to this dramatic series. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Stafford family!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott

15 Nov

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A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fHJgLl

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill’s sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin’s protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora’s greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon’s farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora’s warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

 

My thoughts:

Regina Scott is a wonderful storyteller, and I reveled in her delightful twist on the marriage of convenience trope! Simon and Nora’s story is engaging, entertaining, and sure to make you smile. I love the Wallins and especially enjoyed the humor and heart Nora brought to their family. I also loved the animals she brought, too!  😉  A Convenient Christmas Wedding is a lovely story and a cozy Christmas read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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