Friday, May 17, 2019

The Printed Letter Bookshop By Katherine Reay

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


Book Description: 

Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls.


 

 My Thoughts:  

The Printed Letter Bookshop is the latest book by Katherine Reay and it is a wonderful story. I am a huge fan of Katherine Reay's books and this one is definitely my favorite. The cover of this book is creative and love the way it looks.  The writing style of Katherine Reay is unique.  In this book, it is broken up not in chapters but with characters names and their perspective of events unfolding. Katherine Reay writes with authority on being a lawyer, bookstores, books, 
 gardening, ministering, family, and how friends become family.  I couldn't put this book down from the start. I felt like I was right there experiencing everything as the characters did, seeing through each of their eyes. The characters are very well written and very real people. I found myself drawn to Madeline, especially as she deals with the family dynamics of issues from the past. Finding herself feeling stuck between to 2 opposing sides. Madeline also learned that being a partner in a law firm was not her hearts passion but offering help to people who otherwise wouldn't have legal help is. As Madeline finds renewed faith through a letter from her Aunt Maddie, the transformation was beautiful.  A big theme throughout is faith whether finding, strengthening, or renewing it.  I absolutely loved this book and it is one that will stay with me for a while. I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Women's Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. 
I give this book 5+ STARS.

The Painted Letter Bookshop FB Banner

About the Book

The Printed Letter Bookshop Cover

Book: The Printed Letter Bookshop  
Author: Katherine Reay  
Genre: Women’s fiction, romance
Release Date: May 14, 2019  

Amid literature and lattes, three women come together and find that sharing one’s journey with best friends makes life richer.

When attorney Madeline Carter inherits her aunt’s bookstore in a small town north of Chicago, she plans to sell it and add the proceeds to her nonexistent “investment portfolio.” But plans change when Madeline discovers the store isn’t making money and she gets passed over for promotion at her firm. She quits in protest, takes the train north, and decides to work at the store to prep it for sale. Madeline soon finds herself at odds with employees Jessica and Courtney; when she also finds herself attracted to an affianced man, it only confuses the entire situation. After blowing up her marriage two years earlier, Jessica has found solace working at the bookstore and a kindred spirit within its owner, Maddie Cullen. But when Maddie dies and her niece, Madeline, barges in like a bulldozer, Jessica pushes at the new owner in every way-until she trips over common ground. Soon the women are delving into online dating and fashion makeovers, and Jessica feels the pull to rediscover her art, a love she thought long behind her. After a night of bad decisions leaves the store in peril, Courtney arrives and tries to save the day. While she, too, found sanctuary in the little bookstore, she knows it’s under-insured, in the red, and will never survive. When she discovers her teenage daughter has played a part in vandalizing the store, Courtney taps into strength she didn’t know existed-or had long forgotten. The quietest of the three, she steps up and finds a way to save her family, the store, and the precious friendships that have grown within it. The Printed Letter Bookshop is the story of friends who find each other-and themselves-in a place none of them ever expected. 
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 
Reay Katherine

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and is a wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL. You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com; Facebook: KatherineReayBooks; Twitter: @katherine_reay; or Instagram: @katherinereay.

More from Katherine

Don’t you love bookshops? Every time I walk into a bookstore, it feels like a rainbow cracked open and rained a kaleidoscope of light, life and possibilities before me. I find worlds within the world and a call to adventure. Each bookshop tells a different story. It tells of its loyal beloved customer base. It reflects the personality of its owner and staff. It carries the aura of the stories it offers to us. And it was the perfect place to dig into lives, hearts and book loves of Janet, Claire and Madeline. These three women, at different stages in life, meet at the Printed Letter Bookshop, with all the romance and wonder it holds, and learn to work through their challenges together. They become the friends that each didn’t know she was missing. There is also a fourth woman I loved spending time with in the Printed Letter Bookshop — its original owner, Maddie Carter. Maddie doesn’t step onto the stage even once, but her presence, her love and her guiding hand are apparent from page one as Janet, Claire, and Madeline grow in friendship and in faith. The Printed Letter Bookshop is a love letter to books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship. I hope you savor your time with these three women — And, book lovers rejoice, there is a list of all the books they allude to in the back of the book!

