Friday, February 28, 2014

Murder, Plain and Simple: Book One of Amish Quilt Shop Mystery By Isabella Alan

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


Book Description:   

 When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio.

With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch.

On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart.

With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems.... 




My Thoughts:  

 Murder, Plain and Simple is the first book in Isabella Alan's newest series, The Amish Shop Mystery. Isabella Alan also writes under the name Amanda Flowers, of who I am a huge fan! Angela finds out she has inherited her aunt's quilt shop in Holmes County, Ohio.  Angie is definitely not like the others in Rolling Brook, which is a predominantly Amish community. Angie decides she wants to run the quilt shop and plans to make some changes and have a reopening of Running Stitch.  Her aunt's quilting circle and close friends do everything they can to help and encourage Angie. Angie has a great reopening but the next day she finds Joseph, an Amish woodworker from next door, dead in her storeroom. Joseph and Angie were in an argument about the shop and the actual ownership of the store, which puts Angie as a suspect.  Angie knows she has to catch who did this and clear her name before she is arrested. As Angie starts talking to others in Rolling Brook, Amish and Plain, she finds that this small community isn't what it seems.

Murder, Plain and Simple is a fantastic book.  Isabella Alan who also writes as Amanda Flowers is one of my favorite authors.As my followers know Amish Fiction is my favorite genre and this one is at the top of my list of favorites.  Isabella Alan, writes with such authority on the Amish and their lives, quilting, business, investigating, and mystery.  From the start this book grabbed me and has many twists and turns that it keeps you guessing until the end. I loved the humor of this book, I found myself laughing out loud in many parts especially with Angie and her dog.  As I read, I felt like I was right there watching the events unfold throughout the whole book.  I loved all the characters especially Angie. She is a fantastic main character, her life isn't simple but she keeps going, very determined. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction with mystery. You will not be disappointed.  I cannot wait to read more from Isabella Alan/Amanda Flowers. I am so grateful to Amanda for giving me the opportunity to read and review her books.  I give this book 5 STARS.


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

For The Love Of Books: The Thief: Book 2 in The Living Waters Series By S...

For The Love Of Books: The Thief: Book 2 in The Living Waters Series By S...: I received this book from Litfuse Publicity and Stephanie Landsem for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions ...

Erin Noelle's Cover Reveal For New Novel: When The Sun Goes Down

HI Everyone! Check out this Cover Reveal for Erin Noelle's newest Book!!!!!!





Title: When The Sun Goes Down
Author: Erin Noelle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date: 25th March, 2014





Trina is a quiet, reserved music teacher at an inner-city elementary school. Because of the traumatic events of her childhood, she’s skittish of people in general, but men especially frighten her. However, when Lucca Ellis appears in her life, he refuses to take no for an answer. Will he be able to help her overcome the past that has kept her a prisoner for over eight years?

Kat is a woman scorned and out for revenge. Wronged by the men in her life, she thrives on belittling and dominating all men that she comes in contact with. Her end goal is to make the one man, the one who stole her life away as a child, pay for his actions, and she doesn’t care who she has to destroy to get there.

These two lives that both thrive on control, were never supposed to overlap, but anything can happen… When the Sun Goes Down.

























Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child. A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. In 2013, she published the Book Boyfriend Series, which included books Metamorphosis, Ambrosia, and Euphoria. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list and/ or the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100.    You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoelleauthor.com, and on Twitter @authorenoelle.






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The Thief: Book 2 in The Living Waters Series By Stephanie Landsem

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



Book Description:    

Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure. Desperate to escape the accursed Judean province, he accepts a wager. If he can catch the thieves harassing the marketplace before Passover, he’ll earn a transfer away from the trouble making Jews.
Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Only with the help of Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, can she keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and a roof over their heads.
When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Longinus longs to learn more about the mysterious healer. Instead, his journey leads him to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.
Unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, they wonder who this teacher is who heals others but does nothing to save himself. Is the mercy he offers in his teachings real, or just another false promise? Can Nissa and Longinus overcome their pasts to find a future free of their shackles?
The Thief is an evocative story of two people trapped in their circumstances and the life-changing power of forgiveness and love.



