A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Fans new and old will LOVE this new release from Thompson!

In A Bouquet of Love, our main character's, "obsession" is Judy Garland. Cassia is constantly humming a Judy Garland song or remembering a scene from a Judy Garland movie. This, of course, brought up fond memories of her movie with Fred Astaire, Easter Parade. What I particularly loved about this novel by Thompson was the fresh, outside look at the Rossi clan.

Cassia and her, fun, crazy Greek family heavily remind me of a certain Italian family I have come to love. Their quirks and traditions of course, vary from the Rossis; nevertheless, their core values are the same. In many ways I hope this is not the last book in the Weddings by Design series. I would love the chance to get to know Cassia's family better as well as spend more time with the other beloved characters we've come to know (Scarlet, Hannah, Drew, Gabi, etc.).

All in all, if you're looking for a comedy to brighten your day and a underlying message to encourage you, then this book is for you. If you haven't already done so, I highly recommend you look into Ms. Thompson's other books and series. Thompson's books repeatedly bring a smile to my face. Now I begin the wait for her next book... I recommend to readers fifteen and older. This is a "romance" novel, though in my opinion, romance is not the focus. I would like to publicly offer my sincerest apologies to Revell and Ms. Thompson for the late review. I'm coming off a long trip and I got the tour dates mixed up.

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

Back Cover:
Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her huge Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant location on the Strand– directly across the street from the Rossis’ popular pizza place–and they want Cassia’s full participation.

To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into Bella’s good graces!

Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
Fan favorite Janice Thompson gives readers one more romp with Bella, Galveston, and the bustling wedding biz in the final installment of her popular series. Anyone who loves quirky families, loads of laughter, and tender romance will find themselves hooked.

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Venture to the 1940s with Sundin's masterpiece!

I love, love, love Ms. Sundin's WWII novels. She stays true to history, making you feel like you've traveled through time. Her characters are so well rounded. They each have aspirations, fears, and their own journey to go on. It's been fun and interesting to watch the nurses grow together and view things from their different perspectives in the different books. It's crazy to think some of the early events in In Perfect Time {3} coincide with events late in On Distant Shores {2}. For certain, if a new reader picked up this novel, they hopefully wouldn't be confused. Sundin does a great job of explaining what's going on with the other nurses. You can definitely read these as stand-alone or out-of-order.

Let's talk about Kay for just a minute. Wow. I did NOT like her back in With Every Letter {1}. She has come such a long way and transformed mightily. I never thought she'd become close friends with Mellie and Georgie. Yet Kay made proactive changes in her life and by the end of In Perfect Time, the threesome are inseparable. I also loved getting Kay's backstory. It really explained a lot about how she acted and so forth.

Overall, you can't miss this book! I loved the emphasis on God's timing and the overall happiness that can be found inside the pages. If you're a World War 2 history nut, you'll really enjoy this series but I'll bet you'll love the characters even more. I can highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy both romance and a historical setting. I recommend to ages sixteen and up. :-)

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

Back Cover:
Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don't want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren {Litfuse Blog Tour!}

My Review:
An endearing, sweet release from Warren!

I have loved every second spent with the Christiansen family, and let me say, When I Fall in Love is really close to topping Take a Chance on Me. Honestly, Grace and Max were amazing and their story reminded me how much I love Ms. Warren's books! Not to mention most of their story unfolds on the beaches of Hawaii? And who doesn't love that idea? I admit, though, I'd react to the long plane ride much like Grace does...

But moving on, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and personality inside Max, Grace, Casper, and even Raina. Out of the characters I've named, I think Max is my favorite. His struggles and his fears came across the page and struck me. I sympathized for him more than the other characters. In a similar way, I felt like I related to Grace more. While we do not share many of the same traits, there are a few that we have in common, and it's enough to endear me to her.

I love how as Ms. Warren tells one story, she begins another. It makes the story world feel almost 3-D. While something is happening with Raina and Casper, we know that Max and Grace are having fun doing something in Hawaii. It adds a realistic touch to the whole novel and it doesn't give only two characters the spotlight.

All this said, I easily recommend this novel to fans of Ms. Warren's other work and fans of the age fifteen or older. If you're looking for a relaxing, sweet book to read during the afternoon, When I Fall in Love is an excellent choice.

