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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Blog Tour: The Christ-Centered Home by Emily Belle Freeman


The Christ Centered Home by Emily Belle Freeman

Book Description:

In the hectic scramble of a world that asks us to do everything, be everyone, and make it all look easy, we often lose track of the experiences that really matter most—quiet moments in our homes with our families when we feel the peace of Jesus Christ.

The lessons Jesus taught in the homes of His followers were simple. They were basic. And they were—and are—essential. In The Christ-Centered Home, you will discover how to fill your family’s hearts with the principles Jesus taught in the most sacred of classrooms: the home.

There is a humility that comes when we invite the Lord into our most private spaces. Within the hush we hear the gentle whisper of His voice, we experience the touch of His hand, and we feel the prompting to rise. Invite Him in, and experience the added measure of peace, strength, courage, and hope that comes when Jesus Christ becomes the central focus of your home.

The Christ-Centered Home by Emily Freeman is available wherever books are sold.

Andrea's Review:

The Christ-Centered Home isn't the typical kind of book that I pick up, but as I've been thinking more and more about the obstacles my children are facing (and will face) I've realized that I need to step up the spiritual teaching my husband and I do at home.

I really like how the book is broken up into lessons for twelve months. We try to have a family night each week, and as I read the introduction and the first chapter to myself, I knew that this would be great material for our family night lessons.

The first month says "Invite Him In". I really liked the directive to apply Zacchaeus' story to our lives. We read the ten verses from Luke 19 together, and discussed it focusing on the three important lessons included in the book. The book then directed us to come up with something we could do for the month to invite the Spirit of the Lord into our home. One thing that we've been having a lot of contention over is messes, so our goal was to be more mindful of putting our things away, and helping others with that as well. It might not scream spirituality, but when we're being kind there is definitely a better feeling in our home. And less clutter helps with peace.

A home where Jesus would choose to abide doesn't just happen by chance; it is something we must intentionally create day after day after day.

This first month was definitely a trial run. Although I thought I noticed a difference in the amount of our messes, I realized when I reviewed it with my family this week that even though I was thinking about our goal throughout the month, it wasn't on the forefront of their minds. I wrote the goal down in the book, but didn't hang it up somewhere (as advised) as a reminder for everyone. I also should have taken the time each week to review it with them. We'll concentrate on it this last week of the month (with a visual reminder this time).

I'm looking forward to applying the rest of the lessons over the next year. The format is one that seems like it will work well with our family.

Tarah's Review:

The minute I read the title of this book I knew I wanted to read it (even though I'm not big on non-fiction).  As a family we've been thinking a lot more about how to make our home a happier one, and how to make choices that would lead us closer to the Savior. This book has helped focus our otherwise random and sporadic efforts.

There are so many things I like about this book. But the best thing so far is that my kids are really on board. I brought up something I had read in here while we were roasting hotdogs and through-out the week my kids would bring it back up, or we'd have a teaching moment. Then something would happen and I had just read something in the book about what just happened and it brought up even more opportunities to talk to my kids about making our home a place where the Savior would want to come in.

I also really like that I'm getting personal stuff from it too. Like this, for example, "If we get lost in the person the world things we are, we may never become the person the Lord knows that we can be." Isn't that beautiful? I love that, and ironically enough it's something that I've been thinking a lot about prior to reading this book.

If inviting the Savior into you home is something you've been trying or thinking about, I'd definitely give this book a try.

Title: The Christ-Centered Home
Author: Emily Belle Freeman
Publisher: Ensign Peak
Published: April 2016
ISBN: 1629721557
Source: We received a copies from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

 Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom #2)
Book Description:
 
One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger 

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend. 


During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection? 


Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.


Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

Book Review:
 
This isn't my usual time frame of books that I read, and so I was a little skeptical going into it, but I was drawn into this book right away. I'm talking about being drawn in from the first page. That hasn't happen recently, and so it was really refreshing.

