First Line Fridays: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner:

"Four years ago, on my thirtieth birthday, I had two very important realizations."

Have you read this book? It released in May and I read it *TWICE* last weekend. Review to come soon!

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

After four years with her boyfriend, Cadie McCaffrey is thinking of ending things. Convinced Will doesn't love her in the "forever" way she loves him, Cadie believes it's time for her to let him go before life passes her by. When a misunderstanding leads to a mistake, leaving her hurt, disappointed, and full of regret, she finally sends him packing. 

But for Will, the end of their relationship is only the beginning of his quest to figure out how to be the man Cadie wanted him to be. With the dubious guidance of his former pro-athlete work friends and tactics drawn from Cadie's favorite romantic comedies, Will attempts to win her back. It's a foolproof plan. What could possibly go wrong?

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Libby's Cuppa Joe

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Libby's Cuppa Joe by Rebecca Waters with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Libby's Cuppa Joe  
Author: Rebecca Waters
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: March 8, 2018  
Genre: Women’s Fiction

Can grace and love be found amongst coffee grounds?

Sonja Parker is about to find out.

Excited to leave her stale life in the big city behind, Sonja takes the money her grandmother left her and purchases Libby's Cuppa Joe, a thriving coffee shop in a small community in Wisconsin's Door County. Sonja may have business sense, but is she ready to face the world on her own?

Sonja soon discovers owning a business requires more than offering a good cup of coffee. She must make major repairs to the building as well as major repairs to her heart. Do the former owners, Libby and Joe hold the answer? As Sonja seeks to make Libby's Cuppa Joe a viable business, can she also find herself and the God she has abandoned?

Libby's Cuppa Joe is a riveting tale of second chances, forgiveness, and not living on borrowed faith.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | ChristianBook

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EXCERPT

“You must be the new owner of Libby’s,” the young woman at the library desk noted when Sonja asked about internet access on Monday afternoon. 

Sonja was quickly learning everyone in Fish Creek knew who she was. She was also learning everyone referred to the store she now owned simply as Libby’s. She had introduced herself to the young couple from The Potter’s Wheel on Sunday afternoon. They, too, had greeted her with a “You must be the new owner of Libby’s.”

“I’m Sonja,” she said, her hand extended in friendship.

“I’m Rose.” Rose’s hair was long and pulled back loosely in a ponytail. Wisps of her fine, blonde hair escaped the elastic holder, framing her face. Her smile was genuine. Sonja guessed her to be in her mid-to-late twenties. Rose led Sonja to a counter where four desktop computers were set at the ready.

“Oh, I brought my laptop,” Sonja informed the young librarian. 

“No problem. We have free wireless. Did you want to get a library card?”

I wonder if getting a card is required to use the wireless. It wasn’t that she was opposed to getting a card; she was merely anxious to get started on her work. Sonja twisted the strap on her laptop case.

“Sure.” Sonja filled out the form Rose placed in front of her.

“It’ll be ready in a minute. If you want to do your internet stuff, feel free to sit anywhere. I’ll type this in and have your card here when you leave.”

Sonja looked around the room. She was the only patron. The library was small—much smaller than the branch library she used in Kenosha—and even that library she considered tiny compared to the one she enjoyed in San Diego. This library was, in fact, an extension of the town’s post office and tourist information center. There were open tables in the middle of the room. Sonja started toward the one farthest away from the desk where Rose worked but thought it might send a message that she was unfriendly. She moved to the second table and unloaded her laptop from the case. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Rebecca Waters has been a writer most of her life. Her first published work was a story in the school newspaper she wrote in second grade. For many years Rebecca used her stories as illustrations in church settings and to entertain her own three daughters. Her professional writing included educational articles and research. Following her retirement as a professor of education from Cincinnati Christian University, Rebecca turned her pen to the world of fiction. She has also published several articles in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Lookout Magazine, and Home Health Aide Digest. Her first novel, Breathing on Her Own, was released in 2014.  

CONNECT WITH REBECCA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Libby's Cuppa Joe and (1) winner will receive an ebook copy.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 28, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm June 4, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: From Me to You: A Conversation Journal for You and Your Daughter

About the Book:

Do You Crave Deeper Conversation with Your Daughter?

Amid the flurry of family life, communication can become all about daily survival, leaving little room for the kind of talk that draws you and your daughter closer together. 

Are you looking for more opportunities for meaningful moments with your child? 

