A Heart's Home: Journeyof the Heart Series Book 6 By Colleen Colbe

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

Book Description:  

Emmie’s hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.
Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn’t hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?
With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

My Thoughts:

A Heart's Home is the last book in Colleen Coble's Series, Journey of the Heart, and it is a great book.  As most know I am a HUGE Christian Historical Fiction fan but I am not too keen on novellas until I read this set of novellas. Colleen Coble's approach to the novella is fresh and really kept me interested,. I enjoyed the flow of the books and the frequency of their release. This installment wraps up all the stories really well. This book really gets the emotions going from joy to extreme sadness. This story continues with Emmie's journey, as she struggles with her own insecurities and a promise she made a friend she is very conflicted especially since she herself is pregnant and won't be able to hide it much longer. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed, but you definitely have to read them in order. I give this book 5 STARS.

A Heart's Promise: Journey of the Heart Book 5 By Colleen Coble

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: 

Emmie makes a promise to her friend that, if fulfilled, could mean the end to her dreams of a future with Isaac.

Emmie Croftner let Isaac Liddle go to avoid telling him about her past. But Isaac remains determined to win Emmie’s heart and hand. Though Emmie resolves to keep her heart in check, it hurts when she sees that another woman has set her bonnet for Isaac.
Then Emmie’s dear friend extracts a costly promise: if anything happens to her in childbirth, Emmie will marry her widower and raise the baby herself. And it seems Emmie may have to fulfill that promise. But can she live happily without Isaac?



My Thoughts:

A Heart's Promise is the fifth book in Colleen Coble's Journey of the Heart Series.  This series is a collection of six novellas that tell a whole story.  As I have stated before I am not usually a fan of novellas but this series changed my mind.  In A Heart's Promise more of Emmie Croftner's story unfolds.  Emmie is in love with Isaac, a lieutenant in the US Army and Isaac is in love with Emmie but Emmie does not want Isaac to find out about her past so she decides to let him go. Emmie fears he will walk away when he finds out she is pregnant so she decides to let him go first.  As Emmie goes on with her life she has a hard time seeing another woman with Isaac, but the shame of her previously life keeps her from Isaac. Amelia, Emmie's close friend is also pregnant but fears she will die in childbirth and asks Emmie to promise if she does die that Emmie will marry Amelia's husband and raise the baby as her own. Emmie makes this promise to Amelia, knowing what it means and what/who she is giving up. 

A Heart's Promise is a great read. These novellas definitely need to be read in order so that the story can be enjoyed. I enjoyed that the focus was more on Emmie's story but the characters from the other books are still around and we get to continue following their stories.  The characters in this story are very real people, living life. I have to say my favorite character is Emmie Croftner.  Emmie Croftner's life has been hard, but she has made it through. She also fights to have a life but she doesn't believe she can have true happiness. I cannot wait to read the final book to see how these stories finish. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.

Eve: A Novel By WM. Paul Young

I received this book from Howard Books A Division of Simon & Schuster for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

From the author of the twenty-five-million-copy bestseller The Shack comes a captivating new novel destined to be one of the most talked-about books of the decade.

Eve is a bold, unprecedented exploration of the Creation narrative, true to the original texts and centuries of scholarship—yet with breathtaking discoveries that challenge traditional beliefs about who we are and how we’re made. Eve opens a refreshing conversation about the equality of men and women within the context of our beginnings, helping us see each other as our Creator does—complete, unique, and not constrained by cultural rules or limitations.

When a shipping container washes ashore on an island between our world and the next, John the Collector finds a young woman inside—broken, frozen, and barely alive. With the aid of Healers and Scholars, John oversees her recovery and soon discovers that her genetic code connects her to every known race. No one would guess what her survival will mean…

No one but Eve, Mother of the Living, who calls her “daughter” and invites her to witness the truth about her own story—indeed, the truth about us all.

As The Shack awakened readers to a personal, non-religious understanding of God, Eve will free us from faulty interpretations that have corrupted human relationships since the Garden of Eden.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely written, Eve is a masterpiece that will inspire readers for generations to come.

My Thoughts:

Eve is the latest book by WM. Paul Young and it is a good one. I have not read any of his other books but do have them in my To Be Read pile. Eve is the retelling of the story of Creation and the fall of Man from a personal viewpoint,  seeing it from the view point of Lily, one of the main characters in the book.  This book was definitely well researched and gives the story of creation a modern look God and the story of man. I felt the writing was good but I had a hard time keeping up in the beginning but eventually it all evened out and I felt I had a firmer grasp on the message WM. Paul Young was writing about. I did have a hard time connecting with the book but that shouldn't discourage readers from this book. I think this book is a good book and for anyone looking for a modern telling of the story of creation this is definitely the right book for you! I plan on reading Eve again and hope to be able to add more to my review.  I give this book 3.5 STARS.

Until My Name is Known: Tell of My Kingdom's Glory Book 1 By Sonya Contreras

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 Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is a love story between God and His people. God woos His people to Himself as He prepares them to leave. Before leaving, God must fight Pharaoh for possession of His people. See how God changes all people: some for the better, others not. None stay the same. How will He change you? Can you trust a God Who destroyed a nation before your eyes? Would you want Him as your Friend?

See God free His people from Egypt’s bonds before a watching world. Trace His Finger in the lives He touches. The time: 2450 BC. The Place: Old Kingdom of Egypt where Pharaoh is god. His people worship him. Israel’s God arrives. He challenges Pharaoh. His power touches all people. They must change. Some do not concede. They suffer. Others yield. They find freedom.
Until My Name Is Known brings all to see the one true God. Read it to see Him. Today’s historians and archaeologists puzzle over the fall of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, But the world at that time heard of God. The world knew that He is the Lord. His Name was proclaimed in all the earth.

