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Review: How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?

19 Mar

How Many Times

How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You? by Rachael Carman

You’ve probably said these things to your kids, but have you listened to what you’re saying?

“I remember the day you were born.”

“Turn down the music!”

“This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you.”

“Hold my hand.”

Your heavenly Father wants to tell you many of these same things. Rachael Carman knows how noisy it can be when you’re raising children—she has seven! But this lovely devotional book will help you to hear God’s still, small voice amid the chaos of carpools, cut fingers, and carpet crawlers. You’ll learn how to recognize God’s instructions for you, even as you seek to follow His example as a parent.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1FcMvCl

 

My thoughts:

Rachael Carman shares her heart and her “everyday adventures” in How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? and offers her own personal stories and insights gained as a parent of seven children.  In this encouraging book, Rachael suggests that, as a parent, you should examine what you are saying to your children and discover what God is saying to you.

Each short chapter begins with a common parenting phrase such as “We Don’t Act Like That” and “It Doesn’t Matter What Everyone Else Is Doing” and includes parenting and spiritual application.  I enjoyed the concise manner in which each phrase was addressed and the candidness with which Rachael shared her own life experiences.  I also enjoyed the “moment of introspection” that concludes each chapter.  These questions are great for thought, discussion, and reflection.

One of my favorite chapters in the book is “God Has Great Plans For You”.  Rachael talks about the ways she has shared this promise with her children from their infancy and also reminds us that God has great plans for each of us as His children.  I especially loved the following passage.

“God has great plans for you and for me, just as He does for our kids.  This motherhood gig isn’t just a bump in the road.  It’s not just another detour or quick pit stop.  It is a critical part of our journey.  It’s not meant to be rushed or resented, abdicated or averted, dismissed or diminished.  It’s meant to be relished.  This time is to be embraced and enjoyed.” 

How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? is a heartfelt book that will encourage you and challenge you in your role as a parent and also as a child of God!    

 

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Rachael Carman is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries. The wife of Davis and the mother of seven children, Rachael challenges parents to live by reckless, obedient faith. As a direct reflection of her heart’s desire to encourage, inspire, and celebrate motherhood, Rachael also leads Real Refreshment Retreats, weekend events that energize and invigorate homeschooling mothers with meaningful worship and speakers plus practical encouragement for the homeschool journey.

Find Rachael online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Visit the Litfuse Landing Page to read what others are saying about How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

Review: JADED

16 Mar

JADED

JADED by Varina Denman

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping


Ruthie Turner resents the Christians in her small Texas town, but when she falls for the new preacher, she must release her bitterness…and learn to love. On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town- yet God always works beneath the surface.

Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.

 

My thoughts:

Jaded is Varina Denman’s debut novel and the first book in her Mended Hearts series. Set in a small, West Texas town, this story shares the emotional journey of a young woman, Ruthie Turner. Thirteen years after she and her mother were shunned by the local congregation, a new preacher moves to town and stirs old feelings, as well as new ones.

Ruthie’s story is one of hurt and heartache, but also one of healing and forgiveness. Varina Denman deftly expresses her characters’ experiences and emotions in this poignant narrative. The spiritual and romantic threads intertwine to create a unique love story. As the story concludes, several questions linger and leave the reader anxious to continue this series. I enjoyed Jaded and look forward to continuing the story in the sequel, Justified.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is a native Texan who spent her high school years in a small Texas town. Now she lives near Fort Worth with her husband and her five mostly-grown children. Jaded is her debut novel. Look for the sequel, Justified, to be released soon from David C. Cook.

Author Links:
Website | Facebook

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Friday Freebie + Review

13 Mar

The Sentinels of Andersonville

The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot

FREE through 3/14:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.

Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war—little knowing what that promise will cost him.

As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?

 

My thoughts:

Tracy Groot shares the stark reality of life and death in Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. Brimming with historical details, this story and its characters lingered in my mind long after the last page had been turned. Well-researched and beautifully written, The Sentinels of Andersonville is a poignant novel and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction. I loved this novel and look forward to reading more from Tracy Groot!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Review: How to Catch a Prince + Royal Giveaway

10 Mar

How to Catch a Prince

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BD8DVo

 

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.  When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all its own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must choose to answer the call of love on their hearts.  Or let it be lost forever?

