Uncommon Grace By Serena Miller

I received this e-book from Howard Books/Simon and Schuster,INC through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.

Book Description:

Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war. Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family’s rescue and saves his mother’s life. A deep attraction develops—even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.
Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects—the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother—who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.
Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?

My Thoughts:

Uncommon Grace is the first book by Serena Miller I have read and I truly enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of Amish Fiction and this book did not disappoint. Uncommon Grace is about an Amish family who's father(stepfather) is murdered and mother is pregnant and has been shot by the man who killer her husband. Her son goes to the neighbors who are Englishers for help. Grace, a nurse practitioner home from Afghanistan where she served for quite a few years. Grace helps Levi and his family. The more Grace helps the more her and Levi are put together.

I truly enjoyed this story. I had a very hard time putting it down because once I started it, it held my interest until the very end. As I have stated prior, I am a huge fan of Amish Fiction and in this book I learned more about the Amish Faith that I did not before. I did not realize the different orders of Amish except for Old Order. In this book Serena Miller talks about The Swartzentruber Amish, which seems to be a very strict part of the Amish faith with many more restrictions like how much each family can earn and the types of work they can do. I had never heard of this so it was very interesting to get insight into this faith. The characters both Amish and English were real people, they had their struggles and their lives weren't perfect. I really related to them. Serena Miller's descriptions of Holmes County, the people, and the surroundings are just awesome. I could picture all of it as I read. Uncommon Grace is Amish Fiction with suspense, romance, and faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. I am excited to read more from Serena Miller in the future.

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Sixty Acres and A Bride By Regina Jennings

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Book Description:

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

Sixty Acres and A Bride is the debut novel by Regina Jennings.  It is an awesome debut novel.  This novel takes place in Caldwell County, Texas in 1878. Rosa Gardner comes to Texas with her mother in law Louise Gardner, after they both lost their husbands. They came back to the Gardner family home to find out that in order keep their land they have to come up with over $100.00 in back taxes in just about three months.  So Rosa and Louise work hard to find any ways to make money so that the land is not lost.

 

Regina Jennings writes a beautiful novel of faith, family, and sacrifice.  The characters in this story are real people who have real problems and are not perfect.  I felt close to the characters in this story.  Regina Jennings writes with such expertise about this time of history, the surroundings, clothing, and everything specific to that time period. I could picture everything she described.  I felt like was right there watching.  This novel has a little bit of everything: history, love, heartbreak, suspense.  I truly enjoyed this beautiful novel by Regina Jennings and cannot wait to read more of her novels.  If you enjoy historical fiction you will love Regina Jennings Sixty Acres and a Bride.

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Song of My Heart Blog Tour with Litfuse

I received this book through Litfuse for no charge for my honest review of this book


Book Description:
Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.
Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

My Thoughts:
Song of My Heart is the first novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer I have had the joy of reading and it did not disappoint. Sadie Wagner leaves home to take a job to help her family. The only person she knows in this new town is her Cousin Sid who helped secure the job with the Baxter Sisters at their mercantile. Sadie is also working part time for Asa Baxter in his "opera house" which turns out to be a gentleman's club. Sadie is forced to sing songs that are racy and against her beliefs but Asa threatens her and her family.
I was instantly taken with this story from the beginning. The characters and their circumstances drew me in right away. The characters in this novel are characters. Found them to be real people with real situations.  I found myself laughing in spots and crying in others.  Kim Vogel Sawyer writes with authority about this time in history, the place, the people, and the surroundings. I found myself being able to picture the events and people clearly like I was watching them happen. Song of My Heart is a wonderful story about faith, family, and staying true to who you are and your beliefs. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. I look forward to reading more novels by Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}! Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Beckon By Tom Pawlik

I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Book Description:

Some things weren’t meant to be discovered. Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin’s disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle. One by one they discover the town’s ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?


