{Book Review:} Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

My Review:
Oh my stars.

I wish I could have had this book a couple years ago. It would have saved me so much hurt. But I didn't, and that's okay. God brought me through and helped me work through it. In her book, Mrs. TerKeurst walks through how to overcome the pain of past or present rejection, and how to in turn live loved. If you've ever tasted that bitter sting of being rejected, I strongly recommend you pick this book up. As she points out, not tending to these wounds just allow a seed of bitterness to grow in your heart. You need to quit ignoring the problem and address it, and Mrs. TerKeurst helps you do just that.

Now, this book will not replace going to a counselor if that is what you need. But it has helped me in so many ways. Mrs. TerKeurst writes in such a relatable fashion, she shares her heart and her struggles. She reminded me that I wasn't alone. And that I wasn't the only one who had ever felt this way. She was encouraging and uplifting. I thought I would have gotten this review up sooner, except I had to keep going back and re-read chapters. This isn't some casual afternoon read, this book provokes thought and requires time to soak it all in. I could barely make it through a couple chapters at a time. Normally, that would be a bad thing but not this time!

I have faced a lot of rejection this year. Maybe now that the wounds have started to heal I'll write about it. But until then, I can't recommend this book enough. If you're hurting, at least use this book as a starting place. Spend time in the scriptures she lists, and definitely pray. God will work wonders on your heart through Mrs. TerKeurst, if you'll let Him. He did just that for me!

Thank you, Lysa, for being bold enough to write this book. I can't thank you enough!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
The enemy wants us to feel rejected . . . left out, lonely, and less than. When we allow him to speak lies through our rejection, he pickpockets our purpose. Cripples our courage. Dismantles our dreams. And blinds us to the beauty of Christ’s powerful love.

In Uninvited, Lysa shares her own deeply personal experiences with rejection—from the incredibly painful childhood abandonment by her father to the perceived judgment of the perfectly toned woman one elliptical over.

With biblical depth, gut-honest vulnerability, and refreshing wit, Lysa helps readers:

• Release the desire to fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process their hurt.
• Know exactly what to pray for the next ten days to steady their soul and restore their confidence.
• Overcome the two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging.
• Stop feeling left out and start believing that "set apart" does not mean "set aside."
• End the cycle of perceived rejection by refusing to turn a small incident into a full blown issue.

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A simply marvelous, fantastic tale!

Like Cambron's other novels (Butterfly and the Violin, Sparrow in Terezin), I was absolutely swept away into the setting and time period! Cambron has a such a way with words that I could see everything painted into my imagination as I read. The book was incredibly hard to put down! Seeing Sarasota through Rosamund's and then Mable's eyes, was wonderful. I particularly liked Rosamund's perspective because she'd never been anywhere but England before.

Cambron's storytelling style is fluid and easy to disappear into. However, I admit that the time jumping in the first few chapters had my head spinning a little. Whenever I sat down to read, I was completely taken in and I despised coming to the last few pages. After all, who wants a good book to end? But alas, it did. As for the characters in this novel, I grew quite attached to Rosamund and maybe a little more so to Mable. I liked Rosamund's strength to just step out on her own and I deeply appreciated Mable's generous, dear heart to those she encountered. These women are great role models.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. Those curious about circus life in the 1920s will, hopefully find their intrigue satisfied. Mine was! :-) If you're seeking a unique historical novel to get your hands on, I think you may have found it in The Ringmaster's Wife. I can't wait to set my hands on Cambron's next work, The Illusionist's Apprentice!

Many thanks to Litfuse for sending me a copy! I received this book in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks! 

About the Author:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews' "Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)" for February 2015.

Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.

Back Cover:
What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:

A sweet medieval romance with a fairy-tale twist!

I must say I enjoyed this novel much more than it's predecessor, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest. But nevertheless, Huntress set the stage for The Beautiful Pretender, though both can be read without having read the other. This novel focuses on the Margrave of Thornbeck, Reinhart. He must wed in short order, or else the king might intervene. So with the help of his chancellor, they invite several young ladies to Thornbeck. I wasn't sure about this plot at first, but I came to really like how Ms. Dickerson handled things.

I enjoyed Reinhart and Avelina's character development for the most part. While trying to not give too much away, I felt the romance was a bit rushed at the end but others may disagree with me. Just a personal opinion. I really liked the threads of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale Ms. Dickerson weaved into storyline. It's one of my favorite fairytales and I loved her inclusion of it.

