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!

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor By Melanie Dobson

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:

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.
Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.
Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.
Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.
Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.


My Thoughts:


Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is Melanie Dobson's latest book and it is just WOW! When I read the book description I was taken in by it and knew I had to read it. As a Mom of 3, I have 2 children who are special needs on the Autism Spectrum and so as I read this book I really identified with much of what her parents went through except at that time there was no name or treatment for it, it was said to be because of bad parenting especially by the mother. This story takes place in two times, the present where Heather Toulson is home in England cleaning out her family home after her father dies and then in 1950's and 60's from Libby's birth until the the past catches up to the present. Melanie Dobson does a fantastic job transitioning between the different times and the different characters, the flow is amazing, flawless actually. Melanie Dobson writes with obvious expertise and experience with the Autism Spectrum and all of the good and bad that comes with it.  She writes from her heart about Libby and Libby's special gifts, the gifts she passed on to her family. Oh just a beautiful story. From the start, this story grabbed me from the first page all the way to the end, also keeping me guessing until the end. Melanie Dobson really gives an accurate view of a child with special needs and all the things that come with it, the hard and the beautiful. The gifts these children have, a way of thinking that others cannot understand. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time, the impression left on my heart. I found myself laughing in some parts and sobbing in others. Definitely an emotional book! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction! You will not be disappointed! Melanie Dobson is on my top 10 list of authors I MUST read! I give this book 5+ Stars!

Summer's List By Anita Higman

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:  

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman's life.

Life hadn't been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love... didn't turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.  
Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer's past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?
With lovable characters and surprising twists, Summer's List is a simple delight.


My Thoughts:  


Summer's List by Anita Higman is a wonderful, wonderful book. I have had the pleasure of reading a few books by Anita Higman and I have always enjoyed them, but Summer's List is on a whole other level!  Summer Snow has not had an easy time in life. When her parents were hurt in an accident, Summer was there caring for them through the end and also running her grandma's book store, a children's book store that Summer spent most of her life. Summer Snow spent most of her childhood having to be an adult and care for the needs of others. Granny Snow has found out she is dying and with what time she has left she decided that Summer needs to have adventures so she makes a list of fun things that Summer never got a chance to do that Granny felt were essential, Summer's List. Granny Snow wanted to be able to be a part of this list with Summer.  The first thing, Find Martin Langtree, Summer's childhood best friend whom she loved. Martin lost his mom and was adopted and had to move away and they never saw each other again. Granny Snow knew how important Martin was and still is to Summer and figured Martin would be the perfect one to do this list with Summer.  Granny Snow gives Summer her list and an address and she is off to do number 1 on the list, find Martin and ask him to do the list with her.

I LOVED this book. It caught my attention right from the start and definitely kept me all the way to the end. Anita Higman writes with authority about Texas, bookstores, gardening, and loss of a grandparent. I was very close with my Grandpa, like Summer with her Grandma, so this story really spoke to me. I also had a friend like Martin that I have known since we were babies and we have lost touch and I miss him! This is a book that will stay with me for quite some time! The characters in this book are fantastic and I enjoyed being able to watch them all be transformed by God's word.  I found myself laughing in places and crying in others! Definitely was an emotional read.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you won't be disappointed! I cannot wait to read more from Anita Higman! I give this book 5 STARS.

Two Roads Home: Chicory Inn Book 2 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: 

Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk. With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?


My Thoughts:


Two Roads Home is the second book in Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn Series and I really enjoyed it! I had the honor of reading and reviewing, Home to Chicory Lane, the first book in this series and was excited to have another opportunity to read and review this one! I am a big fan of Deborah Raney's writing so I am always on the lookout for her latest books.  In Book Two the focus is on Corinne and Jesse Pennington, the Whitman's oldest daughter and her husband. Jesse and Corinne live a comfortable life with their three girls but Jesse is feeling incomplete, he is not doing what he wants to do, and that is go back to school to become a teacher. Corinne is also feeling this incomplete feeling and feels Jesse's, but neither one has spoken to the other about these feelings.  They find themselves in the middle of a life storm when a co worker makes advances toward Jesse during a business trip. When Jesse rebukes the advances, he finds himself  being accused of harassment by this co worker. As this storm is brewing Jesse and Corinne are feeling led to find other dreams.

