Tag Archives: Inspirational fiction

#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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#BookReview: Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

10 Nov

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Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

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

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she’s asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.

 

My thoughts:

Richly layered and steeped in history, Waves of Mercy captivated me from beginning to end! The characterization is excellent, and I quickly became immersed in the lives of Geesje and Anna. I loved the memories and emotions Geesje shared while writing about her life experiences; the immigration from the Netherlands to Michigan was fascinating. I was also delighted by Anna and her determination to discover more about her family and her faith. Geesje and Anna’s journeys are beautifully intertwined, and I would love to continue their stories. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially multi-generational stories, Waves of Mercy is a novel I highly recommend.

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

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#BookReview: Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg

9 Nov

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Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg

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

Beckett Walker hasn’t stepped foot in Maple Valley in years. There’s no getting past the painful memories, and there’s every chance he’ll be arrested as soon as he shows his face. Which is exactly what happens when he finally returns. Suddenly his dream of adventure as a military lawyer comes skidding to a halt.

Horticulturist Kit Danby has spent too much time missing home and her childhood best friend–Beckett Walker. Now she might have a shot at reclaiming both. After years of living abroad, she returns to run her family’s apple orchard. She has one season to turn a profit and impress the father she barely knows. But she can’t do it alone.

It should be simple: Beckett needs community service hours. Kit needs a helping hand. But there’s more at stake than either of them planned. With a tangled past and futures that look nothing alike, they’ll have to find a way to weather the storms of the present . . . or risk losing everything.

 

My thoughts:

The Walker family is one of my very favorite fictional families, and I love spending time with them in Maple Valley! Full of charm, Keep Holding On delighted me from the first word until the last. I adored the wit and humor of Kit and Beckett’s story, as well as the wonderful wisdom that is woven through its pages. The orchard, Willa, and a baby goat were also among my favorites, but you’ll have to read the book to find out more. Dramatic and romantic, Keep Holding On is a must-read romance!

 

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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she’s biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.

Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at http://www.melissatagg.com.

 

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

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#BookReview: Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

1 Nov

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Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dZn5mg

Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn’t realize is that someone else is also back in town.

Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that’s on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he’s fully recovered. It doesn’t take long, though, to discover his father’s ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.

 

My thoughts:

Wild Montana Skies is a great story and the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting series! Susan May Warren never fails to delight me with her excellent characterization and engaging story lines, and I eagerly await each new book she releases!

Kacey Fairing and Ben King are strong characters who share a complicated history. Back in Mercy Falls, the state of emergency these two find themselves in is caused by more than rising floodwaters. I really enjoyed Kacey and Ben’s journey of faith and forgiveness as well as their rediscovered romance. I also enjoyed continuing Ian and Sierra’s story which began in the prequel novella, If Ever I Would Leave You.

Wild Montana Skies pairs adventure and romance and leaves me wanting more of the Montana Rescue 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: Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

30 Oct

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Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2f3DzWP

In her kitchen at Rose’s Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen–and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He’s also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he’s falling in love with the island’s red shores and Caden’s sweets.

When Caden discovers Adam isn’t who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he’s writing could do more than ruin the inn’s chances for survival–it might also break her heart.

 

My thoughts:

Wonderful characterization and an engaging plot make Where Two Hearts Meet a delightful read! I love visiting Prince Edward Island and the fictional bed and breakfast Liz Johnson has created. The sights and sounds of the Red Door Inn and the island come to life with each turn of the page. Full of sweetness, from Caden’s cinnamon rolls to her relationship with Adam, Where Two Hearts Meet is a tantalizing and enchanting tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am eager to continue the Prince Edward Island Dreams 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: Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

29 Oct

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Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d5psSh

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

 

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My thoughts:

“Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.”

A true love story like no other! Jody Hedlund brings her characters and their stories to life, and I was captivated by John Newton and Polly Catlett. A powerful story of redemption, their dramatic experiences and emotions were palpable on every page.

Impeccably researched and beautifully rendered, Newton and Polly is not to be missed!

 

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Newton and Polly would make a wonderful book club selection!  Jody has created a collection of material to add substance and interest to the discussion of this novel.  Download the collection!