I got really invested in these characters and cheered for them, and hurt for them, and hoped for the best for them. I even liked the minor characters and thought they were all well written...nasty mean ones and all :)

This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read the first one (but I am going to since I loved this one so much) and wasn't confused at all. I did feel like I could have gotten to know the other characters better if I would have read that first, but I wasn't lost or anything without that knowledge.

The romance was well paced as Lillian and Arch learned to trust each other, even if you wanted to smack Arch upside his head and curse Lillian for her sharp tongue and pride. The action part was also well paced and it kept me reading way past the time I should have stopped to be more productive with my day :)

I would highly recommend this book, and will definitely be reading it again and again.

anchor in the storm - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.


anchor in the storm - banner
Blog Tour Schedule:
5/19/2016
Vera | Chat With Vera
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too !
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!

5/20/2016
Vicky | deal sharing aunt
Abigail | Writing Abby
Cara | Cara Putman
Andi | Radiant Light

5/22/2016
Marisa | A Way With Words
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Raechel | God's Peculiar Treasure Raechel
Megan | When life gets you down...read a book

5/23/2016
Jen | The Artist Librarian
Rebekah | Backing Books
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Amber | Seasons of Humility
Karen | Ting's Mom Books
Vera | Luxury Reading

5/24/2016
Veronica | Adventures of D and V
Rosie | Writings of Rosie
Jendi | Jendi's Journal
Tressa | Wishful Endings
Amanda | Amanda's Pile of Books

5/25/2016
Beckie | By The Book
Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Tarah | Literary Time Out
Erin | For Him and My Family
Maureen | Maureen's Musings
Suzanne | Cows and Lasers and Everything in Between
Alyssa | Sunrise Avenue

5/26/2016
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Abbi | Christian Novels
Pamela | Daysong Reflections
Hallie | Book by Book
Natalie | Natalie Walters Writer

5/27/2016
Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart
JC | J.C.s BookShelf
Amanda | With a Joyful Noise
Rachel | Smiling Book Reviews

5/29/2016
Amanda | The Talbert Report

5/30/2016
Linda | Mocha with Linda
Rayleigh | AccelerateTheJesusMovement
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart
Beth-Anne | Book Reviews

5/31/2016
Carole | The Power of Words
Beth | For The Love of Books
Suzanne | Clicking Her Heels

6/1/2016
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Barbara | I'm Hooked on Books
Kasey | Four Seasons of Blessings
Becky | Christian Chick's Thoughts
Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street
Carol | Buttercup Counts Her Blessings

6/2/2016
Sydney | Singing Librarian Books
Meghan | A Northern Belle
Brittany | Britt Reads Fiction
Annie | Just Commonly
Margaret | The World As I See It
Mary Jane | the bookdragon
Beth | Beth's Book-Nook Blog
Debra | Footprints in the Butter

6/3/2016
Emilie | Thinking Thoughts
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
Stephanie | Finding My Yellow

6/4/2016
Shecki | Greatly Blessed
Julie | More Of Him
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm
Alyssa | 1 Six 1 Five
Cindy | All Things Are Possible
Carla | Working Mommy Journal

6/5/2016
Diana | Busy Homeschool Days
Shonda | The Knowlton Nest
Lizzie | A Dusty Frame

6/6/2016
April | Dixie n Dottie
Sally |Proverbial Reads
Marissa | The Review Stew

6/7/2016
Melanie | Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Mindy | A room without books is empty
Mackenzie | Spreading His Grace
Michelle | Our Little Corner of the World
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

6/8/2016
Stacey | WORD Up!
Bethany | Perfect Beginnings
Barbara | Fic Gal
Trish | View from the Birdhouse
Brittanie | A book lover
Kristie | Moments
Vic | Vic's Media Room

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom #2)

Title: Anchor in the Storm
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher:  Fleming H. Revell Company
Published: May 2016
ISBN:  0800723430
Source: I received a copy from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Blog Tour: Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett


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Book Description:

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome---and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King's hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley---a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco's crooked politics---Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

Review:

I didn't realize this was the third book in a series until just now. That explains why I felt lost through parts of the book whenever Elizabeth would think about her past mistakes. I kept feeling like I was missing something. I'm guessing that if I go back and read the first two books, I will be less confused. That being said, this book can be read as a stand-alone, even though you might feel like you're not given the whole story until much later in the book.

