Sunday, June 9, 2019

A Marvelous Redeemer: A Light For Christ Trilogy Book 3 By Aleigha C. Israel

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: 

She knew the decision would change her life. But she didn't know she'd have to fight to survive.When Amira put her faith in Christ, she knew life wouldn’t be easy. But hiding her conversion from her Muslim family soon becomes the least of her worries.Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she travels to the island of Gabeburough, trying her best to make a fresh start.Two escaped convicts and a treasure map. A leafy paradise that becomes her home. Amira begins to wonder, where is her Redeemer when she needs Him the most?Caleb Haddington is prince of Carpathia. Life should be perfect, but he can’t get a certain dark-haired girl out of his mind. Amira was his best friend when he lived in France, but her letters to him have suddenly stopped.Her last letter is filled with terror that her faith will soon be discovered.Only a single hope keeps him alive; when the time is right, he’s going after her. He’ll bring her back and prove to the kingdom that he’s a man.But the journey proves to be more perilous than he’d ever imagined. Ridicule, comfortless days and the threat of a hurricane are just the start of his problems. Lying becomes easy for Caleb until his own life crumbles before him. Brought to his knees under the pressure of his actions, he comes to realize the sweetness of his Savior. Forgiveness, grace, and mercy are granted fully to those who ask. Caleb and Amira soon discover that they don’t just serve a gracious Savior, but a wonderful, magnificent, Marvelous Redeemer.

My Thoughts:

A Marvelous Redeemer is the latest and the last book in Aleigha C. Israel's A Light For Christ Trilogy and it is good. Aleigha Israel is a new to me author and I love to read new to me authors.
A Marvelous Redeemer is a Christian Romance and is definitely an appropriate YA Christian Fiction. I personally have not read the first two books in this trilogy and it took me a minute to catch up. Aleigha Israel did a great job of writing this book as a stand alone. I definitely want to read the first two books to truly understand the other stories. The characters in this book are real people dealing with real issues, the biggest issue being the persecution of Christians during the 1800's when Christianity wasn't understood. I loved Amira and Caleb's story and their strong belief in Christ. Their faith is admirable in the face of such adversity.  Aleigha Israel puts her readers right there in the story. I really felt like I was there watching this story unfold. This book really put me through many emotions, happy in places, sad in others, and concern. I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, including YA Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I am excited to read more from Aleigha Israel. I give this book 4 STARS.



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About the Book


  

She knew the decision would change her life. But she didn’t know she’d have to fight to survive. When Amira put her faith in Christ, she knew life wouldn’t be easy. But hiding her conversion from her Muslim family soon becomes the least of her worries. Forced to leave the only home she’s ever known, she travels to the island of Gabeburough, trying her best to make a fresh start. Two escaped convicts and a treasure map. A leafy paradise that becomes her home. Amira begins to wonder, where is her Redeemer when she needs Him the most? Caleb Haddington is prince of Carpathia. Life should be perfect, but he can’t get a certain dark-haired girl out of his mind. Amira was his best friend when he lived in France, but her letters to him have suddenly stopped. Her last letter is filled with terror that her faith will soon be discovered. Only a single hope keeps him alive; when the time is right, he’s going after her. He’ll bring her back and prove to the kingdom that he’s a man. But the journey proves to be more perilous than he’d ever imagined. Ridicule, comfortless days and the threat of a hurricane are just the start of his problems. Lying becomes easy for Caleb until his own life crumbles before him. Brought to his knees under the pressure of his actions, he comes to realize the sweetness of his Savior. Forgiveness, grace, and mercy are granted fully to those who ask. Caleb and Amira soon discover that they don’t just serve a gracious Savior, but a wonderful, magnificent, marvelous Redeemer.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

aleigha israel
  

ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God’s love through the powerful art of storytelling.
Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.
When she’s not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick “Marley” (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen traveling with her family’s gospel bluegrass band, “Fret Not” or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures.
She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.
Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!

More from Aleigha

I’m beyond excited to finally share Caleb’s Song with you all!! Something I love doing with my stories, is writing songs that become the character’s life songs. I’ve done it for most of my books. In A Marvelous Redeemer, Caleb suffers his way through learning several valuable lessons. But His Redeemer never left his side for a single moment. We don’t have to try and make it through this world alone, because Jesus walks beside us all the way. Through Jesus, we can find freedom, victory, peace, love and forgiveness. We can find ultimate joy in the sweet presence of our gracious, Marvelous Redeemer. I hope you enjoy Caleb’s Song! You can also check out his song on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXykDvOTGVc And read an exclusive interview with Caleb Haddington and more of the royal family on my blog: https://thepenofthewriter.weebly.com/character-fun.html (And even have the chance to ask Caleb a few questions of your own!!)  