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

Back Cover:
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.
Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family Collection, When I Fall In Love,  has won over readers' and critics' hearts alike. With critical reviews like, ". . . an exquisite romance. Profoundly touching on the topic of facing fears, this book is a true gem," and more than 60 five-star reviews at Amazon, When I Fall in Love is sure to please.

Susan has teamed up with some amazing food bloggers for a fun food challenge and a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway!

  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A KitchenAid Mixer
• The first three books in the Christiansen Family Collection.
• Melissa Ringstaff’s Kitchen Planner
• Jackie Brown's Freezer Inventory sheet

Grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall in Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown! Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book. You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall in Love site! Or if you're not up for an adventure in the kitchen just click one of the icons below for easy entry.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Susan's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar {CFBA Blog Tour!}

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In The Field of Grace River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014) by Tessa Afshar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor.  Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

My Review: 
Oh, my! Another amazing release from Tessa Afshar!!

I have loved every book I've read by Ms. Afshar, and this one is no exception! To make things even better, she writes about Ruth and Boaz in In the Field of Grace! The story of Ruth is a long time favorite of mine. I was so thrilled to discover that's who I'd be reading about. I love how Ms. Afshar tries to stay true to the Bible while also threading in fiction where there are gaps or "loose ends" in the story. She did this in a truly amazing way.

I loved how she characterized Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. She fleshed them out, gave them dreams, gave them fears... In essence, she breathed life into them. One day when I'm in Heaven I'm going to ask Ruth to tell me her story. (As well as ask many other people, but I digress...) It wouldn't surprise me if Ruth reveals many of the same emotions that Ms. Afshar portrays in the story. It's beautifully done. This is another book that will have a permanent place on my shelf to be re-read, and lent to people who I think need the story brought to life. I'm very picky with what Biblical fiction I read, but I'm proud to say Tessa Afshar's works have made the cut. ;-) I recommend this novel to fans of Biblical fiction anywhere from adults to the teenagers of fifteen.

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

{Book Review:} Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

My Review:
Another fantastic Drew Farthering mystery by Ms. Deering!

While I am far too busy to have a lazy afternoon to spend reading, during my available my spare time you had to fight me to get this book out of my hands. The depth of the mystery and the pacing of the overall story were about on par. Not to mention the many twists and curves to keep you guessing along the way! I went into the novel eager for a fresh mystery, and Ms. Deering came through.

Something I look for particularly in mystery novels is a shocking reveal. Let me say, I have never read a book where the culprit was... Oh, wait. I can't tell you. ;-) Read the book for yourself!! I was pleasantly shocked I had not figured it out. But, moving past the whodunit excitement, I loved a couple of the new characters we met, particularly Peter. I'm a sucker for adorable, fictional kids. Maybe it's because they represent their real-life counterparts well.

Well, to wrap up this review, I must say I've become so attached to Drew, Nick, and Madeline over the course of these books, that I dearly hope this is not the end of their adventures! It's safe to say that if you have read and enjoyed the previous books, Murder at the Mikado, will definitely suit your fancy. Whether you're a fan of the 1930s, or the mystery genre, or both, you should enjoy this new release. I recommend to readers at least fifteen or older for readability.

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

Back Cover:
Just as Drew Farthering thinks his life has found smooth waters, Fleur Landis, an old flame, reappears in his life. She's married now, no longer an actress, and he expects she'll soon disappear--until she comes to him in dire need. The lead actor in her old troupe's production of The Mikado has been murdered, and Fleur is the police's number one suspect.

Drew would love nothing more than to just focus on his fiance, Madeline, and their upcoming wedding, but he can't leave Fleur in the lurch--even if she did break his heart once. As Drew, Nick, and Madeline dive into the murder, they discover more going on behind the scenes of the theater troupe than could ever have been imagined. Nearly everyone had a motive, and alibis are few and far between. It's Drew's most complicated case yet.

Death Takes a Ride by Lorena McCourtney {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
Another great addition to the Cate Kinkaid Files!!

