Tag Archives: Revell Reads

Review: A Reason To Stay

27 Oct

A Reason to Stay

A Reason To Stay by Kellie Coates Gilbert

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As the host of her own television news show, Faith Marin works to expose the truth for her viewers. But in her personal life, she’s anchored her world with firm boundaries in order to hide a family history she’d like to forget. Her pro bass fisherman husband Geary’s life is an open book, and unfortunately his busybody family doesn’t know the meaning of boundaries. Deception and crippling differences soon derail their tender relationship, leading Faith to believe her only option is to end the marriage. But while divorce papers sit on her desk waiting to be signed, tragedy strikes and her heartrending decision is interrupted. With her life in the balance, Faith finds that the one she has been shutting out may be the very one she cannot bear to lose.

My thoughts:

“Sometimes the thing that keeps us from making the wrong choice is the one thing we can’t control.”

Kellie Coates Gilbert continues to shine with her Texas Gold Collection! Each of these Texas tales stand alone and are relevant, ripped from the headlines stories that provoke thought and evoke emotion.

A Reason To Stay is an emotional portrayal of the life-changing circumstances people endure and the hope and healing that can come through love. Faith and Geary are well-crafted characters and their touching journey is one I believe will resonate with many readers. Gilbert’s heartfelt and faith-filled fiction is always a pleasure to read, and A Reason To Stay is certainly no exception.

If you’re a fan of emotionally charged women’s fiction, Kellie Coates Gilbert is a must read!

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

 

Kellie Coates Gilbert

As a former legal professional, Kellie Coates Gilbert spent nearly twenty-five years working in courtrooms and behind the scenes of some of the largest and most well-known cases in America. She was one of the lead paralegals in the Jack-in-the-Box litigation, where uncooked hamburger resulted in the deaths of several toddlers and made many more critically ill, which is now the subplot of her recently released Where Rivers Part, the second novel in a collection of contemporary women’s fiction stories all set in Texas. Her books not only explore the heart issues that matter most to women, but often allow readers an inside peek into her former legal world.

Kellie currently makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and a very spoiled 2.7 lb. Yorkie named Emmie Sweetpea.

Please visit her online at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.

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Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

30 Sep

The Mistress of Tall Acre

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

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The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

 

My thoughts:

“Though sympathy tugged at her, Sophie’s imagination made fearsome leaps. The grieving widower. The destitute governess. A motherless child. It had all the makings of a scintillating novel.”

The Mistress of Tall Acre is captivating!  One of my favorite reads so far this year, this story and its characters stole my heart! 

Sophie Menzies and Seamus and Lily Cate Ogilvy are memorable characters who share a remarkable journey.  Their story is brimming with drama, suspense, and romance, and includes a plot twist that I never expected.  I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how this story would unfold!

Laura Frantz’s writing is beautiful and her historical details transport readers to another time and place.  I loved The Mistress of Tall Acre and highly recommend this story to historical fiction fans! 

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

 

Laura FrantzAward-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.  Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.

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Review: The Memory Weaver

28 Sep

The Memory Weaver

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

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Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother’s grave–and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter’s captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother’s diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

 

My thoughts:

“Emotions wrap around memory.
We don’t recall the detail in our stories; we remember the experience.”

The Memory Weaver is a compelling literary journey! Based on actual events, Jane Kirkpatrick seamlessly weaves fact and fiction and creates a world of intrigue, drama, and romance. The characters and their emotions are vivid, as are the historical details of the narrative. I was captivated by this story of transformation through tragedy and recommend The Memory Weaver to fans of historical fiction.

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

 

Jane Kirkpatrick

Reviewers and readers alike acclaim Jane’s work as unique in a world of storytellers. “Kirkpatrick’s books enfold the reader. They whisper “let me tell you about a woman who…. They find a secret place in each of us and bring it gently to the surface.” The Statesman Journal, Salem Oregon. Moving from being a rancher, writer and rattlesnake fighter to full time writer has produced 29 books from bestselling and award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick. She has 24 novels and five non-fiction titles to her credit. Creating stories from the lives of actual historical women or events, Jane’s focus is on telling stories that inspire. “I like helping people from the distant past step from their generation into our own to teach us and touch us with their lives.”

Jane lives with her husband Jerry and two dogs near Bend in Central Oregon. Her works have sold over a million copies, been translated into foreign languages, won literary awards such as the Wrangler, WILLA Literary and Carol as well as being a New York Times bestseller. A mental health professional, she’s a lively presenter who has spoken about the power of story throughout the world. Enjoy receiving her Story Sparks newsletter by signing up at http://www.jkbooks.com/

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Review: Girl Meets Change

17 Sep

Girl Meets Change

Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong

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Whether chosen and celebrated–like going off to college or welcoming your first baby–or unexpected and anxiety-inducing–like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust–all change brings stress. Kristen Strong knows about change–especially the kind you didn’t choose or expect. What she’s fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.

 

My thoughts:

Change is something we all experience. It’s inevitable and often met with resistance, fear, or dread. In this heartfelt book, Kristen Strong shares ways to embrace the changes we experience and realize they are part of God’s purpose for our life. She shares insight, experience, and practical advice for finding peace, purpose, and hope through life’s transitions. I delighted in the wisdom and encouragement offered in these pages and look forward to sharing this book with others. Girl Meets Change is a wonderful book that shares an inspiring message!