I found the time period and location that this book was set in fascinating. I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction. I was hoping that this book would cover more of the San Francisco earthquake, but this story takes place a few years after the quake happens. I had known a bit about the horrible treatment of the Chinese immigrants, and this book goes more into detail about their lives in California during this time.

Elizabeth and Charles both do a lot of growing up in this story and I enjoyed watching their transformations take place. I especially liked the message that even when you do make mistakes, you can be forgiven and move past them, they don't have to haunt you your entire life.


Giveaway:

https://promosimple.com/ps/99f1 


About the Author:

http://files.ctctcdn.com/d06cdd88001/db13ad5b-c483-4a8c-9bd9-afc5f136f8aa.jpgKaren Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she's not writing novels, she loves speaking at women's events, libraries, and book clubs.






Blog Tour Schedule:
5/17/2016
Vera | Chat With Vera
Sydney | Singing Librarian Books
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Shaley | Handcrafted Reviews
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!

5/18/2016
Cheryl | cherylbbookblog
Vicky | deal sharing aunt
Carla | Working Mommy Journal

5/19/2016
Amber | snidbits
Hallie | Book by Book

5/20/2016
Rorie | Literary Time Out
Lena | A Christian Writer's World
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart
Erin | For Him and My Family
Margaret | The World As I See It
Stephanie | Finding My Yellow
Julia | Christian Bookaholic

5/21/2016
Charity | Giveaway Lady

5/22/2016
Joy | Splashes of Joy

5/23/2016
Sally | Proverbial Reads
Sarah | Life as a Wife, Mummy, and Nurse
Megan | When life gets you down...read a book

5/24/2016
Linda | Mocha with Linda
Shecki | Greatly Blessed
Jendi | Jendi's Journal

5/25/2016
Samantha | As They Grow Up
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Carole | The Power of Words
Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More
Pamela | Daysong Reflections

5/26/2016
Colletta | Colletta's Kitchen Sink

5/27/2016
Debra | Footprints in the Butter
Kim | Berly Sue
Anne | At Grandma's Place

5/30/2016
Kasey | Four Seasons of Blessings
Tressa | Wishful Endings
Sue | Thoughts from Mill Street

5/31/2016
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Kristie | Moments
Nancy | sunny island breezes
Maureen | Maureen's Musings
Andi | From Mi Pov

6/1/2016
Jennifer | Mother of Three
Annie | Just Commonly
Beth | Beth's Book-Nook Blog

6/2/2016
Julie | More Of Him
Abbi | Christian Novels
Marissa | The Review Stew
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

6/3/2016
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm
Trish | View from the Birdhouse
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart

6/4/2016
Amanda | Inklings and Notions
Becky | Christian Chick's Thoughts

6/5/2016
Michelle | Our Little Corner of the World
Barbara | I'm Hooked on Books
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Jennifer | Adventures in Unsell Land

6/6/2016
Stacey | WORD Up!
Bethany | Perfect Beginnings
Barbara | Fic Gal
Karen | LyonsLady
Joyce | Joyce Maree
Christy | Welcome to our crazy world
Vera | Luxury Reading
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too !