My Thoughts:

Until My Name is Known is the first book in Sonya Contreras debut series, The Tell of My Kingdom's Glory and it is a good book. As my regular followers know I am always interested in reading books from brand new authors and that one of my favorite genres is Biblical fiction because of all the history. Sonya Contreras writes with authority about the bible, Egypt during biblical times, how the different religions were structured, and how the hierarchy was structured.  The book has the right balance of fact and fiction to keep the book interesting. I enjoyed this book and felt like I was there watching things unfold as I read. I liked that the book told the story from the different points of view from Pharaoh to the slaves. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction, you will enjoy this. I look forward to reading more from Sonya Contreras.

The Perfect Cast: Book One of Love's Enduring Promise series By T.K. Chapin

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


Book Description:

“Meeting him was fate, loving him was a choice, and spending the rest of my life with him… well that was destiny.”

At the brink of adulthood Jess thought she had it all figured out, that was until her parents split and her mom whisked her away to the middle of nowhere. Her Grandpa’s farm was the last place on earth she wanted to be, and with no cell phones, internet or cable she was destined for a summer of boredom.

Man of Her Dreams
Clint Foster, the man who has everything going for him. Successful, charming and downright gorgeous; Clint’s the man she can see a future with. The only problem is her Grandpa’s farmhand Levi keeps getting in her way.

Trading in rock concerts for chicken coops and sneakers for cowboy boots; join Jess as she finds love in the unexpected places.


My Thoughts:

The Perfect Cast is the first book of T.K. Chapin and it is great!! I have never had the pleasure of reading any of  his books until now. I am very glad I had the chance to read this one. I really enjoyed T.K. Chapin's unique writing style, every chapter was from a different characters point of view and it really gave the whole picture of what was going on physically and emotionally. The transitions between characters and chapters were flawless, I never felt lost or confused.  Their parents are separated and it has caused a huge rift between Jess and her mother, Tiffany. So Roy is trying to help  all of them process through all of this especially since Jess and Henry believe their Mom left their Dad just because, when the real reason was infidelity. Roy has a helper on the farm, Levi who spends most of his time with Roy. From the start Levi and Jess explode....their interactions are hilarious.   Jess had made it clear she could not wait for the end of summer and she had no plans of enjoying herself but as she started to give things a chance, she started to make connections. All of the teenagers know each other in this area since they grew up together so any get together Jess goes to Levi is there. Then Jess meets Clint and she falls for him, she thinks he is the man of her dreams and sees him in her future.  Unfortunately people and situations are not what they seem and Jess learns that big lesson in her summer with Grandpa Roy.

I really enjoyed T.K. Chapin's unique writing style, every chapter was from a different characters point of view and it really gave the whole picture of what was going on physically and emotionally. The transitions between characters and chapters were flawless, I never felt lost or confused. As for the characters, I LOVED the characters in this book, even the not so good ones. The characters are well written and very real. I really enjoyed Roy, Jess's Grandpa. who lives the statement age is just a number. Roy is a faithful servant of the Lord and lives his life according to God's plan, or at least tries very hard to. I could not put the book down. It moved at a steady pace and definitely kept me on my toes through out the whole book. This story definitely has twists and turns. I found myself laughing in some places an crying in others.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction with some romance, you won't be sorry. I cannot wait to read more from T.K. Chapin and read the rest of The Love's Enduring Promise series. I give this book 5 STARS.

Through Waters Deep: Waves of Freedom Book 1 By Sarah Sundin Enter to Win an Anchors Aweigh Prize Pack!!

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



Book Description:

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.


My Thoughts: 

Through Waters Deep is the first book in Sarah Sundin's latest series, Waves of Freedom and it is great! As a fan of  historical fiction I really was excited to read it. Also my Dad and my husband both served in the Navy so I am always interested in reading about the Navy, so this book had both. Sarah Sundin writes with authority about the 1940's, the Navy, WWII and events leading up to it, and Boston.  Sarah Sundin writes a perfect mixture of fact and fiction that kept me engaged. I loved learning about the shipyards and the different ships that were built and used during this time. I found myself looking up names and places to get a better picture of the story.  I found myself unable to put this book down because it kept me guessing until the end. This story had a little of everything romance, mystery, history, and adventure. As I read this book I felt like I was there with Mary Stirling seeing the story unfold. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the rest of  this series! I give this book 5 STARS.



Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

Irish Meadows: Courage to Dream Book 1 By Susan Anne Mason! A Kindle Fire Giveaway and An Author Chat

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:

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My Thoughts: 

Irish Meadows is the first book in Susan Anne Mason's Courage to Dream Series and it is amazing. This is also Susan Anne Mason's debut book!! WOW! I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction and Debut books so this was the perfect match for me! Susan Anne Mason did an amazing job on this first book of weaving fact and fiction into this wonderful book. She writes with authority about horses, running a stables, the church rules, orphanages and the people that run them,  society in 1911, and the way of life during this time. As I read this book I felt like I was right there at Irish Meadows watching the horses and the people. Susan Anne Mason's writing transported me to this time and place, inside the lives of these characters.  I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Each one of them with their unique personalities that fit together like puzzle pieces! I have to say my favorite character is Rylan Montgomery. Rylan is a great character that has a great sense of humor and is so sensitive to the others around him and has the desire to help everyone. As Rylan struggled with his own dilemmas, he never hid from them or lied, he stated them out loud and honestly.  I found this book very hard to put down. From the first page until the last I did feel transported to this other world, part of the lives of the people at Irish Meadows.  I found myself laughing in parts of this book and crying in others, as this book deals with some heavy and not so heavy subjects! I did really enjoy this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I have found myself another other to read and I am excited! I cannot wait to read what Susan Anne Mason has in store for us next!  I give this book 5 STARS.

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!