Overall, I was satisfied with The Beautiful Pretender. The story (and its characters) really grew on me over the course of its pages. I found myself becoming deeply involved and the book nearly impossible to put down! There were a interesting twists, an adorable romance, and a pleasant fairytale-like ending. If you like fairytales or the medieval era, you'll want to check this one out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I received a ebook copy of this book from Litfuse in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
• A Kindle Fire tablet
• A $25 Amazon gift card
• The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie's blog.

{Book Review:} The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

My Review:
A masterpiece debut from Cambron!!

I missed out on reading this one when it initially released, but I did have the pleasure of reading the next title, The Sparrow in Terezin. I was giddy when I stumbled across The Butterfly and the Violin at my local library. And I was equally giddy when I finally had time to crack open the pages and dive right in. This novel takes us into Auschwitz, probably well known as the camp that killed the most people.

Friends, I will warn you, this isn't an easy book to read. Along with its sequel, this book takes on the all-too-real horrors of World War II. Ms. Cambron spares us the more gruesome, violent details, of course, but she does not shy away from the truth. I admire her for taking on such a hard story. Because with all that said, this story is truly beautiful. It possesses heart and something else I pinpointed in the sequel, hope. Hope in the face of one's world tearing apart. Hope in the face of potential death.

But this is not just a World War II story about Adele, also sharing space in this book is modern-day Sera James' story. She's on a journey of her own seeking, perhaps not hope, but healing. And without giving too much away, I loved the way Ms. Cambron wove their stories together. Whenever we transitioned from story to story, I found myself eager to return to the prior story. Ms. Cambron's writing is engaging and powerful, so very powerful.

This Hidden Masterpiece series will forever be dear to me and shall be read over and over again. I highly recommend this one to anyone who values well written historical novels with a deeper message.

I checked this book out at my local library, no review required. :)

Back Cover:
A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

{Book Review:} The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson

My Review:
An interesting twist on the story of Swan Lake!

I can't say this has been my favorite of Ms. Dickerson's novels, but I can say I really liked the main characters, Odette and Jorgen. I loved Odette's heart and her compassion for the poor children. Jorgen had compassion too, but also integrity, which I admired. The side characters were okay, in my opinion. They didn't always feel real. Though, once the story began wrapping up, their actions and behavior made more sense.

As far as the plot and story, I enjoyed the tension following Odette's secret. It kept the pages turning, for sure! I was personally very interested to see the "Swan Lake" twist, and I wasn't disappointed. However I would have liked to have seen more of that story incorporated.

To wrap this up, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest was a nice afternoon read, despite its disappointments. I look forward to reading what Ms. Dickerson has in store for the next in this series, The Beautiful Pretender. If you like historical fairy tales retold, you just might like this one. :-)

I checked this book out at my local library, no review required.  

Back Cover:
A beautiful maiden who poaches to feed the poor.

A handsome forester on a mission to catch her.

Danger and love are about to unite in Thornbeck Forest.

The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around—and who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave’s forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him . . . a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher.

When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries.

The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target . . . What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?

{Book Review:} A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

My Review:
An enchanting, emotional story!!

Oh, the emotions...or the feels, as some might say. I don't think I've ever come so close to crying while reading until this book. It was heartfelt. And it packed a punch in Terezin. But, okay, time for some honesty. I knew this book was about the Holocaust. I didn't go in blindly. Nevertheless, the beauty of Cambron's writing left my heart tangled up in the pages.

Ouch.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

This book was the kind that left you hurting, but not without hope. There were moments when putting down the book was a necessity, not because of the surroundings, but because Cambron provoked thought. She artistically captures the setting, the characters, even the atmosphere. Don't misunderstand, I desperately enjoyed this book. But I didn't enjoy it for its "entertaining" quality. Oh, no. I enjoyed the refreshing message of hope.

Suffice it to say, you need to read this book. It's a wonderful story with relatable characters and a meaningful message. I highly recommend it. Readers should remember, however, that parts of this book are set in a concentration camp. Cambron does well to keep it toned down, but I felt the need to make readers aware.

I received this book from BookLook bloggers in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!! 

Back Cover:
Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.

"Today. "With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiance threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.

"June 1942. "After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kaja Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kaja has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kaja finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.

Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kaja will fight to protect all they hold dear.

Psst... don't forget to enter the giveaway! Click on the image below to be taken to the page! 

{Book Review:} Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

My Review: 

Oh. My. Austen!

