Waiting For His Heart by Joy McClain

In Waiting For His Heart, Joy McClain recounts the joy of her wedding day, her husband's unexpected alcohol addiction, the difficulty of a legal separation and a glorious restoration that only God could accomplish.

I first heard a snippet of Joy McClain's story as she was interviewed by a radio show host on Moody Radio. When I received the opportunity to review McClain's book, I eagerly accepted it. Reading her story was a bit different that I had expected. Rather than straight autobiography, McClain recounts certain events and times and then follows it up with a “Learning Along the Way” section in which she gives practical advice derived from her lessons learned.

Waiting For His Heart is a well-written retelling of the author's struggles within her marriage. However, I have some mixed feelings as far as recommending this book. McClain has some excellent spiritual insights and encouragement for a women with a marriage in crisis. Themes such as learning to sacrificially love someone as Christ loved us and learning that personal joy shouldn't be dependent on one's spouse are wonderful lessons for any spouse. However, I would caution women in crisis marriages about reading this book. McClain admits that she had to go to professional counseling before she could see how she had been enabling her husband's downward spiral and there is even a disclaimer at one point that neither McClain nor the publisher intend for readers to take the advice as counsel for their own situations. It seems like it would be far too easy for a struggling wife to read this and just think that she should stay in the situation and stick it out until she gets a happy ending like McClain did.

You can read a free sample of Waiting For His Heart by Joy McClain on Amazon Kindle, Barnes&Noble Nook Book, and at Christian Book Distributors.

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."

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Life as a German immigrant is hard, but when Annalisa Werner's husband dies, she is left to contend with the man who wants her land, the rigors of a struggling farm, the responsibility of raising her daughter and the preparations for her unborn child. Her father arranges for a distant cousin to marry Annalisa and take over the farm. Love is not needed. Carl Richards lived an easy life as a nobleman's son until he was falsely accused of murder. He travels to America as a fugitive and finds shelter and food as hired help for Annalisa. Their views on love and marriage are as different as their past lives.  As Carl and Annalisa work together to grow a harvest to save her farm, they both find that they have much to learn about love.  Can this relationship survive the revelation of Carl's past and the arrival of Annalisa's groom? Read more in A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund.

A Noble Groom is the first book I've read by Jody Hedlund and I'll definitely be on the lookout for her books in the future. I love it when I'm surprised by a book.  I expected a romance with a medium-level of tension. The progressively playful banter and spark of attraction made for a sweet blossoming of love that maintained my interest throughout the book. However, quite unexpectedly, I found high drama interlaced with healing and growth. This marvelous combination was an excellent complement to the story line. I confidently recommend A Noble Groom to any fan of Christian romance.

Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt from A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund.

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."

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Withering under a load of burn out, Kate Donovan agrees to accompany her grandmother to Pennsylvania and spend a few months restoring the old house that her grandmother grew up in. Matt Jarreau, the handsome man her grandmother hired to renovate the house, is a loner. When Kate's innocent attempts at friendship with him are rebuffed, her stubborn heart refuses to let her stop reaching out. As tension grows between Kate and Matt, so does something else. A love that leads them to a greater revelation of God's love for them. As they both face career decisions and the pain of Matt's past, only a love stronger than themselves will be able to hold them together. Can they accept God's will? Or must they sacrifice their hope and love?

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade far exceeded my expectations. From the explanatory, yet intriguing prologue, I was hooked on the story line. I would love to see this book made into a movie. To me, it has has all the great elements: authentic characters complete with flaws and pain, a strong mysterious male, romantic tension between the two main characters, personal tension internal to each character, and redemptive love. Kate essentially sums up the theme of the book during a conversation with Matt: “He [God] never promised us that we wouldn't suffer. But He's too good just not to redeem it. And He does promise us that He won't leave us. That He'll be with us through the worst. That He loves us.” (Page 180) This theme, woven into both the plot and characters, is strong enough to touch the reader's heart. My Stubborn Heart is one of the best books I've read this year and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic fiction. I'll definitely be looking forward to more books by Becky Wade!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger review program. 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 Perfect Pet for Peyton

For twins Peyton and Penny, this will be a birthday to remember. Joined by three of their friends, Peyton and Penny's adventure through Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Pal Emporium includes surprising animal encounters, eating Mythical Monster Sundaes, opening gifts, and finding their own perfect pet pals based on their personal love languages.

A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, and illustrated by Wilson Williams, Jr. is based on Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages. As Peyton, Penny and their friends celebrate at Mr. Chapman's Perfect Pet Pal Emporium, they learn what the five love languages are and the characteristics of each love language. Though the concepts are explained in simple terms, children ages five to ten are probably target age group for this book. Still, the illustrations are beautiful and my five month old enjoyed looking at them. I thought it was neat how there were hidden insects on some of the pages. This adds a nice element that can allow for further child-parent or sibling interaction.

I absolutely would recommend A Perfect Pet for Peyton to parents. It teaches the principles of the five love languages and contains underlying messages about animal kindness, friendship, and love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of their blogger review program. 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."

365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis

Infant massage, the baby blues, husbands, pacifiers, lack of sleep, etc... As a new mom, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the so-called “new normal.” Still, a universal desire of new mothers is to love and nurture the wonderful new human beings that are born to them. In 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know, Linda Danis offers daily inspiration on how to love and nurture your child whether you are struggling or thriving in your new role as a mommy.

I actually received 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis about two months after the birth of my first child. Therefore, I read the suggestions for days one through sixty-five during feeding sessions and started with the daily readings on day sixty-six. As of this writing, I'm only on day eighty-six, but wanted to go ahead and give my review in a timely manner.

