Tag Archives: Inspirational fiction

#BookReview: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

10 Oct

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The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2dKDRU1

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a an angry duke. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.

 

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My thoughts:

The Captive Heart is a frontier adventure you don’t want to miss! Michelle Griep takes readers to the Carolina backcountry, and with vibrant details and descriptions, brings to life the ruggedness of the American wilderness. All of the characters are richly drawn, and I loved Samuel and Eleanor and their tumultuous journey. Drama and danger abound as these two face numerous threats, all the time fighting to survive in the face of adversity. Bringing to mind The Last of the Mohicans, I was captivated by this story and would love to read more about these memorable characters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

5 Oct

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This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick

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

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon–even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family’s survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn’t know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life–and the greater part she had to play in history.

 

My thoughts:

“The choice comes back to knowing what we’re called to do and then doing it with all our hearts and minds and souls.” 

Based on actual events, This Road We Traveled takes readers on a compelling journey along the Oregon Trail. Told from three different perspectives, I enjoyed the historical depth of this story and the palpable emotions of its characters. Tabitha Brown was a strong, courageous woman whose faith never wavered amid the trials and tribulations she and her family faced. How fascinating to learn about The Mother of Oregon and her arduous journey!  A story of “resilience, love, and doing good”, This Road We Traveled offers an inspiring and insightful glimpse into the past.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

4 Oct

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Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Click here to purchase a copy or learn more about Guide Me Home.

Working in the massive cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.  But will it claim more than it gives?

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.

Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave. The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale. The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise.

Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight of her past?

 

My thoughts:

Kim Vogel Sawyer never fails to captivate me with her stories, and Guide Me Home is certainly no exception! Rebekah Hardin immediately endeared herself to me, and I admired her dedication to her family and her determination to help provide for them. Tolly Sanford was another favorite character; I loved the way this experienced guide took Rebekah under his wing and taught her the ins and outs of the cave system. When Rebekah and Tolly are joined by Devlin Bale, an aspiring cartographer, a compelling story of faith, family, and romance unfolds. Beautifully told, Guide Me Home is a tender tale and a recommended read for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

27 Sep

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The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1XS4OaN

Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club–enjoying one another’s company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relied on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they’re sure that without her the group can’t continue.

When the group gathers “one last time” to open a bag Abby’s husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way–little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever.

 

My thoughts:

I love Christmas stories and always look forward to adding Melody Carlson’s books to my collection. Once again, she has crafted a heartwarming and hope-filled holiday tale. I really enjoyed this close-knit group of women, their friendships, and their book club gatherings. When tragedy strikes, angel ornaments and special notes encourage them to celebrate life and each other and reach out to those around them. Sharing a lovely message, The Christmas Angel Project is sure to touch readers’ hearts and inspire them to find their own Angel Projects!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Lady and the Lionheart | Big Top #Giveaway

14 Sep

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The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1UO0dos

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

 

My thoughts:

The Lady and the Lionheart is a story to be savored! Joanne Bischof is a magnificent storyteller, and her words never fail to leave an indelible mark on my heart. Such is the case with this tender and touching tale; each and every word engages the senses and stirs the emotions. I loved slipping behind the curtain and experiencing the sights and sounds of the Big Top world. Completely smitten by Charlie and Ella, my heart ached for these special characters and their extraordinary journey. Beautifully poignant, The Lady and the Lionheart is not to be missed!

 

GIVEAWAY!

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To celebrate the release of The Lady and the Lionheart, Joanne is giving away a box of Big Top goodies, perfect for a storybook day at the circus!  Click here to fill out the entry form.  Drawing is open through September 22, 2016.

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  

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Newton and Polly Pre-Order Offer + Sweepstakes

13 Sep

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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?

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.

 

PRE-ORDER OFFER!

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Pre-order a copy of Newton & Polly before September 20, 2016 and receive a printable “Amazing Grace” pdf!  

 

SWEEPSTAKES!

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Enter to win a copy of Newton & Polly!  