After loving the previous books spent with Cate, Mitch, and Octavia, I couldn't help myself when the opportunity arose to review Death Takes a Ride. Once again, Ms. McCourtney exceeds expectations as she rises above the common cliches associated with murder-mysteries. Nothing comes easily to Cate. Some might shrug at this, but this truly is what makes this series, particularly Cate, stand out over the ones where the main character always has that convenient friend.

Cate grows a little bit more in each book and I'm always excited to spend some time with the tomato-red head. Her quirks and her cat, Octavia really grow on you. Cate comes through so clearly that, though the book is written in third person, there were times I had to remind myself it wasn't first person! I really hope this isn't the last we see of Cate and Mitch (especially after that ending!!), because I would love to read another book.

When I sit down to read a mystery, my biggest concern is whether or not I'll be surprised with the ending. This time, I was not surprised but that didn't detract at all from the experience for me. Instead, I felt more of a "I knew it!" avalanche of excitement rather than a "Drat. I was right." disappointment. As I stated earlier in the review, I hope there's another book!!

I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a more relaxed mystery novel over the common suspense/thriller. Things to know: a character is killed by being impaled in the head. I think readers should be at least fifteen or sixteen before diving into this novel.

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

Back Cover:
Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Classic Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there--this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense. Owner Matt Halliday wants to hire her, but not for this case. Instead, Cate is charged with finding a man who owns a particular motorcycle Matt would like to buy. As her search progresses, she begins to suspect that the shooting in Matt's office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Happy Saturday!! {Winner!}

Hey all! Summer is in full swing and I can't believe Fall is already on the horizon. Unfortunately, college has kept this girl pretty busy and that won't change until my Graduation next spring. Bear with me, friends. Starting in October, I simply will not have time anymore to read and review books. This saddens me a great deal as I will miss the blog, the books, and most importantly, the people, a whole lot. The positive side to this is that I know when I'll be back. If all goes well, I shall be back from my seven-month hiatus May 2015. Thankfully, October is still two an a half months away! ;-D

Now that we're past that little update let's uncover who won my INSPY giveaway!

*drumroll*

Jillian H.!

I have already been in contact with Jillian and will be mailing her book to her within a week or so. Thanks to all who entered and promoted the giveaway! Have a blessed weekend!

{Book Review:} Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

My Review:
A cute, funny, new release from Witemeyer!

I can't say that Full Steam Ahead is a new favorite, BUT I extremely enjoyed Nicole and Darius. Their chemistry drew me deeper into the story, and I loved their banter. Together, they were great. I liked watching Darius come out of his shell, and Nicole learning to let others into her heart. The story and the plot itself is well developed, but I struggled with accepting it. For me, I wasn't convinced how realistic it was, but it is fiction so I will give the author that. In all other areas, the research was evident.

Darius struggles with something I believe many new Christians can relate to, such as forgiving yourself for whatever mistakes you've made in your past. I LOVED how Witemeyer handled this. I'd say more, but you need to read it for yourself. All in all, Darius felt very real, given his past and circumstances.

Nicole too, seemed to come alive off the page. She's determined, intelligent, and compassionate all in one. Her greatest fault is her determination to keep her loved ones safe. This normally wouldn't be a bad thing, but Nicole does make some mistakes, like anyone. Ultimately, she wasn't my favorite character but I really loved reading about her time spent with Darius.

This is the kind of book historical fiction lovers will appreciate and adore. I easily recommend it to fans of the genre and fans of Mrs. Witemeyer. I recommend readers be fifteen or older for readability and some scenes.

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

Back Cover:
Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.

Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans.

After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world.

Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?

Mini-Reviews {INSPYs}

Hey, everyone!

As you probably noticed, this past weekend the winners of the INSPY awards were announced! I was very blessed to be a part of the General Fiction judging panel this year and I'm already looking forward to next year! ;-D Anyway, now that the winners have been announced I thought I would write up some quick mini-reviews of the five nominated books, including the winner. Stick around, there's a surprise at the bottom!

I'm going to start off with the other books and save the winner for last. Sound good? Great, here we go.