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, May 16
By The Book, May 16
Emily Yager, May 18
Simple Harvest Reads, May 26 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
amandainpa, May 27


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away a paperback copy of The Printed Letter Bookshop to one lucky winner!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f1/the-printed-letter-bookshop-celebration-tour-giveaway
at 2 comments:

Friday, May 3, 2019

Gone Too Soon By Melody Carlson

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

Book Description: 

An icy road. A car crash.

A family changed forever.

Hannah Josephson had always been the “perfect” daughter. Kiera couldn’t live up to her before, and she certainly can’t now that her older sister has died in a car accident. But the image she carried resentfully of Hannah is challenged when she finds her dead sister’s diary and begins to read. Apparently Hannah’s final year wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought.
Caught in a pattern of blaming each other, the Josephson family is falling apart. Their father has left, their mother is mixing opiates and alcohol, little sister Maddie has been shipped off to spend the whole summer with their grandmother, and Kiera feels utterly alone with her grief and anger. A summer job helping at a park in a poor section of town provides a friend and a purpose.
But it’s Hannah’s diary that fills her thoughts. For the first time in years, she feels close to the sister she’s lost. But can the knowledge she gleans about her possibly help her patch back together the family that seems determined to implode?


My Thoughts: 


Gone Too Soon is the latest book by Melody Carlson and there are no words that adequately conveys how fantastic this book is. I love reading Melody Carlson's books and so when this one came up I couldn't pass it up! This book is considered Young Adult, which isn't a genre I have read much but the ones I have read have been wonderful and this one is no exception. The cover is so unique and really goes with the whole story. Melody Carlson writes with authority family dynamics, teenagers, addictions, effects of the death of a child on a family, and the healing through faith. I found myself unable to put this book from start to finish. I absolutely love Melody Carlson's style of writing, she definitely makes seamless transitions between the point of view of Kiera, her mother, and Hannah's diary entries. This book really portrayed real struggles families face and how it affects each person differently. I really found myself drawn to Kiera both from a mother and a daughters viewpoint. My heart broke for Kiera as she lost her sister and bore the brunt of the upset throughout her house. I felt a kinship with Kiera as her relationship is with her Mom and truly knew the emotions she felt, it is not easy to grow up hearing you aren't enough.I found myself feeling so proud that Kiera was able to find the faith in God she needed and wanted.  This book does deal with some heavy situations but Melody Carlson truly used sensitivity and safely stepped me through the each page. I felt many, many emotions: I found myself chuckling, holding my breath, and definitely cried. This book is on of these books that have left a mark in my heart and I believe it will stay therefor/hearts for a very long time.  I am love with this book from cover to comer and I HIGHLY recommend this book to any adult, young or older, I give this book 5++

Please check out the info and the cool giveway: 










Gone Too Soon FB Banner

About the Book

Gone Too Soon

Book: Gone Too Soon  
Author: Melody Carlson  
Genre: Young Adult
 Release Date: November 15, 2018

An icy road. A car crash. A family changed forever. Hannah Josephson had always been the “perfect” daughter. Kiera couldn’t live up to her before, and she certainly can’t now that her older sister has died in a car accident. But the image she carried resentfully of Hannah is challenged when she finds her dead sister’s diary and begins to read. Apparently Hannah’s final year wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought. Caught in a pattern of blaming each other, the Josephson family is falling apart. Their father has left, their mother is mixing opiates and alcohol, little sister Maddie has been shipped off to spend the whole summer with their grandmother, and Kiera feels utterly alone with her grief and anger. A summer job helping at a park in a poor section of town provides a friend and a purpose. But it’s Hannah’s diary that fills her thoughts. For the first time in years, she feels close to the sister she’s lost. But can the knowledge she gleans about her possibly help her patch back together the family that seems determined to implode?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