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

 

Change

 

Kristen Strong
Kristen Strong is a popular blogger at Chasing Blue Skies and DaySpring’s (in)courage. Her work has appeared in MOMSense and Family Fun magazines. She and her husband, David, have three children. Together this military family has zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times. They currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

 

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Review: Hope Harbor

8 Aug

Hope Harbor

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

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Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom–and hearts heal.

 

My thoughts:

Hope Harbor is an enchanting story! Irene Hannon does a wonderful job of bringing this special Oregon community and its residents to life. I loved the richly layered story line and appreciated the complexity of the characters and their dramatic, emotional journeys. I really enjoyed Tracy and Michael’s story, and was touched by several secondary characters as well. Reading this story made me want to walk along the beach, visit Charley’s taco stand, and enjoy some fresh cranberry nut cake. Hope Harbor is a story of hope and healing that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face!

I received a complimentary copy of Hope Harbor from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers’ Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit http://www.irenehannon.com.

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Review: Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys

30 Jun

Laugh Out Loud cover

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys by Rob Elliot

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My thoughts:

Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys is sure to elicit smiles and laughs from the boys in your life!  Packed with jokes, riddles, and ready-to-finish doodles, this little book is full of fun.  As soon as I gave it to my oldest son, he began to read it out loud and the whole family shared in the laughs.  Here are his thoughts… 
 

Laugh out Loud“I thought this was a really good book!  The jokes were funny and the doodles were lots of fun, too.  Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys was quite entertaining!  Thank you for sending my mom this book for me to enjoy and review.”

 

We received a complimentary copy of Laugh-Out-Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. 

 

 About the book:
Rob Elliott’s Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create “Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids.” Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, “I’m bored!”

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Review: Desperate Measures

20 Jun

Desperate Measures

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

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Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth–even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

 

Thoughts:

Desperate Measures is an exciting conclusion to an exciting series!  This is the third and final book in the Port Aster Secrets series, and I definitely recommend reading the first two books, Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust, prior to reading this one.  The drama, intrigue, and romance are ongoing through this series and continue to build with each novel. 

While lingering questions were answered, Desperate Measures continued to surprise me with its twists and turns.  I have really enjoyed the characters in this series, as well as the unique plots.  The research and use of plants and herbal medicine was very interesting!  Sandra Orchard writes with depth and detail, and I appreciate her complex story lines that keep me turning the pages.  I enjoyed this great series and look forward to more stories from this talented author! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

 

Sandra Orchard

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several books including Deadly Devotion, winner of the 2014 The Word Award for suspense, and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She lives in Ontario, Canada.

Learn more at http://www.sandraorchard.com.

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Review: Once Upon a Summertime

10 Jun

Once Upon a Summertime

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

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When Anna Gordon follows her dream to New York City, she discovers something she never expected!

Melody Carlson’s vivid imagery brings to life the sights and sounds of this light-hearted story.  Anna is an engaging character, and I enjoyed her journey of self-discovery and her relationship with Sean O’Neil, a crush from her childhood.  The conclusion of the story felt a bit rushed, but I did appreciate its ambiance and romance.  Once Upon a Summertime is an enjoyable story and a fun summer read! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

 

About the book:

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

 

Melody CarlsonMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million.  She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice.  She and her husband live in central Oregon.  Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com. 

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Review: No Place to Hide

11 May

No Place To Hide

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

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It’s not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can’t believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she’s determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she’s not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

Thoughts:

No Place to Hide is an action-packed suspense!  From the first page until the last, Lynette Eason keeps readers on the edge of their seat as Ian Lockwood and Jackie Sellers run for their lives.  I really enjoyed this fast-paced story and its drama and intrigue.  Ian and Jackie are great characters and the romance that subtly develops between them is a nice addition to the exciting storyline. 

Although this is the third book in the Hidden Identity series, No Place to Hide is a stand-alone novel.  I really enjoyed this page-turning suspense and look forward to reading more from this talented author! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

 

Lynette EasonLynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time (sorry Mom and Dad), she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door!

She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two children.

Visit Lynette’s website: http://www.lynetteeason.com/

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Review: The Heart of the Amish

6 May

The Heart of the Amish

The Heart of the Amish by Suzanne Woods Fisher

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Everyone has been hurt. Everyone experiences conflict, great and small. Everyone has someone to forgive. But sometimes we just can’t bring ourselves to forgive someone who has wronged us or we don’t take the need to forgive seriously–not like the Amish do. Forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. To the Amish way of thinking, “You can’t love the stream without knowing the source. ” We must forgive others, they believe, because God forgave us.

The Heart of the Amish invites readers into the world of a people renowned for their ability to forgive. Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher illustrates how they are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. Readers will learn how to invite God into their stories, apply lessons from the Amish to their own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

 

Thoughts:

“Forgiveness can straighten what failures have made crooked.”
~ Amish Proverb

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a talented author and I always love her books, both fiction and non-fiction.  In her latest non-fiction release, The Heart of the Amish, Suzanne shares her personal research and insight of the Amish community and their choice to offer forgiveness to others.  “Forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith.”

Divided into two parts, Everyday Friction and Turning Points, this inspiring book shares true stories of forgiveness, along with questions for reflection and application, and truths about the Amish community.  We all experience the need for forgiveness and can benefit from the heartfelt lessons offered in this book! 

The Heart of the Amish is a wonderful book with a powerful message! 

“The truth about forgiveness is that it all flows from God.  It is not in our nature to forgive.  It is God’s nature, His business, and it is only by God’s equipping that we can forgive others. 
Only God.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and appreciate the opportunity to share my honest opinion.

 

Suzanne Woods FisherIn no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook…the latter two with sporadic results.

Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

 

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