The suggestions in 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know are quick to read and very practical. Each one probably takes less than a minute to read with the exception of the end of the week devotional and that probably takes five minutes or so. (Clearly the author knows the value and scarcity of a new mother's free time!) The author gives some great tips. Some I already knew and some I didn't. Some of my favorite ideas are when she gives poems that include hand motions to do. I loved the motions for the Itsy-Bitsy-Spider! So cute and Baby does seem intrigued by it.

In my opinion, 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know is a blend of practical ideas to nurture a child and spiritual refreshment for new moms. I absolutely would recommend this book to any new mom, whether it's their first, second, third or any subsequent child! It would also make a nice baby shower gift.

Click here to visit the FIRST Wild Card Blog Tour for 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know by Linda Danis and to read an excerpt from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of the FIRST Wild Card Tour. 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."

52 Ways to Wow Your Husband: How to Put a Smile on His Face by Pam Farrel

A woman knows what she finds romantic, but ask her what her husband finds romantic (other than sex) and she might need a little time to think of an answer. Even a woman who has been married many years may occasionally find that she needs an idea about how to put that special spark into the relationship. In 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband, Pam Farrel, who has been a wife for over 31 years, shows wives how they can connect with and “wow” their husbands.

As this book is meant to be done over a year's time (one a week), I obviously did not have the time to test out all the ideas in this book before reviewing it. However, I can tell you that the few that I did were highly successful at “wowing” my husband and making him smile. :) The ideas range in complexity and cost. Some of them are freebies that you can do and some of them require substantial spending. The nice thing is that you don't have to go in any sort of order. You can pick and choose which ones to do and when to do them.

Pam Farrell's tone in 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband, is kind and humorous which makes for an quick and enjoyable read that is sure to enhance any marriage relationship.


Click here to read an excerpt from 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband: How to Put a Smile on His Face by Pam Farrel.  (Courtesy of FIRST Wild Card Tours)


Love Wise Intro from Bill & Pam Farrel on Vimeo.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. 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."

Love Is A Flame: Stories of What Happens When Love Is Rekindled

Love is A Flame contains the diverse stories of marriage experiences from both men and women. I was pleasantly surprised at the stories in this book. I had expected some of them to just be corny. However, for the most part, they were interesting and conveyed important life lessons. Most stories were only three or four pages long. I usually read several of them in a single sitting. At the end of each story, there is a small note from James Stuart Bell, the man who compiled the book. In these notes, Bell simply gives a little counseling about whatever topic was discussed. I think this is an excellent book for any Christian in a marriage relationship. It certainly gives enough advice that there is bound to be something that anyone could benefit from.

The stories in this book were quite diverse. Some were sobering, some were humorous. Some were difficult, some were light. Some of my personal favorites included: Our Honeymoon and the Dangers of the Demon Brew, The Krikat Caper, It Began in the Nursery and The Only Sure Foundation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. 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."

Hearts Awakening

Spinster Elvira Kilmer's life has been dictated by others for as long as she can remember. Now, at the age of 31, she finds herself as a housekeeper and nanny to two motherless children. When the handsome widower she works for proposes a marriage of convenience, she sees it as a way out of the life her family intends to inflict upon her. But will this marriage truly bring the freedom she seeks or will it tie her tighter to her unhappiness? She always dreamed of a loving husband and children of her own. This marriage will offer her two young boys, but it is quite clear widower has no interest in ever loving her.

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr is a good read. Although it is somewhat predictable, the plot is enhanced by little twists and unique scenes that keep the story moving and appealing. The one complaint I have about this book is the lack of romance. Although it is certainly a love story, the romance department is severely lacking. This is particularly strange to me because the story has a basis that seems like it would make some romance easy to incorporate.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Jessie

Jessie Wheeler has successfully managed her business and her life without help from anyone for years. When her husband left her eight years ago, she single-handedly took care of her two daughters while running her mercantile. Now her estranged husband, Seth Redding, is back in town and claims to be a different man. Jessie’s not about to trust him, but she recognizes that the girls are longing for a father figure and is willing to give Seth a second chance to know his daughters. Not surprisingly, Jessie makes it clear that she is off-limits. When an expected illness confines Seth to Jessie’s home, her feelings begin to change, but she’s not about to trust the man that left her once before. It will take a miracle to heal Jessie’s heart, but is she even willing to accept it?

Jessie by Lori Wick was enjoyable, but it is far from being my favorite book by Lori Wick. I liked the characters of Jessie and Seth very well; however, there were some characters in the book that just did not seem to make sense - characters such as Meg, who had a baby. She did not really interact much with anyone and what was written about her did not contribute to the plot. The romance between Heather and Nate was cute, but it was a sub-plot that really had nothing to do with the main plot. I am not sure there was even any interaction between those two characters and the main two characters, Jessie and Seth.

Eventide

Eventide by Cindy Martinusen is the emotional story of the ending of a life. Carrie is not an old woman, but she has experienced many wonderful times in her life. Now as a rare disease is shortening her days, her best friend, Lauren, has set out to bring Carrie one of the few things that Carrie was never able to do – retrieving a box buried in Italy years ago. The mystery surrounding the box is from a summer long ago when Carrie and Lauren were young and Carrie experienced her first love. Though the relationship ended tragically, Carrie moved on, married and had a child. Now as Carrie knows her days are limited, she struggles with memories of that summer and seeks closure. It will take a miracle of grace to bring together Carrie, her family, her friend and her first love. Will her miracle happen or will all the difficulties of the situation prevail?


This mystery aspect of this book kept drawing me to it, and I think the plot was well-designed. However, I found this book to be depressing. Perhaps it was because the entire plot was based around the death of a woman. I would recommend this book to people who like mystery, but do not mind reading about death.