Saturday, August 31, 2013

On Distant Shores - Wings of the Nightingale 2 by Sarah Sundin

Cover Art  This is a wonderful story about a flight nurse and a pharmacist who meet during World War II.  Lt. Georgiana Taylor is a flight nurse only because she followed her best friend into it.  She can't wait to finish her service so she can go home and marry her long-time boyfriend.  She feels like she's not cut out to be a flight nurse and almost everyone wants her to return home anyway.  When she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson, she decides to befriend him and help the quiet man become more sociable, since he's engaged to a woman even more reserved than he is.  They aren't supposed to fraternize, however, because she's an officer and he's only an enlisted man.  Since he chose to serve as a pharmacist, he wasn't able to be an officer, but he's hoping that will soon change.  When tragedy strikes, will Georgie finally be able to go home and will she want to?  Everything seems to go wrong for Hutch, but how will he respond?

I really enjoyed this well-written story that brought these characters and the war to life.  I like the different perspective the pharmacist's view gave and couldn't imagine how frustrating it would have been to be in Hutch's shoes.  I was introduced to these characters in the first book, which I absolutely loved, so it was fun to see them take center stage this time while still letting us see Tom and Mellie's relationship from the first book progress.  The romance was sweet and I loved how both characters grow so much because of each other.  I was pretty frustrated with Hutch, though I could understand his attitude.  The themes of overcoming bitterness, making decisions, following God's will, and doing your work for the Lord are important ones and some I needed a reminder of.  Both men and women would appreciate this story and I'm definitely looking forward to her next one!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

You can connect with Sarah on her website http://www.sarahsundin.com/, facebook https://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor , twitter https://twitter.com/sarahsundin or pinterest http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin/

Friday, August 30, 2013

The Memory's Door by James L. Rubart

  Another amazing and mind-blowing story from the mind of James Rubart!  The story of Dana, Brandon, Marcus, and Reece continues with the struggles they face as they prepare to fight the Wolf.  Professor Marcus is experiencing alternate realities and has a choice he must make, musician Brandon has a stalker, Dana's career is taking over, and Reece is adjusting to his unexpected blindness.  As far as they've already come, they still struggle with doubt and fear, but they must overcome if they have any hope of fulfilling the prophecy.  It's hard to say much more than that without giving anything away!

I loved this story, as well as Soul's Gate, the first book.  I think it's important to read them in order because there are references to Soul's Gate and it made this story richer since I knew the background.  The characters are wonderful and so different from each other.  I loved the alternate realities plot and it really made me think about what regret can do to you.  The spiritual warfare is exciting and thought-provoking as they test the spirits to make sure they're trusting who they should be and going where they should go.  I love the focus on our freedom in Christ and not on religion.  Smiles, tears, amazing twists, this story has it all!  I did not want to put this book down!  Run out and buy a copy!

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Here's a link to the publisher's page with a preview of the book:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/memory-s-door.html

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/images--covers/500%20h/978-1-4143-6840-5.jpg  A 2013 Christy Award Finalist!

This is a fascinating story set in France both during World War II and 2001.  Marie and Elise are two French teenagers who go to work for the Nazis in Lamorlaye, France, in 1943, where they have taken over the Meunier manor and pregnant women are moving in.  The girls aren't sure what is going on at first, but when they find out, it may tear them apart.  In 2001, Marshall Becker has been hired to renovate a castle in Lamorlaye, dating back to the Renaissance, but finds more than he bargained for.  From strange noises and vandalism to a spunky nanny and the owner's children that get under his skin, he has his hands full trying to finish the renovations by the looming deadline while battling his own inner demons.

This is a well-written story that sucks you into the pages.  The story flips back and forth between the time periods as more is revealed of what happened back in 1943 and '44.  Becker is a character I had a hard time liking and yet I rooted for and wanted to see get his life together.  I loved the nanny;  she called him on his attitude and was just what he needed.  The children were fun and the other unique secondary characters really added to the feel of the story.  I love plots that involve multiple time periods, but I was expecting Becker to be more involved in the mystery and discovery of what happened in Lamorlaye during World War II.  It was interesting to see how renovations like these get done and I loved the setting!  I was a bit disappointed in the ending and I was hoping for an epilogue or sequel where the ending I was wishing for happens.  The book ended up being more serious than I thought because of the issues Becker deals with, though it does feel ultimately hopeful.  I love history and found it fascinating that what happened in Lamorlaye in World War II was true and happened in many other houses in other countries.  I would recommend this novel, especially if you like history.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Free Kindle Books!

