The Good News For Little Hearts Series

From the inside cover of the Good News for Little Hearts Series:

Zoe's Hiding Place, Jax's Tail Twitches, and Buster's Ears Trip Him Up are part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and Biblical counsel to families. Based on the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation's (CCEF) model of help and hope, each story focuses on an animal family's real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging cicumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

Thoughts on Zoe's Hiding Place:

Both of my daughters (ages 6 and 3) claim Zoe's Hiding Place: When You Are Anxious as their favorite book of the Good News for Little Hearts series. They like the character of Zoe and the colorful illustrations hold their attention while I read the narrative. As the title indicates, this book deals with fear and anxiety. I absolutely love two things in this book. First, that Zoe and her mom talk openly about the anxiety she experiences. Second, that Zoe's fear actually happens – because Zoe has to experience the fear, remember what to do, and work her way through it. I want to teach my children to deal with anxiety in a healthy way now so that when they are older, they know how to do it. This book is an excellent teaching tool for that purpose.

Read an excerpt from Zoe's Hiding Place on the publisher's website.

Thoughts on Jax's Tail Twitches:

When I asked my daughter (age 6) what she thought of Jax's Tail Twitches: When You Are Angry, she said she liked it when the two squirrel siblings got angry with each other. That happens in our house, so she could relate to that part. I thought it was good that the book also addressed adults being angry. The characters dealt with their anger in a healthy way: reflection, verbalization, prayer, and conflict resolution with their squirrel neighbors. It ends with character lessons learned and reconciliation. I recommend this book to all families as we all experience anger at some point and this is a great resource for teaching your child to deal with it in a healthy way.

Read an excerpt from Jax's Tail Twitches on the publisher's website.

Thoughts on Buster's Ears Trip Him Up:

Buster's Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail deals with failure and disappointment. My daughter (age 6) zooms through our house on a regular basis and Buster doing the same was her favorite part in the story. She related well to the characters and remembered the story even a few days after I had read it to her. It teaches a dual lesson that God loves us no matter what and to turn to him in our failures. These are important lessons for both adults and children and I'm thankful for this book. I can use it to teach my daughters how to address failure in life in a healthy way that encourages spiritual growth.

Read an excerpt from Buster's Ears Trip Him Up on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Coming Soon: Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Things Left Unsaid

Author: Courtney Walsh

Publisher: Waterfall Press

Release Date: October 30, 2018 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book | Barnes & Noble

An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl.

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Courtney Walsh is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist as well as an artist, theater director and playwright. She is the author of the Sweethaven series—including A Sweethaven Summer, which was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category—as well as the small-town romances Paper Hearts, Change of Heart, Just Look Up and the forthcoming Just Let Go. Things Left Unsaid is her ninth novel. She lives in Illinois, where she and her husband own a performing-arts studio and youth theater. They have three children.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:  Website | Facebook | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

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Child Proof by Julie Lowe

About Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe:

As a freedom-over-formula parenting book for parents of all ages, Child Proof provides biblical insight and encouragement for readers who want to parent by faith. As an experienced counselor of children and families and an adoptive and foster mom applying the CCEF model of biblical change, Julie Lowe uses Scripture and biblical wisdom to teach parents how to know their children and specifically love them with the love of Christ.

Every family is unique, which is why Child Proof explores the need for parents to cultivate personal and intimate care for their children as modeled in God’s individual, personal, and fatherly care to his children. This parenting book lays a foundation of parenting by faith and progresses by teaching parents how they can know their own children well and parent accordingly. By discussing particular issues parents might have in family life, Lowe demonstrates how parenting formulas aren’t the answer, and parenting with biblical wisdom is best for a proactive rather than reactive approach to parenting.
 
Through Lowe’s personal and professional experience, parents as well as those helping parents—pastors, counselors and counseling students, youth workers, and churches—will discover gospel-centered application rather than formulas for the ideal family, equipping parents to be experts at knowing their own children so they can know Scripture and live it out personally in their homes.

My thoughts:

This is the book I've been waiting for. I've always desired to mother my children the way that God parents His children. There's no shortage of parenting advice from Christian leaders and sometimes it's conflicting. At times, I've seen Christian leaders make their way seem like it's the only God-approved way.

