Buried Secrets - Men of Valor 1 - by Irene Hannon

About the book:

They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

My review:

What a wonderful story!  It moved along fast and it was hard to put down.  I loved the suspense and the investigation as Lisa and Mac try to solve a cold case.  It was interesting getting into the head of the killer as you learned more about their motives and other factors behind the scenes.  The romance was great, with an immediate attraction between Lisa and Mac, but both of them determined to remain professional until they solved the case.  I liked all of the romantic tension interspersed with the investigation.  They both had a strong faith in God.  I also liked that Lisa had a medical condition she was dealing with, so she wasn't quite perfect.  Otherwise, they were both pretty close to perfect.  They both did struggle with being workaholics and were each trying to create a personal life for themselves.  We got to meet Mac's two brothers, which it looks like the other books will be about, so I'm really excited to continue the series.  I highly recommend this book!

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

 The Author

1. 

   © DeWeesePhotography.com

   Irene Hannon

   Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted...
   

   Continue reading about Irene Hannon 

A Heart's Obsession - Kindle Giveaway, Blog Tour, and Author Chat Party with Colleen Coble

About the book:
A Heart's Obsession (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Will Sarah's journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?

When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.

But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn't what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.

Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.

My review:

This is the second installment in the Journey of the Heart series and I liked this second story more than the first. It was interesting to learn more about life at Fort Laramie and the different Native American groups that lived near it.  It was so sad to learn how some of them, especially women, were treated by the white men.  I liked that Sarah was asked to teach some of the children English and other things, though there wasn't much done with that in the story.  I was frustrated with Rand again as he seems to have moved on from Sarah quickly.  I couldn't believe Ben showed up; he just doesn't take a hint.  I felt sorry for Sarah, but at least she's out from under her older brother's clutches.  I admired her determination to treat Jessica nicely, no matter how she was treated by her.  There was some suspense as Sarah gets involved in a domestic situation and tries to help someone.  I'm definitely interested to read what happens next, but these smaller novellas seem like a more expensive way to read a book than just having it in a normal format.  I would recommend it if you like historical fiction.

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

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PsjoPR

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart's Obsession, of Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

Celebrate book two in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

Every Bride Needs a Groom - A Brides with Style Novel 1 - by Janice Thompson

About the book:

Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

My review:

This was a fun, lighthearted story!  I enjoyed all of the characters, from Katie who tries to do the right thing, to her quirky grandmother, Queenie, to the crotchety woman who works at the bridal shop.  There were some amusing moments as Katie ends up in one predicament after another and some cute romantic moments, too.  I liked the small town she was from and how cozy it was, but it was fun to see her have an adventure and discover her life could turn out incredibly different, and that it wasn't a bad thing.  It was interesting to see behind the scenes in a bridal salon and the code names for the different kinds of brides were clever.  The setting reminded me of the show, Say Yes to the Dress.  I liked that forgiveness and letting go of bitterness were themes to the story.  Prayer and going to church were important to Katie and her family; faith was a comfortable backdrop to the story.  It was fun to see name drops and characters from some of Janice's other books drop in.  I also loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the chapter titles taken from Loretta Lynn's songs.  She was almost another character in the book with the way she was mentioned so often and how the characters knew her life so well.  I would recommend this book if you like lighthearted romance.

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

 The Author

1. 

   Janice Thompson

   Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the...
   

   Continue reading about Janice Thompson 

A New Series from Colleen Coble | ‘The Inn at Ocean’s Edge’ Tour, Giveaway, Party and Review!

About the book:
The Inn at Ocean's Edge (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Claire's visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year---and until now, Claire didn't even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents' best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances---at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire's very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone-maybe everyone-is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

My review:

I could not put this book down!  I stayed up too late finishing it.  It was incredibly suspenseful and I had a hard time figuring it out.  I started to guess near the end about a couple things, but there were a lot of twists and turns and I wasn't sure who the murderer was or what Claire's disappearance as a child had to do with it.  There were some sweet romantic moments.  I really liked the investigating as Luke and Claire tried to figure out what happened both twenty-five years ago and in recent days and whether they were related.  The suspense was great as someone kept attacking her and they didn't know who.  There were so many suspicious people and secrets.  Claire and Luke both talk about trusting God and I especially liked what Claire said about none of this being a surprise to God.   I loved how Claire was tough and stood up for herself.   I liked Claire a lot, though she did one thing near the end that I thought was pretty dumb.  I really liked Luke, too;  he sounded pretty dreamy!  The scenery was described so well I felt like I was there, experiencing the sea and wind.  This is my favorite book of hers so far.  I highly recommend it!