 
 Free for kindle Aug. 28-31st!


Amazon



 Free pre-order for kindle!


Amazon



Free pre-order for kindle!



Amazon



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A Simple Change - Home to Amana 2 - by Judith Miller

Cover Art  This is an interesting story about a young woman who gives up life in the big city to move to the Amana Colonies with her parents.  Jancey Rhoder has a suitor, Nathan, and a job she loves teaching children at the orphanage in Kansas City.  However, her mother is dying and her parents have decided to move back to the Amana Colonies where they grew up.  They give Jancey the choice to stay in Kansas City or join them, since they expect that she will soon marry and they know their way of life will be drastically changed from what they have now.  She chooses to go and believes the separation will be good for her and Nathan and will reveal whether they should marry.  When she arrives, she must adjust to a completely different way of life.  She also lets her curiosity and impulsiveness get her into trouble.  Will she marry Nathan or will another man catch her eye?  Can she learn to give up control and wait on God for answers?

I knew nothing about the Amana Colonies, so it was interesting to see how this community functioned.  I can't imagine what a change it would have been to move from a city to this rural community, with their strict rules and different way of doing things.  I admired some things about Jancey, but was very frustrated with her indecisiveness and some of the decisions she did make.  This felt very much like a stand-alone, though it is book two.  I liked the focus on prayer and trusting God.  I am interested in reading more of Miller's books about the Amana Colonies.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, August 26, 2013

5 FREE E-books, 3 only until Tuesday at midnight!


 Passport through Darkness  Free from multiple vendors until Tuesday at midnight!  True story of a mom who fights human trafficking!


http://www.dccebooks.com/products/passport-through-darkness





 Into the Free  Free from multiple vendors until Tuesday at midnight!


http://www.dccebooks.com/products/into-the-free


 Healing for Damaged Emotions  Also free until Tuesday at midnight!


http://www.dccebooks.com/products/healing-for-damaged-emotions




Misery Loves Company  Free from multiple vendors through Aug. 31st!

http://www.tyndale.com/ebookextra/


Heaven Hears  This one also available at above link through Aug. 31st!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Free E-Books!

 Free for kindle!



Amazon




 Free for kindle!


Amazon



 Free for kindle!

Amazon

 Free for kindle!


Amazon

 Free for kindle!

Amazon


 Free for kindle!


Amazon



 Real Life, Real Miracles by James L. Garlow and Keith Wall  Only $1.99 from multiple vendors through Aug. 27th!  This is a wonderful book and so encouraging!  Here is my review: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/2012/12/real-life-real-miracles-by-james-l.html  Many other books free and on sale at the link.  This one in 2nd row to the bottom.

http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/ebook-specials-from-bethany-house

Thursday, August 22, 2013

The Icing on the Cake - Weddings by Design 2 by Janice Thompson.

Cover Art  What would Lucille Ball do?  That's what the heroine of this story asks herself when she's not sure what to do next!  I really enjoyed this quirky and fun story about Scarlet Lindsey, a talented baker whose career has never been sweeter, but whose love life is the pits.  She has a great new prime location for her bakery and a wonderful relationship with Bella, a very popular wedding coordinator.  She's already questioning whether she really wants to date her assistant, Kenny, when Bella suggests she hire her brother for a fundraiser she's coordinating for an upcoming missions trip.  Scarlet's immediately attracted to the gorgeous Italian, but can she really trust and depend on Armando or is Kenny the guy for her after all? 

I loved Scarlet after meeting her in book one of the series and her story did not disappoint!  She's very relatable and I loved the I Love Lucy references.  It was fun to read about her baking triumphs and disasters, though I was wishing for some samples myself.  I wasn't really sure which guy she was going to end up with, which made for some suspense, and I liked the focus on missions and the importance of faith.  I also appreciated her struggles with weight and the issues Armando was working through.  All of the characters were wonderful and some were pretty amusing.  I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  I wished for a bit more romance and that we could hear what the guys were thinking, but overall I very much enjoyed it and actually liked it more than the first.  I hope there are more in this series and I'm definitely looking forward to reading Thompson's other books.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Check out Janice Thompson's website here: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/

Free for kindle! - Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion

 Free for kindle!