So, in my pilgrimage to mother my children as God parents His children, I've made slow progress over the years. Reading this book was like having someone fling open heavy doors and let brilliant sunshine in. The first chapter deals extensively with parenting formulas and what we perceive as “normal.” I'm so grateful the author asserts: “Biblical principles remain universal and unchanging, [but] the way they are applied in specific ways is unique to each family's personalities, gifts, difficulties, and circumstances.” (Page 10)

In my opinion, that statement is the backbone of this book. It may seem simple, but it's not. Thankfully, Child Proof offers an opportunity to learn to parent a child as is best for the child. However, that can be hard when outright or perceived criticism attacks a parent. Therefore, it is essential that a parent be convinced about his or her methods. The means of accomplishing this, per the book, is prayer. When we pray and study God's truth, the Holy Spirit can give us specific wisdom for our individual children.

Once this premise is established, the rest of part one deals with topics such as Christ-centered parenting, becoming an expert on your child, discipline, and more. Part two delves into common parenting issues including: parenting a difficult (strong-willed) child, parenting a child with disabilites, when your child isn't thankful, technology and your child, and several other issues. To reiterate, the author discusses principles in Scripture and gives examples, but reminds the reader that these principles will look different in every family.

The chapters I found most helpful:

Chapter 5: When Rules Are Broken. – Kudos to the author for NOT telling me that I need to spank my child in order to apply discipline. This chapter is more about making sure the parent has the right mindset (we are all wandering sheep), assessing rules (instead of doling them out based on culture or advice from others), and cultivating strong character in a child.

Chapter 7: Parenting a Difficult Child. – The author takes on the concept that if you raise a child a certain way, he or she will turn out “right.” And the often unspoken assumption: if your child doesn't or isn't turning out “right,” then you must be doing something wrong. This section was immensely helpful and liberating because what worked great with my first child, didn't work so great on my second. I love my second child's determined spirit, but sometimes it can be challenging.

So, while Child Proof does indeed offer freedom from parenting formulas, beware: it's not a book telling you to relax and stay positive. It calls the parent to a deep, self-sacrifical love – the kind of love that Christ has for us. And sometimes, that's not easy. For me, it means tamping down my natural irritation so I can respond in love instead of anger. For others, it might mean passing up a good opportunity for yourself so you can do what is best for your child.

This book was intense. Seriously, I'll need to read this a few times to truly absorb it. I found that if I stopped reading in the middle of a chapter and did not return to it until the next day, I needed to start again at the beginning of the chapter. Otherwise, there was a disconnect and I didn't glean the message as well.

Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe is a keeper for my bookshelf. As I've explained, I found it immensely helpful and I expect to read it again in the future. I do think the book could have benefited by addressing situations in which parents might not agree. My husband and I are both believers and want to parent our children well, but we still have some completely different ideas about how to parent. I imagine that blended families or single parents might also wish there was a section devoted to such situations.

Read an excerpt from Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

God Made Me and You by Shai Linne

In God Made Me and You, Shai Linne addresses the sensitive topic of ethnic diversity. Rather than adopting the “be color blind” stance, this tale promotes celebration of all of God's creation. The narrative points out, rather than ignores, the differences in nature as well as the differences in people. Delving deep, the text identifies living in a world cursed by sin as the root of racism and bullying. Next, the author points to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the remedy for sin. There's a clear presentation of the gospel and as well as an explanation of how the gospel calls us to love each other. Following the story are two pages that give parents direction about helping a child appreciate God's design for ethnic diversity.

I think this is the first children's book I've seen in which the author addresses how racism and bullying are more than bad behavior issues. The text cuts to the heart of the matter as it discusses sin as the root of all the meanness. Like this book says, since the fall of man, the world exists under the curse of sin and “the very differences meant / to give God praise / Are now reasons for hatred, / so evil our ways.” Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! It continues on to address redemption, salvation, and love for “saints of all colors.”

I find this book is more of an educational resource for us than a book for recreational reading. My daughters request it only occasionally, but they look, listen, and appear to embrace its ideas when we do read it. We homeschool so I use books like this to teach my girls how to respond and appreciate people of other races. 