Iscariot by Tosca Lee

Personally, I LOVED Iscariot! It shows that Ms. Lee did her research on Jewish customs and traditions. She doesn't give us too much information and keeps the balance right. Having done some study on Jewish feasts, this book was fascinating for me. However, I recommend this book with caution. I suggest readers to be sixteen-seventeen or older due to some minor content in the novel.

Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green

Widow of Gettysburg was probably my favorite novel out of the five. I connected with Liberty off the bat. I also really enjoyed the historical setting/fresh look at the war and those impacted. I studied the Civil War in depth for school last year and it was nice to see such accuracy and care taken. I highly recommend this novel to historical fiction lovers out there. 

To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel

I struggled with To Know You. While the theme and underlying message were great, I didn't connect with the characters easily. This book is written for an age group above me, and this contributed to my struggle. It also took me time to adjust to the head-jumping/many points of view. Nonetheless, I believe that women anywhere from their early-to-mid-twenties and up will enjoy this book and get a lot out of it. 

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

Unfortunately, I have not read the first in this series. If I had, reading this book might have been easier on me. Cantrell's characters are well formed and the story is well developed but overall, the book fell short due to some confusion at the start. That being said, I plan on going back and reading the first book to hopefully get a better grasp on Millie and her past. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly the late 1930s and early 1940s. 

Last, but not least, the INSPY winner! 

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

Wings of Glass is written as the main character telling a story. Ms. Holmes truly made Penny and her friends come alive off the page. It probably wasn't easy penning a story about spousal abuse. For me, this book was hard to read at times, due to some of Penny's idiotic decisions. However, I'm sure that any woman under Penny's circumstances might have done the same thing. I do not recommend this book lightly, the topic is a hard one to swallow at times but if you're up for it then by all means read it! 

To celebrate Wings of Glass receiving the INSPY award, I'm giving away a copy of the book! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I received all the books for the INSPYs from their publishers, thanks!

{Book Review:} Purple Moon by Tessa Hall

My Review:
Wow!!

I intentionally went into Purple Moon blind. I mean, I'd read the synopsis a couple weeks ago, but when I actually sat down to read it I went in with no pre-conceived notions. Purple Moon is amazing, people! Ms. Hall's writing style is easy to follow and holds your attention. Selena comes right off the page with a strong voice and just like any teenage girl, she has her quirks. There were times I had to remind myself Selena is fictional, Ms. Hall does that great a job. :-)

The story and the characters overall really impressed me. Written in first person, I feel like we're given an accurate point of view of a non-believer. Selena's interactions with Austin really made me rethink how I interact with my non-believer friends. Far too often we as Christians come off judgmental or holier-than-thou and that is not how Jesus told us to treat others. I'm not saying Austin did sound this way, but he could have expressed himself better. After all, if Austin was perfect, would I like him half as much as I do now? Nope. Austin was the right friend for Selena at the right time. Jumping back on track, Selena's journey, her struggles, and her baggage were written so well. So realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and could hardly put it down.

There you have it, folks. If you're looking for a thoughtful, realistic look at Christianity through a non-Christian's eyes you ought to look into Purple Moon. Or maybe, you just like YA (Young Adult) Christian fiction. If so, this is also the book for you as well.

Many thanks to the author, Tessa Hall, for providing me with a complimentary ebook copy of Purple Moon for free in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks again! My apologies for being a day late in getting this up. 

Back Cover:
Selena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid.

That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A thrilling sequel to a mysterious series!

We met Kate Adams in the first book, Deadly Devotion, and now her story continues in Blind Trust. I was really impressed by this sequel! It's been awhile since I've read a series where you stay with the primary characters from the first book. That being said, Orchard's series feels fresh.

If one thing about Kate has been made crystal clear it's this: you don't mess with her friends. As we saw in the book prior to Blind Trust, Kate's dear friend's death was ruled as suicide. Refusing this verdict, Kate set out to discover the truth. In Blind Trust, her kind neighbor, Verna, is accused of counterfeiting. We can all probably guess how Kate reacts to that. This loyalty to people close to her is really admirable, yet is odd when you consider she has problems trusting others. I love how well Orchard has developed Kate this far, and I'm curious to get to know her even better in Book 3.

Detective Parker, or Tom, strives to balance his developing relationship with Kate and his job. Despite his flaws and his imperfections, Tom is a dependable guy for the most part. I loved getting to know his character better in Blind Trust.