I think I’ve written about a hundred or more teen novels, but Gone Too Soon, a rather serious story, is a bit different. There’s no denying I’ve covered a bunch of gritty issues—everything from self-harm to suicide to murder—but I’ve never written a novel quite like this one. For starters, I wrote it from two viewpoints. Both the teenage daughter and her mother express themselves in this story. And because the premise involves an untimely death, the family is torn apart. As a result, there’s a lot of guilt and blame and confusion going around. They’re all in pain. I’ve been asked several times what “inspired” this story. And I’m sad to say that it’s simply a case of “art imitating life.” I live in a small community where too many young people have died “too soon.” These untimely deaths—for a variety of random and unexplainable reasons—are devastating. I know more than a dozen families (some very close friends) who have tragically lost a child. So I’ve seen up close how it can tear a family apart. It’s truly heartbreaking, often leaving friends and family without words of comfort or explanation. But that’s not the only reason I wrote this story. My hope is that teens (who often feel invincible) will be reminded that they are mortal and that this earthly life is temporary. Hard as it sounds, death is inevitable. And it’s not that I want everyone to be obsessed about dying, but we do live in a culture that practices denial about the end of a life. No one really wants to talk about it. My hope is that readers will take a hard, honest look, peel back some layers, and face death for what it is—a part of earthly life. And I hope readers will close the book with a little more understanding . . . and hope.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 25
Emily Yager, April 26
Moments, April 26
Hallie Reads, April 27
Mary Hake, April 28
SusanLovesBooks, April 29
amandainpa, May 4
Remembrancy, May 6

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away a grand prize of paperback copy of Gone Too Soon and a matching journal!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dfa9/gone-too-soon-celebration-tour-giveaway


at No comments:

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Memory House By Rachel Hauck

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

Book Description: 

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . 

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.  


My Thoughts: 

The Memory House is the latest book by Rachel Hauck and WOW it is fantastic. As a big fan of Rachel Hauck's books I couldn't wait to read this latest book and I am so glad I did. The entire book, from the front cover to the back cover are beautiful. Rachel Hauck writes with authority about New York, Florida, Texas, events that happened in the US over the last 50 years including 9/11, tornado in Waco, TX and Hurricane in Florida, love, lost memories, and faith. Rachel Hauck has a very unique talent of writing about different time periods and seamlessly transitions between them, intertwines many lives.  I fell in love with this book from the start. I found myself unable to put down this book. From start to finish I truly felt like I was there, experiencing all of the feelings and events throughout this story. The characters in this book are so well written and very real. I found myself drawn to Everleigh Applegate. Her story is inspiring especially that of her faith. She truly loved God and shared that with many,many people in her life.  This book truly was a roller coaster ride with emotions, I found myself laughing in places, crying in others, and joy in all of it.  In this review I cannot do this book justice. The Memory House is a rare book that will stay with my for quite awhile. It touched my heart and definitely made a huge impression on me.  This is my favorite book from Rachel Hauck. I cannot wait to read more from Rachel Hauck.  I feel truly blessed to have read this story. I give this book 5+ STARS. 

Please check out more information below and the giveaway being offered. 


The Memory House FB banner

About the Book

The Memory House 

Book: The Memory House  
Author: Rachel Hauck  
Genre: Christian Romance  
Release Date: April 2, 2019  

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . .
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either. Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share. Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck_headshot