Amazon

Monday, August 19, 2013

Free Kindle Books!


 Free for kindle! This is a wonderful story!  Book 1 of the American Dreams series.


 Amazon




Free for kindle Aug 19 & 20!



Amazon


 Free for kindle!

Amazon


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Welcome to Last Chance-A Place to Call Home 1 by Cathleen Armstrong

Cover Art  I really enjoyed this well-written story about Lainie Davis, a young woman on the run and looking for a new life.  Her old car dies in Last Chance, New Mexico, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.  Taken in by the local townspeople, she's given a job and place to live, but she can't understand why these people are being so nice to her.  She's always had to depend on herself and knows she can't become too attached to anyone.   When she becomes interested in a local guy, she wonders if she'll be able to make herself leave or if her past will catch up with her.

There are some wonderful characters in this story that draw you in and make you care about each one of them and this little town.  They are also flawed and genuine.  I loved the progression of Lainie being drawn into these people's lives and starting to care despite herself.  I also liked how she becomes part of the church family and sees these people living out their faith, which is something she's not familiar with at all.  I enjoyed the romance, though the start of it felt a little abrupt to me.  This is a wonderful beginning to the series and I look forward to the next one.  This is Cathleen Armstrong's debut novel and has already won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women's Fiction!  You should definitely check this out!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Death Be Not Proud-The Secrets of the Journal 2 by C. F. Dunn

This is an interesting story about Emma D'Eresby, a professor and historian who flees America back to England after surviving two attacks and also finding out something is very different about her boyfriend.  She stays with her parents as she tries to recover physically and emotionally and decides to research who her boyfriend really is.  What she discovers will change her future and cause her to question what she really wants.

I had a hard time getting into this story because it's definitely a continuation of book one, which I haven't read, and also because the main character's depressed a fair ways into the book.  I thought her research was fascinating and it reminded me of shows like "Who Do You Think You Are," where they research genealogy.  I wish there had been more of that in the story.  I also liked the truth that she discovered about who or what her boyfriend is; it gave a unique twist to the story.  I won't give away the ending, but I was pretty disappointed with a decision that's made and I have to disagree morally with it.  There was also some swearing, which I especially don't like to see in Christian books.  There is going to be a third book and I wonder if the situation will be redeemed somehow, but I don't think I'll be reading it.

I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Aquifer by Jonathan Friesen

  Don't miss out on this unique, fascinating story set in the year 2250, where drinkable water is hard to find and feelings and art are forbidden!  The Council monitors emotion and lethally enforces their rule.  Once a year the Deliverer travels down a long and winding path into the heart of the earth to exchange light rods for water with the rats, once human creatures who guard an aquifer, the only fresh water available on earth.  Sixteen-year-old Luca, as his son, knows that one day he will take his father's place, but didn't believe it would be so soon.  His father doesn't return from his journey and Luca starts to question what he believes to be true.  Along with an unlikely group of friends, he retreats underground to make the journey himself to find out what has happened.  What he discovers will change everything as he tries to save both worlds.

I haven't read much dystopian fiction yet, except mainly the Hunger Games, which I loved, and I find this genre fascinating.  I really enjoyed this story and thought the author did a good job of making me sympathize with Luca and really, all of humanity for the type of world they live in.  There was a lot of action as someone always seemed to be after Luca and his group and some sadness, but there are also happy moments and ultimately, the story is filled with hope.  There's a bit of a spiritual side to the story, which I enjoyed and would have liked to see more of.  This is geared toward young adults, but I think any adult would enjoy this if they like unique stories, especially along the lines of the Hunger Games.

I received a free ARC copy from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Free E-Books! One Ends Tuesday, One Tuesday Only, Others a Few More Days!

 Free for kindle!