My Thoughts:

Beckon is the first novel by Tom Pawlik I have read and WOW.  This novel is awesome.  I found myself unable to put it down.  Beckon is a town in Wyoming, as you enter town the sign says: Welcome to  Beckon you are not here by chance.  Three different people come to Beckon for different reasons but all are fighting to stay alive.  In the town of Beckon there is said to be an ancient Indian tribe living in the mountains that have been there for thousands of years.  Also it is believed that this tribe has a remedy that not only heals anything but reverses aging and gives a person the ability to live forever. Tom Pawlik weaves an awesome tale that is well researched about many things including archeology, health issues, Indian customs, and different religious beliefs including human sacrifice. The characters in this novel are well written and real people. As I read this story I could picture all of the people and places described. I felt like I was there watching it.  This story is fast paced suspense/thriller story that keeps you guessing until the end.  I found myself totally engrossed in this story.  I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction suspense/thriller. Tom Pawlik's Beckon will not disappoint. I look forward to reading more of his novels.

Protection For Hire By Camy Tany

I received this e-book from Zondervan Publishing through NetGalley.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this e-book.


Book Description:

Tessa Lancaster's skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa's abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son.

But there's a problem or two ... or three .... There's Elizabeth's abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There's Uncle Teruo, who doesn't understand why Tessa's new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there's Elizabeth's lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn't know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch.

Factor in both Tessa's and Charles's families and you've got some wild dynamics-and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.


My Thoughts:

Protection For Hire is the first book by Camy Tang I have had the pleasure of reading.  This book is the first in Camy Tang's Protection For Hire Series.  We meet Tessa Lancaster, who used to be part of her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia. Tessa did time in jail for a crime she didn't do but went to jail to protect her cousin.  While there Tessa gives her live to God and is now a Christian.  Tessa is staying with her Mom and trying to find a job in the process but no one will hire her because of her mafia time.  At a homeless shelter she is volunteering she meets Elizabeth St. Amant, a battered wife who needs protection from her husband as she goes through a divorce. 

Protection For Hire is an awesome book.  From the beginning it grabbed my attention and held it through until the end.  The characters in this story are great, found myself enjoying them and really relating to them.  The story lines are great. Throughout the story I found myself laughing out loud and some parts crying.  This story is a suspense/action story with some romance also.  The imagery and descriptions of places is vivid. I could picture everything in my mind. This story also shows the struggles of doing the right thing and doing for your family, forgiveness, and seeing who you really are.   Camy Tang must have done a lot of research into the different worlds she wrote about including the Japanese mafia, investment banking, and martial arts.  Protection For Hire is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys action and suspense with romance.  I look forward to reading more books by Camy Tang.

Check out Camy's website at: http://camytang.com/

Eyes Of Justice By Lis Wiehl and April Henry

I received this e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Booksneeze.com for free for my honest review of this e-book.


Book Description:

The Triple Threat Club has solved intense murder mysteries before…but this time it’s personal.

Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole fight for justice every day—Cassidy as a crime reporter, Nicole as an FBI agent, and Allison as a federal prosecutor. Together they’re a Triple Threat to be reckoned with.

But when a ruthless murderer kills one of their number—and the authorities seem intent on keeping them out of the investigation of the crime—their desire for justice goes into overdrive. They find an unexpected ally in a quirky private investigator named Ophelia whose methods confound the wise.

Yet just when it seems police have the killer in custody and justice is within sight, he somehow strikes again. Not knowing whom to trust, the team engage in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the killer. Nothing can be taken at face value…and nothing will ever be the same.

A riveting Triple Threat mystery that will leave readers shocked and satisfied.


My Thoughts:

Eyes of Justice is the fourth book in the Triple Threat Series by Lis Wiehl and April Henry. I have had the privilege to read all four of these books in this series and Eyes of Justice DOES NOT disappoint.  I could NOT put this book down, found myself up late to read just one more chapter.  In Eyes of Justice the crime is personal and the ladies are working against the clock to find this murderer before he strikes again.  Eyes of Justice is written that it can be read as a stand alone, our authors make sure to have the right amount of background that new readers aren't lost and faithful followers don't get bogged down with already known details.  The authors write with such authority on the various professions of our characters, crime, and television.  The characters in the story are like old friends and they are very real people who deal with very real life situations that all of us can relate to. Also in this novel we meet a few new friends that hopefully we will see again down the road.  In this novel I found myself laughing out loud in areas but also crying in parts.  In this novel we see how the Ladies of Triple Threat lean not only on each other but their faith in time of crisis, we see how their faith carries them through the tragedies to the good times. This action-packed story grabs you from the beginning and keeps you guessing until the end.  Anyone who enjoys Suspense stories will enjoy this book and this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book! I look forward to more Triple Threat Club Novels!! 