This unique conversation journal provides a simple, straightforward way to: 

• ask questions to prompt important conversations with your daughter that might not otherwise occur

• encourage her with positive words she can read over and over

• connect with her—and not feel guilty for missing those opportunities

• record her thoughts in a keepsake journal

• learn what she has been thinking on a deeper level

• mentor her as she learns to express herself through writing

• journal your own thoughts—a great life habit you can start now

As you and your daughter pass this journal back and forth, you’ll experience connecting conversations, a renewed relationship and joy-filled journaling. Get started today!


My Thoughts:

What I love about journaling is that it requires still moments of contemplation and produces powerful insights. From Me to You: A Conversation Journal for You and Your Daughter by Mark and Susan Merrill aims to create that type of experience between parent and daughter. It is easy to pass through a day, speaking and interacting, yet not communicating on a deep level. This journal is an invitation to take time to speak the important, life-giving words that are vital to a daughter's heart.

From Me to You is a cute, hardcover, conversation journal. It's a tad smaller than I expected, but has plenty of room to write down thoughts, draw pictures, or add in stickers. The response areas are unlined and the authors suggest being creative and having fun! The journal's target audiences are preteens and teens.

Many of the topics in From Me to You are thought-provoking, some are light-hearted and a few pages deal with difficult life realities such as bullying or drugs. Parents are encouraged to pick a topic relevant to the daughter's life and start writing! Going in order is not necessary. Here are a few examples of topics:

• If you could ask God one question, what would you ask?
• If we had ten days to go anywhere in the world together, I would want to go to...
• If you could be one famous person, who would you like to be?
• Name two of your strengths and two of your weaknesses.
• Have you ever been bullied?
• What is one mistake you have made that you would do differently if given the chance?

Lastly, I think From Me to You: A Conversation Journal for You and Your Daughter by Mark and Susan Merrill would work well for fathers and daughters. I don't see any reason to limit it to mothers and daughters. Also, there is a companion journal for parents of sons: From Me to You: A Conversation Journal for You and Your Son.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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."

Book Spotlight: The Heart Changer By Jarm Del Boccio

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Heart Changer  
Author: Jarm Del Boccio  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: April 26, 2019  
Genre: Middle Grade Biblical Fiction

Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?

Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness.

Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission far beyond what she could imagine.

This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christian Book

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EXCERPT FROM THE HEART CHANGER

Now alone, Miriam climbed onto the lumpy bed padded with straw. Her eyes wandered once more to the high windowsill. She carefully stood on the edge of the bed and reached up to touch the small figure standing still and straight. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. The commandment repeated itself in her mind. But what other gods are there? Will You forsake me in this strange new land? Will I forsake You?

            Suddenly, her foot slipped, knocking herself and the idol to the floor with a crash. Miriam’s eyes squeezed shut listening to the swift footsteps heading her way. She held her breath, hoping it wasn’t —

            Rana burst into the room, but stopped short, staring down in horror at the broken image on the unforgiving stone floor.

            “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?“ HER eyes blazed with fire. “How could you? It was NOT yours to touch. Now we are both in trouble with the gods.”

            Miriam attempted to pull herself off the cold surface, and up onto her knees. “I am sorry. Truly sorry. I did not mean to break it. I was curious.”

            “Ha! Doesn’t your God forbid other gods? Isn’t He jealous? Now you are twice in trouble.”

            Miriam wondered how she knew so much about the Hebrew’s Jehovah.

            “Last year we had an Israelite slave boy to serve the master. He didn’t last long.” Rana sneered. “But we got an earful of your strange ways before he departed. And you? How long will you stay? A week? A month?” She derided. “We will see what we can do about that.”

            “I will fix it. I will try.” Miriam reached for the jagged pieces.

            “Don’t touch it. Don’t you dare.” She pointed a long, slender finger at Miriam. “I don’t want your filthy Hebrew hands touching my god.”

            No more words were needed. Miriam flung herself on her bed, with her face to the wall. She listened as Rana hurriedly picked up all the pieces, and stomped out of the room, talking under her breath in harsh tones. A tear found its way through Miriam’s eyelids, squeezed shut from grief. What she wouldn’t give for a hug from her ima, or a pat on the shoulders from abba. Is there no one to love me? Exhausted with these thoughts, she fell fast asleep.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jarm Del Boccio (‘J’ pronounced as a ‘Y’) finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on lives of characters from the past, Jarm is devoted to breathing new life into the pages of history. 

Jarm has a background in elementary and high school education, and served for seven years as a school librarian. Grateful for the opportunity, she taught three missionary kids in an isolated area of Papua New Guinea. She is part of SCBWI and American Christian Fiction Writers, and has published articles in “The Old Schoolhouse” magazine. 