Amazon

Free for kindle!-ends Aug. 13th


Amazon


 Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist  Free from multiple vendors through Aug. 17th!  Other books available for free or on sale at the link during varying dates.  Just scroll down to the book you would like and choose vendor.

http://www.tyndale.com/ebookextra/

Most Misused Verses in the Bible by Eric J. Bargerhuff  This one free Tuesday the 13th only!  Click on picture on the site, then click which vendor you would like under "Where to Purchase" on left side.  Many other books available for free or on sale here also.

http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/ebook-specials-from-bethany-house

Sunday, August 11, 2013

The Button Legacy by Ginger Marcinkowski

The Button Legacy by Ginger Marcinkowski  This is a touching novella about the lasting legacy a tiny memento can have.  The story starts out in the 1950s, when John reminisces back to when his two daughters were young and even before to his childhood.  His family would gather around the button box some nights, pick out a button one by one and tell it's story.  They would be true stories about members of the family, some happy, some sad. They would also add their own buttons as events would happen they wanted to remember.  He was rebellious as he grew older until finally a horrific accident woke him up to his need for God and forgiveness.  He and his wife, Ellen, shared these stories with their daughters hoping they would take to heart the lessons they had learned, but they could see their daughter Maureen was following in John's rebellious footsteps. The story ends in 1997 with Maureen's daughter Emily and the ultimate legacy of the button box.

There were some amusing stories surrounding the buttons and some sad ones, too.  It was interesting to see how these stories affected the different generations and how one child could embrace their need for a Savior while another could reject Him.  I really liked how important prayer was in the story and how strong John's faith was that these rebellious ones would come to Jesus just as he finally did.  I also loved the strong sense of family and the bond they shared.  You might want to check it out!

I received a free kindle copy of this story from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

The Letters-Book 1 in The Inn at Eagle Hill by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Cover Art This story kept me engrossed as I got acquainted with the rambunctious Schrock family and revisited picturesque Stoney Ridge!  Rose Schrock, widow, mother of five, and caretaker of her cranky mother-in-law, feels like she's at the end of her rope.  She needs to find a way to make a living and comes up with the idea of running a bed and breakfast. She expects opposition, but wants to offer a place of rest for someone and that turns out to be Delia, an older woman whose life is falling apart.  Rose's oldest has vanished amid questions about her husband's business practices and she's not sure what to believe.  Her oldest daughter, Bethany, is missing her boyfriend back in their old community, but Jimmy Fisher just might give him some competition.  Meanwhile, Rose may have caught the eye of a younger neighbor, but does she have room for anything more on her plate?

I loved most of the characters in this story, except for the mother-in-law!  I also found myself a little annoyed with Jimmy and Bethany for some of their choices, but some people just need to learn the hard way I suppose.  I really admired Rose's attitude in remaining positive and praying for strength when she needed it.  We get a lot of viewpoints, which I really appreciate because I love to know what characters are thinking.  This is the first book in a new series, but still takes place in Stoney Ridge so we're able to revisit old friends and make new ones.  I look forward to reading about the further adventures at the Inn at Eagle Hill!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

Suzanne is having a giveaway for 2 iPads and 4 Nooks or Kindles!  Enter at one of these sites:

Enter Today - 8/1 - 8/17! The Letters Suzanne Woods Fisher 
 
 
General entry link:  http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/contest 
Facebook

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

Cover Art  This is an exciting, fast-paced novel about archaeologist Jack Hawthorne and his brilliant wife, Espy, as they travel around the world trying to track down Elisha's bones again in order to save their sons.  Thirteen years ago, he and Espy had buried Elisha's bones where they hoped they wouldn't be found rather than turn them over to the man Jack worked for.  Now Jack and Espy are living a quiet life with their two sons when their sons are kidnapped and they go to unearth the bones planning to trade them for their boys.  However, the bones are gone and they must try to figure out who stole them so they can get them back.  Jack suspects a secret organization who vowed to guard the bones and he and Espy must unravel the mystery of who exactly these people are.

This reminded me a lot of the National Treasure movie, with the secret organization and the codes to decipher, along with plenty of action!  I'm fascinated by archaeology and secret codes, so I thought the plot was great.  This is actually the third book about Jack Hawthorne, but this read well as a stand-alone.  There's enough mentioned about what happened the first time they found the bones that I feel I got the gist of the story, but I definitely want to read the first two for the adventure and the love story between Jack and Espy.  If you're looking for a good suspense novel, check it out!  You won't be disappointed.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

What is Heaven Like-Free for Kindle-ends Aug. 9th!


