Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

Megan McClare's time in Paris changed her from the inside out. Upon her return to San Francisco, her best friend, Bram Hughes, withdraws from her, fighting a new and unwelcome attraction to her. Struggling to make sense of the new status of their relationship, they both strive to keep it platonic. Bram is promised to another and Megan is interning to find her life direction. When Megan's childhood crush, Devin Caldwell, becomes a co-worker, she turns to Bram for advice and support. As Megan deliberately puts the past behind her and strives to forgive Devin for crushing her heart, they begin to grow closer. Outwardly, Megan and Bram are committed other people, but inwardly, attraction and romance simmers. Will Megan and Bram choose kinship without romantic attachments or will love eventually find a way to blossom? Read more in Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman.

Surprised by Love is the third novel in The Heart of San Francisco series by Julie Lessman. The author gave enough background information for things to make sense, but still left me wanting to read the other books to get the full story. Surprised by Love combines romance, humor and depth to create memorable story. The witty and refreshing banter during the character's dinners added a touch of lightheartedness that I enjoyed. The story successfully kept me wondering how things would work out. From the back cover, I could guess who Megan would end up with, but there were times when it seemed it would surely be someone else. I liked that the ending wasn't obviously apparent from the beginning and I didn't see certain plot twists coming. Surprised by Love is an excellent read for historical fiction fans. It's definitely a keeper for me as I plan to read the prior two books in the series and then re-read this one.

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."

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

Rainbow's End, a once beautiful resort in the Texas Hill Country, sits in decay, physically and financially. Kate Sherwood, whose marketing career is on the upswing, reluctantly agrees to her ailing grandmother's request to visit Rainbow's End together for one month. While Kate's grandmother, Sally, relives the memories of her previous visit fifty years ago, Kate sees only a month without internet and cell phone service, a potential death trap for her career. When Greg Vange, whom Kate assumes is the resort's handyman, helps her get an internet connection and tells her where to find service, Kate is ready to get back on track. Or is she? As she brainstorms the marketing concept for her newest client, Greg is distractingly handsome, fun and rich. Greg has the money to restore the resort. Kate has the talent to create marketing appeal. It seems like a great match to bring life to Rainbow's End, except that Rainbow's End and Greg Vange don't fit into Kate's life plans. Will love find a way to bring them together? Read more in At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot.

At Bluebonnet Lake is the first novel in Amanda Cabot's Texas Crossroads series. The premise, billionaire meets marketing maven, delivered a gentle story of friendship that transformed to love. The novel was laced with humor and touched on redemptive themes such as letting go of bitterness and surrendering to God's will for one's life. However, the plot meandered and was repetitive... as in the same settings/scenes occurred repeatedly. Unfortunately, I lost interest and even though the ending was sweet, I probably won't read it again.

At Bluebonnet Lake has some good points and readers who love the small town setting might like it more than I did. However, I was a bit disappointed and I recommend renting the novel from the library prior to buying.  

Read an excerpt from At Bluebonnet Lake 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."

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar

Disregarded by her birth family, Ruth's desire to belong is satisfied in her marriage to Mahlon, a kind man whose mother, Naomi, treats Ruth as her own daughter. When Mahlon and his brother die, Ruth and Naomi journey to Bethlehem, Naomi's former homeland. Desperate for food and income, Ruth gleans, picking up the pieces left behind by the field reapers employed by Boaz. As the camaraderie between Ruth and Boaz transforms into romantic inklings, both are convinced that they can never be together. Will love find a way? Read more in Tessa Afshar's In the Field of Grace.

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is a Biblical retelling of the Book of Ruth. The author used plenty of literary license to add story details and character motives, but also inserted quotes from the Book of Ruth. Throughout the story, various characters are taught spiritual lessons which became the themes of the book. At times, I felt like characters learned certain lessons too easily. Without enough internal struggle or tension, the development seemed a bit inauthentic. Still, themes such as surrendering what one wants most into God's care and accepting God's will with joy even when circumstances are hard are primary messages in the book that will resonate with Christian readers. I enjoyed the storyline and interspersed humor. In the Field of Grace is a keeper that I'm likely to re-read.

Those who liked Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar will enjoy In the Field of Grace as there are substantial similarities in characters and plot. I recommend In the Field of Grace to Christian readers looking for a historical romance combined with prevalent spiritual themes.

Read an excerpt for In the Field of Grace on Tessa Afshar'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."

Magnificent Tales Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times by Kelly Pulley

The Magnificent Tales Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times features twenty well-known Bible story poems illustrated by Kelly Pulley. The narrative lines up with the Biblical accounts except for a few minor discrepancies. Example: Guards at the tomb pretending to be asleep rather than fainting. As is common for this type of book, some of the less pleasant details of stories are omitted. Example: Jonah getting angry that the people of Nineveh repented. I liked that the story of Jesus' baptism was included as not many Bible story books recount that one. Each separate story has a title page which makes it perfect for reading just one or two at a time.

This collection of Bible story poems is recommended for children from four to eight years of age. I didn't realize that at the time I signed up to review it. However, my two year old loved it! We've had it around the house for at least a week now and she still looks though it every day. That's a lot more use than some of her books get...

Like most Bible story books, the narrative is a rhyming poem. The poetic meter changes between stories and sometimes even during the stories, but the lyrical quality makes it engaging for children. Unfortunately, during the story of Joseph, the only word that is used to rhyme with “dreaming” is “seeming.” Since “dreaming” is used often, so is “seeming.” It's very repetitive and probably my least favorite story in the book. However, the repetition didn't bother my daughter in the slightest and since the book is for her, it isn't a big deal.

My daughter, my husband and I liked the illustrations. This book is 352 pages long and well over half of those pages are fully illustrated. The colorful illustrations brought the stories to life for my daughter. Although the characters have strangely large knobs on their elbows and knees, it gave us something extra to giggle at as we went through the book and I consider it very well-illustrated.

Don't forget to visit the blog tour hosted by Litfuse Publicity to read more opinions on Magnificent Tales Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times by Kelly Pulley. There's also a Kindle giveaway that you can enter!



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."

Celebrate the Treasury of Bible Stories by entering the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway!

Part of the Magnificent Tales series, Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times will delight children ages 4–8 with rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Enter the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway 9/15 – 10/12.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Kelly's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Kelly's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz

If given her own choice, Rowena “Wren” Ballantyne would have stayed in Kentucky instead of journeying to her grandparent's manor, New Hope, in Pennsylvania. James Sackett, the Ballantynes' most valued steamship pilot, transports Wren to Pennsylvania and then thwarts her attempt to leave. In spite of a rocky start, Wren and James find common ground and a solid friendship as Wren navigates the changes of her life. As romance blooms, James is convinced their relationship can never be more than friendship as he's been targeted by a pro-slavery group for his abolitionist efforts. Can Wren convince James that their love is worth the danger? Will they both survive when the danger arises? Read more in Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz.

Love's Fortune is the third and final installment of The Ballantyne Legacy series by Laura Frantz. While Love's Awakening (the second novel) remains my favorite of the series, I did enjoy Love's Fortune and I think it would be fine as a stand-alone story if you haven't read the others. Each character was so well-developed that I liked them all, including the less popular ones: the selfish heir, the cranky great aunt, the wild in-law. As usual, Frantz's writing is lovely and the story moved at a good pace. Overall, I recommend Love's Fortune to fans of Christian romance who are looking for an entertaining book that has depth, but is not too heavy of a read.

Click here to read an except from Love's Fortune on the publisher's website.

And here's a video about the making of the beautiful book cover:




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."