This story is delightful and beautifully emotional. I immediately was drawn into the family conflict. Reay makes you care about her characters in a way that it sneaks up on you. It's not until it's time to set the book down that you realize how attached you have become. I didn't expect to enjoy the story as much as I did. I loved this book so much that I already dearly miss the characters. 

Though I would never admit to having favorites, I dearly like Lizzy's character. Oh, I was so happy to watch her grow and change over the course of the story. She's funny and caring, but deep down she's broken. This story is her journey to healing. It's a journey of forgiveness and of familial love. Her sister, Jane grew on me as well. Jane experiences her own growth in this story, but it's different from Lizzy's.

And that's why, I think, I love this book so much. Like other books I've happened to read recently, this book is full of heart and soul. There's meaning in the pages. The characters are relatable. The story is heart-twisting. While yes, I can say there's "romance" in this story, it's far from the focus, which is so refreshing. It proves you don't need a central romance for a good story. All these things mentioned make up a wonderful book and this one is certain to remain on my shelf to be re-read. I highly recommend it.

I bought this book, my opinions are my own. 

Back Cover:
Lizzy and Jane never saw eye to eye. But when illness brings them together, they discover they may be more like Austen’s famous sisters after all.

Lizzy was only a teenager when her mother died of cancer. Shortly after, Lizzy fled from her home, her family, and her cherished nickname. After working tirelessly to hone her gift of creating magic in the kitchen, Elizabeth has climbed the culinary ladder to become the head chef of her own New York restaurant, Feast. But as her magic begins to elude her, Paul, Feast’s financial backer, brings in someone to share her responsibilities and her kitchen. So Elizabeth flees again.

In a desperate attempt to reconnect with her gift, Elizabeth returns home. But her plans are derailed when she learns that her estranged sister, Jane, is battling cancer. Elizabeth surprises everyone—including herself—when she decides to stay in Seattle and work to prepare healthy, sustaining meals for Jane as she undergoes chemotherapy. She also meets Nick and his winsome son, Matt, who, like Elizabeth, are trying to heal from the wounds of the past.

As she tends to Jane's needs, Elizabeth's powers begin to return to her, along with the family she left behind so long ago. Then Paul tries to entice her back to New York, and she is faced with a hard decision: stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane, or return to New York and the life she worked so hard to create?

{Book Review:} Revolutionary by Krista McGee

My Review:
A fast-paced conclusion to a brilliant series!

I have been eagerly awaiting Revolutionary since Luminary released last winter. Ms. McGee left us with so many questions and hardly a sufficient amount of answers! What was going to happen to Thalli and friends? What could happen next? How on earth was it all going to be resolved in one book? Thankfully, Ms. McGee gives us the answers we want and more in Revolutionary.

Thalli has grown and changed all throughout this series. When I think back to Anomaly, she's a completely different character! She's stronger and more obstinate than ever in this installment. Her journey has been rough but it's only polished her and made her better. I enjoyed watching her development come full circle.

Oh, the plot twists! Brace yourselves, people, if you're like me you won't even know which way is up! This conclusion is very well written and keeps your hand fingering the next page, ready to turn at will. I didn't think the series could improve on itself, but Ms. McGee surprised me. That said, this isn't my favorite in the series. I think Anomaly holds that place securely, but it was close. :-)  Fans of this series should not miss out!! Possible spoiler: The ending felt super rushed to me and I didn't quite like it. End possible spoiler.

I recommend to fans of Christian dystopian and sci-fi ages thirteen and up.

I received this book for free from BookLook in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.

Back in the underground State against her will, Thalli is no longer the anomaly she was before. She has proven herself to be a powerful leader aboveground and returns with information that Dr. Loudin needs to complete his plan of uniting the world under one leader: himself. But he, too, has information. A secret he has kept from Thalli her entire life. A secret that, once revealed, changes everything about the person Thalli thought she was.

Hoping to help Thalli rise up against the Scientists, both Berk and Alex join her underground, but their presence only brings more trouble for her. Now Dr. Loudin knows just the leverage to use on his captive, and she is forced to choose between the two of them. Is her first love her true love? Or does Alex ultimately claim her heart?

Unsure of everything around her, including her own identity, Thalli doesn’t know where to turn. She knows she needs the Designer, but he seems further away than ever. What she does know, though, is that if she doesn’t do something to stop Loudin, the fragile world above ground will be lost once and for all.

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
An irresistible, endearing story!