Orchard has written a series that leaves you wanting more. There's suspense, mystery, uncertainty, and a slight amount of romance weaved in. I am ever so eager for Book 3's release! June 2015 seems so far away. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy the suspense/mystery genre ages fifteen and up for readability.

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

Back Cover:
Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom? 

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard draws readers into a world of rogues, red herrings, and romance as she unfolds the continuing story of amateur sleuth Kate Adams.

{Book Review:} Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt

My Review:
Words cannot effectively describe this beautiful story!

It didn't take me long to be reeled in hook, line, and sinker into Somebody Like You. I am thoroughly impressed by Mrs. Vogt's talent, voice, and skill. I'm surprised I haven't picked up one of her books before now! Every aspect of the story felt so real that I had to remind myself it was fictional. You better believe I'm going to track down Mrs. Vogt's other books. ;-)

Haley is a woman who longs to be cared for- even if she doesn't realize it herself. For years and years she has striven to be as good as her brothers. Referred to as "Hal" by all her friends, even her late husband, she was simply "one of the guys." I loved her inner struggles, because they made her human and I understood her fears.

Stephen is a hurting man seeking something. Seeking what exactly, he isn't sure. I admired his compassion and servant's heart, and I appreciated the guilt he has been carrying around for going on a dozen years. In some ways, he was his twin's exact opposite. But, I'll save the details. All around, Stephen is a sigh-worthy lead and not because of his good looks.

To conclude, then, I really, really, really, enjoyed Somebody Like You. Like couldn't-put-it-down good. The plot drew me in and kept me intrigued while Mrs. Vogt's characters pulled at my heart-strings. I also loved how delicately Mrs. Vogt dealt with some issues present in our society. My opinion? You're going to have to read this book for yourself. I highly recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary romance ages sixteen and older for both readability and content.

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

Back Cover:
Can a young widow find love again with her husband’s reflection?

Haley’s three-year marriage to Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he’s killed in Afghanistan. Her attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military make an unimaginable mistake when they told her Sam was killed?

Too late to make things right with his estranged twin brother, Stephen discovers Sam never told Haley about him. As Haley and Stephen navigate their fragile relation­ship, they are inexorably drawn to each other. How can they honor the memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could drive them apart?

Somebody Like You is a beautifully rendered, affecting novel, reminding us that while we can’t change the past, we have the choice to change the future and start anew.

About the Author:
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’ Words.

{Book Review:} Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

My Review:
Oh my goodness!!

Meant to be Mine is definitely my new favorite by Becky!! I was hooked from the very first chapter. Putting the book down was torture! I wanted to dive right into the pages of the book and shake some sense into Celia, then I wanted to play princesses with cute, adorable, Addie, and lastly I wanted to smack Ty. Seriously, could two people really be so stubborn? Nonetheless, I loved them both and I admired Ty trying to make things right with Celia.

(minor spoilers ahead!) If there was one thing that frustrated me the most it was probably the "we can kiss, but we're just friends" deal Celia and Ty struck up. Making out when no one was looking? Really? They're both so intelligent it drove me nuts thinking that they could make stupid decisions. Other than that, they acted within common sense. (end spoiler alert)

Celia, as Ty put it, is beautifully imperfect. She strives to take care of Addie to the best of her ability. She protects the little girl like a Momma Grizzly. I was glad to see Celia become gradually more independent and trustworthy of others. Whether she realizes it or not, she really changed from the Celia we first meet toward the beginning. It's a good change, though.

I'm not going to say too much about Ty. He made a lot of mistakes in his past and it was sad for me to think he was inflicting penance upon himself (i.e. no church, no women, etc.). He ran away from the thing he needed most: God. He probably changed for the better as much as Celia did. I'm glad they both found what they really needed.

To quickly sum up then, Meant to be Mine is a treasure, forever to stay on my bookshelf. I fell in love with the simple way Becky writes and, of course, her characters. (I desperately wish I could hug Addie!!) She takes simple Christianity concepts and makes her characters struggle. The battle isn't easy, but watching them overcome is encouraging. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary romance with a deeper theme/message and I also recommend to girls sixteen or older for readability and content.