 Free for kindle-ends Aug. 9th!

Amazon

The Winnowing Season, Amish Vines and Orchards Book 2 by Cindy Woodsmall

The Winnowing Season  This is an enjoyable story about Rhoda, the King brothers, and a few other young Amish adults who decide to form a new community in another state.  First, Rhoda's garden is destroyed, then a tornado finishes off the orchard belonging to the Kings.  They decide to move to Maine to start a new community and try to restore a run-down orchard there.  Rhoda has always been an outsider, ever since her community found out that she sees and hears things others don't.  They don't believe it's from God and the bishop and his nephew, especially, are very suspicious of her.  When Samuel King tells the bishop that someone destroyed her garden, she's furious because this will give the elders the opportunity to question her publicly.  This happens the evening before they are to leave and almost blocks her opportunity for a fresh start.

Jacob King, Rhoda's boyfriend, is running from his past out in the English world.  He made some bad choices and has people looking for him, along with a woman and child he feels responsible for.  He wants to make it right, but must leave Rhoda to do it.  Will he decide to keep running or face up to the consequences?  What will his choice mean for their relationship?  Meanwhile, Rhoda is confused by Samuel's attitude towards her just when she needs an ally.  She feels everything is going wrong after she hears voices and then is accused of a crime she didn't commit.  Will the truth come out or will the new community's reputation be ruined?

I haven't read book one of this series yet, so I was a bit lost reading book two.  It helped a lot having a summary at the beginning about what happened in book one, but I still want to read it to discover how Rhoda met the Kings.  Jacob frustrated me and I wanted better for Rhoda at times.  I could understand his struggle, though, and the same goes for Samuel.  It was a little weird when Rhoda heard voices and saw things, especially her dead sister, though it's pointed out that it's her guilty conscience and that it's not really her sister.  That gave the story a darker feel to it, which I did like because it was a nice change from a lot of the Amish fiction.  I really liked most of the characters and especially that Rhoda and Leah are such strong women.  It was interesting to see that also in the Amish setting.  I liked that Leah's struggle is shown about whether to remain Amish and also how important faith is to some of the characters while others still seemed to be searching.  The story is going to be continued in book three, due out shortly, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

 Check out these great resources!

Please rate my review.  I really appreciate it!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Free E-Books from Tyndale House Publishers!


 Which None Can Shut  Free from multiple vendors Aug 4-6!  True stories of what God is doing in the Muslim world


http://www.tyndale.com/ebookextra/

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/images--covers/500%20h/978-1-4143-6680-7.jpg  Also free at above link until Aug 10.  Here is my review:


http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/2013/02/all-for-song-by-allison-pittman.html

Also at top link.  I got it free now even though Tyndale's page says not until the 11th, so make sure to check price before you buy.  Supposed to be free from Aug 11-14th.

Finally, at the same link a book for 10 year olds and up.  This one free whole month of August.

All of these at first link and available from multiple vendors.  I had to use Amazon pics for last two because pics weren't on Tyndale site for last three.  Other sale books available at the link also.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Quite a Few FREE E-Books, Looks Like Some Really Good Ones!

 The Most Important Thing Happening  Free from multiple vendors until Friday at midnight!  I heard this was an unusual book, let me know what you think!


http://www.dccebooks.com/products/the-most-important-thing-happening


 A Place of Healing  Free from multiple vendors also until Friday at midnight!


http://www.dccebooks.com/products/a-place-of-healing

   Free for kindle through Aug 15th!


Amazon

Free for kindle!  This is the prequel to a review I posted in the last couple weeks for Small Town Girl.  I'm so excited to read this! Her writing is amazing!

Amazon


 Free for kindle!
Amazon


 Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden Free from multiple vendors until Friday at midnight! Just click on this cover at the site, then on left side says where to purchase and click the vendor you want.  This one just won a RITA award!  Here's my review: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/2012/12/against-tide-by-elizabeth-camden.html


http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse/ebook-specials-from-bethany-house


A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr  This one at the same link above, FREE for the month of August; There are many other books on the site free right now that I've already posted about, scroll down to this one at the bottom and follow same instructions to choose vendor.  Here's my review of this one: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-cast-of-stones-by-patrick-w-carr.html