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514sJ1mOXKL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg 
Title: Through the Shadows
Author: Karen Barnett
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: May 2016
ISBN: 1426781458
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon Christianbook.com

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Blog Tour: Pride and Politics by Brittany Larsen

Reviews * Giveaway
Pride and Politics by Brittany Larsen

Book Description:

As the daughter of a well-known senator, Summer Knight is all too familiar with the nasty side of politics. She’s always stayed out of the drama, until an incident involving her fellow Mormons drives her out of her hometown—and out of the Church. What she needs is a change of scene, and sunny California seems like just the place. Enter Benson Hardy. He’s just her type—until she finds out who he is. Not only is Benson a nephew to her father’s political rival, he’s also a devout member of the Church. The last thing Summer wants is to be mixed up in politics—or religion. But Benson challenges her like no one else, asking the tough questions about her inactivity. Though their incompatibility is clear, their connection is undeniable, and soon Summer finds the embers of her faith reigniting. Just as it seems that the pair might be on the road to romance, a series of embarrassing misunderstandings—and the appearance of a handsome charmer determined to sweep Summer off her feet—knock the couple completely off course. As Summer finds herself at a crossroads, she must decide if she’s willing to set her pride aside for a shot at true love.

Andrea's Review:

I enjoy Jane Austin’s story Pride and Prejudice, and I’ve enjoyed several of the modern re-tellings I’ve read. Pride and Politics was entertaining and a fast read. It was amusing having it set right now-including the 2016 presidential race. Of course, real names weren’t used, but it was interesting seeing traits/beliefs of actual candidates used. Perhaps I’ve just never had politics so much in the forefront of my mind like I do now.

Anyway, I liked the characters and the fun tie-in to the original story. It was well written, and even though you get frustrated at so much wasted time due to lack of communication (in both the original story and this re-telling), it also had endearing parts.

I found the faith issue of the main character very interesting. People constantly let us down, and hurt us by their unfair judgments. I was saddened by the situation, but could relate in some ways.

I would have liked a bit more at the end, but thought it was sweet.

Rorie's Review:

I should have been able to guess from the title, but this book is very heavy on the politics. I don't know why that surprised me, but it kind of did. It was kind of tough to deal with, especially since the author was referencing an incident that happened to a local politician a few years ago. Although it was kind of an uncomfortable topic to deal with, the author made a very good case for not judging someone based on what side of the political fence they're on. Our country would be a much happier place if more of us could be like that.

Politics aside, I really enjoyed this story. I love authors who use sarcastic, snarky humor. It was fun to get to know the characters in the story and I really liked how things worked out. I would recommend this book. I should say that I've never read Pride and Prejudice, and even though I've seen one of the movies, I didn't even think about how that ended when I was reading this book.

Tarah's Review:

I was not expecting this book (which is odd, since how many Pride and Prejudice re-tellings have I read? I mean, I've lost count). It was fun and a super super quick read. I think I stayed up waaayyy past my bedtime to finish this, since it was one of those that it's faster to finish than it is to wait until a decent hour to end the book :) It kind of reminds me of early Melanie Jacobson novels when her characters were fun and snarky.

I thought this was so well written. There were times where, even though I knew it was a retelling, I forgot which story I was reading and that I already basically knew all the outcomes and characters and everything. It was written in such a way that I was really invested in Summer and Benson's story.

I would definitely re-read this again, and again. If you are in the mood for a great quick read, give this one a try.

Tour Schedule:


Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Pride and Politics
Author: Brittany Larsen
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Published: May 2016
ISBN: 1621088308
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Blog Tour: Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Her One and Only (Porter Family, #4)
Book Description:

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.
But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?
Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.
Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Tarah's Review:

You know, at first glance I really love the cover of this book. It is bright and eye-catching, and I love that it matches the other covers in the Potter Family Series. But when you really look close at it and study it for a long time, it starts to lose its appeal and I start to find flaws with it. That's kind of how reading this book was for me. Right after I read it, I thought it was a good read (which I still do), but if I take the time to really think about it and analyze it a little bit, it starts to lose its appeal a little bit.

