tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33360405598238068632024-03-18T20:50:23.917-07:00The Power of StoryThis blog is to provide honest and helpful reviews in primarily the Christian fiction genre, although I will definitely throw in a children's review here and there as well as Christian lifestyle book reviews.ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-70322603935537641452015-03-26T08:10:00.003-07:002015-03-26T08:10:30.680-07:00Review on From the Start by Melissa Tagg<br />
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From the Start, the first in Melissa Tagg's new series called the Walker Family is a delightful read that I know that fans of her other books will definitely enjoy. This story takes place in small town Maple Valley in Iowa</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">where former Big time quarterback Colton Greene and struggling romance screenplay writer Kate Walker both wind up to help out after a tornado wrecks havoc on the town. For Kate, it's her home town and she's going home to help family, but for poor Colton it is helping out a college friend's family who he has great respect for and to help him get his mind of his now "very over"( because of a shoulder/knee injury) NFL career. During the course of their time together Colton realizes that Kate would be the perfect person to write his autobiography that his agent was nagging for him to get done and so they are thrown together and a friendship/relationship starts developing between the two.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">What is lovely about Melissa Tagg's writing is that within the context of a romance novel, she manages to give you two characters that have their own issues and things they are going through and need to reconcile during the course of the story, sometimes they are things that are processed together, but sometimes they need to deal with their own "stuff" individually before they are able to come together. I like that. It isn't your classic 2 perfect people coming together and poof everything is...perfect. This makes for more multi-dimensional characters and interesting reading. (In fact I found myself looking for every possible opportunity to read this book as it was on my kindle app!) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Colton is a very likable character, especially as you see him transition out of his former" always in the spotlight" persona into a person who truly does find his purpose in life and how his very difficult past comes to play in that. It was definitely a stand up and cheer kind of moment at the end as he truly sees how the bad in his life could be used for good in other's lives. Kate had her own journey to take as well as she tries to live up to everything that her mother had done before her as well as heal her heart from a disastrous previous relationship . However, she learns along the way that God has a different plan for all of us...and it's ok if it looks a little different that what we originally thought. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I will say that it's hard not to fall in love with the little town of Maple Valley as well as all of it's inhabitants. Kate has 3 Walker siblings, so it will be fun to see where Melissa Tagg takes this series as we see other storylines unfold. I think she has set things up very well for future storylines and books. I know that I will definitely be visiting Maple Valley again to see what the Walker Family is up to. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">4 stars</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I was given a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span>ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-2928079345032529462015-03-10T22:00:00.001-07:002015-03-10T22:00:28.960-07:00Review on Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">“Um, I forgot”- isn’t this a
response that mom’s constantly hear from their darling cherubs who perhaps didn’t
complete their list of chores?</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Well I
have to say, after reading Sandra Byrd’s captivating Gothic Romance novel </span><i style="font-size: 16pt;">Mist of Midnight,</i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> that was my response-
“Um, I forgot how much I love a great Gothic Romance novel!, especially when
penned by the hugely talented Sandra Byrd who weaves the historical parts of
the novel</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">into the story seamlessly . It
just adds to the enjoyment for the reader and lends some authenticity to the time
period of the story. (Read the author’s notes in the back of the book- so
fascinating!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <i>Mist
of Midnight</i> hits that perfect balance in the story between , that sort of dark Gothic mystery where things “go bump in the night” and a
delightful romance that springs up between the two characters. We have the lovely Rebecca Ravenshaw, a child
of missionaries who lost her whole family overseas in India to both illness as
well as the Rebellion that took place there.