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#BookReview: A Rancher of Convenience | Facebook Release Party

12 Sep

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A Rancher of Convenience by Regina Scott

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2c5xa1u

Sweet mail-order bride Nancy Bennett can’t believe it when her husband is exposed as a cattle rustler—and killed. And when the banker holding the ranch’s mortgage questions whether she can run the ranch on her own, the pregnant widow has nowhere to turn. Until steady foreman Hank Snowden proposes marriage…

Racked with grief about his role in Lucas Bennett’s death, Hank resolves to do right by the man’s wife and child. So it’s natural for him to step in as Nancy’s newly minted husband. But the marriage of convenience may become more than a mere obligation…if only Hank and his bride can brave the first steps toward elusive true love.

 

My thoughts:

Regina Scott is a splendid storyteller, and I loved her fresh twist on this marriage of convenience story! A Rancher of Convenience takes readers to Texas in the late 1800s, and I enjoyed the bits of history of my home state. I also delighted in the wonderful characterization and the development of Nancy and Hank’s sweet story. Humorous and heartwarming, A Rancher of Convenience charmed me from beginning to end!

Although this is the third book in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity series, A Rancher of Convenience is a story that can easily stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

YOU’RE INVITED!

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Join Danica Favorite, Gabrielle Meyer, Regina Scott, and Winnie Griggs TOMORROW, September 13, as they celebrate their September releases! Chat with the authors, learn more about their books, and win some fabulous prizes!

RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1087442108013856/

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#BookReview: Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

3 Sep

Fraying at the Edge

Fraying at the Edge by Cindy Woodsmall

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bYrh0D

The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she’s immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana’s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can steady the tilting ground between Ariana’s two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?

At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life—no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can’t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and a deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn’t belong in either family.

 

My thoughts:

Fraying at the Edge is a compelling story! Cindy Woodsmall skillfully intertwines the Amish life with the Englisch as Ariana’s and Skylar’s world unravels. “New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they pray for the wisdom and strength they’ll need to follow God’s threads into unexpected futures?”

This second book in the Amish of Summer Grove series continues the story that began in Book 1, Ties That Bind. While these books can stand alone, I recommend reading them in order for a greater understanding of the characters and their stories. I have really enjoyed the emotional and spiritual journeys that are shared in this unique series and look forward to its next installment!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Small-Town Girl by Jessica Keller

27 Aug

Small-Town Girl

Small-Town Girl by Jessica Keller

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

Goose Harbor, Michigan, is the perfect place for Kendall Mayes to start over and open her date-planning business. When she encounters handsome loner Brice Daniels, who is struggling to keep the shipping business he runs going, she sees an opportunity. A weekly sunset cruise catering to couples and tourists will keep their dealings strictly business. Kendall has had enough of failed romances, and Brice is too burned by love to give it another chance. But despite their reservations, they soon let down their walls. Yet when Kendall’s silent business partner is revealed to be Brice’s longtime enemy, staying together might be next to impossible.

 

My thoughts:

Small-Town Girl is a tender romance! It is always a pleasure to visit Goose Harbor, Michigan, and its familiar faces, as well as meet new friends, too!

Kendall Mayes and Brice Daniels are endearing characters who carry a lot of emotional baggage from their pasts, and I enjoyed experiencing their journeys. I delighted in their choosing to open their hearts once again and loved the wonderful inspirational threads that were woven through their story. “The beauty of it all is that within the pain of relationships, we learn grace and forgiveness and love—which are some of the most prized attributes in the Bible.”

Jessica Keller captures the charm of small town life, and I look forward to visiting Goose Harbor again soon!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

25 Aug

The Artisan's Wife

The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bch98a

Ainslee McKay’s world is shaken when she discovers her twin sister has not only eloped with a man she barely knows but now Ainslee must fulfill their obligation at a tile works in Weston, West Virginia. Ainslee must learn the ropes and, if she can keep the tile works profitable, her brother will help her sell the business.

When Levi Judson arrives and shows Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she’s impressed by his skill and passion for the business. But he’s hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. And Ainslee knows he’d be crushed to learn his plans for a long career at McKay Tile Works are in vain since she intends to sell. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light–or is a future together as untenable as the future of the tile works itself?

 

My thoughts:

Alive with imagery and emotion, The Artisan’s Wife captured my attention from beginning to end! It was such a pleasure to revisit the McKay family, and I delighted in the history and romance of Ainslee’s story. I also enjoyed learning about the tile making process and the artistry involved in creating mosaic tiles. Judith Miller never fails to charm me with her characters and their stories, and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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