I really enjoyed Two Roads Home. I found myself being able to relate to this couple in many ways. Jesse and Corinne are the "old married couple" who everyone assumes has everything in life together, settled but they aren't. Both of them are restless and looking for something else for their family.  Deborah Raney writes with authority about Cape Girardeau, Mo, being a Stay at home Mom, running an inn inside a family home, marriage, and following God's leading.  I found myself unable to put this book down once I started it, from start to finish this book took many twists and turns and was definitely not what I expected, which I love!! I really enjoy the cast of characters in the Whitman Family especially Grant and Audrey Whitman. They are such pillars for their family and puts their faith in God's plan. They are devoted to their family and their inn. I love the interactions between them. As I stated, in this book the focus is The Pennington Family but fear not, the characters from book one are also back.  I loved reading Jesse and Corinne's story while being able to keep up with the rest of the Whitman Family.  I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I am excited to read the next book in the series, Another Way Home! I give this book 5 STARS

A Heart's Betrayal: Journey of The Heart Book 4 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 finds shelter in the arms of a soldier, but her secret could drive them apart.

When Emmie Croftner answered the door to her late husband's home, she discovered a terrible truth. A woman she's never met reveals that she and Emmie shared the same husband and that the bigamist had never divorced his first wife. The home and farm are not Emmie's property after all.

Suddenly displaced and powerless, Emmie realizes she can't stay in Wabash, Indiana, any longer. She makes for Fort Laramie, Wyoming, where her friend Sarah Montgomery and a new beginning await her. But when she arrives, she discovers she's carrying a child, conceived before her husband's death. Was the new start she'd hoped for only a mirage?

At Fort Laramie, a soldier named Isaac Liddle begins to court Emmie, prompting her to wonder whether she could ever really be his--and whether she dares to tell him she is carrying another man's baby.



My Thoughts: 

A Heart's Betrayal is the fourth novella in The Journey of the Heart series by Colleen Coble. I love reading Colleen Coble's books, but not a fan of novellas until I started reading this novella series! In this latest installment we read about Emmie Croftner, the sister of Ben Croftner (the villain of this series), and she is in trouble.  Emmie's husband is killed in an accident and when Emmie goes to his home to claim the home and the other things she inherited, she finds out that He already had a wife, so Emmie has no claim to any of the properties. Emmie knows she can't stay in Indiana so she decides to head to Fort Laramie, Wyoming where her friend Sarah is, hoping to find a fresh start, but after she gets there she finds out she is pregnant with her "husbands" child.  I loved reading about Emmie and her continued story. It was nice to see more characters in this book. Rand and Sarah are still part of this book but Emmie's story takes the front seat!  This book still keeps you guessing until the end and leaves you at a cliff hanger. I really did enjoy this installment and look forward to reading the rest! I enjoy the historical aspects of this book and the whole series! Colleen Coble is definitely an expert on this time in history and the US during this time. This book definitely kept me engaged from start to finish, leaving me anxious for the next installment. I look forward to the rest of the novellas in this series! I give this book 4 STARS.

The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two By Shelley Shepard Gray

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: 

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?



My Thoughts:  

The Proposal at Siesta Key is the second book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish Brides of Pinecraft series and it a very good story. As my readers know, I am a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction so Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite authors in the genre! I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, The Promise of Palm Grove so I was very eager to read this next story.  In this book we meet Penny Troyer, an adult who lives a very sheltered life with her parents. Years before Penny's sister, Lissy, died and their parents have kept Penny close, afraid of losing her too.  Penny wanted to go to see a traveling Mennonite Evangelical Family, The Knoxx Family Singers and listen to their son, Michael speak about his own accident in which he lost one of his legs, but her parents didn't want her to go. Penny tells her parents she is going, and she goes.  Michael Knoxx is a very talented speaker who talks about living life to the fullest but he himself doesn't do that. He spends so much time on the move from place to place that he wants to slow down, stop and meet others to be friends with, not adoring fans.  Penny and Michael have a chance meeting that evening, as Penny is walking home.  Penny enjoyed her time so much and decided it is time to be out in the world, which includes her looking for a job. Michael finds himself having to stay in Pinecraft at the Orange Blossom Inn for a month and his family are back on the road. Penny gets a job at the Inn and helping Michael is one of her tasks.  As they spend time together, they begin a beautiful friendship, having feelings for each other but Michael knows he will have to go back on the road and both of them don't want to lose the other.