“The Heart Changer,” her debut MG historical/biblical fiction, released with Ambassador International April 26th 2019. Jarm is content with the journey God has placed her on, and lives with her husband and adult son and daughter (when they are not away) in a tree-lined suburb of Chicago.

CONNECT WITH JARM: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive 1 print (US only)

AND (1) winner will receive 1 ebook (open internationally except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 20, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm May 27, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

First Line Fridays: Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first line from Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander:

“What would it look like to pack your bags and travel the world in search of true beauty?”

Have you read this book? If not, read more the book blurb below and check out my review here.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Let's redefine beauty for our world!

What is beautiful? We spend our money on beauty products, weight-loss programs, and age-defying medical interventions to attain beauty. We set impossible standards and feel bad about ourselves when we don't reach them. Is beauty truly that elusive? Or could it be that our idea of what's beautiful is simply too narrow?

Through engaging personal stories and dramatic before-and-after photography, filmmaker Rebecca Friedlander uncovers the true beauty of twelve women from around the world, empowering us to shatter the lies of rejection, doubt, and low self-esteem. Utilizing compelling biblical truth and questions for personal reflection, Friedlander helps us identify our own personal battlegrounds, celebrate our uniqueness, and embrace God's definition of beautiful.

Book Review: The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

About the Book:

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure.

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, love is finally within reach. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentleman bachelors in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But to him she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her on the rest of her journey. He refuses until she offers him the thing he desperately needs to achieve his goal: money. Delivering her safely will earn him more than enough to settle into a quiet life.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

My Thoughts:

The Noble Guardian is my new favorite of Michelle Griep's novels. This beautifully crafted story was well-written and perfectly paced. The adventure, suspense, and romantic tension combined to create a story that drew me back night after night until I finished it.

The romance was one of my favorite elements of this novel. Samuel and Abby are a case of opposites who attract. Their outlook on life differs greatly and both have firm ideas and expectations about the future. This juxtaposition undergirded their attraction and gave ample opportunity for character growth. The sustained romantic tension was perfectly balanced with adventure and suspense. Their first kiss might be one of the best kissing scenes I've read this year. Yes, I think it's that good!

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the final novel of The Bow Street Runners Trilogy, but can be read as a stand-alone story. I recommend The Noble Guardian to readers who enjoy clean historical romances. It's a keeper for my bookshelf and I give it five stars!

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

First Line Fridays: The Crossing at Cypress Creek

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman:

"Caleb O'Shea jerked awake to utter stillness."

The Crossing at Cypress Creek releases June 4, 2019, and I recently reviewed it! Check out my review here.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

Book Review: Knox by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

He's not looking for trouble...
Montana rancher Knox Marshall's danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider's Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary.  But he wants more from life...

But trouble is looking for her...
Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be - vivacious and confident - burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves.

When trouble finds them both...
Knox and Kelsey's paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited.

What will it cost him to protect her? 
When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he'll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he's always longed to be.

The explosive first book in the Montana Marshalls series!


My Thoughts:

Knox is the first installment in Susan May Warren's Montana Marshalls series. Having read other novels by Susan May Warren, I had some expectations – romance, danger, suspense, and a good story. I'm happy to say that Knox did not disappoint. The plot pace was perfect. Thanks to the action, mystery, romance, and suspense, the story held my attention and never dragged.

I really liked how Knox was part of Kelsey finding healing from her past. He wasn't the full solution to Kelsey's issues, but he provided a safe space for healing to begin and pointed her to God, the ultimate Healer. The Marshall family responded to Kelsey and her pain in a healthy, supportive way that I admired. There was plenty of good character development. As Kelsey and Knox grew individually and as a couple, they drew each other out of where they were and into better, though perhaps less predictable, places.

I recommend Knox by Susan May Warren to readers looking for story with romance and suspense. If you read and liked the author's Montana Rescue series, I think you'll find Knox to be a very enjoyable read. 4.5 Stars!

Lastly, I have to give a warning that Kelsey is the victim of a physical and sexual assault. I thought the author handled it with sensitivity. However, I recognize that this book has enough content (because a lot of it is about Kelsey's journey to healing) that it might be a trigger for some victims.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received 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."

New Book Acquisitions!

Do you ever use a holiday or birthday to acquire more books? I do. 

I make it super-easy for my husband. I order the books I want and once they arrive, I give them to him to put in a bag... to present to me on my birthday... or Valentine's day.... or our anniversary. You get the idea.