Thoughts:

How to Catch a Prince is the third book in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series.  I loved the first two books in the series and was eager to read Prince Stephen’s story.  While this book easily stands on its own, reading the other books in the series will certainly add to the enjoyment of this story.

How to Catch a Prince is a bit different from the first two books in the Royal Wedding series.  This storyline, while equally enchanting, delves deeper and explores several challenging topics.  Love, forgiveness, and redemption are just a few of the threads that are woven together to create this beautiful story.  “Love well” is another thought-provoking theme in the story and one I believe will resonate with many readers.

Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom are endearing characters and their story, with its unique circumstances, is full of emotion, as secrets, regrets, and heartache plague their path.  I loved their spiritual journeys and delighted in their romance!

How to Catch a Prince is a magical tale and a wonderful addition to the Royal Wedding series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity.  All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck’s new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a “royal” prize pack! 

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
  • 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
  • The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel’s blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

 

Rachel HauckRachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Review: Untraceable

9 Mar

Untraceable

Untraceable by Elizabeth Goddard

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

On a daring mission, search-and-rescue specialist Heidi Warren and her team step onto an icy Alaskan mountaintop. . .and right into a trap. A stranded gang of thieves holds them at gunpoint, forcing them to serve as guides along the treacherous path. Menaced on all sides by dangerous weather, deadly terrain and murderous criminals, Heidi desperately needs someone to trust. But her rescue partner, Isaiah Callahan, is keeping secrets from her. Secrets that ended their chance at a relationship before it could even begin. Yet her survival depends on finding a way to trust Isaiah when a blizzard starts closing in and her options start running out.

Thoughts:

“In the Alaskan wilderness, love and danger collide.”

Elizabeth Goddard delivers another nail-biting suspense in the Mountain Cove series!  In the Alaskan mountains, a group of criminals needs rescuing and forces the search and rescue specialists to guide them across the frozen terrain.  Can these volunteers navigate their way to safety before a blizzard closes in? 

Untraceable offers a unique search-and-rescue storyline and I enjoyed the elements of good versus evil.  I also enjoyed the spiritual thread that runs through the story, as well as the romantic undercurrent.  Untraceable is an exciting story and I look forward to reading more of the Mountain Cove series! 

 

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Elizabeth Goddard is an award-winning author of eighteen romance and romantic suspense novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—winner of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011. After acquiring her computer science degree, she worked at a software firm before eventually retiring to raise her four children and become a professional writer. A member of several writing organizations, she judges numerous contests and mentors new writers. In addition to writing, she home schools her children and serves with her husband in ministry.

To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, visit her website at http://elizabethgoddard.com.  While you’re there, be sure and sign up for her quarterly newsletter so you won’t miss any exciting news!

 

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

Review: Paper Hearts

4 Mar

Paper Hearts

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh

Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she’s poured everything into dreams of expansion . . . and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park’s tradition of stamping mail with the city’s romantic postmark.

When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn’t come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail’s new landlord, and he’s threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.

As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail’s doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?

Thoughts:

I was immediately drawn to this book and knew it would be a story I would love. The adorable cover captured my attention first and then I watched the book trailer and it sealed the deal. Love it! I knew Paper Hearts was a must-read for me and I wasn’t disappointed.

Paper Hearts is a heartwarming story and a sigh-worthy romance! I loved the charm of the small town of Loves Park, Colorado, and its colorful residents. I also enjoyed the Valentine Volunteers and their matchmaking efforts. With endearing characters, an enchanting storyline, and a lovely Valentine tradition, Paper Hearts captured my heart and left me grinning from ear to ear! I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and can’t wait to read more from Courtney Walsh.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Watch this adorable book trailer that Courtney and her husband Adam created and starred in! 

 

GIVEAWAY: Hidden Agenda

2 Mar

Hidden Agenda

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook.com | DeeperShopping

Michael Hunt is alive–and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he’s been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

This nonstop chase from taut suspense writer Lisa Harris will leave readers breathless as they race to connect the dots before it’s too late.

Thoughts:

Hidden Agenda is the third book in Lisa Harris’ Southern Crimes series. The thrills begin with Book 1, Dangerous Passage, and continue in Book 2, Fatal Exchange. Although each of these novels can be read independently, I encourage you to read them in order for a greater enjoyment of the series.