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

Back Cover:
Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty feels exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be anybody's husband. As a professional bull rider, he lives on the road and can't bring himself to settle down.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the face of the one woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to make Celia's dreams come true, to win her trust, and to prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

{Book Review:} Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

My Review:
An endearing contemporary!

This is the first book I've read from Bylin and I have to say I'm impressed. Her style is smooth and it draws you deeper into the story. I loved the condors! I'd heard about the incredible, near-extinction birds from somewhere else, but Bylin's novel took my knowledge to another level. The condors slipped into the story so seamlessly that they didn't take up too much space, nor did I feel they were lacking attention.

Kate is a seemingly typical control-freak with a bruised heart. All her life she has lost people she deeply cares about due to circumstances beyond her control. She's a character I could easily sympathize with, but I couldn't relate to her problems. There were so many times I wanted to shake her silly! Nick too for that matter. Kate's transformation from an unbeliever to a believer in God is slow and realistic. She asks many questions common coming from an unbeliever. They're good questions. They're hard questions too. Yet Nick responds with grace and patience every time, being honest with Kate when he doesn't know all the answers.

In sum, Bylin's newest release from Bethany House isn't a personal favorite; however it's a delightful story about giving up control of your life to your Creator. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy contemporary novels set in small towns, and those looking for a novel with a deeper message. I recommend to readers ages fifteen and older.

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

Back Cover:
Contemporary Romance to Make You Laugh, Cry, and Fall in Love

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you." 

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals. 

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby...

{Book Review:} A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant

My Review:
Another faith-filled, dramatic romance from Bryant!
We return to Miller's Creek once again watching a new story unfold. I love fictional small towns, and Miller's Creek is no exception. The level of familiarity among residents sets off a warm, homey vibe. I particularly liked how much time we spent inside Miller's Creek Community Church. Instead of the story being one of a character coming to Christ, Bryant made it one of a Christian struggling with forgiveness.

Meet Dakota. Or is it Amy? No, wait, it's A.K. Aston...I think. Haha! Whoever this fiery red-head is, she's a wonderful character and she handles herself well, though sometimes she tends to run away when she's afraid. I loved the fact that she was a writer! I also loved watching her go under a subtle transformation as she spent more time with Chance. Chance is a decent lead/hero. I hated it when he let himself be blindsided by his judgement; however, I liked watching him move past his problems.

As a romance novel, I thought A Bridge Unbroken was great, but compared to other romantic suspense novels I have read, this one falls short. It lacked tension and I didn't feel "on edge" until towards the end. Overall, Bryant does a great job weaving romance and Christianity together without it feeling forced or sounding preachy. I recommend this novel to followers of the Miller's Creek series and those looking for a romance novel to read in an afternoon, fifteen years or older.

A big thank you to Mrs. Bryant for sending me a PDF review copy for free in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. 

Back Cover:
Letting go to build a bridge…
Dakota Kelly wants her painful past to disappear. A plan to start afresh is derailed when she co-inherits her late grandfather’s farm with Chance Johnson, the man responsible for the scars on her heart. But Chance isn’t the only ghost from the past. Someone else is out to get her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Will Chance and Dakota lay aside their grudges to restore the old farmhouse and bridge, or will evil forces sabotage their attempt at forgiveness?

{Book Review:} Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

First off, I am getting this review up terribly late. My sincerest apologies to Tyndale and Ms. Dotta!! 

My Review:

A lovely story reminiscent of the classics! 

Mark of Distinction is technically the second in a so-far marvelous series. I have not had the privilege of reading the first, but I will be remedying this. That being said, it did take extra effort to get into the story, but once I was sufficiently hooked there was little stopping me from turning the page. Dotta writes a marvelous story in a fresh, new perspective.

At times, my like for Julia, the main character, swung back and forth like a pendulum. I couldn't figure her out! There were times I wanted to comfort her and times I wanted to shake her. This is probably the trait that makes her a good character, no matter how frustrating. She definitely is indecisive and I didn't like some of the choices she made. 

