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!

Summer of Joy by Ann H. Gabhart {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A cute release from Gabhart!

I have not had the pleasure to read the previous books in this series, but I did very much enjoy getting to know the Brooke family. It was hard for me to get into the book at first due to the frequent head jumping early on. Thankfully, this got better as the book continued. I'm glad I stuck to it. I cannot say this was a favorite though.

Jocie is probably my favorite part about this novel. She's so endearing, cute, and determined. Leigh is my next favorite, a very close second to Jocie. Leigh's sweet disposition and kind spirit made her incredibly likable from the beginning. I didn't feel quite as connected with the other characters. This might be because I haven't read the others in the series.

Again this hardly is a favorite, but I love the homey feel Gabhart brings to the settings in each of her novels. It's a similar thread in her stories, one I'm quite fond of. Oh, as a quick note, I thought Hammond was a complete stalker-ish creep, though I suppose that is what Gabhart was going for. I hope we will see more of Hollyhill and the Brooke family before too long. I recommend this book to readers fourteen and older and especially to those looking for a comfortable read.

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

Back Cover:
For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.
This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends, "Summer of Joy" will delight Gabhart's fans.

First Kisses by Linda Goodnight, Janet Tronstad, Debra Clopton, Margaret Daley, Camy Tang, and Lacy Williams

My Review:

An interesting collection of romantic short stories.

 

This is the first anthology I've read and I can't say I'm too impressed. Generally when it comes to romance I want something realistic and a couple of these stories, due to their short length, did not come through. I was very glad for the few that were spread across a certain amount of time. This is just my personal preference, though. If you're the type whose insides turn to mush at good love story than you'll love this anthology. 

That all being said, I want to take a paragraph or two to talk about my three favorites in this collection. I really liked The Rambler's Bride by Linda Goodnight despite the bull-headed hero. Given the 1800s western setting, I liked the "fast-paced" romance between leads. It fit the period like a glove. 

My next favorite was Necessary Proof by Camy Tang. The suspense and thrill was amazing! I liked how the leads built friendship and trust before they headed down any romantic path. 

My last favorite in the collection was, ironically, the last in the collection, Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams. I loved how the romance was tested by time and how they got to know each other.

In sum, I cannot say I'll be picking up another anthology anytime soon, they just aren't my slice of pie. I am glad I read this one, though, and I enjoyed the stories I mentioned above. I recommend to avid romance readers fifteen and older. 

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

Back Cover:

A new anthology from some of your favorite inspirational authors.
Enjoy this collection of love stories with a theme of FIRST KISSES. The First Kisses collection includes:

The Rambler’s Bride by Linda Goodnight
In 1870’s Kansas, Widow Esther North will do most anything to save her land from her powerful cousin and the coming railroad-even kiss a stranger! The kissing cowboy, Jericho North is bent on revenge from his brother’s widow, and the will hidden in his pocket is all he needs to make it happen. But he hadn’t reckoned on a baby...and neither he nor Esther had reckoned on love.

Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe by Janet Tronstad
USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, Janet Tronstad, pens a brand-new Retro Café Sweet Romance starring a 1950’s truck driver (Buddy) and a waitress (Penny) who both have enough trouble without everyone in Webster’s Crossing thinking they are falling in love.

Her Mule Hollow Cowboy by Debra Clopton
Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled has professional bull rider, Cliff Masterson, dreaming of romance, home, hearth and that first kiss...but Maddie Rose has had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on a rambling cowboy—Sparks fly when these two are near. Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?

Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

Necessary Proof by Camy Tang
Alex Villa became a Christian in prison, and because of his efforts to help stop a gang producing meth in Sonoma, he has been set up for the death of a cop. Can computer expert Jane Lawton find the evidence that will prove his innocence before the gang eliminates them both?

Kissed by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams
Former shy-girl Haley Carston is back in Redbud Trails, Oklahoma, to care for her dying aunt. She didn’t count on cowboy Maddox Michaels, her high school crush and the man who might just bring her dreams of marriage and family back to life…

Do Not Be Afraid, for I Am with You...

Not too long ago (2-3 years), I struggled with testing anxiety. ((For those who don't know, I'm enrolled in a program called CollegePlus!. Part of the program generally means taking CLEP exams and DANTES.)) You see, after failing a couple times, the whole process terrified me.

After my second fail, I was shaken to the core. I did not want to reenter that testing center only to fail again. My pride was bruised and my confidence was battered. The pressure I put on myself was nearly unbearable. I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was drowning, so we took a break. I was in the middle of some co-op classes, and we were preparing to move. It made sense. I took a total of nine months off. When it came time to start back up, the anxiety returned. I purposefully postponed taking tests and I wasn't diligent in my studies. 

I know what you're thinking. If I wasn't working hard, how was I supposed to pass? To be honest, I don't have a reasonable explanation for you. Fear messes with your head. I'm ashamed to say I let it take up residence for too long. I went along with this study method for about four months when the inevitable happened. I failed for a third time, except this time the blow was harder. Because I had failed it once already. 