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

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PDMkED

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light. Colleen Coble's new book, The Inn at Ocean's Edge, is a must-read for mystery and suspense readers. As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.

Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

All Dressed Up in Love - A Year of Weddings Novella - by Ruth Logan Herne

About the book:

They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Greg Elizondo hadn't bargained for this. Any of this.
Satin. Lace. Tulle. Pearl inlay, embroidered bodices, and Swarovski crystals.
The bridal shop business it took his mother three decades to build, the enterprise that covered his university and law degrees in full, was struggling because he might be part-genius when it came to contract law . . . But corset-style gowns with a mermaid flair? Shoot me now.
Tara Simonetti hated law school, but loved the community grant funding her presence at Temple University's esteemed school of law. She could not fail. Would not fail. But when a notice for bridal store help appeared on the community notice board, Tara applied for the job immediately. While grants and loans helped pave her way, money for food was scarce. Legal precedence, moot court, and judicial clerking all had their place, but they were nothing compared to Alcenon lace, tucked silk skirts, and a well-placed peplum.
Greg had grabbed her help as the act of a desperate man. Within weeks, he was desperate again, this time to win her heart. But after using community funds to get her degree, how can Tara turn her back on the people who helped finance her goal?
But if she leaves Philadelphia and Greg to return to her small-town in northern Pennsylvania, she'll be leaving her heart behind. A heart he won, fair and square by posting a help wanted notice on the coffee shop board . . . A heart that filled the missing niche in his mother's acclaimed bridal store. A heart Greg longed to cherish forevermore.

My review:

This was a fun, interesting story about a bridal shop in trouble.  I really liked Tara and her passion for all things bridal.  It was cool how she was able to come in and assess the store's needs.  She really had a talent for the business.  I liked Greg, too, but I had a harder time understanding the workaholic mentality.  It would be difficult to change your path and focus after working so hard towards your goals and spending so much money, as they each had to reassess where they were headed.  Tara had a strong faith and there was an insightful conversation about a difficult experience she had and God's role in it.  Greg seemed like he had the background and that his mom was a Christian, but he wasn't or had wandered from the faith.  There was some evidence that he was changing, but I wish it would have been more obvious that he put his faith in God and wasn't just feeling more sympathetic to the downtrodden.  I would have liked him to make it clear to her.  There were some cute romantic moments and I would definitely recommend it if you like romance!

I received a kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author


Award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over a dozen novels for Love Inspired and Summerside Press. The mother of seven children, she loves kids and pets. She is married to a very patient man who is seemingly unthreatened by the casts of characters living in her head.

Check out the book here.
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From the Start - Walker Family 1 - by Melissa Tagg

About the book:

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

My review:

This was another winner for Melissa Tagg!  I loved the characters; it was so fun having Kate be a writer of romance movies.  I also loved the references to classic movies, such as Bringing Up Baby, which is one of my favorites.  Kate and Colton both felt very real, in personality and struggles to know what's next.  They both struggled with finding purpose, which I think we all struggle with at one time or another.  I loved the whole Walker family, along with the townspeople and Kate's friends.  I'm so glad we're going to be seeing more of them in books to come.  There were some cute romantic moments, though I did wish for a bit more.  They both were believers, though questioning what they should do in the future and not really praying about it.  I liked some of the good advice they received and how that turned around.  There's also a bit of a mystery about what Colton went through as a child where he can't remember and sometimes experiences flashbacks.  I found that pretty interesting.  There was quite a lot about football, so I think this story could also be appreciated by guys who enjoy that.  I liked the amusing moments and witty banter.  I highly recommend this well-written story!

I received a kindle copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 The Author

1. 

   © David’s Gallery

   Melissa Tagg

   Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former newspaper reporter, current nonprofit grant writer, and total Iowa girl. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever. She's passionate...
   

   Continue reading about Melissa Tagg 

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea - by Rose Chandler Johnson

About the book:
God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, July 2013)

In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday moments.

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.