God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity appears to be targeted to early elementary age children. My six year old was immediately interested when we received the book and the children depicted in the illustrations seem to be about her age. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney complement the rhyming narrative of God Made Me and You. They are modern, fun, and help to accentuate the theme of the book.

Read an excerpt from God Made Me and You by Shai Linne on the publisher's website.

And here is the audio for the song the teacher sings at the end:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

With the hope of settling and building a home of their own, Katarina (Kate) Gruener's family undertakes a journey into the Kentucky frontier with like-minded families and a scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Kate's penchant for hearing and recording the stories of others creates conflict on more than one occasion, but she is thoroughly intrigued by the handsome and reticent scout. Thomas values his privacy and determines to keep Kate at a distance. But when Thomas' past overtakes them, it is only by leaning into the past that they can survive. Read more in The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is the fifth novel in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Like the rest of the novels in this series, The Cumberland Bride focuses on a descendant of the Lytton family (Kate), but can be read as a stand-alone novel. There were some references to one of the author's previous novellas.

Overall, I liked The Cumberland Bride. I spent the first part of the novel savoring the descriptions of the terrain and journey as Kate and Thomas' attraction/relationship grew slowly (maybe too slowly). However, the plot action and relationship development picked up substantially in the second half and then I happily devoured the rest of the novel. The author's writing style is solid in spite of the slow start. Thomas' spiritual wrestling with legitimate questions about God added depth and character development to the story. I liked Kate's desire to explore and document the stories of others as I can identify with that on a personal level.

I think The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear will appeal most to readers looking for an inspirational novel that combines history, danger, faith, and love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Book Blast: Rhapsody and Rebellion by Aubrey Wynne

Rhapsody and Rebellion by Aubrey Wynne: An enduring legacy... A rebellion... A destined love... Raised in his father’s image—practical and disciplined—there are no gray lines interrupting the Earl of Stanfeld’s black and white world. Until his mother has a dream and begs to return to her Highland home. 

Alisabeth was betrothed from the cradle. At seventeen, she marries her best friend and finds happiness if not passion. In less than a year, she’s a widow. Vowing to honor her husband’s memory, she joins his activist group of Glasgow weavers and is soon embroiled in the Radical War of 1820.

 Crossing the border into Scotland, Gideon finds his predictable world turned upside down. Folklore, legend, and political unrest intertwine with an unexpected attraction to a feisty Highland beauty. But Lissie doesn’t trust the Englishman or the rising desire between them. When the earl learns of an English plot to stir the Scots into rebellion, he must choose his country or save the clan and the woman that stirs his soul.

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Excerpt:

The sound of horseshoes and carriage wheels crunched in the drive. A moment later, the heavy oak door slammed open. Calum Dalais filled the doorway, wild black curls clinging to his neck and strong jaws, a whip in his hand.

“Let’s go, my lovelies. We dinna know how long this uproar may last.” Sapphire blue glittered with urgency. “I’ve rented a hack to get us out of the city limits. The carriage is too tempting for the rabble.”

Maeve picked up her heavy skirts with one hand, grasped her reticule with the other, and hurried for the door. The footman tossed baggage on top of the hansom then returned to assist Maeve. Her heart beat rapidly as she settled on the frayed padded bench. A far cry from the soft velvet of their own carriage. Maeve had been delighted to accompany her parents to Edinburgh. Now she prayed for the safety of her Highland home.

“What if they stop the carriage? I’m frightened, Calum.” Panic added a shrill pitch to her mother’s voice.

“They’re just hungry and tired of not being heard. I willna let anyone harm come to ye.” Her father’s calm tone soothed both the women. “Now up ye go, Peigi, my love. We’ll be out of here in the blink of an eye.”

He sat across from them, rapped his knuckles against the roof, and the vehicle lurched forward. The horses whinnied in protest and sidestepped men running through the streets and debris flying in their path. Someone tried to hitch a ride on the side of the vehicle. Calum swore under his breath, leaned out the window, and punched the man in the face. The trespasser fell on his arse in the mud, holding his nose with one hand and a waving an angry fist in another.