 

The Irish Healer By Nancy Herriman

I received this e-book from Worthy Publishing through NetGalley.com for free for my honest review of this e-book.



Book Description:
Accused of murdering a child under her care, Irish healer Rachel Dunne flees the ensuing scandal while vowing to never sit at another sickbed. She no longer trusts in her abilities-or God's mercy--though when a cholera epidemic sweeps through London, she feels compelled to nurse the dying daughter of the enigmatic physician she has come to love. James Edmunds, wearied by the deaths of too many patients, has his own doubts about God's grace. Together, they will have to face their darkest fears . . . and learn what it means to have real faith.

About Nancy Herrimann:
The Irish Healer is Nancy Herriman’s fourth completed manuscript, and it was runner-up in the Historical Fiction category of the 2009 ACFW Genesis contest. She also won the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense and has been a finalist in other contests. Nancy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two teenagers, and is very active in the music ministry at her church.


My Thoughts:

The Irish Healer is Nancy Herriman's debut novel and it is awesome.  The Irish Healer is about Rachel Dunne, a healer from Ireland, who comes to England to help a widowed doctor pack up his home so he can move.  Rachel leaves Ireland after being accused of killing a child she was caring for. She was found not guilty but that didn't stop people from her town to shun her and her family.   Dr James Edmunds is looking to retire from medicine and spend time with his estranged daughter. Since his wife's death, the toddler has been raised by his sister in law.  Rachel comes to England to do the packing job and finds herself constantly being pulled in the healing direction.   As much as she wants to put the healing profession behind her, God continues to put people in her path that need her help.

The Irish Healer is a beautiful story.   A historical fiction novel but there is definitely a touch of romance in this novel that makes it an all around beautiful story.  The characters are real people who deal with real life situations.  The time period and places in this novel are well researched and beautifully described. As I read I could picture it all in my mind from the homes, the neighborhoods, and the clothing.  This story also shows our characters who in the beginning lack faith and their journey to finding that faith and each other.  I had a hard time putting this book down, I really found myself lost in all it has to offer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian Fiction with some romance. You won't be disappointed. I am excited to read more of Nancy Herriman's books!

Nancy Herriman's website where you can read the first chapter of this wonderful book and watch the book trailer: http://www.nancyherriman.com/Home_Page.html

Cuts Like A Knife By M.K. Gilroy

I received this e-book from Worthy Publishing through Netgalley.com free for my honest review of this e-book.



Book Description:

Chicago has a new resident—a heartless killer on a long crime spree. Kristen Conner (think Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality) is a good cop and a good girl: she loves her mom, goes to church and coaches her niece’s soccer team. And her track record and instincts as a detective are impeccable but this case and this killer expose a blind spot that ultimately endangers those closest to her. Can she catch this hauntingly familiar culprit before he strikes again? Cuts Like a Knife is loaded with action, humor and wry introspection.

My Thoughts:

Cuts Like A Knife is M.K. Gilroy's debut novel.  He has helped create hundreds of projects and launch dozens of authors, working in every area of the publishing industry from his first job as a proofreader to executive vice president and publisher—and just about everything in between.  Cuts Like A Knife is an awesome, fast paced book with lots of humor mixed in with the suspense.  Kristen Connor, the main character, is a very strong, single woman who decided to follow in her father's footsteps and becomes a police officer.  She is very different from the other women in her family and she likes it that way.  Kristen is put on a task force to help the F.B.I. capture a serial killer that has made his way to Chicago.  Prior to Chicago, this killer has been in many other cities and has murdered over 40 women.