I had a hard time relating to Dru. I'm all about having strong women leads, and I thought it was fun that instead of him protecting her it was the other way around. I don't know though...I've never really understood the "I'm such a strong woman I don't need anyone else, especially not a man" stereotype. Obviously, since this is a romance, that doesn't last though the whole book, but I just really struggled to relate to Dru. All of this aside though, if you can relate to her, she really is a great character.

I actually liked Gray and how he kept needling Dru and teasing and pushing. I was a little bothered by the alcohol and his past, but I loved how he was trying to become better, and let go of the past and forgive those who hurt him.  I also really liked how Dru's brothers were free with their opinions and played a small role in this story. I'm not sure I liked Meg's POV in it though. Don't get me wrong, I like Meg, but she already had her story and it kind of interrupted the flow of this one. I think everything that happened with her could have still happened in the story, without changing POV's to her.

Ooo, I loved the who-done-it part at the end though, that threw me a curve ball and I wasn't expecting that to happen. Would have liked a little bit more on what happens after, but it was well done.

With all that I just said, it might not make sense, but I would read this again, and I'd let my book reading friends know about it.  I'm definitely interested in what Wade is going to come up with next.

Andrea's Review:

I really liked the story about Dru and Gray. I've enjoyed the other books about the Porters that I've read but I thought it was strange having Meg and Bo chapters in here where they already had their book. What happens to them was good, it was just interrupting the suspenseful story that Dru and Gray were involved in. I think what happened with them could still have been included without Meg's first person chapters scattered throughout this book.

Dru and Gray were both great characters. Gray wasn't immediately likable but he grew on me. Especially as being around Dru helped open his eyes to what was really important. She was tough but had a very loving side when she was around her family and her elderly neighbor.

Faith plays a pretty large part in this story, but it didn't feel intrusive or preachy the way it was written.

The suspense was great. I kept going back and forth on who Gray's stalker was and I was quite surprised by who it ended up being.

I struggled with some names in here. Reading Gray I often thought Gary. Dru was a very masculine name. Fi I usually pronounced fee



**Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

her one and only - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Her One and Only
  • A $100 cash card
  • Follow Your Heart tote bag
  • 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
  • The Blind Side DVD
  • Necklace with star charm
  • Porter Family navy jersey
her one and only - prize collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.


her-one-and-only-enter

Blog Tour Schedule:
5/12/2016
Alyssa | Sunrise Avenue
Lyn | Lyn Cote-Strong Women, Brave Stories
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too !
Mary | The Mary Book Reader
Colletta | Colletta's Kitchen Sink
Faye | Labor Not in Vain
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Becky | Christian Chick's Thoughts
Beth-Anne | Book Review
Rachel | Smiling Book Reviews
Julia | Christian Bookaholic

5/13/2016
Vicky | deal sharing aunt
Kristie | Moments
Rebekah | Caffeinated Christian Raves - N - Reviews

5/14/2016
Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Vera | Chat With Vera
Carla | Working Mommy Journal

5/15/2016
Heidi | Starts At Eight
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Lucy | Ryebrynn's Random Ramblings

5/16/2016
Michelle | I HOPE YOU DANCE
Sally | Proverbial Reads
Heidi | Heidi Reads...
Margaret | The World As I See It

5/17/2016
Amy | A Nest in the Rocks
Mackenzie | Spreading His Grace
Krista | Welcome to Married Life
Tarah | Literary Time Out
Pamela | Daysong Reflections
Amanda | The Talbert Report

5/18/2016
Britney | Buzzing About Books
Cris | Cris Ruffolo
Suzanne | Cows and Lasers and Everything in Between
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower

5/19/2016
Jen | The Artist Librarian
Faith | Life w/ Mrs G & the Artist
Natalie | Natalie Walters Writer
Sara Beth | Life, love, writing