I love the way the stories in this series follow members of the Hunt family and continue to build in excitement and suspense! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Hidden Agenda and it did not disappoint. This fast-paced story is full of action and kept me guessing! I enjoyed the unpredictable characters and unexpected plots twists. Hidden Agenda is a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa Harris!

 

Hidden Agenda giveaway

To enter to win a print copy of Hidden Agenda, please leave a comment and include your email address.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and ends Monday, March  9 at 11:59 p.m. CST.  The winner will be drawn and announced on Tuesday, March 10.  Good luck! 

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

 

Lisa Harris

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit http://www.theECHOproject.org.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Review: Betting on Hope + Kindle Fire Giveaway

25 Feb

Betting on Hope

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

 

One clutzy advice columnist.

One champion cowboy.

And an entire small town rooting for love.

Advice columnist Maggie Hope never dreamed she’d be shaking hands with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan over a high-stakes bet, especially one that involves horses. And saddles. And everything else a city girl like Maggie feels uncomfortable around. But after filling in for a coworker and interviewing the handsome cowboy, she finds herself doing just that. Anything to save her advice column.

Despite Maggie’s two left feet, Tru is bound and determined to bring out her inner cowgirl by teaching her to ride a cutting horse, trained to separate cattle from the rest of the herd. While her riding improves, their attraction intensifies, but Tru knows he can never let her into his heart—for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, a community full of meddling but well-meaning townsfolk, Maggie discovers the home she’s always longed for. But she’s holding something back—a secret that could destroy her reputation and any future she’s ever hoped for with the cowboy she might just love.

Thoughts:

I love cowboy stories and was quickly captivated by Betting on Hope! Debra Clopton brings the small town of Wishing Springs and its residents to life. It’s a place you feel like you’ve been and would love to revisit again and again. I loved Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan! Their chemistry was perfect and such fun to read. Humor, hurt, heartache, love, and romance are just of few of the elements that comprise this wonderful story! I loved Betting on Hope and can’t wait to continue this series!

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Betting on Hope Giveaway

One grand prize winner will receive:
•A Kindle Fire
•A copy of Betting on Hope

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra’s blog.

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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Review: Gabriel’s Atonement

24 Feb

Gabriel's Atonement

Gabriel’s Atonement by Vickie McDonough

All Gabe Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife. Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling gambler to help.

Thoughts:

What a wonderful story! With excellent characterization and a compelling plot, Vickie McDonough brings this captivating story to life! I love reading historical fiction and found the details of the Oklahoma land rush especially interesting. Full of action, adventure, and romance, this book is a must read! I loved Gabriel’s Atonement and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Joline’s Redemption!

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | DeeperShopping

 

Vickie McDonoughBest-selling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She lives out her childhood dream by penning romances set in the Old West. Vickie is an award-winning author of more than 30 books and novellas. Her books have won the Booksellers Best Award, OWFI Best Fiction Book Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, Texas Gold, and the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a finalist in ACFW’s BOTY/Carol Awards contest eight times and also the Holt Medallion Contest.

Vickie and her husband live in Oklahoma. They have been married thirty-nine years and have four grown sons and a feisty eight-year-old granddaughter. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, traveling, and collecting antiques and doing stained glass projects. To learn more about Vickie’s books, visit her website: http://www.vickiemcdonough.com.

 

My thanks to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

Review: Deadly Echoes

19 Feb

Deadly Echoes

Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller’s life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school.

Sarah’s joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn’t know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As she learns more about Hannah’s death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents’ murder. Sarah enlists Paul’s help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul’s concern encourages Sarah’s growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide–even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.

Thoughts:

Deadly Echoes is the second book in Nancy Mehl’s Finding Sanctuary series. I believe this story easily stands on its own, as I have not read the first book, Gathering Shadows, and had no problems following the storyline.

Deadly Echoes takes place in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri. Sarah Miller is enjoying her simple life as a teacher when echoes of the past come back to haunt her and change her life forever.

I really enjoy a good suspense and this one certainly kept me guessing and trying to put the pieces of the past together to discover the culprit. While I would have liked a little more depth to the story and a bit more romance, I did enjoy the characterization and suspenseful storyline and am left wondering what will happen next in this small town.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

 

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fifteen books and is currently at work on a new romantic suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her website.