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauc

Excerpt from The Memory House



When Mama Applegate spoke as if Everleigh were a guest rather than a family member, she embraced it with grace. Because at the end of the day, she was Rhett’s wife. She alone shared his dreams, his heart, his life. And at night, when she couldn’t sleep, his soft breathing was her lullaby. “Listen, mister, I have to get back to work or I won’t make it home in time for our dinner.” She tugged at his shirt collar. “So are you going to tell me why you’re here?” “I was going to wait until tonight, but I got so excited . . .” Rhett stepped over to the desk in front of Everleigh’s and retrieved a long white canister. “Here. Open it. I feel like a kid at Christmas.” “Rhett, what have you done?” She pried away the cap and slipped out a set of drawings. “Here, let me.” Rhett unrolled a rendering of a cozy house with a wraparound porch nestled between two cottonwoods. “Our house, Ev. I took those sketches you made after we were married and gave them to the architect. What do you think?” “Th-this is our house?” She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning against his thick arm as she studied the drawing. “It’s our house, darling.” Everleigh studied the drawing. It was just like she imagined. “Are you sure?” She gazed up at her husband. “I didn’t think we’d saved enough money.” “We’ve saved every penny of your salary, and I finally sold the stud bull to Jacob Marshall. He’s been after me for a year . . .” Rhett held her with one hand while flipping through the drawing with the other. “I bought the ten acres by the stream. You know, the one with the trees we loved. Dad wanted to give it to us, but I said no strings. I wanted to buy it so he can’t hold it over me. Not that he would, but family business can get tricky.” Everleigh leaned to see the name of the road. Memory Lane. “Darling, the section right off Memory Lane? The spot I wanted?” Rhett’s grandmother had named the dirt road years ago, when she imagined a large family with lots of grandkids running around. She envisioned an Applegate community. But her sons, Melvin and Earl, went to war. Only Earl—nicknamed Spike—returned home the fall of 1918. He inherited the ranch, married Mama Applegate, and fathered Rhett, an only child. Grandma’s two daughters married and moved away. “Your granny would be proud, darling,” Everleigh said. “We’re beginning her dream.” “Sh-she would.” Rhett cleared his throat, pressing his fist over his cough. “So, w-what do you think?” … Tell him! The timing could not have been more perfect. “Rhett, sweetheart—” He jerked his wrist up, checking his watch. “Oh, Ev, sorry, darling, but I promised Dad I’d pick him up from the hardware store thirty minutes ago.” He gave her a quick, passing kiss. “I’d planned to show you these tonight, but I just couldn’t wait.” He rolled up the drawings and tucked them into the canister. “What is it you wanted to say?” On reflex, he checked his watch again. “Nothing,” she said, smiling. “I’ll see you later. We can talk then. I have work to do anyway.” “You sure?” Everleigh fell into him and pressed her cheek against his chest. “You make my dreams come true, Rhett Applegate.” He kissed her one more time, then held her at arm’s length. “Distraction, girl, you are one beautiful distraction.”

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 22
Wishful Endings, April 22
Worthy2Read, April 23
C Jane Read, April 25
Carpe Diem, April 26
Mary Hake, April 27
EmpowerMoms, April 27
Bigreadersite, April 28
Pause for Tales, April 28
Quiet Quilter, April 30
Moments, May 5
Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a copy of The Memory House!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2aa/the-memory-house-celebration-tour-giveaway


at No comments:

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

This Daring Journey: Heart of The Mountains Book 6 By Misty M. Beller

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


Book Description: 

The only hope to keep her newborn baby alive is to reach the safety of her Indian people… This mountain man is the last person she should trust to get her there.

As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him?
Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is.
Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late. 

 My Thoughts: 

 This Daring Journey is the latest book (#6) in Misty M. Beller's Heart of The Mountains series and I absolutely LOVE it. I had the pleasure of reading This Homeward Journey (book 5) and couldn't wait to read this next book. Misty Beller writes with authority about the United States in 1800's, the Indians and their tribes, Frontiersmen, the wilderness and surviving there. I truly enjoy Misty Beller's writing. Her style of writing puts me right there in this Daring Journey with Samuel, Moriah, and the other characters in this book. I felt like I was there experiencing all of this. The characters in this book are well rounded and real to life. I have to say my favorite characters are Samuel and Moriah. The connection they had with one another and the faith they shared. The help they gave each other and how they survived. I loved being there seeing how their love came softly. I am hoping I am doing this book and author justice. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Misty Beller has that special ability to give enough details of the other books for new readers and not too much detail that readers of the series aren't bored. I definitely cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I give this book 5 STARS.
This Daring Journey FB Banner

About the Book

This Daring Journey
  

Book: This Daring Journey  
Author: Misty M. Beller  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release Date: March 26, 2019

As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice to but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him? Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is. Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author


Misty

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters

More from Misty

How did I get started writing? I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, “Write a novel that’s published” made it near the top! I decided, it’s now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian historical western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough! From there, I’ve soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I’ve spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It’s my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 4
Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, April 6
Splashes of Joy, April 7
Mary Hake, April 8
Wishful Endings, April 11
Vicky Sluiter, April 12
The Becca Files, April 12
Carpe Diem, April 13
Bigreadersite, April 14

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de81/this-daring-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

at 8 comments:

Monday, March 18, 2019

Mending Fences: The Deacon's Family Book One By Suzanne Woods Fisher

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


Book Description:

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.

Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt--a four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.