She is now tired and heartbroken and is coming home to England to take
up residence in her family’s estate Headbourne House in Hampshire England. One
slight problem is that she discovers that there was an impostor who had come to
Headbourne House just previous to her, posing as “Rebecca Ravenshaw” and
claiming her inheritance as well as her home. She then died under suspicious
circumstances. So when she, the real Rebecca Ravenshaw, shows up, the town is
skeptical ,as many haven’t seen her since she was a little girl. In residence in
Headbourne House, is the very handsome Captain Luke Whitfield who is a distant
relative next in line to inherit Headbourne House with the supposed death of
Rebecca Ravenshaw. Luke is everything that the perfect gothic hero needs to be,
as he is completely swoonworthy, but has that edge to him where you wonder exactly
what his secrets might be- (think Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre)- is he a good romantic
hero or is he going to murder you in your sleep? This keeps Rebecca, and the reader, off balance
throughout the story right till the end as the mystery of what happened at
Headbourne House with the impostor comes to light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> Also in all good gothic tales the residence,
or House, is almost always like a
character unto itself within the story as
there is usually some mystery within the house and <i>Mist of Midnight</i> does not disappoint in that respect either with
mysterious messages showing up on the walls and rooms that are locked up where
Rebecca cannot enter, letters hidden in
the attic, etc. Sandra Byrd knows her
stuff and I was completely engaged in this story from the beginning until the
end (which was delightful by the way.) I
would never give away an ending, but I will say that there was an especially
endearing little twist that I was not expecting at the end that I thought was
very charming and fun to read. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">All in all, a really
wonderful read and I was delighted to see that the author just mentioned via
social media that she had finished the second book in this series and all I can
say is – “sign me up, I’m in “ and this time, there will be no forgetting how
much I loved this book and how I am thoroughly anticipating the next one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">5 stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I received a complimentary
copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-70386527666764610072014-09-02T17:20:00.002-07:002014-09-02T17:20:38.533-07:00Review on Captured by Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBexRWmL_p0tzgbs0GDBjp4QxLXQgIqab7541vIPxngW0x48c_uvhs2715VF0SCRGbC8OfNoSpmXQ7aipGWejDSPeJ3mXfq9Ir3uW-i2yGqaAdT-DUrswaLODS1vIvOxvfsIOEFDQsxMb/s1600/18651927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBexRWmL_p0tzgbs0GDBjp4QxLXQgIqab7541vIPxngW0x48c_uvhs2715VF0SCRGbC8OfNoSpmXQ7aipGWejDSPeJ3mXfq9Ir3uW-i2yGqaAdT-DUrswaLODS1vIvOxvfsIOEFDQsxMb/s1600/18651927.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Captured by love, Jody Hedlund’s latest offering was once again a well done, and seemless historical fiction novel that I have come to expect from her writing. I thought that this particular novel did a wonderful job with the historical element and the British occupation of Michilimackinac Island (what we know as Mackinac Isnalnd) in 1814. All of the true to life landmarks and situations that she wove into the story are explained in the back of the book and her “author’s notes” at the end are always my favorite part as I realize the artistry that Jody uses to bring her historical fiction a ring of truth. As a historical fiction reader, I truly enjoy that.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">But onto the characters- the lovely Angelique with a hard past, an unfaithful mother whose decisions and choices always make her question if she is just like her mother? Her cruel step –father fosters these doubts as he makes sure she is clothed in such a way that no one pays her much mind – plain and everything buttoned up. She lives in constant fear that he will sell her off in marriage to the highest bidder as he had done with her sister. However, Angelique has given her pledge of marriage to a kind friend since childhood Jean, who has since left the Island to go and fight for the Americans. There’s just one problem, she has never really loved Jean in a romantic way, that was more reserved for his older brother Pierre who is a bit more of a rogue. Pierre is that “bad boy turning good” type of character who has been out on the fur trading circuit and lived a bit large. He is that cheeky sort and he is delightfully confident in himself , still falls a bit over his own pride, but a very loveable character overall. Having left the Island long ago to pursue his Fur trading, he is returning to check in on his mother and runs into Angelique. When he left her, she was a young girl, but returning home shows him that she was become a most beautiful grown up woman. Angelique attracts him not just for her beauty and red curls, but the fact that she has been taking care of his mother, who in his absence has gone blind and made things around his childhood farm difficult to keep up with.