I could hardly put this one down! What a lovely, lovely, story. Dancing with Fireflies greatly exceeded all my expectations. I loved it. Absolutely brilliant! Hunter's characters jump off the page, feeling as real as you or me. This trait is important to me as a reader and Hunter executes it wonderfully. I thought I liked Barefoot Summer well enough, but Dancing with Fireflies takes number one slot for the series so far. It will be hard for me to like The Wishing Season (coming Winter '14!) better than this one.

Jade annoyed me at times, but I think she was supposed to. She did some stupid things, though I cannot say someone in her position wouldn't do the same. I admired her determination to rise above her circumstances and take on responsibility. In fact, she rose to the challenge despite her fatigue.

Daniel is the dependable, tender friend that Jade needed. I always thought they would be a good couple, even before Jade knew. I loved how their relationship was built on years of friendship. All in all, I liked the guy. It helped that we have similar tastes in music... *ahem*

Dancing with Fireflies blew me away. I loved every page! Plus, who doesn't mind a trip to Chapel Springs or a visit with the McKinleys? It was fantastic to see Beckett and Madison tie the knot and equally fantastic to see PJ and Ryan again. I look forward to whichever McKinley is up next!

I received this book from Thomas Nelson through Litfuse in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

{Book Review:} Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

My Review:
An enchanting, contemporary story!

I love books set in small towns, or at least small-ish towns. Chapel Springs is a perfect example of just that. Gossip spreads like a wildfire, and secrets don't last for long. In the first few opening pages, I felt like I had stepped into a movie. Hunter paints us a vibrant portrait of the town, the McKinleys, and Beckett, and she allows us to reach into the minds of both Beckett and Madison, offering readers a personal look into their thoughts and fears. This helped me connect with Madison especially. I'm glad Hunter brought us the story from two perspectives, with just one or the other, the story would lack something.  

The McKinleys are a tight-knit, well blessed family, and it isn't hard to like them. Madison McKinley is the oldest girl in family with an older brother, Ryan, and two younger sisters, Jade and PJ. Madison also had a twin, Michael McKinley, who died before we met the family. I loved getting to know them all, throughout the story, and I look forward to more books about them.

Losing a twin is painful and though it has been several years since the accident, the wound is still tender to Madison. She still has questions, not to mention the horrible nightmare that plagues her every night. A flaw in Madison that I recognized having struggled with myself, was her need to be strong. She couldn't or wouldn't fall apart. Instead of letting it all out, she bottled all her emotions in. It's an unhealthy practice and leaves wounds fresh. I won't go into detail, but there were two scenes related to this that I felt were beautifully written.

I wish I could go on and talk about Beckett, who, by the way, is a fantastic hero, but I will sum up and end my review here. This is the first book by Hunter I have delved into, and I am thoroughly impressed. Her writing style is unique and entices you to read further. I am eagerly looking forward to Dancing with Fireflies, the next in the Chapel Springs series. As far as things to know about this novel, there is kissing and an alcoholic, but it is generally clean. I'd recommend to readers 15 and older.

I won this book in a giveaway, no review required. Thanks, Rissi! ;-)

Back Cover:
Madison’s heart closed the day her twin brother died.

Since losing her twin, Michael, in a drowning incident, Madison has rejected the faith he lived by. Instead, she’s devoted her life to fulfilling Michael’s dream—winning the River Sail Regatta in their small Indiana town, Chapel Springs.

As she trains for the regatta, Beckett O’Reilly is teaching Madison to swim. But he’s keeping a painful secret from her—and as they grow closer, that secret threatens to upend their lives . . . and the lives of both their families.

{Book Review:} Luminary by Krista McGee

My Review:
A thrilling sequel!

Back in the summer, Anomaly, the first in this series, was released. McGee left us wondering what would happen next as we waited for Luminary, and I was not disappointed in the least! She took the story in a direction that I generally anticipated, but she executed it much better than my expectations. I'm really looking forward to seeing how she wraps everything up with Revolutionary (July 2014).

I, like many of my friends, fell in love with Thalli not very far into the first book. Her character really evolved and she grew, not just physically but emotionally and mentally under the mentoring/teaching of John. Due to all this change in the first book, I was really intrigued to see what McGee was going to do with Thalli next. The end result? Thalli remains flawed, but watching her continue to grow into the young woman the Designer wants her to be reads very realistic. She's doing the best she can to trust in the Designer's plan for her, just like we are. I found her character more relatable in Luminary than I did in the first book.

Once again, McGee leaves us waiting. Sadly, the wait is a little longer this time, but I'm confident it will be worth it. :-) Luminary is filled with suspense, faith, and more of our favorite characters.
For those looking for a clean, Christian, dystopian novel, I really recommend they give the Anomaly Trilogy a try. This book is aimed at YA (young adult) readers.