My review:

I enjoyed this devotional that would be great for busy women who don't have a lot of time.  You could even do the devotion over multiple days  if you prefer, as the author suggests;  the important thing is just getting started.  The devotions started with a Scripture written out and were about a page; there were also usually quite a few Scripture verses to look up that pertained to the reading, along with a couple of journaling questions and space to write your answers. There's also a brief prayer, a main point to take away called a "sweet tea moment" and somebody else to pray for, such as children in need, which usually had something to do with the devotion.  I enjoyed the personal examples Rose gave from her own life, along with examples from literature.  She doesn't try to act like she's perfect, but shows what she's learned from her mistakes.  There was a lot of good Biblical advice for a new Christian or good reminders if you've been one a while.  I would definitely recommend this book!

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

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1Do6Hzd

About the author:

Rose Chandler Johnson's devotions, poems, and articles have appeared in numerous Christian publications. She enjoys writing for her popular blog, Write Moments with God, and engaging with her readers. Rose is from a tiny Georgia town, and has lived near Augusta, Georgia, for the last twenty-eight years. For the last twenty years, Rose has been a French and English teacher. She's also worked as a counselor, librarian, and ESOL teacher. Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their families.

Find Rose online: website

The Legacy - The Restoration Series 4 - by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

About the book:

One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence
For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn't true. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you're ready to grow up.

Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug's life takes a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina--whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance. Will Doug's crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

My review:

I really enjoyed this finale to the series!  It was interesting to see what goes on in too many Christian families, a child goes off to college and starts drifting from what they know is right.  I liked seeing what Doug was thinking and how a wild friend could influence someone's decisions.  I also liked the many viewpoints, from Doug's parents to Doug to Christina, a girl who cares about him but knows he doesn't feel that way about her.  We even get to see more of Doug's sister Michele's story, as her and Allan are still trying to adopt.  This story worked fine as a stand-alone, but I would definitely recommend reading the other books first as you can see how far this family has come from where they were two years ago.  The change in Jim, the dad, is especially amazing, though he's not perfect! I thought the way the Prodigal Son story from the Bible tied in was great and I really appreciated the new insights into it I haven't heard before.  It was inspiring to see how Jim and Marilyn tried to treat Doug and also tried to trust God that their child would return home.  There's a little bit of romance as Christina starts dating someone but is still drawn to Doug.  This whole series had a lot of great advice and Godly wisdom for how to treat your spouse and children, all wrapped up in an interesting story.  I definitely recommend it!

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

 The Authors

1. 

   © Dan Davis Photography

   Dan Walsh

   Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, as well as The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels...
   

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2. 

   © Dan Davis Photography

   Gary Smalley

   Gary Smalley is one of the country's best known authors and speakers on family relationships. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of 16 books, along with several popular films and videos. He has spent over 30 years learning, teaching,...
   

   Continue reading about Gary Smalley   

Against the Flow: The Inspiration of Daniel in an Age of Relativism - by John C. Lennox

About the book:
Against the Flow (Monarch, March 2015)

A wide-ranging discussion of the place of Christianity in the public square

Daniel's story is one of extraordinary faith in God lived out at the pinnacle of executive power. It tells of four young men, born in the tiny state of Judah around 500 b.c., and captured by Nebuchadnezzar, emperor of Babylon. Daniel describes how they eventually rose to senior positions of administration.

Daniel and his friends did not simply maintain their private devotion to God; they maintained a high-profile witness in a pluralistic society antagonistic to their faith. Their story carries a powerful message for us today. Society tolerates the practice of Christianity in private and in church services, but increasingly it deprecates public witness. If Daniel and his compatriots were with us today they would be in the vanguard of public debate.

This is a lucid and erudite examination of the life of Daniel from a leading expert on faith and science. In his first biblical work, Dr. Lennox provides a unique perspective on both Western society and biblical exegesis that will make Against the Flow an instant classic encouraging Christians to speak out in our modern Babylon.

My review:

This book was hard to put down!  It was a fascinating mix of Bible commentary, comparison to our contemporary, increasingly secular, society and devotional thoughts.  Though I'm very familiar with the story of Daniel and his friends, Lennox brought in so much fascinating information I hadn't heard before, from the history and culture of that time to the similarities in our contemporary culture today.  I learned so much about that time period, what Daniel must have felt as he went through the trials and  how to be better prepared for the trials that may come in my own life.  I loved the logical way he pointed out inconsistencies and flaws in some of the New Atheists' arguments and in other non-Biblical worldviews.   He uses a lot of quotes from a variety of writers, some Christian and some not, to illustrate his points.  There are also photographs of art and architecture. He even has appendices that go deeper, such as one on "The Nature of the Kingdom of God," more history with information taken from other historical sources and the dating of the book of Daniel.  There are also discussion questions and an index. This all adds up to a fascinating in-depth look at Daniel that you won't want to miss!

