The Brickmaker's Bride: Refined By Love Book One By Judith Miller

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: 

In the clay-rich hills of the newly founded state of West Virginia, two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brick making business.

Ewan McKay has immigrated to West Virginia with his aunt and uncle, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial help. Uncle Hugh purchases a brick making operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it's Ewan's job to get the company up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he quickly feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Resolving that he'll make the brickworks enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Ireland, Ewan pours all his energy into the new job. But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work is put in jeopardy. As his hopes for the future crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. Can she help him save the brickworks, and will Ewan finally get a shot at winning her heart? 

My Thoughts: 

The Brickmaker's Bride is Book One of Judith Miller's new series, Refined By Love and it is great. As a huge fan of Judith Miller books I was excited to have the opportunity to read her latest series. The Brickmaker's Bride takes place in West Virginia, a newly founded state after the Civil War.  The Woodfield's lost their patriarch in the Civil War and are forced to sell his brickyard since there is no man to run it in their family and this gives them the means to live the lifestyle they have been accustomed to. Laura Woodfield doesn't want to lose the brickyard, she spent much time there with her father helping run it. Even though Laura was inside doing the books, she knew everything there is to run the brickyard but as a woman it is not something she can do.  Ewan McKay, Uncle Hugh, Aunt Margaret, and Kathleen immigrate to the US from Ireland  to buy and run a brickyard. Ewan has promised to trade his skill in brick making to come to the US. Uncle Hugh buys the brickyard from The Woodfields and wants Ewan to run it. Ewan enlists help from Laura Woodfield to understand the books and hopefully to receive help from her to help secure contracts. As they work together, Laura and Ewan find they have a connection even though Laura is engaged.  Ewan puts his everything in this brickyard but Uncle Hugh gets himself and the brickyard in trouble with a bad business decision and The Woodfields find themselves offering assistance to Ewan so that he can keep the brickyard and have a future, a future that hopefully includes Laura Woodfield. 

The Brickmaker's Bride is the first book in Judith Miller's latest series called Refined By Love and it's a fantastic book. This is a wonderful Christian Historical Fiction that takes place right after the Civil War in the newly founded state, West Virginia.  Judith Miller writes with authority about The Civil War, West Virginia, brick making process, brickyard management, unwed mothers, banking, and government of this time.  As a huge fan of history I absolutely love all things Civil War including the post Civil War rebuilding.  Judith Miller intertwines fact and fiction in this story. I found myself learning about things I hadn't known about during this important time in our history. I loved the characters in this story because none of them were perfect and it was interesting to watch the transformation of these characters.  Some of the characters surprised me especially Uncle Hugh and Winston. The Brickmaker's Bride grabbed my attention from the start and kept it until the end. Judith Miller has written a wonderful story that does not disappoint. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.

 Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

The Promise By Beth Wiseman

 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:    


Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.
Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.
Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?


My Thoughts: 

The Promise by Beth Wiseman is the first book I have read from Beth Wiseman that isn't part of her Amish Fiction series and it is fantastic. When I read the description I felt drawn to read this story, especially knowing that the story is based on personal experience by the author.  As a follower of Beth Wiseman, I know that kidney diseases and transplants are something she has a heart for because of her family's journey for her husband's kidney transplant and that heart is felt throughout this story. Mallory Hammond watched her cousin battle kidney disease and had wanted nothing more than to help save her cousin's life but at 17 years old this decision wasn't Mallory's so she was unable to fulfill this dream. Years later Mallory has made it her mission to to help save a life and has been waiting to be able to donate a kidney to anyone who is a match but when Mallory finds out that may not be an option she doesn't know what to do. Until her boss connects her with his cousin in another country who needs someone to help him get his 16 year old daughter to the US for treatment for a terminal illness. As Mallory gets to know this man online she finds herself drawn to him and his plight. When Mallory decides to help, her boyfriend, Tate, begs her to reconsider fearing for her safety but Mallory is determined to do this no matter what the cost, not thinking the what the worst was or that it may happen to her. 