The sun’s bright rays barely penetrated a dark, narrow alley as the driver took a detour to avoid the throng of rioters. Maeve peeked out the window and saw a glimpse of the square at the end of the backstreet, packed with hundreds of people streaming in from all sides. On a shoddily erected platform hung a noose, with a group of workers balancing what looked like a man on their shoulders. They tied the noose around his neck. One of his arms swayed unnaturally by his side, and she sighed with relief when bits of straw fell from the coat sleeve.

The driver cracked his whip, the hack careened around another corner, and they broke free of the crowd. As the noise subsided, Maeve listened to her parents argue about the political situation that had led to the insurrection. She leaned her head against the hard bench, each rut jerking her neck back and forth. It had been such a long day with little sleep the previous night. Her lids grew heavy, and her mind traveled back to the angry mob as she drifted off.


Praise for Aubrey Wynne:

“Well-written historical romance with a bit of everything – a tragedy, a conflicted hero, a strong and fragile heroine, interesting characters, and a happily ever after.” Amazon verified review

“Best Regency Romance I’ve read in a long time and highly recommend!” N.N. Light Book Heaven Reviews

“I adored this story. I look forward to reading more in this series.” Reads2Love Review

“A wonderful romance!” 5 Kindles Review


Author Aubrey Wynne Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release two more Regency romances in 2018. The Wicked Earls’ Club will release again in 2019. Wynne’s medieval fantasy series launched in 2017 with Rolf's Quest, winner of the NTRWA Great Expectations.  

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$50 Blast Giveaway Winner’s choice of a $50 Amazon Gift Code or $50 in PayPal Cash Ends 11/2/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

Just when Tandi Jo Reese has found a safe place for herself and her children, her landlord, Iola Anne Poole, passes away. Desperate to find income and stay in the rental cottage, Tandi agrees to clean out Iola's home. To Tandi's surprise, she finds beautifully decorated prayer boxes that contain prayers and a life story. She finds unexpected connection with the author of the prayers and healing begins to take root. Read more in The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate.

Once again, my book club has introduced me to an amazing book that wasn't even on my radar. It's one of the best books I've read this year. The novel held my attention from the beginning, was well-written, and progressed at the perfect pace. I was intrigued by the prayer boxes and the characters pulled me in, making me wish they were real. Tandi's character development was phenomenal. I loved watching her grow, change, and open her heart to the right people. Prayer is a prominent theme in the novel, but there were other secondary themes about grace, empowerment, and helping others.

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is the first full-length novel in the Carolina Heirlooms series. It has a prequel novella, The Sea Glass Sisters, and a postlude novella, The Tidewater Sisters, which appears to continue Tandi's story. Neither of these are required to understand and enjoy The Prayer Box. I highly recommend The Prayer Box to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.

Read an excerpt from The Prayer Box on the publisher's website.

Upcoming: The Thankful For Books Reading Challenge #TFBRC

Starting November 1st, I'll be participating in the Thankful For Books Reading Challenge and it's not too late to join. If you're interested, bit.ly/TFBRC, will take you to more information and the sign up. Come join the fun! #TFBRC

Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Lady of a Thousand Treasures

Welcome to the blog blitz & giveaway for Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Lady of a Thousand Treasures
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Tyndale House
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Historical/Gothic Romance

Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.
The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

EXCERPT

My stomach lurched. " I am to decide if Harry is dis-inherited or not?"

Sir Matthew grimaced as I mistakenly used that familiar name. "Harry? There is no engagement, is there? His father was given to believe . . ."

I shook my head. "There is no arrangement." That had become clear when he'd promised to return by early last spring, but did not return for six months more, and then, I'd since learned, with a Venetian beauty in tow.

"You have no professional contracts with the South Kensington, either?" Sir Matthew asked. "It would be best if, during the period of trusteeship, you have no personal or professional understanding with either party which could call your objectivity into question."

I shook my head again. I could but wish that Sheffield Brothers had a professional arrangement with the budding museum or its supporters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published fifty books.

Sandra's delighted to kick off her new historical romance series with Tyndale House Publishers, Victorian Ladies, with Lady of a Thousand Treasures. The three-book Victorian Ladies series follows her historically sound Gothic romances, Daughters of Hampshire, launched with the bestselling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor's Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, was published in 2017. Check out her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.

Sandra has published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist, with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions, and The One Year Experiencing God's Love Devotional.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype.

