Saturday, April 30, 2016

White: The Restoration Trilogy Book One By Denise Weimer

I received this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Blogger Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

As historic preservationist Jennifer and brooding bachelor Michael restore his ancestors’ historic doctor’s residence in a rural Georgia community, they uncover the 1920s-era prejudice and secrets that caused Michael’s branch to fall off the family tree. Recent graduate Jennifer is determined to fulfill her first professional position with integrity even if her employer lacks a proper appreciation of history.

With the restoration of each building, Michael, Jennifer and a cast of endearing characters uncover three lessons of heart healing from three different centuries (WHITE, 1920; WIDOW, 1870; and WITCH, 1790) that they learn to apply to their own lives and community. Far more challenging—and sinister—than the social landscape of Hermon are the strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them on the Dunham property. Yet Michael’s and Jennifer’s own pasts pose the biggest obstacles to laying a fresh foundation of family and community. The Restoration Trilogy melds humor and heartache to show how only God, The Master Renovator, can heal our most broken places.


My Thoughts:

White is the first book of the Restoration Trilogy by Denise Weimer and it is great! This is the first book by Denise Weimer I have had the pleasure of reading and I am so glad I did. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction, this book was right up my alley! Also the fact that it is set in Georgia, where my Dad is from, really piqued my interest. Denise Weimer writes with authority on Georgia now and in the past including the social hierarchy of the 1920's,  historical preservation, medical profession, apothecary, and the architecture of the historical homes.  I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish. The characters in this book are fantastically written. They are imperfect people with messy lives. I loved all the characters in this book, but my favorite would have to be, Stella. Stella is a wonderful woman who loves to help people. She is a motherly type who takes our main characters in her fold to help them recognize who they really are and the importance for them to lean on God for his help. She never gives up on people and holds the key to Michael and Jennifer's questions about the house they are restoring. I really enjoyed Denise Weimer's writing style and her ability to move between past and present seamlessly. She really integrated the past and present well and I liked how the past and present had different fonts. Denise Weimer also weaved fact and fiction together and taught me more about Georgia and the history. I really felt like I was there watching the events unfold. This book definitely has a little bit of everything in it, history, romance, and suspense. I loved the mystery behind the house, the town, and the characters. The Christian message in this book is wonderful and really made me think. I cannot say enough good about this book and this author. I CAN'T wait to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book
4 STARS.




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Purchase your copy in paperback here or in ebook here

Guest Post from Denise Weimer

When I speak tobook clubs or people ask me why I started writing historical fiction, I tell them that as I grew up, my parents took me to numerous historical sites. I wondered who lived in an old house or town and what their lives were like. What treasures, what secrets, might I find if I could dig down to the bones of an old mansion? Myactive imagination kicked in, and I started scribbling stories in spiral bound notebooks. I knew from age eleven I wanted to be a writer, though for a time I considered historical preservation as a career. I found the perfect marriage of those desires in The Restoration Trilogy, my new series with Canterbury House Publishing.


The restoration my parents did on their own historic house and apothecary shop inspired White, Widow and Witch. While looking for a residence in a country community, Mom and Dad purchased a property they later learned belonged to a line of regionally famous doctors tracing back to Revolutionary War days. Watching them piece together stories from the past with the help of local historians nudged me to depart from the historical settings of my past novels (Redeeming Grace and The Georgia Gold Series) in favor of modern romantic suspense. Readers follow Jennifer Rushmore, a recent historic preservationgraduate, and Michael Johnson, a brooding bachelor who has inherited property from ancestors he knows little about, as they restore a doctor’s house, apothecary shop and log cabin. During the restoration of each, they uncover a story from a different century (1920, 1870 and 1790) containing a lesson of “heart healing” they need to apply in the present.

Most of us have been through hardships in our lives that God would use to refine our characters or expose and heal pain from our pasts. Sometimes we’re tempted to just slap another coat of paint over a crack or build a cheap façade over a weakness. God knows that full restoration takes effort, time and expense, so He never goesto work without our permission. However, He is the only one who can bring us to wholeness.

Jennifer accepts the assignment in the eclectic community of Hermon while waiting for her dreamjob in Savannah, never imagining God might have other plans. Country neighbors determined to become friends, a handsome but secretive employer with conflicting ideas about how to conduct the restoration, and strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them working on the property strip away Jennifer’s personal defenses. She comes to learn that when a person is open to the work of the Master Renovator, one can find blessings in the unlikeliest of places.