I cried the whole way home. This time though, I was determined to make a change. I was determined to work as hard as I could to pass every exam from that moment on. I called on multiple verses to encourage me, particularly Phil. 1:6 and John 14:27. I drove fear out of my mind and spoke life. (Prov. 18:21) I drew closer to the greatest Comforter of all and since then, I haven't failed once. 

Thankfully, with time I have found a working method for my studies. I also found God's peace to be calming and assuring under the pressure of passing. Without Him, I don't think I would have made it this far. He's worked miracles in me and I am eternally grateful.

To kind of draw this post to a close, the moral of this story-if you haven't already guessed-is this: Don't let fear in. Fear is not of God. He doesn't want it for you or me. He told us to be strong and courageous for He is with us. I have learned it is better in the end to lean on Him when I am weary and to cast my cares on Him when I am burdened. It makes all the difference.

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

-Deut. 31:8

Inspy Kisses Blog Blitz!!

For a limited time only - Six unforgettable love stories 

99 cents! 

Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play

A brand new anthology from six of your favorite inspirational romance authors - no reprints here!

About the novellas:

From New York Times bestselling author Linda Goodnight, historical romance The Rambler's Bride: The kissing cowboy Jericho is bent on revenge, but discovers the truth and falls in love with widow Esther.

From USA Today bestselling author Janet Tronstad, retro romance Lovebirds at the Heartbreak Cafe: Truck driver Buddy wasn't looking for love, but waitress Penny and her quirky family take over the cafe and his heart.

From bestselling author Debra Clopton, contemporary cowboy romance Her Mule Hollow Cowboy: Independent cowgirl Maddie swears she doesn't need help from bull rider Cliff. But the Mule Hollow Matchmakers seem to have other plans...

From bestselling author Margaret Daley, romantic suspense Deadly Hunt: Bodyguard Tess rescues wounded businessman Shane from dying in the wilderness, but can she protect her heart when Shane gets too close?

From fan favorite Camy Tang, romantic suspense Necessary Proof: Reformed ex-con Alex is on the run from those who have set him up to take the blame for a cop-killing. Will tech-expert Jane be able to prove him innocent?

From fan favorite Lacy Williams, contemporary cowboy romance Kissed by a Cowboy: Maddox has given up all his big dreams to care for his niece. When Haley returns to her hometown, will Maddox find a new dream with her?

Special promo - March 17-19 - #SENDAKISS

If you purchase First Kisses during our promo dates and send a special tweet, we'll gift a copy to a friend, absolutely free! Find out more at bit.ly/sendakiss .

What readers are saying:

 Six amazing books from six different authors. They are all Christian fiction set from the 1800’s to present time. Each is a stand alone book with great settings, story lines and characters. All the books had family and faith. Some of the authors were known to me and some I was unfamiliar with. I really enjoyed each book. I can not wait to check out books from these new authors. - Amazon reader

 I didn't know what to expect - I am not a fan of anthologies. Usually I find that the stories are too brief and the plots move too fast and don't go into any detail and don't make a lot of sense. Well, let me tell you that this anthology is not like this, not at all. It is wonderful! I enjoyed each of the novellas immensely. Each one has well developed, thought out characters and detailed plots that move at exactly the right pace. You have suspense, romance - everything in each of the novels. I enjoyed reading each of the novellas and couldn't put the book down. Even though I have about 15 other books waiting to be read - I plan on reading this book all over again in the next week or so - it is just that good. - Amazon reader

A visual look at the collection:





Interact with the authors:
www.inspykisses.com
facebook.com/inspykisses
@inspykisses

Buy now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Kobo - iBooks - Google Play

In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Another awesome release from Andrews!

When the opportunity arose to review In the Shadow of Jezebel, I eagerly accepted. I have loved every novel of hers that I have read and this one is no exception. Going into the story, I wasn't sure what to expect. I generally knew from the back cover when the story would be set, however, I was not familiar with Jehosheba or Jehoiada. In my daily Bible study I choose to read Paul's letter over the numerous evil kings of Israel and Judah.

Jehosheba, or Sheba as she is more frequently referred to, is a wonderful character. Andrews evoked my compassion for the poor girl on more than one occasion. Sheba grew up in such a horrible, tense, environment that her change is a testament of the healing God gives, if we seek it. It isn't easy to balance an internal transformation but I think Andrews did excellent. Every hard, raw, moment felt realistic.

Despite his anger issues, Jehoiada was exactly the man Sheba needed and he was certainly the right high priest at the right time. I was/am fascinated with the sheer amount research Andrews has done on this time period. The temple, the palace, all of it jumped off the page and into my imagination. If one thing is certain, it's that Andrews has a talent for writing Biblical fiction.