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

More Reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1IoYQlO 

About the author:

John C. Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College. He lectures on Faith and Science for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is author of a number of books on the relations of science, religion and ethics. He and his wife, Sally, live near Oxford.

Review of ‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway

About the book:
A Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

My review:  

Kristy Cambron has done it again!  This was another wonderful well-written story with an interesting modern-day plot and a fascinating historical one.  I didn't like the modern one as much in this book as in book one, mainly because of the relationship struggles between Sera and William.  Their story continues in this book so I would recommend reading book one first, which was excellent!  I loved the story about Kaja and how she risks her life to save her family back in Prague after she had gotten out.  Her work at the newspaper in England and then what she goes through when she goes after her family was fascinating.  I can't imagine what it must have been like to be in London while it was being bombed, not to mention having to deal with the Nazis.  She was incredibly brave, but incredibly human.  We see her struggles and terror over what she goes through.  It was interesting to learn about the art Jewish children created in the Terezin Concentration Camp and heartbreaking to learn in the author's note that 15,000 children are believed to have passed through Terezin, but less than 100 eventually survived the Holocaust.  There were some happy moments and some romance, which were nice to balance the hard things.  I also liked how she depended on God to get her through, to give her courage.  I would highly recommend this book!

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

More reviews at Litfuse!

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1a1Mk02

About the author:

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A set of poppy notecards
• A poppy pin
• A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
• A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
• Literary tea bags
• Tumbler
• A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.



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The Creole Princess - Gulf Coast Chronicles 2 - by Beth White

About the book:

Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.
It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.

Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.

My review:

This was an amusing and interesting historical novel with a unique angle on the Revolutionary War.  Lyse and Rafael's relationship had a lot of fun banter and some romantic moments.  There was a lot of excitement with the war aspect and wondering who to trust.  Some had quite a balancing act to perform, whether just for their own safety or because they were trying to help a certain government.  I liked seeing different character's viewpoints and what they went through, from the wealthy to the slaves, British loyalists to American sympathizers. I really liked Lyse's friend, Daisy, and her struggle with loving a man her father didn't approve of and also questioning her long-held beliefs about freedom.  It was interesting to learn more about the Spanish and Creole cultures.  There's also talk of trusting God, that He's always with us and of prayer.  Sometimes it seemed like God's name was used a little loosely, though that could have been considered okay back then and wasn't meant disrespectfully.  I'm not sure;  I just tend to think it's better to err on the side of caution.  This book can be read as a stand-alone as book one was about a prior generation.  If you like historical romance, you should definitely check it out!

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

 The Author

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   © Wendy Wilson Photography

   Beth White

   Beth White's day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she is a pastor's wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one--so far. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but...
   

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The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance - by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor

About the book:

Uncover worlds of meaning behind the signs and symbols in Scripture
How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages--signs that were clear to the original readers? Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness. This illustrated resource will help you appreciate key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth, such as

· Babylon
· beast
· candlestick
· eye
· fire
· grapes
· Jordan River
· key
· pigs
· sword
· throne
· and much more

Each of the more than one hundred entries includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages. Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.

My review:

This book was fascinating!  It covers some of the most well-known signs and symbols and each topic was two pages.  There are color photographs, a key verse and sidebars with facts or quotes from books or hymns.  The topics' literal meanings or uses are talked about along with their symbolism or use as a sign.  There are especially many Bible verses or references given where the topic is talked about.  If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll probably be pretty well acquainted with these topics, but there was still a lot of interesting background or cultural information I didn't know.  They were also good reminders for what I did already know.  You could almost read this as a devotional with the spiritual insight it gives and how the sign or symbol should impact your faith and walk.  It was easy to read and kept me engaged.  I would highly recommend it!

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

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were You There? and The Handbook of Bible Application. A graduate of Aurora College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Neil has ministered in Youth for Christ and as pastor of a local church. He currently serves as a publishing project manager with Dr. James MacDonald's ministry Walk in the Word.

Nancy Ryken Taylor is a freelance writer and editor who has worked behind the scenes on hundreds of books for many publishers, mainly in the areas of theology and Christian living.

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The Authors

1. 

   Neil Wilson

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2. 

   Nancy Ryken Taylor

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