About the Book

”COVER-WHITE_RGB72web”When Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’sjob offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow) and log cabin (Witch) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation. Three stories. Three centuries. Three lessons on the healing of the heart. And one buried mystery that threatens their redemption. White: As historic preservationist Jennifer and brooding bachelor Michael restore his ancestors’ historic doctor’s residence in a rural Georgia community, they uncover the 1920s-era prejudice and secrets that caused Michael’s branch to fall off the family tree. Recent graduate Jennifer is determined to fulfill her first professionalposition with integrity even if her employer lacks a proper appreciation of history. Far more challenging—and sinister—than the social landscape of Hermon are the strange accidents hinting that someone doesn’t want them on the Dunham property. Yet Michael’s and Jennifer’s own pasts pose the biggest obstacles to laying a fresh foundation of family and community.

”head

  About the Author


In addition to The Restoration Trilogy, native Georgian Denise Weimer is the author of numerous magazine articles about her home state, romantic novella Redeeming Grace, The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold). Bright as Gold won the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for authentic Southern literature. She holds a journalismdegree with a minor in history from Asbury University, is a wife and swim mom of two daughters, and always pauses for coffee, chocolate and old houses.

Giveway

In honor of the White Celebration Tour, Denise is giving away a print copy of WHITE: Book One of The Restoration Trilogy, a $15 Starbucks card to representing the coffee-loving modern heroine, and a vintage hat to represent the historical heroine.Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/96a4

Blog Stops

April 19: TexasBook-aholic
April 23: 
April 25: Bigreadersite
April 26: Mary Hake
May 1: A Greater Yes

Monday, April 25, 2016

The Reluctant Duchess: Ladies of the Manor Book 2 By Roseanna M White

I received this book from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogging Team for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:


A Riveting Edwardian Series Set among Britain's High Society

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she's about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.



My Thoughts:

The Reluctant Duchess is the second book in Roseanna M. White's series, The Ladies of the Manor, and it is FANTASTIC. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction I had the honor of reading and reviewing the first book in this series, The Lost Heiress and I was hooked on this series. I could NOT pass up the opportunity to review The Reluctant Duchess, after how much I loved The Lost Heiress. Roseanna M. White writes with authority about England and Scotland during this era, social graces, hierarchy of the times, and legends of the time. I found myself hooked from the first page until the last one, wanting more! The characters are great and complex. The lines of hero and villain are not clear or always what we thought. I also enjoyed meeting new characters, but also learning about some old friends from The Lost Heiress.  Even though this is the second book, The Reluctant Duchess can be read stand alone I feel. Roseanna M. White writing ensures that new readers aren't lost but "old" ones aren't bored by too much detail. One of the many things I have always enjoyed about her writing. I also loved feeling like I was there watching the events unfold. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I wait impatiently for the next book! I give this book 5 STARS. 



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Book Information

Purchase your copy here. Will Fleeing the Scottish Highlands Only Leave Her in More Danger? Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she’s never felt good enough–not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening her life. Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl. Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’ll end up in more danger than she fled.

About the Author

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Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. The Reluctant Duchess is Roseanna’s eleventh published book. Her novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com


Guest Post from Roseanna White

Though I’ve written nearly thirty books, thirteen of which will be out by the end of 2016, there’s something very special about the Ladies of the Manor Series. The first book, The Lost Heiress, is a rewrite of the first novel I ever wrote—at the age of 12-13. Once I finished that first novel, I made it my goal to keep adding more manuscripts to my “finished” file. I started in immediately on the sequel . . . and soon ran into a problem. You see, I knew who I wanted these characters to be. Brice Myerston, a duke, whom readers would have met in the first book. And a young lady from Scotland who had suffered abuse.

That’s it. That’s all I knew. And it stymied 13-year-old me, who hadn’t a clue what it felt like to suffer such things, and whose imagination, while rich, just lacked a certain basis in the realities of human nature. Probably a good thing that I gave up on the story back then, and didn’t dust it off again until my mid-20s, when I was reworking the series. And better still that Rowena had many more drafts to go through before she finally took to the printed page in The Reluctant Duchess.

I narrowed my setting down, during those years, to the Highlands, and I chose Loch Morar because of how perfectly the region of Lochaber suited the story I wanted to tell. Isolated. Stark. Rugged. Beautiful. Sometimes cruel. This was a land utterly perfect for my heroine’s family, for her back story. Then came the challenge of picking a clan for her to belong to—because lemme just tell you, one could quite easily offend with such choices, if not portrayed properly, LOL. And because I wanted her father to be chief of her clan, I ran the risk of people mistaking him for the actual chief, if I chose an actual clan.