To wrap up this review, I'll say this: While In the Shadow of Jezebel could not overtake Love in a Broken Vessel as my favorite novel from Andrews, Biblical fiction fans will be pleased and eager for more. I definitely recommend this book to teens/adults. I look forward to her future releases!

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

Back Cover:
Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?

{Book Review:} Songstone by Lena Goldfinch

My Review:
An intense island tale!

I love, love, love the imagery and beauty within every novel or novella I have read from Goldfinch. It awakens the imagination and immerses you into the story. This quality makes Goldfinch's books stand out in a great way. But scenery aside, the rest of the novel was good too.

Kita, whose head we are in for the duration of Songstone, embarks on both an internal and an external journey. Overall I felt it was well written, given the circumstances Kita had to overcome. She's the kind of character you root for and hurt alongside with. That being said, I loathed Matiko. If you want me to despise a villain, then make him a voo-doo, black magic, healer/priest.

Let's talk about Matiko. Yes, as I stated above he dabbles frequently in black magic using Kita's blood most of the time. He uses a spell to restrain her while he steals her blood. Not very much, but a few drops at a time. This disturbed me more than I thought it would. Due to the high amounts of this black magic, I wish we could have seen more of a light to contrast the darkness. Unlike her previous books, God wasn't as present in this one as the others, which disappointed me a bit. I definitely caution readers for this one because, understandably, this topic isn't for everyone.

I'll wrap up this review talking about Pono and then my general summary. He was really endearing, albeit incredibly frustrating/confusing at times. I loved how he honored his word. Integrity is so very admirable in any character. Songstone is described as dark tale mixed with romance and adventure, and that description is very accurate. However the amount of black magic we see and the lack of a clear light against the dark bothered me. I recommend to teens fifteen and older who are looking for an adventure.

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

Back Cover:
One girl who, against all hope, yearns for freedom.
One boy determined to be more than he's meant to be.
The desperate journey that will leave them both forever changed.

Kita can meld song into stone. In a world with no written word, storytelling—the ability to meld (or magically impress) song into stone—is greatly honored. The village honors her master as their medicine man, but Kita knows he's secretly a sorcerer who practices black magic using drops of her blood. She fears he’ll use her beautiful gift for a killing spell, so she conceals it from him. Each day, his magic tightens around her neck like a rope. His spells blind the villagers, so they can’t see him for what he really is.

Not that anyone would want to help her. She was found in the forest as a baby and would have died if a village girl hadn't brought her home. But the villagers saw Kita's unusual coloring and decided she belonged to the mysterious tribe who lives in the forests of the volcano, a people feared for their mystical powers. So they fear her too. Now seventeen, she can barely admit her deepest longing: to know who she really is and where she belongs.

Then Pono, a young journeyman, arrives from the other side of the island. He's come to fulfill a pact between their villages: to escort a storyteller back to his village--a storyteller who'll be chosen at the great assembly. Finally, in Pono, Kita sees her one slim chance at freedom and she'll risk her life to take it.

A dark, twisty tale of sorcery, tummy-tingling romance, and adventure, inspired by the folklore of New Zealand's Māori people.

Learn more on Goodreads and the author's website.

About the Author:

LENA GOLDFINCH writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She's a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it's a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing something light and contemporary. Her latest release is TAKE A PICTURE, a lighthearted contemporary romance for teens and new adults, which includes a bonus short story, CHAIN REACTION, a prequel to HAUNTING JOY. You can learn more about Lena and her books on her website.

Interested? You can purchase The Language of Souls at any of the following places:

• Amazon US | Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble
• Google Play 
• iBooks
• Kobo 

Don't forget!! Lena's got some sweet treats for a couple of readers! One winner (U.S. & Canada only) will receive a paperback copy of one of Lena's books (winner's choice) plus some candy, and the other winner (can be international) will receive an e-book copy of Lena's latest release, Take a Picture. Both winners will be announced on Saturday, March 15th. You can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review:} Aire by Lena Goldfinch

My Review:
Another fantastic fantasy novel from Goldfinch!

As I sit here reflecting on Aire, I find myself utterly in awe. Once again, Goldfinch does a superb job hooking me, the reader, into her marvelous world. I loved the way she weaved bits Italian culture into Isalla. In fact, that was probably my favorite part about this fantasy-land. The attention to detail really brought the customs and culture of the three kingdoms right off the page.

Anna is definitely the kind of heroine we look for in fantasies. She's strong, but not physically. She's independent, but she still submits to her Grandmother's authority (most of the time). Best of all, her flaws are not hidden from us. I can't think of anything negative to say about her. :-)

Ilan is the type of character you love then hate and then love again. For the longest time I wasn't sure where he fit in the big picture, but I'm happy with his outcome. I liked Jovanni but at the same time, he annoyed me a little. In regards to his relationship with Anna, I thought he might have been a bit too forward. But this is just my opinion. I confess I did like Ilan a lot at first. Perhaps I'm biased...