The Promise by Beth Wiseman is a unique book that depicts real life situations that happen. The Promise is based on personal experience of Beth Wiseman and a friend, and it is scary to think these things happen. From the start, this book took a hold of me and kept its grip until the very end. As I read this book the twists and turns were unexpected and kept me guessing until the end. Beth Wiseman writes with authority about kidney transplants, kidney diseases, India, Muslim faith, and government workings.  I enjoyed the characters in this story especially Verdell, the boy that Tate "adopts" when his aunt leaves him on Tate's doorstep. Verdell's story intertwines with Mallory's perfectly.  I knew this story was inspired by true events but it wasn't until I read the authors notes that I realized how close to home this was for Beth Wiseman. I could feel her personal stock in this story throughout but didn't know how personal and that really made this story hit home further for me. I enjoyed this book tremendously and found myself learning so much from this experience that I had never realized happened in our world. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I personally look forward to reading Beth Wiseman's other Non Amish Fiction stories. I give this book 5 STARS.


 In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.

Keepers of The Covenant, Book 2 in The Restoration Chronicles By Lynn Austin

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:

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king’s palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.
When the battles come to an end, Ezra’s brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude’s widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple–but the fight to keep God’s Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges…this one for the survival of God’s covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.



My Thoughts:

Keepers of The Covenant is the second book in Lynn Austin's latest series, The Restoration Chronicles and it is fantastic. I had the honor of reading and the reviewing the first book, Return to Me and when given the opportunity to read the next one I jumped at it. A Biblical Fiction story that brings to life the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, telling the story of the Jewish that were exiled to Babylon, and the others around them. The Babylonian Jews received a decree from the King in Susa, it declares the annihilation of every Jewish person throughout the empire on the Thirteenth day of Adar, which is less than one year from that point. Ezra is a Jewish scholar and teacher, leads a quiet life of studying and interpreting the Word of God. All at once this decree changes all of that and finds Ezra called to lead his community into this fight. Ezra must find out why this has happened and how God wants them to handle it. Soon another decree come down that gives the Jewish peoples the right to defend themselves on the Thirteenth of Adar, and Ezra is now the leader of this battle.  The Jewish ban together all over the territory and fight for their lives and win but not without some major losses. Ezra loses his brother Jude, who died defending the honor of his wife and children. As Ezra seeks answers why, he discovers it is law that he marries his brother's widow and provide a male heir. Ezra and Devorah honor this law and when Devorah becomes pregnant, life for Ezra changes dramatically. He finds himself asking God to make a way for the Jewish to return to Jerusalem for good to be able to follow all of God's Laws. His prayers find him successful in receiving permission from the King to return and bring back worship at the Temple Jerusalem. As they make their way to Jerusalem Ezra and the others find they are still at battle but this battle in within themselves.

Keepers of The Covenant is the latest book in The Restoration Chronicles by Lynn Austin.  As a fan of Biblical Fiction and Lynn Austin I could not wait to read this book. Return to Me, the first book was a wonderful read and I knew I had to know what happens next. Though this is Biblical Fiction there is a lot of fact and history that went in to this series and I love that. I love learning more about the Old Testament times and the history of the time and place.  Lynn Austin writes with authority on the Books of the Old Testament, the time in history, the places, the government and laws, and the people that shaped this history.  I found myself completely taken in to this book from the beginning and I could not put it down. I learned so much about these books of the Old Testament and how God's Law was interpreted. I loved the characters in this book who are new characters to the series but it was a pleasant surprise to learn of what happened to Hodaya (From Return To Me) and the family that adopted her.  I really enjoyed the storyline of Ezra and Devorah life after The Thirteenth of Adar and seeing how their faithfulness to God's law was rewarded. This story is a wonderful addition to this series and I cannot wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction and/or Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed.
I give this book 5 STARS.


Lynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the Covenant LIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God's unwavering love for His people. She'll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!

So grab your copy of Keepers of the Covenant and join Lynn and friends on the evening of October 21st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

The Sea House By Elisabeth Gifford

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:

In 1860, Alexander Ferguson, a newly ordained vicar and amateur evolutionary scientist, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the remote Scottish island of Harris. He hopes to uncover the truth behind the legend of the selkies—mermaids or seal people who have been sighted off the north of Scotland for centuries. He has a more personal motive, too; family legend states that Alexander is descended from seal men. As he struggles to be the good pastor he was called to be, his maid Moira faces the terrible eviction of her family by Lord Marstone, whose family owns the island. Their time on the island will irrevocably change the course of both their lives, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after they are gone.

It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets. Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child's fragile legs are fused together—a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? To heal her own demons, Ruth feels she must discover the secrets of her new home—but the answers to her questions may lie in her own traumatic past. The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford is a sweeping tale of hope and redemption and a study of how we heal ourselves by discovering our histories.
My Thoughts:

The Sea House is Elisabeth Gifford's debut book from the UK and its a wonderful debut. As my followers know I have such a heart for author's debut books and I love Historical Fiction, well I knew I had to read this.  This story takes place in 1860 and 1992 about the same house in the remote island of Harris in Scotland. The story tells of a vicar/evolutionary scientist looking to uncover The Selkies legend. The Selkies are mermaids or seal people who have been seen in the North of Scotland for centuries. Alexander has his own  personal stake since his family legend tells of Selkies in it.
The Sea House that Alexander Ferguson finds himself part of has many secrets that stay hidden until 1992. In 1992, Ruth and Michael but The Sea House, which is a beautiful but rundown place that they want to restore and turn into a Bed and Breakfast. As Michael restores this home, under the floorboards they make a shocking discovery, baby bones that show the legs fused together, a Selkie. Ruth feels drawn to find out who this baby was and the other secrets The Sea House holds. Ruth doesn't know how close to home this history will hit.

I love debut novels and enjoy being able to read and discover new authors. Elisabeth Gifford has written a great debut novel that takes her readers to two separate times in history and brings them together. Elisabeth Gifford writes with authority about Harris, Scotland, past and present, The Selkies Legend, Pastoring, and Evolutionary Science.  I had a hard time getting into the book in the beginning, but once I got past the second chapter I was swept up into The Sea House. I enjoyed the characters and their journeys to what they were looking for. I also find myself learning so much about Scotland and The Selkies legend, something I had only heard mentioned a few times in my life. Elisabeth Gifford finds the right balance of fact and fiction to keep her readers engaged until the end. I enjoyed this book and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I look forward to reading more by Elisabeth Gifford. I give this book 4 STARS.


Don't miss The Sea House, a stunning fiction debut from the UK. Set in a house on the windswept coast of the Outer Hebrides, Elisabeth Gifford's haunting tale effortlessly bridges a gap of more than a century. Adeptly interweaving two tales involving residents of the titular house, Gifford sets up an absorbing mystery revolving around local lore and myths about mermaids, selkies, and sealmen. Stretching seamlessly back and forth through time, layers upon layers of secrets are slowly and effectively peeled away in this evocative debut (Booklist).

Celebrate with Elisabeth by entering her Kindle giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at Elisabeth's Blog.

Watch the trailer:

The Mason Jar By James Russell Lingerfelt

 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: 


What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she's ever read? "But," she said, "it's about you." The author is your college ex. In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather's desk; letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark, debutante from Colorado, named Savannah. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions. Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar. A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her and a reunion they never imagined. Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational romance that brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending that encourages us to love again, and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It and Legends of the Fall. Note: In September 2014, a new version of The Mason Jar (distinguishable by the blue title box on the front cover) was released with a redemptive ending.