A writing friend came to rescue and offered her last name for my heroine: Kinnaird (pronounced “kin-AIRD”), which is a sept (branch) of another clan in reality, so had no chief of its own, but was still a well-established Scottish name. Perfect!

So Rowena Kinnaird was born after many years of her character floating in and around my head and computer screen. And I got to pair this backward, sometimes shy, sometimes stubborn Scottish lass with the charming, suave, polished English duke I’d had planned out since I was 13.

 I went to great pains in The Lost Heiress to make Brice Myerston a favorite character, so that readers HAD to read his story. Mwa ha ha ha. 😉 So far, so good on that score! Brice is a hero who has his faults, but he also has character. He has faith. He has a good heart, he’s considerate, he’s understanding. And he’s also so accustomed to charming everything female that he doesn’t quite know what to do when Rowena doesn’t seem inclined to be charmed.

There are clashes. There is tension. There’s much healing on Rowena’s part. Many trials for them both. But I hope that through this story of The Reluctant Duchess readers see what it means to triumph over past hurts. And how brightly God shines against the darkness.

Blog Stops

April 12: Just Commonly
April 12: Book by Book
April 13: Melissa Wardwell
April 14: A Holland Reads
April 15: Splashes of Joy
April 15: Story Matters
April 16: Bookworm Mama
April 16: bigreadersite
April 17: cherylbbookblog
April 17: A Greater Yes
April 19: Henry Happens
April 19: Karen Hadley
April 21: Proverbial Reads
April 21: Heidi Reads…
April 24: Giveaway Lady
April 24: Under His Wings

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of her book, Roseanna is giving away a few of Roseanna’s favorite things. Click the link to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e146afbf20/?

The Cairo Code By Glenn Meade

I received this book from Howard Books Blogger Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

The international bestseller takes you on a fast-paced, nail-biting thrill ride from the Great Pyramids in Cairo, to behind the Nazi lines in Berlin, to the very seat of democracy as our hero tries to unravel a plot that could kill FDR and Winston Churchill.

To save the Western Allies, he must kill the woman he loves…

November 1943: Adolf Hitler sanctioned his most audacious mission ever—to kill US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill while they visit Cairo for a secret conference to plan the Allied invasion of Europe, an invasion which threatens imminent defeat for Germany.

Only one man is capable of leading the defiant Nazi mission—Major Johann Halder, one of the Abwehr’s most brilliant and daring agents. He is a man with a tortured soul and a talent for the impossible. Accompanied by an expert undercover team and Rachael Stern, the young and beautiful Egyptologist, Halder must race against time across a hostile desert to reach Cairo and successfully complete the assignment, or else forfeit his life and the life of his son.

When US military intelligence hears about the plan, they assign Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Weaver, one of their best officers, to hunt down and eliminate Halder and his team. But for Weaver, as well as for Halder and Stern, there’s more than the balance of war and the lives of the Allied leaders at stake—a pact of love and friendship will be tested in the frantic, high-stakes chase to the death.

Based on a real attempt to kill the President, The Cairo Code is a breathless, suspenseful thriller—a heart-wrenching tale of friendship, love, and treachery set against the exotic and intriguing backdrop of wartime Egypt.

My Thoughts:

The Cairo Code is the latest release of Glenn Meade and it is FANTASTIC. The Cairo Code had been previously titled The Sands of Sakkara. As a huge fan of Glenn Meade's books I was so excited to have the opportunity to read it. This book is a Christian Historical Fiction which my readers know is one of my favorite genres. Glenn Meade writes with authority about The world in the 1930's and 1940's, military intelligence  for the United States, Egypt, England, and Germany, archeology, The Nazi Party, the concentration camps, and the attempt on the president's life. As a huge fan of Historical Fiction I have found myself drawn this part in history and I find myself learning so much every time I read one of these books. I found myself drawn into this book from the start and guessing until the end how things would work out. The characters in this book are awesome. They are very complex characters that aren't always what they seem. My favorite characters would have to be Rachel Stern, Major Johann Halder, and Lt Colonel Harry Weaver. They are very complicated characters in very interesting and hard situation in this book. The three of them are a love triangle and all three of them once friends on the same side, end up all on different sides of the war. Their love for one another definitely puts them all in very difficult situations and the interactions are fantastic. I love Glenn Meade's style of writing and I really felt like I was there on this adventure with our characters.  The Cairo Code is a Christian Historical Thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction with high action, you will NOT be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of Glenn Meade's books. I give this book 5 STARS.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Back in the Saddle: Double S Ranch Book One By Ruth Logan Herne

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

The Prodigal Is Coming Home

It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.

He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why.

Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?