In sum, I'm not one to read a lot of fantasies. I enjoy them but they aren't a favorite. I'm happy to say Goldfinch is making me reconsider. The way she weaves God into her stories is amazing and very well done. I will definitely be looking for more fantasy novels from Goldfinch in the future. I recommend this book to readers fourteen and older and especially to ardent fantasy fans.

I received an ebook copy of this novel from Amber Stokes in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

Back Cover:
A tale of Legends reborn, of royal intrigue, and an unforgettable, heart-melting romance that will sweep you away.

Principessa Annalisia is stunned and conscience-stricken when an unknown enemy mistakenly abducts her maidservant. Determined to find the girl, Annalisia disguises herself as plain Anna and slips away from the palace. She tracks down Jovanni, her maidservant's daring older brother, and they soon begin to search together. As they uncover clues, Anna also discovers a kindred spirit in Jovanni. But would he be so free with her if he knew who she really was? Doubtful. Even so, she reveals her secret gift of visions to him, and in so doing disobeys the orders of her beloved grandmother, the queen.


With Jovanni, Anna can almost imagine she’s like any other seventeen-year-old girl, free to pursue the longings of her heart. When she learns that he also has a secret—he's a sentinel, an ancient shapeshifter who can take the form of a falcon—it seems as if they were destined to be together, as in the legends of il Sentiro. Though Anna is tempted to wish otherwise, she can’t forget that she’s a princess and it's her duty to marry another. Meanwhile, their hunt leads Anna ever closer to danger, for she herself is being hunted.

Learn more on Goodreads and the author's website.

About the Author:

LENA GOLDFINCH writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She's a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it's a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing something light and contemporary. Her latest release is TAKE A PICTURE, a lighthearted contemporary romance for teens and new adults, which includes a bonus short story, CHAIN REACTION, a prequel to HAUNTING JOY. You can learn more about Lena and her books on her website.

Interested? You can purchase Aire at any of the following places:

• Amazon US | Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble
• Google Play 
• iBooks
• Kobo 

Don't forget!! Lena's got some sweet treats for a couple of readers! One winner (U.S. & Canada only) will receive a paperback copy of one of Lena's books (winner's choice) plus some candy, and the other winner (can be international) will receive an e-book copy of Lena's latest release, Take a Picture. Both winners will be announced on Saturday, March 15th. You can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review:} The Language of Souls by Lena Goldfinch

My Review:
A fantastic release from Goldfinch!

I was immediately intrigued by this novella the moment I read the back cover copy. It only took three pages for me to be sucked into Goldfinch's bright, intricate, fantasy world. I was surprised and impressed at the depth Goldfinch was able to offer, given the limited length. There was just enough description to make things real without overdoing it.

Solena and Rundan are great characters, but I felt the romance between them was unrealistically fast. I understand the circumstances surrounding it but it still felt a tad rushed.  Just my opinion. As far as their personalities and culture go, they seemed realistic given the world they live in. I wish the story could have been longer so Goldfinch could have gone into more detail about their religion. Goodness, I wish the story could have been longer, period.

If you are looking for a sweet, quick, feel-good read you'll find it in The Language of the Souls. I recommend this novella to young adult readers. For things to know, you ought to be aware that Solena and Rundan sleep beside each other for body heat but nothing happens.

I received an ebook copy of this novella from Amber Stokes in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover:
A fast-paced tale of adventure, impossible choices, and a soul-stirring romance that will leave you breathless.

Solena trespasses into hostile territory to search for a rare herb to cure the grandfather she loves. When a young enemy soldier captures her and she's accused of being a spy, she discovers just how much she’s risked.

As a soldier, Rundan struggles to please his father, a ruthless army commander. When his father orders him to take the beautiful trespasser to the royal courts, where she’ll surely be tried and executed, Rundan is plagued by an inconvenient desire to protect her.

The handsome young soldier confuses Solena. First, he cruelly captures her, and then treats her with uncommon kindness. When he risks his life to save hers, she fears she may have risked more than her life on her journey…she may have lost her heart.

Learn more on Goodreads and the author's website.

About the Author:

LENA GOLDFINCH writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She's a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it's a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing something light and contemporary. Her latest release is TAKE A PICTURE, a lighthearted contemporary romance for teens and new adults, which includes a bonus short story, CHAIN REACTION, a prequel to HAUNTING JOY. You can learn more about Lena and her books on her website.

Interested? You can purchase The Language of Souls at any of the following places:

• Amazon US | Amazon UK
• Barnes & Noble
• Google Play 
• iBooks
• Kobo 

One last thing! Lena's got some sweet treats for a couple of readers! One winner (U.S. & Canada only) will receive a paperback copy of one of Lena's books (winner's choice) plus some candy, and the other winner (can be international) will receive an e-book copy of Lena's latest release, Take a Picture. Both winners will be announced on Saturday, March 15th. You can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Book Review:} Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

My Review:
An easygoing and relaxing read from Oke and Logan!