My Thoughts: 

The Mason Jar is James Russell Lingerfelt's debut book and it is a fantastic debut.  I have learned that I have a heart for debut authors and their books. I love reading these first books and finding new authors to read from their start.  When I read the book description and that it was a debut book I knew I had to request it and I am so glad I did.  The Mason Jar is like a book within a book. The story begins about a man, Clayton Fincannon, or Finn as his friends know him, who wrote a book about his time in college focusing on his time with "Savannah" (the fictional name given to Eden). Eden gets a call telling her about this book.  From there, as the reader, we get to read Finn's book.  The story goes into Finn's life from losing his parents young, his time in Africa helping street kids, to his current life. Finn and Eden find each other for a short time and one day she leaves without warning and Finn doesn't know why. He struggles through many years wondering why it happened and what happened to her. 

The Mason Jar is a fantastic debut book. James Russell Lingerfelt writes 2 beautiful stories in one that spans many years to give us the story of Finn and Eden. I found myself completely immersed in this book, unable to put it down. From the start this story took a hold of me and held on until the end. James Russell Lingerfelt writes with authority about Tennessee, Pepperdine University, California, Africa, volunteering and missionary work overseas, and Micro lending and how it works. I learned about a few things in this book especially about the missions work in Africa and how Micro lending works and how it has helped people all over the world. I loved all of the characters in this story but it is a tie between Finn and his Grandpa. These two men were so similar yet many years apart. They were also best friends and their connection to one another gave this story so much more. I loved the tradition of  the letters in the Mason jars and the use of the jars for their drinks.  I truly enjoyed this book and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it.  James Russell Lingerfelt is a very talented writer who writes with such heart, you can see it in the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait for James Russell Lingerfelt's next book to come out. I give this book 5 STARS.

Make sure to check out the information below about this book and the giveaways being offered! 





James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.

Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.

Home To Chicory Lane: Book One of Chicory Inn Series By Deborah Raney

 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:  

Audrey Whitman's dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband Grant are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast, just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri. Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey's daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she's pulling makes it clear she's not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn's husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?


My Thoughts: 

Home To Chicory Lane is the first book in Deborah Raney's newest series, The Chicory Inn and I really enjoyed it. As a fan of Deborah Raney I was excited to have the opportunity to read this latest series. It has been a while since I have read Deborah Raney so it was refreshing to have this opportunity.  Audrey Whitman has always dreamed of running a bed and breakfast out of their family home and now with all of they children grown and on their own, Audrey and Grant Whittman put their all into The Chicory Inn, a mile outside of Langhorne,Missouri.  The Whittman's have an open house for opening weekend, enlisting help from some of their children. Their youngest Landyn makes a surprise visit from New York hauling a U-Haul truck behind her. When Audrey and Grant finally get to talk to Landyn they find out she has left her husband Chase after he subleased their apartment, moved them into a studio apartment for his art, and he quit his job to be an artist full time. This move would force Landyn to have to quit her job to find something closer.  As The Whittman Family circle around Landyn trying to help her make decisions, her husband realizes he needs to be Landyn. 

Home to Chicory Lane is a great book. I am a huge fan of Deborah Raney and I am so excited that she has a new series out! My dream has been to own a bed and breakfast or resort since I was in high school so this book really spoke to me about having those dreams and making them come true, having the faith to believe this is where God is leading you and trust His calling. So much of this book is about that faith and God's leading and what happens when you listen to that calling. Deborah Raney writes with authority about Missouri, New York, the Art world, marketing,and  running a B&B.
I really enjoyed meeting the Whittman family, Grant and Audrey, their 5 children, their son in laws, and their grandchildren, oh and Grants Mom CeeCee (there is a story there I hope to read).  This book was mainly about Audrey and Grant and Landyn and Chase but it was great to get to learn about the others in the family and the dynamics within their family, which I can't wait to learn more. I found it hard to put this book down once I got into it, wanting to know what would happen with Landyn and Chase. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I absolutely look forward to the next book in this series (there's a few  pages of the new book in this one). I give this book 5 STARS

The first book in Deborah Raney's new Chicory Inn series, Home to Chicory Lane, introduces us to Audrey Whitman, a mother who has launched all her children into life and now looks forward to fulfilling some of her own dreams during her empty-nest years. However, not all of her children are ready to stay out of the nest quite yet.