My Thoughts: 

Back in the Saddle is the first book in Ruth Logan Herne's latest series, Double S Ranch and it is FANTASTIC. This is the first book from Ruth Logan Herne that I have had the pleasure of reading and I am so glad I did. I haven't read many Western style books but I am so glad I read this one. Ruth Logan Herne writes with authority about: all aspects of ranching, police work, stock market, Washington state, and medical things. I found myself drawn into this book from the start. The characters in this book are fantastic, they are real people with lives that are messy and not perfect.  I enjoyed all of them especially Colt. Colt isn't perfect and he knows that. He comes home to do what he has to with his heart hard toward his family, especially his dad and I loved the transformation he goes through and the person he becomes because of the influence of others. As I read this book, I felt like I was there in Gray's Glen as the events unfolded. I loved the themes in this book especially forgiveness. The characters in this book not only needed to forgive others they really needed to forgive themselves for the past and their actions. In forgiving themselves and others they found their way back to their faith and that was a wonderful thing. I learned a lot from this book about ranching and I enjoyed it very much. It sparked some great things in me. I am so glad that I read this book. I have never really be a huge fan of western style books but Back in the Saddle and Ruth Logan Herne's writing really peaked something in me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and/or Western Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I have definitely found a new author to add to my favorite list and cannot wait to read the rest of this series. The next book, Home on the Range is due out in October so watch for it!! I give this book 5+ STARS.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Sit, Stay, Love: Love Unleashed Book One By Dana Mentink

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Take one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog, and you're ready for a lesson in love...Tippy style.
Pro baseball pitcher Cal Crawford is not a dog guy. When he inherits his deceased mother's elderly dog, Tippy, he's quick to call on a pet-sitting service.
Gina isn't thrilled to be a dog sitter when her aspirations lie in the classroom. Furthermore, she can't abide the unfriendly Cal, a man with all the charm of a wet towel. But with no other prospects and a deep love for all things canine, she takes the job caring for Tippy.
As Gina travels through Cal's world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too...
Discover the charming story of Tippy, the dog who brought a family together.

My Thoughts:

Sit, Stay, Love is the first book in Dana Mentink's latest series, Love Unleashed and it is FANTASTIC. This is the first book by Dana Mentink I have had the pleasure of reading and I am so glad I did! As a pet owner and animal lover this book really caught my attention, especially the cover.  This book is great, a cute and funny book about an older dog, a cranky pro athlete, and a different dog walker who is typically a school teacher. I could NOT put this book down, from start to finish I was hooked. Dana Mentink writes with authority on dogs, all things baseball including Beep Ball, California, and forgiveness. I loved the fact that Beep Ball had its place in this book because I do know a special young man who has played Beep Ball for years. The cast of characters in this book are a great bunch. I found myself drawn to their love for one another and their faith in God. The interactions between them all made for a fun read but I have to say I loved Tippy. This geriatric dog is hilarious.  She is definitely quirky and in the words of the characters in the book, "There's just something about Tippy." This book was a quick read but it definitely packed a lot in it. As much as this book was definitely funny it also had its serious parts. I found myself laughing in many, many parts, sad in others, and holding my breath in others wondering what will happen. The acts of forgiveness and love are a big part of this book and it truly spoke to my heart. This book was absolutely great for my heart, offering me some well needed laughs!! I personally have a heart for older animals and have adopted 2 "older" cats so Sit, Stay, Love really spoke to me.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and/or are animal lovers, you will NOT be disappointed.  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, Fetching Sweetness which will be out in July 2016. I give this book 5 STARS. Please check out Dana Mentink's blog and A Travels with Tippy Prize Pack Giveaway below!



What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink's new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .

Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
  • A $75 Visa cash card
  • A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
    • Travel-themed decorator box
    • Reading dog statue
    • Dog journal
    • Poems for Dog Lovers
    • Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
    • Pawprint scarf
    • Doxie desk pen
    • Pupmobile auto magnet
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana's blog.

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Buckhead Dead: A Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Book One By Deborah Malone

I received this book from Deborah Malone through Celebrate Lit Blogger Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Skye Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead's most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for. After a celebration at Sylvia's home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye, Honey, and Honey's lovable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse, becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye's husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia's case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.