Set in Western Canada in the early-ish 1900s, Beth Thatcher steps out in faith to follow God's call. This setting is a change for me as a reader. I can't recall the last book I read set in Canada. Not that this is a bad thing, it's actually quite the opposite! The backwoods, small-town culture reminded me a lot of our own country in some ways.

Beth possessed a great deal of determination. She truly felt called to teach so she did. Not everyone has the courage or faith it takes to take that first step. That being said, Beth's personality was almost borderline similar to so many other historical novels set in the same general era. This didn't put me off completely due to a few differences that made her stand out. The first would be that this novel is probably set in the 1920s. We are never out right told so this is an assumption, but it's a fairly good one, I think. Most novels with that single, out-going, stubborn, nonconforming woman are set almost twenty years prior, thus Beth's ambition would be better received. Another thing that singled her out was her faith. She stepped out and followed God's lead and stayed there. I can't tell you how many heroines I've read about that sway or do their own thing completely. Beth never did.

This is definitely a personal opinion, but I found the pace of this novel very slow. Almost crawling at times. Again, this is my opinion probably because I enjoy mysteries and a quicker pace. Something that confused me was the Edward or Jack love triangle. Without spoiling anything, I'll say I rooted for Edward. I can't really delve into why, but I wish the author(s) would have made the romance more clear. All in all, however, it was a good afternoon read. I recommend to all of Oke's past and present fans.

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

Back Cover:
Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected...

Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way. 

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once. 

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

The Dream Dress by Janice Thompson {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Another quirky, fun-loving, release from Thompson!

Whenever I need a pick-me-up I run straight to Thompson's books. In moments I'll be laughing my head off while cheering on whoever I'm reading about. In The Dream Dress we get to know Gabi, someone we met in The Icing on the Cake. I love all the many angles of the wedding business and, though my favorite is probably photography, I did like getting into Gabi's head and watching her create. Create is such a lovely word, isn't it? Moving on...

My heart broke for Gabi over and over again. The poor girl didn't get any breaks! However, the reoccurring reference to Cinderella might have made me smile once or twice- only because I saw the truth of it. I felt like Gabi's story is a perfect example of overcoming one's past, letting old wounds heal, and leaning on the Lord for strength. This is what makes The Dream Dress my new favorite but stick around because it will probably change again. Haha!

As far as male leads go, Jordan was great. He always showed up when Gabi needed a boost and when she needed a little nudging toward God. Something else I really liked about he and Gabi's relationship was how it began with friendship, stepped toward innocent flirting, and then danced to a deeper relationship. ;-)

This brings me to the close. I'm always happy and excited to read one of Thompson's books and this one was no disappointment. I hope we get to visit Galveston again soon!! I recommend this book to romantic comedy lovers out there. Aside from a few winks to the wedding night and some kissing, Thompson keeps the book clean.

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

Back Cover:
A seamstress at a swanky bridal boutique, Gabi Delgado dreams of doing more than ripping out seams and fitting dresses to doe-eyed brides. She wants to see her own dress designs gracing the young women of Texas. When Jordan Spencer, the editor of Texas Bride magazine visits the shop to do a feature, Gabi is devastated to lose her job in his very influential presence. Convinced she'll never get her dreams off the ground now, Gabi needs lots of encouragement--especially from her friend Bella Neeley--to take a chance and start her business. And as she gets to know Jordan, she discovers that she may have to take a chance on love as well. Could it be that she'll have to design her own wedding dress soon?

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A lovely, wonderful story from Hauck!!

It should go without saying that I LOVED Once Upon a Prince. I have had to endure staring at Princess Ever After on my review stack for some time now, and I was so glad to slip into its pages. Once again I was completely wowed by Hauck on all the minor details used to make up the bigger picture. I can't imagine all the research she did on royals and such, but it made everything almost tangible.

Oh, Reggie is an amazing lead. She's down-to-earth, funny, and incredibly relatable. More than once I giggled and snorted at her remarks or inner thoughts. That being said, I wish the story was longer! I loved her faith, albeit shaky at times, and watching her find her place in the world was such a delight. In some ways, Reggie's story reminded me of The Princess Diaries movies. If I had to choose between the two, there's no competition. I prefer Princess Ever After hands down.

Tanner was an interesting lead. I liked that he wasn't portrayed as some perfect hero, but instead as a man with several blemishes in his past, and when his mistakes resurfaced, he didn't shirk from his responsibilities. I liked it when Reggie called him out on his tendency to beat himself up. If she hadn't, someone else would have!

This was such a lovely story to start out my week with. Romantics, fairy-tale lovers, and royalty admirers combined will enjoy this one and it's predecessor. I recommend this book to readers fifteen and older. :-)

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

Back Cover:
Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop. But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves. However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance,  Princess Ever After, with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
• Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren {Tyndale Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Another sweet, endearing story from Warren!