So, tonight I am sharing the books that I received for Mother's Day:

This is quite a diverse gathering. A contemporary fiction (To Get to You), a historical romance (Never Forget), and two that I'm not quite sure how to classify, historical fantasy, perhaps? (The Reckless and Fawkes)

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes is completely out of my normal genre. But the Bookstagram community has convinced me that this is an amazing book, so I'm giving it a try!

I was a bit surprised when I realized three of the four were independently published. I usually don't gravitate toward self-published books.

So, lots of reading in my future. And that makes me happy. :)

What about you? Did you receive any books for Mother's Day?

First Line Fridays: The Brave Art of Motherhood

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Brave Art of Motherhood by Rachel Marie Martin:

"Over the past five years, I've lived what I've jokingly called a public private life."

Have you read this book?

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Full-time FindingJoy.net blogger, speaker, marketer, podcaster, and single mom of seven, Rachel Marie Martin presents a wake-up call to those of us who have found ourselves stuck in the 'I'm just a mom' phase of life. 

Yes, this book is about motherhood . . . but really, this book is about finding yourself again and following your passion WHILE being a mom. Inspired by her incredible story, Rachel's words always come straight from the gut; they are visceral, real and soul searching. She challenges you to find the courage to break cycles, to take off masks and not let fear take control. This book is a balance of tough, "no excuses" ways of approaching life, while allowing breathing room and grace for yourself, for as we all know, life and mothering are not perfect.

After inspiring and conversing with thousands of women, Rachel has surmised there is always a reason to hope, to move forward and a reason to dare doing what you thought was impossible. (Yes, including what you are skeptical of accomplishing right now). She encourages you to say yes to your dreams and stop waiting for "someday" or "one day" or "when something happens".

Prepare to change the way you think about yourself and your life. This will be a book you read over and over armed with a highlighter in one hand and a journal for introspection in another.

Book Review: The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

About the Book:

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.


Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

My thoughts:

The Crossing At Cypress Creek is the third novel in Pam Hillman's Natchez Trace series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone novel, I recommend reading the other installments first to fully appreciate the supporting characters and their backstories. As always, Pam Hillman offers a well-written story that immediately captured my attention and never dragged.

I loved Alanah. She was my favorite character in The Crossing At Cypress Creek and may be my favorite character in the entire series. As an herbalist, she forages for medicinal plants and has vast knowledge of their locations and properties. The combination of her intriguing profession, her unique personality, the enchanting setting, and the lurking danger created a captivating tale.

The love story between Alanah and Caleb was romantic and satisfying. The tender friendship coupled with Caleb's protectiveness grew into a beautiful, romantic love. Beyond being Alanah's romantic interest, Caleb is instrumental in God's healing work in Alanah's life. There are themes about allowing God to work out His will in one's life, men cherishing women and loving them well, and the potent impact of forgiveness.

I recommend The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman to readers of historical romance who enjoy a story with bits of humor, spiritual themes, and unique characters. Those who have enjoyed the other books in the series will want to complete it with this novel.

Read an excerpt from The Crossing At Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author. 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."

A Recommended Podcast: Charles Martin and Annie F. Downs on That Sounds Fun

Not too long ago, I reviewed What If It's True? by Charles Martin. You can read my review here.

Shortly after that, I listened to Charles Martin on Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Podcast. Of course, they discussed What If It's True?, but also lots of other topics. Some fun, some serious.

I always enjoy getting to know more about the authors whose books I read and I thought I would share this podcast with you.  I couldn't find a way to embed it, but here's the link to Annie's site.

Enjoy!

Book Giveaway: Cajun Hearts by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Time for my monthly Book Giveaway!

Have you read any books by Kathleen Y'Barbo? The Cajun Hearts novella collection offers three romance stories in a single volume. One entrant will win a gently used paperback copy of Cajun Hearts by Kathleen Y'Barbo.

About the Book:

Three women seek a place to come home to in the bayous of Latagnier, Lousiana.

Sophia finds a home with an elderly woman who inspires her faith and encourages her in adopting twin girls. But then Major Ezra Landry arrives and accuses her of scheming his grandmother. Can they ever learn to trust each other?

Bliss Denison's successful career is derailed by an accident. Can Bobby Tratelli, an old friend with his own share of regrets, help her find new promise in life?

New to the area, Texas architect Lise Gentry has vision for renovating the old downtown. Will the history minded mayor, Ted Breaux, allow her to do her job or help her realize new dreams?

Can each woman find the love and acceptance they desperately seek in Cajun country?