My Thoughts:   


The Thief is the second book in Stephanie Landsem's Living Water series and I LOVED IT!  Mouse is a thief who steals to take care of herself and her blind brother, but her real name is Nissa. She is a Jewish woman who has had to defend herself and take care of herself.  Longinus is a Roman Centurion haunted by the events in his life. He makes a deal with another centurion that he will catch the two thieves that got away, which included Mouse.  A teacher comes to Jerusalem and heals Nissa's brother, Cedron. Nissa and Cedron find themselves exiled from their church and home. Nissa finds them another place but has to go back to stealing in order to make life happen.  Longinus yearns to learn more about this Teacher who healed Cedron and many others so he finds himself intertwined with Nissa.  Nissa and Longinus seek out Jesus to learn from Him and get His help. Can they save him before he is caught and tried?


The Thief is the second book I have read by Stephanie Landsem. I hadn't read her first book, The Well, when I requested to be part of this blog tour and this Launch team but I decided to read it before reading The Thief, and WOW. I read it in two days and it just made such an impact on me that I couldn't wait to dig right into The Thief.  The Thief ultimately tells the story of Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection .  Stephanie Landsem writes with authority about the Bible, Jerusalem, Jewish and Roman customs, and the time period.  In The Thief, we meet many new characters but also get to learn more about some old friends from The Well, Longinus and Stephan. I loved the character of Dismas. He was a thief but he loved Mouse(Nissa) and took care of her to make sure she was safe. He made the ultimate sacrifice for her, something NO ONE had ever done for her before. His character really gave me something to think about.  I could NOT put this book down. From the start it grabbed my attention and held it throughout. I read The Thief in about two days also. Stephanie Landsem has written two wonderful stories that although fiction, they are rich in historical facts.  As I read the last chapters of this book I felt like I was going through the Stations of The Cross that I have participated in for Lent. Such a humbling experience. I found myself crying during parts of this story, parts that touched my heart.  I HIGHLY recommend this book, and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, especially historical fiction and biblical fiction. You won't be disappointed! I cannot wait to read what is next in this awesome series! I give this book and series 5 STARS!!!

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 Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.

Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book: Filled with memorable characters, The Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in history? The story of The Thief. I couldn't stop reading.

Stephanie is hosting a Kindle Fire HDX and book giveaway at her website. CLICK THE BUTTON to find out more and enter to win.
Find out what readers are saying HERE.


















































Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Sinners Garden By William Sirls and Ipad Giveaway!

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


Book Description:   


In the small Lake Erie township of Benning, someone is at work cultivating a supernatural garden …
Andy Kemp’s young life has been as ravaged as his scarred face. Disfigured by an abusive father, the teenager hides behind his books and an impenetrable wall of cynicism and anger.
As Andy’s mother struggles to reconnect with him, his Uncle Rip returns transformed from a stint in prison and wants to be a mentor to the reclusive boy, doing everything he can to help end Andy’s pain. When Andy begins hearing strange music through his iPod and making near-prophetic announcements, Rip is convinced that what Andy is hearing is the voice of God.
Elsewhere, police officer Heather Gerisch responds to a late-night breaking and entering in one of the poorest homes in town. She soon realizes that the masked prowler has left thousands of dollars in gift cards from a local grocery store.
As the bizarre break-ins continue and Heather pursues the elusive “Summer Santa,” Andy and Rip discover an enormous and well-kept garden of wildflowers that seems to have grown overnight at an abandoned steel mill.
Soon, they realize who the gardener is, and a spree of miracles transfigures this small town from a place of hopelessness into a place of healing and beauty.



My Thoughts: 

The Sinners Garden is the first book by William Sirls I have had the pleasure of reading.  The Sinner's Garden is his second book.  Andy Kemp lives behind his books and anger. Abused by his father and left scarred, Andy's life hasn't been an easy one. Andy's mom tries to help him but just can't seem to get through, so his Uncle Rip tries. Rip just got out of prison and has been transformed by this experience and wants to help Andy.  Andy starts hearing strange things through his iPod and from these things through his music he starts making announcements that can only be described as prophetic, it convinces Rip that Andy is hearing God.  Somewhere else break ins are happening in the poorest homes in town and the strangest part, whomever is breaking in, is leaving thousands of dollars in gift cards from the grocery store in town.  The town dubs the "thief" Summer Santa.  While all of this is happening, Andy and Rip discover a huge garden of wildflowers that seem to have come out of no where in the steel mill. 