Deborah is celebrating the release of her new series with a $200 B&B Weekend Getaway and a Facebook author chat party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A B&B Weekend Getaway (via a $200 Visa cash card)
• Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 9th. Winner will be announced at the Home to Chicory Lane Author Chat Party on 9/9. Deborah will be hosting a heartfelt book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the Chicory Inn series!

So grab your copy of Home to Chicory Lane and join Deborah on the evening of September 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Making Marion: Where's Robin Hood When You Need Him? By Beth Moran

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

Book Description:  

She had been looking for somewhere to stay, but instead Marion Miller finds herself on the wrong side of the reception desk at the Peace and Pigs campground and, despite her horrible shyness, promptly lands herself a job.
Marion came to Nottinghamshire--home of Sherwood Forest--to discover her father's mysterious past, but all she has to go on is a picture of her father dressed up, it would seem, as Robin Hood. 
Life on a busy campground challenges Marion's formerly controlled life--the pigs roam free, the resident chickens seem determined to thwart her, and an unfortunate incident with a runaway bike throws her into the arms of the beautiful, but deeply unimpressed, Reuben.
Yet, Marion's would-be boyfriend Jake, and Reuben's stunning fiancée Erica, conspire to leave little room for Marion to daydream about the twinkling eyes of her rescuer . . . Will Marion ever find peace, and perhaps even love, among the pigs?
Including a large cast of memorable, colorful characters, Making Marion is an outstanding debut romantic comedy that touches on issues of identity and family with a natural ease.


My Thoughts:  

Making Marion is Beth Moran's debut book and it is fantastic. I was immediately drawn to this book from the covers, front and back. I loved the front cover illustrations and when I go to the book description I was hooked.As my readers know, I love debut authors and their books. I am so drawn to the stories and finding new authors so Making Marion was right up my alley.  Marion Miller leaves her abusive home in Ireland and finds herself in Nottinghamshire looking for answers to her father's life, hoping to find something she is looking for. She finds herself at the Peace and Pigs Campground to find a place to stay, and a case of mistaken identity lands her a job. Even after clearing up the mistake her "boss" Scarlett, Marion finds herself with a job, a place to live, and an interesting cast of character that are her co workers and neighbors. Marion has a picture of her father from his teen years dressed as Robin Hood in the Nottinghamshire Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. As Marion starts asking questions about her father, she is met with a lot of resistance and threats to leave well alone. With the help of her coworkers, now her family they try to find out all they can. As Marion comes out of her shell of shyness and embraces this new life she finds out what it is to be happy.

Beth Moran has written a fantastic debut book. I loved this book from cover to cover, and everything in between. I enjoyed the setting of this book, Nottinghamshire, Sherwood Forest, England. I learned many new words from England and I loved that! I have also always been taken by the story of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest since seeing Robin Hood (Disney Version) as a child, so this story really spoke to me.  Beth Moran wrote with authority about Nottinghamshire,England, history and lore of Robin Hood, Ireland, and living and working at a campground. Beth Moran has written a wonderful cast of characters that really made this story so much fun. I really enjoyed all of the characters especially Scarlett, Marion's "boss", mother figure for a few of the characters,. Her look at life and her lessons on life are fantastic. I found myself laughing in parts of this book and crying in others. As funny as this book can be, there are some deep issues dealt with throughout this story that really bring it together! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will enjoy it. I cannot wait to read more from Beth Moran, I now have another must read author on my list. I give this book 5 STARS.