My Thoughts:

Buckhead Dead is the first book in Deborah Malone's latest series, The Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Series and it was great. I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Deborah Malone's books but I am glad to have found a new author to read. This book is well written and researched.  Deborah Malone writes with authority on: All things Georgia including the streets, restaurants, and suburbs. Also about antiques, decorating, police procedures, Martinique, and traveling. This book is a fun read that definitely kept my interest and wasn't easy to put down. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Skye, Honey, and Ginger. They are definitely a great group of friends who lift each other up, share their faith with one another to help through their struggles, and would do anything for each other. They are also HILARIOUS. I loved their interactions, they definitely are comic relief! I definitely found myself laughing in many places and holding my breath in others, wondering what will happen next. Buckhead Dead has a little bit of everything thing it including: comedy, mystery, action, and romance. This book kept me my interest from start to finish and kept me guessing until the end. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Mystery Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait for the next books in this series!! I give this book 4 STARS.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The Lost Heiress:Ladies of the Manor Book 1 By Roseanna M. White

I received this book from the author, Roseanna M. White,  for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinion expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.
As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.
 


My Thoughts: 

The Lost Heiress is the first book in Roseanna White's latest series, The Ladies of the Manor, and all I can say is, WOW! As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction and Roseanna White's writing I was so excited to be a part of her team to promote her book. Roseanna White writes with authority about The Grimaldi's history, the world during this time 1910 especially in England and Monaco, hierarchy during this time, social graces, and horse training. I COULD NOT put this book down. The mystery and action kept me wanting to know more. I absolutely loved this characters that Roseanna White created in this book, especially because the good guys and the villains were not clear. I especially loved Brook and her father, The Earl of Whitby. Their interactions were fantastic and in many places humorous and their sense of adventure was fantastic.  Brook may not have grown up with him but they are so much alike and their faith was truly unshakable and so similar.  I found myself laughing out loud in places of this book, tearing up in others, and scared in others. This book truly had a little bit of everything including romance, mystery, drama, comedy, and action. I loved the history in this book. Roseanna White interweaves fact and fiction so well and was definitely well researched. I found myself wanting to to learn more. I really couldn't put it down and found myself picking it up anytime I found a minute and I really did NOT want to put it down and was sad when it ended because I definitely wanted more. As a Christian Fiction book I did find the deep faith of a lot of the characters and the bible verses very inspiring. I truly enjoyed this book and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to start the next book in this series,  The Reluctant Duchess. I give this book 5+ STARS.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

The Imposter: The Bishop's Family Book One By Suzanne Woods Fisher

I received this book from the author through The Celebrate Lit Blogging Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. Those plans started to crumble when her father moved the family to Stoney Ridge, then completely collapsed when John decided to marry someone else. Katrina is devastated. How could she have felt so loved, yet been so deceived?

As she struggles to face a future without him, a widow asks for her help to start a new business and Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose. What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farm hand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing, and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy
for real, or too good to be true? Deceived once before, Katrina is determined to keep her feelings in check.

When a cascade of events is set in motion by some surprising information, the little Amish church is turned upside down. Soon, everyone has a stake in the outcome, and the community struggles to find the best response to an imposter in their midst. Can they forgive even the most deceitful deeds?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher introduces her loyal fans to a brand-new series set in their favorite town--Stoney Ridge. As always, Fisher delivers endearing characters and plot twists that keep readers turning page after page after page.

My Thoughts:

The Imposter is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest series, The Bishop's Family and it is fantastic. As a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction and Suzanne Woods Fisher's books I couldn't pass up reading this book. Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about the Amish, their communities, and their faith. Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a few series based in Stoney Ridge and so I was excited to go back there in this new series to meet new characters and to catch up with old friends from the other books. The Imposter picks up where The Inn at Eagle Hill series leaves off but readers can definitely pick up this new series without reading the other books and not be lost. That is one of the many things I love about Suzanne Woods Fisher's writing, as a new reader you do not feel lost by not reading the series before and as an "old" reader the details don't leave you bored. I loved the new characters in this book especially Birdy Glick. Birdy seems to be a timid woman who is consider weird. She is also the bishop's sister and he definitely forces her into uncomfortable situations like teaching but when it comes to doing the right thing, she does what she feels God is leading her to do, not her fear of her brothers. Birdy is a great character, I loved her sense of humor, her ability to find the positives in all situations, and the fact that no matter what the situation she is in she does the right thing. All the characters in this book are real characters who have lives that are not perfect. These characters make it clear that the Amish don't live perfect lives and they struggle just as much as everyone else.  I love Suzanne Woods Fisher's style of writing, I really felt like I was back at Stoney Ridge watching events unfold. From start to finish this book was not easy to put down and I found myself completely immersed in this world. I definitely found myself chuckling in parts and in others tearing up. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will not be disappointed!! I am impatiently waiting for Book Two, The Quieting which will be out in May. I give this book 5 STARS.

The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...