Cuts Like A Knife is an awesome debut novel. The characters are likable, relatable, and you really feel like you are right there watching the story unfold.  The details in the book are very clear and it is obvious that M.K. Gilroy did much research and has much knowledge in all of these areas.  There are many laugh out loud points in the book and as the story unfolds you are kept guessing to the end.  Definitely see the reference to Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality. I highly recommend this book to others who enjoy Christian Fiction Suspense and Thrillers.  You will not be disappointed.  I cannot wait to read more by M.K. Gilroy! Definitely a new author on my must read list!

After The Cross By Mike Lynch and Brandon Barr

I received this e-book for free from Author Mike Lynch for my honest review of this e-book.




Book Description

Colton Foster, once hailed as a renowned expert in Latin, Hebrew and Greek, had his reputation destroyed when a shadowy antiquities dealer outwitted him with master forgeries from Solomon s Temple. Years later, his career and self-respect still in pieces, a team discovers an 800-year old letter in Istanbul and his life takes a pivotal turn. The job of translating the letter, purportedly revealing the hidden cross of Jesus, is his for the taking, and with it a chance to redeem himself.
Mallory Windom is smart, beautiful, and skilled at getting what she wants. A linguistic prodigy with a dark history, she trusts no one, an important skill in the black market antiquities trade where she regularly sells her expert talents to the highest bidder.
As Colton and Mallory hunt for Christianity s most prized relic, mysterious forces seem bent on stopping them at every turn. They soon discover that the most important struggle of their lives is not around them, but from within, testing their beliefs, their ethics, and their growing love for one another.



My Thoughts:

First I want to say how excited I am to review this book. Mike Lynch asked me if I would like to review his book and it is such an honor to be asked that. This is the first book by Mike Lynch I have read and I look forward to more of his books. After The Cross is an action packed story that is based on the idea that the Cross used for crucifixion of Jesus wasn't destroyed but was buried somewhere and kept hidden all this time. A letter is unearthed at a dig site that starts a race against the clock to find it. This Cross is being looked for by many people for many reasons including to destroy it before anyone can find it. In the beginning of the book, I had a hard to following some of the characters but as I continued to read it all made sense. This book was very hard to put down. This novel has a little bit of everything, suspense, history, romance. The characters are real people with many facets to them. I felt like I was there watching it all unfold. The descriptions of the places put you right there. The historical facts and places were very well researched and told with much authority. Throughout the story a strong Christian message is there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense/adventure Christian Fiction! You won't be disappointed!!

Check out Mike's Website: http://www.mikelynchbooks.com/

Again Thank you Mike Lynch for this opportunity!!!

Stand By Me By Neta Jackson

I received this book for no charge from Thomas Nelson Publishing through Booksneeze.com for my honest review of this book.

Book Description:

Sometimes the person you most need is the one least like you.

Kathryn Davies is a bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family has all but disowned her. Kat’s enthusiasm for her new found faith tempers the sting of their rejection.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multi-cultural church family. But her tendency to say whatever she’s thinking and her eccentric ways step on the toes of nearly everyone she meets—especially Avis Douglass, a woman she admires but who seems distant.

Avis is known for her mature faith and her reliance on listening to God more than people. Married to a kind and successful businessman, she is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and a founding and active member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in months—an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in all this?

Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s quiet crisis of faith. But in God’s own mysterious ways, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.


My Thoughts:


Stand By Me is the first book in the SouledOut Sisters series by Neta Jackson.  I have had the privilege of reading many other books by Neta Jackson including The Yada Yada Prayer Group Series and The House of Hope Series.  Picking up Stand By Me was like coming home to an old friend. This new series has some definite new characters but so many "old" characters from the other series books. The great part of Neta Jackson's style of writing is you are able to pick up the book and read it stand alone because she gives background but not to the point that her other readers are bored by this.  Neta Jackson writes a wonderful story about faith, following God's leading, and how everyone that comes into your life is there for a reason.  Stand By Me has some fun new characters that are so easy to relate to and are new friends.  The descriptions of the people, places, and events are so vivid you feel like you are right there with all of them experiencing the whole story with the characters. I love Neta Jackson's style of writing, you can "hear" what the characters are saying and feel the emotions they are feeling.  I could not put this book down but didn't want to see it end! I look forward to more books in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and Chick lit.  Thank you BookSneeze for the opportunity to read this awesome book.