In this Christansen family novel, we watch Eden grow and figure out where God wants her to be. I really liked the little bit of Eden we saw in Take a Chance on Me, and I was so excited to read her story. I don't know what I expected, but I wasn't let down in the least. I can't say it quite topped Darek and Ivy's and Jensen and Claire's story though.

Eden is a cheerleader. Not literally, of course. She's the mother hen who doesn't want to see her chick, or her little brother, fail or get hurt. I admired this aspect of her character. It's a big sister trait, I think. But just like any older sibling, they all must learn to let their little sibling stand on their own two feet. It is no easy lesson.

At first I really disliked Jace, but then he grew on me, and it was too hard not to like him. Except when he had a momentary lapse of judgement and I wanted to slap him... Ahem. Anyway, I loved watching him come into his own, watching him mature. All main characters grow in a book whether or not it is obvious. In the same way, I feel like Jace was a classic case of someone misunderstood, thanks to the media. To me, it's simply the truth that you can't judge someone by their cover.

All in all, I totally enjoyed reading about Eden and Jace. I can't wait to see which Christansen is up next! I recommend this book to fans new and old of Warren's work ages sixteen and up. This book is geared more for women than teenage girls so keep that in mind. :-)

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

Back Cover:
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits--and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior--on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

About the Author:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

You can read a Q&A with the author HERE!

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
An interesting fictional story/take on the "minor characters" around when Jesus was crucified.

I'm really particular with the Biblical fiction I read, however, given that the story revolves around characters we are told very little about in scripture I decided to give it a shot. I was impressed with The Thief. It isn't a favorite, but I appreciated the story weaving Landsem executed. The whole story is definitely an intriguing one.

When I think about it, I believe I liked Longinus better than Nissa. His character, in my opinion, was just more likable. That being said, Nissa's character is one I'm sure more people could relate to. I couldn't, so maybe that's why I liked Longinus better. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the two of them on their separate paths come together.

I thought there was something a little off about the ending, but I can't put my finger on it. It was probably a bit rushed. In the big picture though, this isn't too big a deal and it is likely just me. I loved the way Landsem incorporated the last months of Jesus's life in the story. I won't elaborate too much on this, because I'd hate to give it all away. You'll have to read it for yourself. ;-)

The book itself is fairly clean with a couple of gruesome details given and mention of brothels. However, said details are very true to the time period. For this reason I'd recommend this book to readers fifteen and older and especially to those who regularly enjoy Biblical fiction.

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

Back Cover:
A Roman centurion longing for peace and a Jewish woman hiding a deadly secret witness a miracle that transforms their lives and leads them to the foot of the cross.

Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure. Desperate to escape the accursed Judean province, he accepts a wager. If he can catch the thieves harassing the marketplace before Passover, he'll earn a transfer away from the troublemaking Jews.

Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Only with the help of Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, can she keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and a roof over their heads.

When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Longinus longs to learn more about the mysterious healer. Instead, his journey leads him to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.

Unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, they wonder who this teacher is who heals others but does nothing to save himself. Is the mercy he offers in his teachings real, or just another false promise? Can Nissa and
Longinus overcome their pasts to find a future free of their shackles?

The Thief is an evocative story of two people trapped in their circumstances and the life-changing power of forgiveness and love.

Interested in reading? You can purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/tB6wJ

Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.

Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book: Filled with memorable characters, The Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in history? The story of The Thief. I couldn't stop reading.

Stephanie is hosting a Kindle Fire HDX and book giveaway at her website. CLICK THE BUTTON to find out more and enter to win.

Find out what readers are saying HERE. (Click the REVIEWS bar.) Visit the book's landing page HERE.

{Book Review:} Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover

My Review:
An edgy release from Grover!

Wow. I'm still reeling from reading the final pages. This is not a book for the young and light of heart. Written in first person present tense (as so many are these days...), we get an intimate look into the life of Tiadone, a biological young woman, who has from birth, been declared a young man in order to preserve her life. This is what drew me to the story after skimming the back cover copy. Pure intrigue.

The mastery of this story world is incredible. It felt almost tangible. However, there were a couple minor details left unexplained that I didn't work out until halfway through. I found it a minor drawback, albeit a distracting one. Other than that, I felt immersed in the story. I'm duly impressed.

Tiadone is a highly unusual character. As I mentioned earlier, she has been told for most of her life that she is a male, not female and that the amulet around her waist will suppress all feminine traits in her. Her gradual transformation over the course of the story is near perfection. Most YA books these days seem to be written in first person present tense, thus it's common. But Firstborn is a classic case where this perspective is needed. It's fits the story better than first person past tense would. We're thrown in the moment, and Grover wrote it exceedingly well.

I can't spend too much time on Ratho in this review, but I will say my affection for this particular hero goes back and forth. Once or twice, I felt like he acted out of character, but this is just my opinion. Firstborn pulls you in and wraps it's talons around your imagination, pun intended. I was loathe to ever put it down. I hope there is a sequel in the works, because I want to read more! It is worth mentioning that Grover offers a raw story holding little back, for this reason I recommend this book to girls fifteen and older.