Nonetheless, I have to gush about Isaac for a moment. Talk about the perfect gentleman! I think it's safe to say I much prefer Isaac as a suitor for Julia over Edward; although I haven't read the first book so maybe that will change my opinion. Isaac is pretty awesome though... Ahem, moving on. 

I am truly impressed and in awe with Ms. Dotta's fantastic piece of art. I cannot believe we must wait until next year for the conclusion!! It seems an eternity to wait after such a ending. Before I close out this review, I will say the story had a dark/depressing atmosphere for the whole novel, adding to the Gothic feel. I highly and easily recommend this novel to readers familiar with Bronte and Gothic fiction at least fifteen or older. 

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

Back Cover:

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

When Julia discovers that Lord Roy Pierson, her guardian and one of most influential men in England, is the father she has never met, she begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

And the Winner is...

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you're enjoying Spring as much as I am. :-) Well, today's the day! Are you ready to find out who won a copy of Silenced by Dani Pettrey? Thought so. Before I reveal the winner's name, I want to remind you all that there's still time to enter her Rugged Romance Giveaway!

All right, it's time for the big reveal. Drum roll, please! 

Lydia M.

Congrats, Lydia!! I've already sent an email to the email address you provided for Rafflecopter. You have until Monday evening to get back to me. If I haven't heard from you, I'll pick another winner Tuesday. 

Thank you all so much for participating!! Perhaps they'll be another giveaway soon. ;-D Have a great weekend!

Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris {Revell Blog Tour!}

My Review:
A thrilling, captivating mystery!

What a roller coaster ride! Once you start reading Fatal Exchange the pace picks up and never slows. I loved that. There's nothing quite like curling up on a rainy day with an awesome mystery book and Fatal Exchange fit the bill. I was completely enthralled into the story and was lost in its pages for a couple hours, hardly able to set the book down.

I did not read the previous book in this series, nonetheless, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I will say, after I tore through Fatal Exchange, I'll be going back to find Dangerous Passage for certain. Harris writes in a fluid style that leaves you turning pages.

I really, really, liked Emily and Mason. I felt I could relate to certain aspects of their character. They felt so real! I was so thankful for how accurately Emily's emotions were portrayed after everything she went through. I cringe when I read about characters who breeze through life having unrealistic reactions to traumatic events. I also felt Mason's internal struggles were justifiable. I found myself thankful again that his growing relationship with Christ wasn't stilted or forced, rather the opposite. I appreciate Godly characters so much.

The "mystery" and thrill in and of itself was fantastic and different for me, personally. I will definitely be looking up more of Harris's works and digging into Dangerous Passage when I have time. Why, oh, why must we wait until Spring '15 for the next book?? I highly recommend to fellow readers of mystery/thrillers. There really wasn't much romance in the story, but if there had been more than there was, it wouldn't have flowed. I recommend to readers fifteen or older due to the nature of the story. Things to know: There are at least ten murders either mentioned or presented in the story, though not given in grotesque detail. There is a drug cartel. 

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

Back Cover:
Emily Hunt might come from a family of cops, but she never goes looking for an adrenaline rush. She lives the quiet–well, relatively quiet–life of a teacher and thrives on making a difference in the lives of her students. But she’ll have to draw on a well of strength and savvy she didn’t know she had as student Rafael Cerda takes her class hostage for ransom money to save his brother’s life.

Undercover cop Mason Taylor has been working with Rafael to find his brother and bring the cartel thugs who hold him to justice. Can he talk Rafael down from his impulsive actions? And is there something more sinister at work here than he realizes?

Fatal Exchange draws readers into a complex matrix of intertwining lives and unraveling secrets, where every answer creates more questions. Romantic suspense fans will hardly want to come up for air.

{Book Review:} Until That Distant Day by Jill Stengl

My Review:
An emotional, intriguing, historical!

Stengl swept me away to 1792 and, in my opinion, accurately captured the unrest and turmoil surrounding the French Revolution. I have not had the privilege of reading any of her previous works, but I am doubly impressed with Until That Distant Day. Her characters, her setting, and her plot all weave together like a beautiful tapestry and I adore it.