I received this book from the Booksneeze program in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
Thalli thought escaping to the surface would mean freedom. But is she any less of an anomaly aboveground?

After escaping an underground annihilation chamber, Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John find themselves fleeing across the former United States, aboveground for the first time. As the defectors cross the forgotten landscape, the three youths see things they had only read about on screens: horses, rain, real books—and a colony of unsanctioned survivors living the ancient way in a town called New Hope.
When these survivors reveal the truth of what happened years ago, Thalli is left unsettled and skeptical of everything she’s ever been told. Can she trust anything from the State, including her own feelings for Berk? When she volunteers for a peace mission to New Hope’s violent neighbor, Athens, her confusion mounts when the supposedly ruthless Prince Alex turns out to be kind and charming. Although everyone in New Hope warned her not to, she can’t help but fall for him.

Meanwhile, John’s unwavering faith in the goodness of the Designer begins to make its mark on Thalli’s heart. But can Thalli really come to trust in a generous, protective Designer who rules over all things? Would that not be setting herself up for another betrayal?

The time for her to decide is now . . . because the State is closing in.

Dear, Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A charming, delightful, debut from Reay!

I blazed through this novel in between Thanksgiving festivities. Even when I had to, I found it hard to put it down! I found Sam funny, lovable, and realistic. The three hundred some pages I spent with her were wonderful; my only complaint being that I wish the story went on longer. Nonetheless, Sam's story is one that will stick with me for a while.

Sam Moore has had a rough go of life. Watching her grow and change throughout the book is incredible. I'll probably reread it in the near future for sure, but back to Sam. Her voice comes through so strongly and while she can really appear dense at times, behind the many novels, there is an intelligent woman. All in all, Ms. Reay has written a heroine who is a new and definite favorite.

With multiple references to Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and other classic works it's hard not to love this novel. Combine that with Sam's amusing character and Reay's fascinating writing style and you get a wonderful, wonderful, read. This book is going on my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this book to fans of Austen. As a quick, minor note, Sam is not a Christian for most of the book. She does not engage in any questionable activity that we're told of; however her boyfriend presses her to sleep with him and she refuses.

I received this book from Litfuse in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters.  

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
• Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 

Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

Anomaly by Krista McGee {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Anomaly is captivating, intriguing, and absolutely awesome!

From the very first page I was entangled into Thalli's world. McGee writes in such a way that it's nearly impossible to set the book down. The State is an inventive creation and is distinct from the many dystopian novels out there. I can only imagine the amount of time McGee put into it but I can say that every moment spent shines through beautifully.

Thalli's voice is strong, unique, and her curiosity and her stubbornness endeared her to me. Thalli is simply fun to read about! Her budding confusion surrounding her encounters with Berk were amusing to read. I adored their friendship. In my opinion, friendship is a key element in a successful romance and McGee accomplishes just that.

To say the least, I'm just a tad excited for the next book, Luminary- which is too far off in the future! :-)  I don't read a lot of Young Adult (YA) fiction, primarily because I'm wary of the selection. I'm overjoyed to find authors like McGee and Williamson, who provide us with wholesome YA fiction. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Captives by Jill Williamson you will definitely enjoy this one.

I received this book from the publisher, via Litfuse, in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

Back Cover:  
Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Thalli is different than others in The State. She feels things. She asks questions. And in the State, this is not tolerated. The Ten scientists who survived the nuclear war that destroyed the world above believe that emotion was at the core of what went wrong—and they have genetically removed it from the citizens they have since created. Thalli has kept her malformation secret from those who have monitored her for most of her life, but when she receives an ancient piece of music to record as her community’s assigned musician, she can no longer keep her emotions secreted away.

Seen as a threat to the harmony of her Pod, Thalli is taken to the Scientists for immediate annihilation. But before that can happen, Berk—her former Pod mate who is being groomed as a Scientist—steps in and persuades the Scientists to keep Thalli alive as a test subject.

The more time she spends in the Scientist’s Pod, the clearer it becomes that things are not as simple as she was programmed to believe. She hears stories of a Designer—stories that fill her mind with more questions: Who can she trust? What is this emotion called love? And what if she isn’t just an anomaly, but part of a greater design?

Krista McGee is celebrating the release of Anomaly, the first book in her new YA dystopian series, with an iPad Mini Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista's website on August 2nd.

Spread the word about Krista and her giveaway HERE!