Things to note for my younger readers... There are some gruesome violent scenes, and given we're in Tiadone's head we are given intimate details about her body, thus my recommendation to girls. 

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

Back Cover:
Where does a firstborn girl fit in a world dominated by men? When Tiadone was born, her parents had two choices: leave their daughter outside the community to die in the wilds, or raise her as male and force her to suppress all feminine traits. Now, as the first female living as male in her village, Tiadone must prove her father didn't make a mistake by letting her live. As her male initiation approaches, Tiadone knows every eye on the community is on her, and desperately wishes to belong and finally be accepted.---But at every step, traditional feminine gifts and traits emerge, and the bird she's been twined with is seen as a sign of the devil. Worse, as Tiadone completes her rites, she finds she is drawn to her male best friend in ways that are very much in line with the female gender. Confused and desperate, Tiadone tries to become what she must be while dealing with what she indeed has become: a young woman who may be able to stand up to her despotic rulers and uncover her real purpose in life.

Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A heartbreaking fictional account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah's life up to Benjamin's birth.

First off, I must say that I admire Smith's work. She presents three points of view in Rachel: Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. She did an amazing job. There is no easy way I could verbalize what I expected going into Rachel, but I am very pleased with the outcome. Smith personifies each widely recognized figure in a way we can relate to them. My heart broke so many times for both Rachel and Leah. I think it's safe to say Smith avoided bias.

We are not told much about daily affairs within Jacob's household, but I believe it is a safe assumption that the first few years things were tense and rough. Not only for the women but for poor Jacob as well. We'll never know the kind of people they were until we get to heaven, but I would like to think that Smith got a lot of things right. With every new release, she continues to impress me and I am torn as to whether Rebekah or Rachel is my favorite.

To conclude, I am a very picky reader when it comes to Biblical fiction and I am pleased to say that Smith meets all, if not most, of my high standards. I highly recommend this series in particular to fellow Biblical fiction fans out there. (I cannot speak about the Wives of King David series as I have not read them yet.) Smith does not shy away from topics spoken about in the Bible, but she does treat the more questionable content with delicate care. Jacob has four wives. We are told about him "going into their tent", but we are not given much detail, save for Leah and Rachel's wedding night where we are briefly told about the taking off of Rachel's robe and Jacob's ritual belt. Murder is mentioned and a in a city near Jacob's camp there is a festival of virgins.

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

Back Cover:
Beautiful Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Maybe then she would not feel so scrutinized, so managed, so judged. Plain Leah wishes her father Laban would find a good man for her, someone who would love her alone and make her his only bride. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery and the victim of a cruel bait and switch. The man who wanted only one woman will end up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Enter the Sweet Beginnings Sweepstakes!!

Hey, everyone! There is a pretty sweet giveaway going on for Ann Shorey's new release, Love's Sweet Beginning. To celebrate the novel, author Ann Shorey and Revell Publishers are pleased to present the SWEET BEGINNINGS Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

 Here are the prizes!

GRAND PRIZE:

Baker's Bounty Pie-of-the-Month Club

When Cassie Haddon finds work in West & Riley's Restaurant, one of her first tasks is baking pies for a crew of rough workmen. She's never worked a day in her life, and has no kitchen skills, but really, how hard can it be to bake a pie? In honor of Cassie's baking trials (and eventual triumphs) our Grand Prize winner will receive a 6-month Pie of the Month Club Membership to the Grand Traverse Pie Company

SECOND PRIZE:

Timeless Treasures Prize Pack

Cassie doesn't have many luxuries, as she struggles to reinvent herself and make a life in Noble Springs, but a few small treasures brighten her cottage and lift her spirits. Our Second Prize winner will receive a prize pack filled with some of Cassie's favorite things: a delicate, rose-colored lace shawl, a pewter pen and ink set, and a bath set filled with lavender and lilac soaps and lotion

THIRD PRIZE:

Sisters at Heart Prize Pack

The women in Ann's Noble Springs series (Faith, Rosemary, and Cassie) are strong, resourceful, creative, and always looking for ways to give to others. To celebrate their giving hearts, our Third Prize winner will receive a complete, signed set of the Sisters at Heart series, to give to a friend, family member, or sister of the heart

The sweepstakes began Feb. 4th and will run until Feb. 20th. Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Friday, February 21, 2014, and announced at AnnShorey.com. Are you excited?? You can enter here!

Here's the book blurb for Love's Sweet Beginning:

It isn't Cassie Haddon’s fault she's managed to reach the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the war, she always had servants to wait on her. After the war, she and her widowed mother moved from place to place, relying on family to care for them. Now she’s forced to find work to support them both. What isn’t in her plans is falling for Jacob West, a local restauranteur and grocer. She needs a job and he needs help. But can either of them see their need for love? Don't miss this tale of two people, from very different backgrounds, finding common ground and the hopes of a bright future together.