5/20/2016
Sydney | Singing Librarian Books
Dianna | Savings in Seconds
Carole | The Power of Words
Ashley | Wandering the Pages
Erin | For Him and My Family
Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart
Sarah | Running Through The Storms
Alyssa | 1 Six 1 Five
Mary Jane | The Book Dragon

5/21/2016
Alexis | God is Love
Amanda | Amanda's Pile of Books

5/23/2016
Amanda | Amandanicolebooks

5/24/2016
Margaret | Frugal Shopping and More
Loren | Heart of a Bookworm

5/25/2016
April | ElCloud Homeschool
Shannah | Faith * Love * Books
Jennifer | Mother of Three

5/26/2016
Rachel | EmpowerMoms
Abbi | Christian Novels
Bekah | Will Bake for Books
Tressa | Wishful Endings
Kemi | Homemaking Organized
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

5/27/2016
Dawn | A Passion for Pages
Marissa | The Review Stew
Alison | NOVA Frugal Family

5/28/2016
Lori | Morning Glories and moonflowers
Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm
Heather | Misadventures of the Dynamic Uno
Cindy | All Things Are Possible

5/29/2016
Melissa | Real women. Real life. Real faith.

5/30/2016
Melanie | Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Mindy | A Room Without Books is Empty
Amanda | Inklings and Notions

5/31/2016
April | Dixie n Dottie
Stacey | WORD Up!
Bethany | Perfect Beginnings
Barbara | Fic Gal
Anna | Anna Weaver Hurtt, Inspirational Author
Rachael | Rachael's Reads
Amelia | Rejoice Evermore

Her One and Only (Porter Family, #4) 
 Title: Her One and Only
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: May 2016
ISBN:  0764211102
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Book Review: Mars...with Venus Rising by


Mars...With Venus Rising
Book Description:

A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all--including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.

Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.

When John Townsend-full of life and the joy of living-moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams...which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him... and discovers he's a pilot.


Celebrate Hope's Mars . . . with Venus Rising blog tour with a Kindle Fire Prize Pack giveaway!

mars-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Mars . . . with Venus Rising
  • A $25 Amazon gift card
  • A Kindle Fire
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 18th. The winner will be announced May 19th on Hope's blog.


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Book Review:

If we start out with the cover, I will admit, it really does nothing for me. I like the bright colors, but it doesn't strike me as very professional. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd pick this up off the shelf to see what it was about.

If I was to describe this book in one word I think I would use: Uncomplicated. This is a story about overcoming personal fears. There isn't much of a conflict besides the personal ones, and it's just a simple simple story. I was wondering if it was self-published since it doesn't seem to flow just right, but it is a cute simple Christian story. I don't see myself reading this again, but I don't regret reading it once.

Mars...With Venus Rising
Title: Mars...with Venus Rising
Author: Hope Dougherty
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: August 2015
ISBN:  1611164982
Source: I received a copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review

Monday, May 9, 2016

Blog Tour: The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft

Reviews * Giveaway
The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft

Book Description:

Out of the war and into another, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves finds the politics of romance to be as uninviting a battle as the one that nearly cost him his life in Badajoz, Spain.

Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.

But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?

Rorie's Review:

It took me a few chapters to get in to this book, and I'm not quite sure why. Maybe because I've been reading a lot of other Regency Romance books lately, and this one was just a bit different in the wording and the format. Who knows. Anyway, after a few chapters, the story really grew on me and I got really involved in it.


Amelia and Anthony are both really good people and I was really rooting for their relationship to grow, but things happened a lot quicker than I thought they would. They definitely had their struggles, which makes a story that much better. With all the Regency romance books I've been reading lately, it still amazes me how much effort they had to put into being accepted and popular with all the other society people. I think I would not do well in Society at all. :) (I'm capitalizing it because it just seems like it's that important of a word.)

I do still feel like there needs to be a glossary at the back of these kinds of books for people like me who have no idea what some things are, such as: reticule, cravat, the "ton" and a bunch of other things that I am so very glad we don't deal with nowadays.