The Proposal at Siesta Key is a wonderful book, part of a wonderful series.  Shelley Shepard Gray writes with much authority on The Amish, Pinecraft, Florida and the areas around it, Mennonite faith, and traveling.  Her knowledge of Pinecraft, Florida and the areas around it is amazing. She is truly an expert on this community. As I read this book, I felt like I was there in Pinecraft and Siesta Key experiencing the sights along with our characters. Such vivid and detailed descriptions.  As I stated, I read the first book in this series so it was great to see the sights from the first book and to see new sights.  Also I enjoyed meeting new characters/friends but also getting details about my "old friends" from the last book. So many fun and interesting characters make up this book. I enjoyed all of them. This book addressed violence in an Amish Community, which isn't common to read about in Amish Series and it was a reminder that bad things happen to everyone, no one is immune, but what makes it different is in how we respond to it.  I found myself unable to put this book down. From the first chapter until the end I was taken with this book and the characters.  The Proposal at Siesta Key can be read as a stand alone book, not necessary to read the first book to read the next one.  The details in the second book are enough for a new reader but not too much for someone who read the first book. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, definitely will not be disappointed. I look forward to the next book in the series and reading other books from Shelley Shepard Gray. I give this book 4 STARS.

Who's the New Kid?: How an Ordinary Mom Helped Her Daughter Overcome Childhood Obesity - and You Can Too By Heidi Bond and Jenna Glatzer

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

Book Description:  

 At nine years old, Breanna Bond weighed a whopping 186 pounds. Just walking up the stairs to her room was a challenge. Her legs chafed to the point of bleeding from rubbing against each other, and her school days were filled with taunts of “Hey, Fatty!” Breanna’s mom, Heidi, was devastated and wondered, How can I get my daughter healthy again?

Who’s the New Kid? shows readers how Heidi helped her daughter lose weight without the aid of fad diets, medication, or surgery and how other parents can do the same with their kids.

In just over a year, Heidi’s plan worked! Breanna dropped 40 percent of her body weight and was transformed from a morbidly obese child who spent her days in front of the TV eating chips and chocolate to a vibrant, healthy, energetic little girl.

Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who’s the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family.


My Thoughts:  

Who's The New Kid? is a wonderfully written book by Heidi Bond and Jenna Glatzer that is one of the most important books to read as a parent about childhood obesity and how to help your children make the right choices of food and helping them be active by making sure these things are part of your lifestyle. As a parent of 3 children , 2 daughters and 1 son we have been through the weight struggle in our family.  We are right now going through this struggle with our 2 younger children. So much of the Bond Family's life is a reflection of our lives. My husband struggled with weight as a child and was picked on for it. Now our son steals food in the middle of the night. We have tried everything: locking food up, hiding food in different places, and then eventually giving in to what he wants.  As I read this book I really felt the turmoil and emotions that Heidi felt, and saw my family in this book.  Heidi and Breanna's stories have helped in many ways for me to see where we are doing this wrong and how to start doing this right.  The honesty and transparency of this family definitely gives hope to all of us seeing our children struggle with weight that it can be done. Heidi  found the courage and motivation to help Breanna and their whole family make the lifestyle changes needed to reclaim their lives is inspiring, empowering and real. This isn't a fad diet, it is a lifestyle change. Something that transforms lives not just physically but emotionally. I have found such inspiration from their struggles and so much knowledge about how to help myself and my family. As our family continues to struggle with eating issues from anorexia to overeating I am hopeful we can make the changes in our lives to live healthier. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any families with children. You will not be disappointed. I cannot thank Heidi and Breanna enough for their courage to share their whole story. I give this book 5+ STARS. 


 In a world of fast-food convenience and non-stop busyness, how do we keep our kids healthy? Heidi Bond's debut book, Who's the New Kid?, is here to help. Filled with helpful diagnostic tools, easy-to-make recipes, eye-opening nutritional information, fun exercise ideas, and practical tips and advice, Who’s the New Kid? will not only show parents how to help their kids lose weight naturally but also introduce them to simple, yet effective lifestyle changes that will benefit the entire family.

Celebrate the release of Who's the New Kid? by entering to win a Fitbit and RSVPing to Heidi's June 9th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Fitbit
• A copy of Who's the New Kid?

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 9th. Winner will be announced June 9th at Heidi's Facebook party. RSVP here! Plus, participate in the #WhosTheNewKid conversation by pinning a family-friendly, healthy recipe (or two) to a Pinterest board!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on June 9th!