Colette, whose lovely head we're in, is relatable in her many struggles and wondering. I can easily imagine myself feeling the same way had I lived back in 1792 Paris, France. This does not mean there were not times I wanted to shake her, or point out the obvious; however if she didn't have her problems, would I like her as much? Not really. In contrast, her brother Pascoe's problems made me dislike him. Now, I don't have a brother, but I did find their relationship interesting. They seemed almost too close, but in the end everything was sorted out.

Moving on, another element of the story I admired was the use of French in dialog sprinkled over the pages. There was never too much that I could not decipher and the glossary at the back was incredibly helpful. For me the language added authenticity and added depth to both the story and characters. I even picked up a few phrases to add to my small knowledge of French. ;-)

All in all, I was thoroughly enjoyed Stengl's return to the fiction scene, and I look forward to seeing what she releases next! The emotion, realism, and twists make it a favorite in my books. Things to know: the majority of the story is set somewhere in the middle of the Revolution, thus there is bloodshed, though nothing extreme. A woman is impregnated outside of wedlock though we do not specifically read about the event. I recommend this novel to historical readers ages fifteen and older for readability and content.

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

Back Cover:
Colette and her brother Pascoe are two sides of the same coin, dependent upon one another in the tumultuous world of the new Republic. Together they labor with other leaders of the sans-culottes to ensure freedom for all the downtrodden men and women of France.

But then the popular uprisings turn bloody and the rhetoric proves false. Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of violence. Charged with protecting an innocent young woman and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.

Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?

Until That Distant Day by Jill Stengl {Blog Tour + Giveaway!}

Hey everyone! I have another fun post for you all! Not to mention another giveaway. ;-D

Book Blurb:

Colette and her brother Pascoe are two sides of the same coin, dependent upon one another in the tumultuous world of the new Republic. Together they labor with other leaders of the sans-culottes to ensure freedom for all the downtrodden men and women of France.

But then the popular uprisings turn bloody and the rhetoric proves false. Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of violence. Charged with protecting an innocent young woman and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.

Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?


About the Author:
Jill Stengl is the author of numerous romance novels including Inspirational Reader's Choice Award- and Carol Award-winning Faithful Traitor, and the bestselling novella, Fresh Highland Heir. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she enjoys her three cats, teaching a high school English Lit. class, playing keyboard for her church family, and sipping coffee on the deck as she brainstorms for her next novel.

She blogs at Books, Cats, and Whimsy. Do stop by and follow her to keep up with all her writing and reading-related activities!

I was offered the opportunity to ask Jill a question about her new story. So I asked her, "What do you want readers to take away from Until that Distant Day?" Below is her answer. :-) 

I've been thinking a bit about this question—thank you for asking, Rosie.

The main thing I hope readers will take away from Until That Distant Day is that indefinable blend of euphoria and sorrow I feel after reading my very favorite books. I hope my characters will remain in a reader’s thoughts as if they were real people, along with their desire for purpose, hope, and a future. I hope the scenes and setting will remain like memories of personal experience in a reader’s mind. I hope these characters and their relationships will not blend in with those of a dozen or a hundred other books.

In short, I hope readers will remember my story and wish to read it again. Isn't this every author’s desire?

A lovely answer. Thanks, Jill! 

As part of the launch tour, Jill is offering her new book, Until that Distant Day, on Kindle for only 99 cents through May 12th! Get your ebook copy here!! 

Now to the part you have all been waiting for, the special giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lastly, don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Until That Distant Day
Launch Tour Schedule

May 5

Tales of Goldstone Wood

Edgy Inspirational Romance

Fullness of Joy

The Inkpen Authoress

Covers and Ink

May 6

Blooming with Books

Quoth the Girl

The Wonderings of One Person

May 7

The Writer’s Window

Jill Eileen Smith

The Writer of Dream Things

May 8

Letters from Annie Douglas Lima

Rina’s Reading

To Find a Castle

May 9

JLMbewe.com

To Be a Person

Writings of Rosie

May 10

Seasons of Humility

Notes by Oywen

The Overweight Bookshelf

May 11

Too Read or Not Too Read

Fictionally

Bluerose’s Heart

May 12

Mel’s Shelves

Labor Not in Vain

Creative Madness Mama

May 13 – Giveaway Winner Announced

Tales of Goldstone Wood