If you'd like you can read an excerpt here.

Thank you, Amanda, for bringing me on board! 

Shadows of the Past by Patricia Bradley {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review: (Warning! Minor spoilers below...read at own risk...)
Bradley debuts with a wonderful mystery!

I was immediately intrigued when I read the back cover copy for Shadows of the Past. I'm always eager for a new mystery to read late into the night and Shadows delivers just that. Bradley writes very well, bringing Scott, Taylor, and Nick off the page and to life. Every time you thought things couldn't unravel further, the stakes were raised again.

My favorite character, I think, was Scott and my second favorite, Livy. I really sympathized with Scott, and I wanted to see him recover. It disappointed me that there was no real, concrete resolution to his story; perhaps we'll be told or shown more in the next book. I also hope that we'll see more of Livy in the next book.

Taylor and Nick were well-crafted leads, but I had a hard time relating to Taylor. One aspect of Taylor I did like, was how realistic her emotions/struggles were. As Nick is a writer, I could relate to him more. I liked his loyalty and dependability. For me as a reader, I did not like how quickly a tense friendship turned into an almost-relationship.

To conclude, Bradley did a great job. However, I was able to pin the bad guy early on. I like to be surprised and proven wrong, so this did let me down a bit but this won't stop me from reading the next books in the series. As far as content goes, there is talk of crimes (rape, murder, etc.) and a couple kisses but nothing more. I look forward to what Bradley releases next!

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

Back Cover:
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

{Book Review:} The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

My Review:

Not the best novel from Klassen, though it's still a good read.

 

I always look forward to Miss Klassen's new book every year, though I must admit, this one let me down a little. The plot reminded me faintly of Footloose with a regency twist, but in reality there isn't much in common between the two beyond the lack-or unspoken outlaw-of dancing in Beaworthy, Devon. It was certainly a unique twist for a regency novel, although the reasons behind it felt lacking when revealed. The one aspect of Beaworthy I really liked was the depth to all the residents we meet. I adored Miss Tickle and Mr. and Mrs. Desmond. As for other supporting characters, the Allens and Mr. Barlow were also favorites of mine. I do wish we could have seen more of Aurora, her character intrigues me, nonetheless I understand why we didn't. 

All this brings me to the leading hero and heroine, Alec and Julia. I liked the focus on Alec's perspective a lotl probably because I didn't enjoy Julia's personality until closer to the end. Alec himself is not the usual hero you find when you dig into the pages of a regency novel, though he is far from perfect. Julia, on the other hand, got under my skin in a bad way. I pitied her situation, but it took most of the book for me to grow to like her. Most of the time she acted so recklessly that I wanted to ground her into the next century, but somehow Miss Klassen redeemed her and made her likable.

Overall, The Dancing Master ranks low for me, when compared to Miss Klassen's other books. However, I still believe that fans of Regency stories such as Jane Eyre and Pride & Prejudice will enjoy Miss Klassen's latest. There is talk of men and women sleeping together out of wedlock and in one instance, it results with a child. Nothing goes into detail. Though The Dancing Master didn't quite come up to par, I still enjoyed spending time in Beaworthy. 

I received this book from Bethany House in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. 

Back Cover:

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

{Book Review:} Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson

My Review:
A charming debut from Jackson!

Worth the Wait is an emotional story about a young woman, named Ellie, struggling to find herself after her world is turned upside down. Ellie's long-time boyfriend has cheated on her, her mother has cancer, and it's all she can do to keep her head above the water. I admit, I'm tough to please when it comes to the YA genre, but Jackson did a fair job presenting a real issue in our society.

Ellie Lansing is a frustrating character. She made several decisions I felt were completely stupid, however, Jackson made her far too likable to give up hope. Since I'm a former homeschooler, I may never understand private or public schools, nonetheless I appreciated that Jackson portrayed Grace Preparatory Academy (a Christian private school) with less than perfect students. Simply because you attend a Christian school doesn't mean you are one or that you act like one.

As far as the heroes go, in this story I thought Dylan was a real slime ball. Josh, on the other hand, was an excellent example of what young women should look for in a husband: a deep love for Christ. I suppose I could understand Ellie's struggle in her heart on a small level, but no deeper than that.

The core message of the novel is about abstinence, but something I think Ellie failed to understand, at least until the latter part of the book, is that following God's laws simply because you've been taught to is not the right motive. You should follow God's laws because you want to. There's a lot more about this that I could say, based on some recent personal studies of mine, but I'll save that for another time. I truly liked that Jackson brought up this issue in such a realistic manner. She executes it well. All in all, I enjoyed Worth the Wait and I recommend it to teen girls for its great theme.

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

Back Cover:
Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn’t get it. She always does the right thing—doesn’t God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.

Interested in reading? Worth the Wait releases Feb. 4th, you can pre-order here at Amazon.