My Thoughts:


Mending Fences is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest series, The Deacon's Family, and it is fantastic. As a huge fan of a Amish Fiction, I have read most of Suzanne Woods Fisher\s books and when offered the chance to read this book and series I was ecstatic. Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about: The Amish Faith, the different districts of The Amish, addiction, recovery, making amends, orchards, running a farm, adoption, and the legal system. I have had the pleasure of reading her other books featuring many, many of the characters in this latest book and series. This story shows that The Amish face the same trials as the Englishers, I feel the difference is the Amish take care of people by paying and/or supporting people who find themselves in trouble. This story focuses on Alcoholism in adults and young adults and following the steps in AA. As a child of an Alcoholic this story had such meaning.  In this story Luke Schrock, who reeked havoc on Stoney Ridge is back there to continue his recovery and truly make amends. Staying with Amos and Fern Lapp, Luke has work to do on their farm. Also staying there is Izzy Miller, someone else who has been in the same rehab as Luke and is recovering from alcohol. The characters in this book are fantastic. I loved getting to continue with the characters in Stoney Ridge. I have to say my favorite characters are Amos and Fern Lapp and their horse. LOL Amos and Fern have taken in children that need their help and they become family. Fern Lapp is a tough cookie but she loves these children that have come to stay. The horse in the story is a huge comic relief.  This book takes people back to Stoney Ridge who have read the other stories, but people who haven't read any of the stories will not be lost. I find Suzanne Woods Fisher's style of writing fantastic. She writes with the perfect balance for new readers and seasoned readers to her stories. I cannot do this book justice. This book is one of those stories that stays with you for a long time.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who wants to read Amish Fiction. You will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.    
I give this book 5+++ STARS.  


Please check out more about the book and author plus a giveaway being offered. 




Mending Fences FB Banner

About the Book

mending fences

 


Book: Mending Fences  
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher  
Genre: Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite  
Release Date: February 5, 2019

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future. Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching. And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. “A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.”—Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Seat by the Hearth “Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a sweet and poignant story you won’t want put down. Definitely a must read!”—Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Amish of Birch Creek series 

Click here to purchase your copy.
 

About the Author

suzanne woods fisher

 Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.  

More from Suzanne

A Friend in Need   “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” –Walter Winchell Luke Schrock was nearly friendless. He returned to Stoney Ridge in Mending Fences after a stint in rehab only because his bishop, David Stoltzfus, strongly encouraged him. And everybody knows you didn’t say no to your bishop. But nobody else in town wanted anything to do with Luke. They forgave him for the trouble he’d caused in his last downward spiral, the one that went too far. The one that even scared Luke. Forgiving him was the easy part. The Amish of Stoney Ridge were intentional forgivers. It was their trust—that’s what he would have to earn. Trust was a fragile thing. Once broken, it wasn’t easily mended. Somehow, David was still able to look past the behavior to see the best of Luke Schrock. He didn’t stop there. He found a family who was willing to take Luke in, and he spent hours with him—at times as a mentor, at times as a father figure, but mostly as a friend. A loyal friend can have a powerful impact. Consider those friends in the town of Capernaum, who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing—so determined to get to Him that they dragged his stretcher up onto a roof, broke through the roof tiles, and lowered him down. Can you imagine being in the crowd, listening to Jesus, as straw and tile pieces and branches and bugs started to drop down from the ceiling? A shocking display…of devoted friendship. And what a miraculous outcome for that paralyzed man!* I won’t tell you how Luke’s story ends—only that he works hard to find ways to make amends to those he hurt, to regain trust. Especially the hard-to-earn trust of a brown-eyed beauty named Izzy. Do you have a real friend like David Stoltzfus, who walks in when the rest of the world has walked out? Or maybe the better question, for you, for me, is to ask ourselves if we are friends to others like David Stoltzfus was to Luke Schrock. I know I want to be. *This miracle is reported in three gospels: Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26.  

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 4
Quiet Quilter, March 5
CarpeDiem, March 5
Among the Reads, March 6
Bigreadersite, March 8
Splashes of Joy, March 10
EmpowerMoms, March 10
Vicky Sluiter, March 13
Mary Hake, March 15
Pause for Tales, March 16
Hallie Reads, March 17
The Becca Files, March 18

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of an Amazon Kindle!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de7d/mending-fences-celebration-tour-giveaway


at 4 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

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...