The Sinners Garden is my first book by William Sirls and WOW. It is such a wonderful story that really speaks to its readers and left a lasting impression with me. This message really gives hope where hope is lost.  William Sirls writes a powerful story with a very powerful cast of characters. I loved all the characters in this book, they are all real people with real lives. Things didn't just "work out" for them. We watch them struggle and find their way.  I found myself taken with this book from the start and could not put it down. I found myself completely engrossed in this beautiful story. I found myself laughing out loud in parts and crying in parts as this book touched on tough subjects. William Sirls really showed his heart in this story. I am so glad I had the chance to read this wonderful story. If you enjoy Christian Fiction with supernatural twists, then this is the book for you! I cannot wait to read more from William Sirls, he is on my must read author list! 

Check out this fantastic giveaway! 
 


Meet William Sirls: Once a senior vice president in a large investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering. Life lessons involving faith, grace, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. The Sinners’ Garden is his second novel. William is celebrating the book's release with an iPad giveaway.
sinnersgarden-400-click

  One winner will receive:
  • A brand new iPad Mini
  • The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 1st. Winner will be announced March 3rd on William Sirls' blog.
””

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by William’s blog on the 3rd to see if you won.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Pr1me of Life By P.D. Bekendam

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


Book Description:   
 
Is a simple life too much to ask for?

Ben thinks the retirement home where he works should be called “Heaven Can Wait a Little Longer While I Golf” instead of Heritage Gardens. But who asked him? He’s just the janitor, after all. Of course, his inept boss, the cantankerous residents, and even his attractive podiatrist friend don’t know one important thing about him: he was recently a cardiothoracic surgeon, not a broom-pushing custodian.
Ben is in search of a stress-free life with a little freedom from the past thrown in. But will it be that simple to escape who he used to be—and all he used to fear?



My Thoughts:  


 Pr1me of Life is P.D. Bekendam's debut book and it is a HIT!  Ben works at Heritage Gardens as a janitor.  Ben has worked there for 3 years and has gotten to know the residents very well. Everyone who interacts with Ben likes him. What they don't know is three years ago Ben was a Cardiothoracic surgeon.  Ben leaves his home and practice to find a stress free life and that is what brings him to Heritage Gardens. Ben finds himself in the middle of some interesting things that makes his normally ordered life crazy.

 I loved Pr1me of  Life. As P.D. Bekendam's debut novel it is fantastic.  P.D. Bekendam writes with authority on geriatric and cardiothoracic medicine, retirement home life, and OCD.  I loved all the characters he has written. They are hilarious and loveable. As I read the book I felt like I knew them all.   From the start this book grabbed my attention and kept it throughout, couldn't put it down! I found myself laughing out loud in parts and crying in others.  I really felt a connection with this book and enjoyed it.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading what P.D. Bekendam writes next! Definitely a must read author for me. I give this book 5 STARS.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The Traitor's Wife By Allison Pataki

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



Book Description: 

 A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason . . .

Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.

Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.

Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.


My Thoughts: 

The Traitor's Wife is Allison Pataki's debut novel and it's a great one.  This historical novel tells the story of Peggy Shippen Arnold, Benedict Arnold's wife from the viewpoint of Clara Belle, Peggy's maid, who had been employed by Peggy's family since childhood.  Peggy Shippen Arnold is a socialite who finds her way into Benedict Arnold's heart and mind while he was a military commander of Philadelphia.  Blind to his bride's motives, he doesn't realize that she has her own agenda, loyalty to the British, especially a past relationship with a British spy, John Andre'. As Arnold loses his faith in his hero, George Washington and the American cause, Peggy convinces him to go along with her plot to deliver West Point to the British in exchange for fame and fortune.  What Peggy doesn't count on is her maid, Clara has put her faith in America and she intervenes in her mistress's plans, not caring the cost. 
 
The Traitor's Wife is another debut novel I have had the pleasure of reading. I love debut novel and Historical Fiction novels so this one was a no brainer for me.  As a huge fan of both I was excited to read this book.  Allison Pataki writes with authority on the historical facts of Benedict Arnold, history of Britain and America, and this time period in general.  I found myself captivated with fact and fiction of this book.  I found myself unable to put this book down, truly kept me going up to the end. I loved the characters in this book but Clara Belle was my favorite. Her bravery was inspired.  I enjoyed learning more about this time in history and all the players in Benedict Arnold's life. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to what Allison Pataki has in store next. I give this book 4 STARS. 

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...