At any rate, I highly recommend this book. It was an enjoyable story filled with genuinely good people, some genuinely horrible people and some really sweet romance.

Tarah's Review:

To cut right to the chase, I enjoyed this book. I liked it in fact. However, the language was quite a bit different than other Regency books that I've read.  It didn't seem as...old or proper, or...something. Nothing about it is glaringly obvious (for the lay person...like me) but it was just slightly off.

Besides the word choices, I kind of felt like the physical aspects were more modernized as well. Don't get me wrong, I would still classify this as a clean read (and I'd let my daughter read it when she gets older and actually likes romance :) but it didn't quite seem to fit the time period. It fit the book quite nicely, it just seemed...I don't know. Lusty isn't the right word, but maybe instead of enjoying a simple touch or holding hands (you know those books that can make you sigh when that happens) it jumped right to more modern feelings.

All that aside, especially since I'm not making sense even to myself, it was a good book. I'd recommend it, and I'll read it again and again.

Andrea's Review:

I really like Regency Romances, but like any genre, you have to be mindful of the author/publisher to make sure you're getting what you want (i.e. a sweet and proper romance vs. trashy romance). When I saw that Covenant Communications was publishing The Earl's Betrothal I was excited that this would be the kind of Regency I like.

Karen Tuft did a good job with this story. It was engaging and had great characters. A few times I found myself a little distracted as the style felt different from other Regency novels. It did a good job of describing the social expectations, but we find the main characters kissing so soon after making each other's acquaintance. Their kiss didn't seem like an issue to either of them, but I'm so used to other clean books in this genre being so slow to get to that point that it distracted me. It was still a clean romance-just presented differently than I'm used to for this genre.

This was a fast, clean read, and one I'd probably read again.

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Title: The Earl's Betrothal by
Author: Karen Tuft
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Published: May 2016
ISBN: 1524400114
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Blog Tour: I'm Possible by Jeff Griffin

Review
I'm Possible: Desire, Dream, Do 
by Jeff Griffin

Book Description:

The sun’s rays filtered in from the partially opened shades of the plane. They lit up the world in front of me and warmed my soul, knowing I was almost to my destination. The beautiful golden light replaced the grey and hazy cobwebs from my eyes, revealing the most spectacular scene I had ever seen in my entire life. I looked out the small seven-inch window and witnessed something that I’ll never forget! I beheld something in this magnificent world that the majority of people never get to see. I was looking out at Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak!

I was at the tail end of a three-flight journey with two layovers in between, nearly logging twenty-four hours of flight time. I hadn’t gotten any real sleep in the last thirty-six hours. My bloodshot eyes were heavy, my mind was slow and sluggish, and my body was even slower in response. How did I get here? I thought to myself. Am I d-r-e-a-m-i-n-g?

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It’s about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It’s not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way.

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don’t you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don’t be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time!

I'mpossible! - Jeff Griffin

Review:

I don't read a lot of non-fiction, but I decided to read I'mPossible because Jeff's story sounded interesting. The book isn't very long, and is a fairly fast read. I appreciated that it was written in an engaging manner. Jeff doesn't shy from sharing his emotions about every step of his story. He does a good job of showing how important our attitudes are. It would have been so easy to let himself give up on his dreams after his accident, and he definitely had some hard and very discouraging times, but he was able to look at what he could do instead of what he couldn't. I was a bit distracted by the need for proofing in my review copy, but if you can overlook that and focus on the message, I think you'll find it to be an inspiring read.

About the Author:

Jeff Griffin is a wheelchair athlete who earned his Master’s degree in Education and knows how to win. He played in the 2004 Athens Olympics, holds a Guinness Book of World Records, and is a four time NWBA All-Star MVP. He enjoys mentoring youth , distributing wheelchairs, and providing Peer Training Materials through his humanitarian efforts with LDS Charities, which he currently sits on the board.