 

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Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters.  She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Connect with Jody:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Pinterest | Instagram

 

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

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#BookReview + #Giveaways: The Cautious Maiden

28 Oct

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The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall

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

Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents’ New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet’s own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind.

 

My thoughts:

Dawn Crandall creates beautiful story worlds, and fans of the Everstone Chronicles are sure to love its latest installment! Vance Everstone plays quite the hero in this book, a complete transformation for the former scoundrel. From loathing him to loving him, I was delighted by his reformation! Intriguing and enchanting, Vance and Violet’s journey is teeming with drama and romance. The Cautious Maiden is an enthralling tale, and I loved every minute!

 

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Buzzing About Books GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US mailing addresses only)
Thanks to the publisher, Whitaker House, one lucky Buzzing About Books reader will win a print copy of The Cautious Maiden!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below, and be sure to include your email address. The giveaway ends Thursday, November 3 at midnight CDT. The winner will be announced on this blog and notified by email on November  4.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog and/or share the giveaway. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!

 

Dawn’s Rafflecopter GIVEAWAYS!

Dawn is celebrating the release of The Cautious Maiden with not one, but TWO giveaways!  Click here to enter!

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Goodreads GIVEAWAY!

5 copies of The Cautious Maiden are up for grabs in a Goodreads giveaway ending November 4.  Click here to enter!

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

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#BookReview: The Devoted | iPad Mini #Giveaway

27 Oct

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The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher 

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

Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She’s done all she can to prepare to go–passed the GED, saved her money–but she can’t quite set her journey into motion.

Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He’s come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to “everything Plain.” Time, to Patrick, is of the essence. Every moment is to be cherished, especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his Penn Dutch tutor.

Ruthie’s next-door neighbor and cunning ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back–“anything”–and Patrick Kelly is getting in his way.

 

My thoughts:

The Devoted is a wonderful story! In this third and final installment of The Bishop’s Family series, Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the quaint community of Stoney Ridge with Ruthie Stoltzfus contemplating her life and her love interests. Revisiting beloved characters, as well as introducing new ones, this heartwarming tale is rife with drama and emotion and brimming with words of wisdom.  One of my favorite quotes- “Every single spoke is needed to keep the buggy balanced.  Each one matters.”

Although The Devoted continues story lines that began in earlier books, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. However, fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss a single story!

 

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Suzanne is celebrating the release of The Devoted with a special giveaway!

One winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Devoted
  • An iPad Mini 2 16GB

Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 2. The winner will be announced November 3 on Suzanne’s blog.  Enter to win by filling out the form when you click here, or click the graphic above to enter to win.

 

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

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The Sound of Silver Birthday Blog Tour + #Giveaway

24 Oct

Hi, friends!  Welcome to The Sound of Silver birthday blog tour! I’m excited to celebrate Rachelle Rea Cobb’s second installment in the Steadfast Love series, an inspirational historical romance set during the 16th century!

Rachelle is also the author of The Sound of Diamonds, the first book in the series, and a newlywed! This summer, she married a man with the same first name as the hero of the series! I’m joining in this blog tour to tell you a little more about The Sound of Silver and spread the news about the rocking giveaway Rachelle is hosting—make sure you enter using the Rafflecopter form to win the lovely necklace pictured and your choice of any of the Steadfast Love titles!

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About The Steadfast Love Series:

In 16th-century Europe, the Reformation rages between Protestants and Catholics. Gwyneth, half-Dutch, flees from England to Holland to escape the man who murdered her parents. When he follows her there and insists he came to rescue her, will she trust this man called Dirk? When tragedy strikes, will their steadfast love erode?

 

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The Sound of Silver

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Goodreads

The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One fights for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

 

GIVEAWAY!

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Enter using the Rafflecopter form below to win a beautiful necklace created by Baubles, Beads, and Stuff and your choice of any one of Rachelle’s three books (the series begins in Book One, of course, but in case you have one or two of her books already, Rachelle will gladly send you the next one to read!).

International friends, the paperback & necklace giveaway is open to continental U.S. addresses only (sorry!). But do still enter, because one international winner will also be chosen to receive an e-book.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway! 

 

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About the author:

Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago–her passions include the Reformation, Revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She’s a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots her novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South.

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