Caleb’s Song:  

“A speck on the horizon, nothing big, nothing tall. Just an ant on this earth, trying to break down this wall. A trembling wind, a small ship on the sea, Understanding this world is not all about me. Trying to fix all my problems, trying to right all my wrongs. I just need someone stronger to carry me along. I can build up walls, and hide within, but the pain is still there, with no way to win. I need love, I need a Savior, I need the Prince who was born in a manger. I need strength, in all my weakness. I need a light to chase all my darkness. I need Jesus, I need Jesus. My well is so empty, my spirit is dry. No relief from this pain, though I try and I try. I can’t do this anymore, my life is a mess, I just want to win this battle, nothing more, nothing less. This world offers answers that only appease for a day. But I’ve finally found my life source, the only One, the only Way. My burden’s now been lifted, I’ve found a life boat on the sea. My walls are broken down, I’ve found victory! In His love, in my Savior, in my Prince who was born in a manger. He is strength, in all my weakness. He is the light to chase all my darkness. I’ve found Jesus, I’ve found Jesus.”

Blog Stops

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Aleigha is giving away a grand prize package that includes “My Foolish Heart” by Susan May Warren, “The Blessing” by Wanda E. Brunstetter, “Hidden Treasures” by Aleigha C. Israel, Song of the Mountains candle by @BookBurnCandles, a $10 Amazon gift card, and chocolate!!
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/e2a7/a-marvelous-redeemer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, June 8, 2019

The Pages of Her Life: By James L. Rubart

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: 

 Allison Moore is making it. Barely. The Seattle architecture firm she started with her best friend is struggling, but at least they’re free from the games played by the corporate world. She’s gotten over her divorce. And while her dad’s recent passing is tough, their relationship had never been easy.
Then the bomb drops. Her dad was living a secret life and left her mom in massive debt.
As Allison scrambles to help her mom find a way out, she’s given a journal, anonymously, during a visit to her favorite coffee shop. The pressure to rescue her mom mounts, and Allison pours her fears and heartache into the journal.
But then the unexplainable happens. The words in the journal, her words, begin to disappear. And new ones fill the empty spaces—words that force her to look at everything she knows about herself in a new light.
Ignoring those words could cost her everything . . . but so could embracing them.


My Thoughts: 

The Pages of Her Life is the latest book by James L. Rubart and it blew my mind it was so good. I am a fan of James L. Rubart and I have to say this has to be my favorite book from him. This book is a Biblical Fiction story, which is a genre I am very selective about reading. I have a few authors that I read that write these types of books and James L. Rubart is one of the few. I love the cover of this book, very ominous and makes you want to read it. James L. Rubart writes with authority on architecture, running a business, the Bible, Biblical prophecies, secrets and their effects of them, loan shark business, journalimg,, doing what you can do family, and speaking the truth to the dry bones. 
I found myself unable to put this book down once I started it. I enjoy James L Rubart's style of writing, he puts his readers right there in the thick of it, seeing things from the different characters. 
All of the characters in this book are well written and well developed. They felt like real people dealing with real life situations. I found myself drawn to Allison. I can relate to her on many levels. Her journey is admirable, as is her spirit. I loved how God showed her the right path and that she and her brother both were impacted greatly by God and His love. I cannot say enough good about this book. It is one that will stay with me. It impacted me on many levels and I find myself thinking on these things quite frequently since finishing the book.  I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction or Christian Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more books from James L. Rubart. I give this book 5 STARS.



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About the Book

Pages of Her Life cover

Book: The Pages of Her Life  
Author: James L. Rubart  
Genre: Christian fiction – suspense  
Release Date: May 21, 2019  

Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs. Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

The Pages of her life quote
 
Click here to purchase a copy of the book.
 

About the Author

Rubart James

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart  

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, May 23
Bigreadersite, May 24
amandainpa, May 27
Hallie Reads, May 28
Mary Hake, June 4
Remembrancy, June 8
Livin’ Lit, June 9

Giveaway

 


To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a finished copy of The Pages of Her Life!!
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/e4f2/the-pages-of-her-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

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.



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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

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: 










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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


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. 


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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


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