CONTACT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive:

• a copy of Lady of a Thousand Treasures (print to US addresses OR ebook to intl), and
• $25 Starbucks London Gift Card – works anywhere in the world at standalone Starbucks stores

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 1, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 8, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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#FallIntoBooks Reading Challenge 10/03: #FavoriteCouple?

Someone recently asked me this question and I gave the same reply to her:

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. They are so well-known, but they are so amazing. They're my #FavoriteCouple!

This post is part of the #FallIntoBooks Reading Challenge hosted by I Am a Reader and Clean Wholesome Romance. Visit the Reading Challenge to enter today's giveaway!

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Faith Lytton Jackson cannot abide a bully, whether it's an older boy or the King of England. As a wealthy widow and former ward of George Washington, she dedicates time and effort to the Patriot cause. When leaders of the Patriots propose that a woman deliver messages to the spy placed in the Loyalist ranks, Faith volunteers for the dangerous mission. The spunk and bravery she has possessed since childhood aid her as she embarks on nighttime meetings to deliver coded messages. Upon meeting Matthew Weber, the Patriot spy within the Loyalist ranks, she is drawn to him and eagerly awaits each meeting. Attraction buds between Faith and Matthew, but as war looms, it is an inopportune time for love. Read more in The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse is the fourth installment in the Daughters of the Mayflowers series. It is a stand-alone novel that can be read completely independent of the other novels.

I struggled to finish The Patriot Bride. It wasn't for lack of action and suspense. The plot clipped along nicely and danger lurked constantly. I liked Faith. She was feisty, brave, and intensely loyal. However, there wasn't much character development – nothing about her as a person really changed from beginning to end. The plot was more about the events that occurred around and to her – carrying messages for the Patriot cause, dealing with an unwanted suitor, daydreaming about Matthew, etc. Speaking of Faith and Matthew, I think the story would have benefited from more development of their romantic relationship as it seemed overshadowed by the pre-war hostilities, Matthew's relationship with Benjamin Franklin, and Faith's relationship with George Washington.

Quite possibly my favorite part of this book was on page 81. Faith discusses Psalm 136 with a group of ladies and says, “The end of each phrase is the same – like an answer to a difficult question, the answer will always be the same. His mercy endureth forever.” What a wonderful perspective on that Psalm! For every question or difficulty, His mercy endureth forever, is the answer! I would have enjoyed seeing this theme fleshed out in the story.

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse threads history and fiction together to create a story set on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Although, I won't read it again, this book may appeal to history lovers as it does contain lots of history and fictionalized versions of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Read an excerpt from The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook courtesy of netgalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Clean Wholesome Romance is Bringing Us Another $100 Giveaway!

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

I'm excited to bring you this $100 giveaway sponsored by a FABULOUS group of authors.

We are giving away $100!

Just think how many books you could buy with $100! Or maybe you need a new Kindle! Or maybe you want to try Kindle Unlimited! So many possibilities!! Each of these sponsoring authors writes clean wholesome romance.  

Giveaway Sponsors:

Aubrey Wynne 

Cami Checketts

Cindy Ray Hale

D.E. Malone

Debra Erfert

Elizabeth Johns

Emma St. Clair

Esther Hatch

Jen Geigle Johnson

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Kimberly Grist

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Please show these amazing authors some love! Visit their sites. Sign up for their newsletters. Download their books. Review their books. Follow them on Social Media. There are so many ways you can support them!  

Giveaway Details:

One winner will be awarded $100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon Gift Code! Winning entry will be verified! Make sure you actually subscribe and confirm your entries so you don’t get disqualified. Please give these authors a chance. I personally subscribe to all these newsletters and have read books by many of these authors. Their newsletters aren’t spammy and often contain great ebook freebies, deals, and new releases. Most authors email out at most once a week so your inbox isn’t going to be overflowing if you subscribe to all of them! If you already subscribe to an author’s newsletter you can, of course, claim the entry! Ends 11/2/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter, Amazon, Paypal or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader/Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Enter the $100 Giveaway via the rafflecopter below. $10 BONUS Giveaway #1 - Visit this Facebook Post & tag 2 friends to enter to win. $10 BONUS Giveaway #2 - Visit this Instagram Post & tag 2 friends to enter to win

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