About the Giveaway:

Enter using the Rafflecopter. Must be a resident of the US, 18 years of age, and legally able to enter. Book is in gently used condition and will be shipped via Media Mail. No purchase necessary.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander

About the Book:

What is beautiful? We spend our money on beauty products, weight-loss programs, and age-defying medical interventions to attain beauty. We set impossible standards and feel bad about ourselves when we don't reach them. Is beauty truly that elusive? Or could it be that our idea of what's beautiful is simply too narrow?

Through engaging personal stories and dramatic before-and-after photography, filmmaker Rebecca Friedlander uncovers the true beauty of twelve women from around the world, empowering us to shatter the lies of rejection, doubt, and low self-esteem. Utilizing compelling biblical truth and questions for personal reflection, Friedlander helps us identify our own personal battlegrounds, celebrate our uniqueness, and embrace God's definition of beautiful.


My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander. Although I was not familiar with Radical Makeovers, the television show related to this book, I was intrigued and inspired by the stories of the women in this book. In the introduction it says that the book “shares far more details than included in the show.” So, for those who have seen the show, this book should still be interesting.

At times, the women's stories moved me to tears. I liked how the Rebecca Friedlander shared each woman's personal story, information about the photo shoot, her (Rebecca's) own story, a story/topic from the Bible, and questions for reflection. The narrative was creative and well-written. The full color photos complemented the featured stories and accented the theme of each chapter.

I recommend Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander to any woman. The diversity of topics, engaging narrative, and inspiring stories will appeal to many women. With it's hard cover, glossy pages, and full-color photos, it would also make a great gift.

Read an excerpt from Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received 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."

First Line Fridays: When He Found Me by Victoria Bylin

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from When He Found Me by Victoria Bylin:

"Shane Riley yanked his wet Levi's out of a grimy washing machine, one of twenty or so in a Laundromat straight out of 1992."

Have you read this book?

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Love Discovered . . . Hope Renewed

Once a strong Christian, third baseman Shane Riley lost his faith the night he injured his knee in a freak car accident. Determined to return to professional baseball and to find the sister he treated badly, Shane retreats to Refuge, Wyoming. There he meets Melissa June “MJ” Townsend, a single mom battling the virus that causes cervical cancer. 

MJ wants nothing to do with the handsome athlete—no doubt a womanizer considering the stories in the news. But when a mistake results in Shane renting her garage apartment, they become friends. That friendship blossoms into something deep and pure, leaving MJ with a painful secret to tell. Even more complicated, she discovers an unexpected tie to Shane’s missing sister—a wounded woman who wants nothing to do with the perfect brother who scorned her.

April Recap and Expected May Reading!

April Reads:

Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In April I finished:

1. Knox by Susan May Warren.
2. Finding Beautiful by Rebecca Friedlander.
3. True to You by Becky Wade.
4. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton
5. Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard.
6. What If It's True? by Charles Martin.
7. The Memory House by Rachel Hauck.

Four to six books a month is what I can usually manage, but I squeezed in seven and that makes my book-loving heart happy. I can't pick a favorite of these. It's a tie between True to You, A Flight of Arrows, and The Memory House.

May Reads:

In May, I expect to read:

1. No More Christian Nice Girl by Paul Coughlin and Jennifer D. Degler - Rereading this book as my current season of life necessitates it.

2. Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli. - My local book club chose this as our May selection.

3. The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman - The third installment in her Natchez Trace series.

4. Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner - I heard so much about Bethany's debut novel, The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck, that I'm excited to read this one.

5. Inheritance by Dani Shapiro - Uncertain if this one will actually happen, but we'll see.

What will you read this month?

Book Review: Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

About the Book:

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.



My Thoughts:

Never Let Go is the first novel in Elizabeth Goddard's Uncommon Justice series. As expected, this book is built around a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I love it when I don't know who the villain is until the moment he or she is revealed! The mystery aspect carried the weight of the story from beginning to end.

The romance between Austin and Willow started out brilliantly. The tension and questions about their past relationship were intriguing at first. Unfortunately, the romantic tension started to fizzle out less than halfway through. Sure, there were still unresolved feelings and things to be communicated, but it lost some of its zap. I think if there had been deeper character development, maybe that would have made their relationship more enticing, but as it was, their thoughts and desires felt a bit repetitive.

The strength of Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard lies in its mystery narrative and ability to keep the reader guessing. If you have enjoyed previous books by this author, you might enjoy Never Let Go.

Read an excerpt from Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary arc copy of this book which I received 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."