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">There are many difficulties for Angelique and Pierre- Angelique’s pledge and duty to Jean, her love for staying on the Island and Pierre’s love for fur trading which would take him far away from Angelique and the Island. Many hurdles to jump over for this couple, make the story unique and interesting. They both in their own way learn to lay down their wants and desires and seek out God’s plan for their future. It was such an interesting contrast as one had to lay down selfishness and the other trying to do things out of duty- a fun story for sure. And as mentioned above- the historical aspect was interesting and played into the story seamlessly. This one is full of romance for sure so for those in for a great historical Christian fiction romance, I think you will really love it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">4 stars</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">This book was given to me by the publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span>ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-9451339985879214522014-08-30T13:45:00.000-07:002014-08-30T13:45:07.847-07:00Review on Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEbSJyxkn5ETV1XB1pSytYckakdjmT5eqcZH60uX5Hh-JbOUdDnjUw6JNc18FYImW61kGPJq-_nfpEWl4-lnREADGm4V6phHlTGUAQuu96j4qYYiYdnxBRD0E9tSHFYPdpL3bNc4iTJjG/s1600/19006252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEbSJyxkn5ETV1XB1pSytYckakdjmT5eqcZH60uX5Hh-JbOUdDnjUw6JNc18FYImW61kGPJq-_nfpEWl4-lnREADGm4V6phHlTGUAQuu96j4qYYiYdnxBRD0E9tSHFYPdpL3bNc4iTJjG/s1600/19006252.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Admittedly, I am a fan of “all things Jane”- Jane Austen, Jane Eyre and yes ,even Jane Erstwhile from Austenland. And so to see another wonderful “Regency era” novel called Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot, arrive on the scene , well let’s just say it very much pleases my Austen-like sensibilities. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">We meet 28 year old Alethea Sutherton, our heroine and a virtual spinster in this time frame, as she is unmarried and absolutely not wishing to be, which of course makes her an unconventional character from the get-go. Instead Alethea’s dreams are to be a master at the violin and move to Italy where she might study under true masters without ridicule. The violin of course was not seen as an instrument fit for women to play as it was considered unladylike, because an elbow might be seen and that in Regency England is a bit scandalous. Enter in Lord Dommick and his quartet who is down one player due to the war, , also a violin player and of the opinion that women should not be playing the violin…until he actually hears Alethea play. And even, Lord Dommick or “Bay” as his friends call him can see the depth of her talent. One element that adds to her playing is the unique and beautiful sound of her violin. It turns out that there is a mystery surrounding this violin as someone wants to steal it and works very hard to do so. As this puts Alethea and her family in harms way, Bay steps in to help protect her and a relationship starts to form. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">There are many things to this story that I really enjoyed, obviously the conflict of the two main characters and the things they have to do to overcome to even begin a relationship. Bay is a man that is working so hard to hide secrets as he struggles with some post traumatic stress from his time in the war and fights to keep control in all situations. Because of times where he couldn’t, a former fiancé dubbed him the “Mad Baron” and he has been fighting that stigma and trying to do everything he could to right his family’s standing in society especially for his sister’s sake so that she would have a chance to marry well. Alethea on the other hand has all but given up caring what those around her think of her and only wants to escape to Italy where she can pursue her musical dreams. And so Bay ,who thinks he will never marry because of his secrets and Alethea .who has no idea of ever marrying and is only biding her time until she can leave for Italy , somewhow make an unlikely couple.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I thought this story was very well executed and had all the elements that I love in a good Regency novel plus a little bit more. In the Regency novels that I have enjoyed, it usually centers around a strong female character who is making the best of her situation which is usually not an optimal one for her based on the time frame and the fact that she is a woman. But through her strength of character, she is able to pull through. We definitely see that in the character of Alethea . Besides Alethea, Camille Elliot manages to give us other really interesting characters with some good depth to them, witty dialogue, and a lot of excitement and mystery surrounding the violin thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed how both characters seemed to really help and compliment each other just by being who they were. And so I would recommend this one to those “fans of all things Jane” like myself. It was a lovely read!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was given a complimentary copy of this novel by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">5 stars</span>ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-70997752296844761292014-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:002014-07-01T12:33:03.439-07:00Review on The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqedW0E6DUqPZFk486MzR_Qh7WuMwyHe531etYkuFLL2VEyQRjyjeZKBsdFjoqmU5UCwmf-yLH-usMeicgRtWWRLygFQI9Fpcngh2zbaHTSpPfa2fxBuwvaLGtEOamBH5QhLt_1tHUGtH/s1600/17570141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqedW0E6DUqPZFk486MzR_Qh7WuMwyHe531etYkuFLL2VEyQRjyjeZKBsdFjoqmU5UCwmf-yLH-usMeicgRtWWRLygFQI9Fpcngh2zbaHTSpPfa2fxBuwvaLGtEOamBH5QhLt_1tHUGtH/s1600/17570141.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury offers a brand new
idea- the idea of Biblical Christian fiction paired up with a bible study
section to bring together a brand new experience for her readers. This concept
is a good one I think, as I know personally when I read good Biblical fiction,
it sends me running to my Bible to see if what the writer’s imagination has
come up with is “plausible” in terms of matching up with what the Bible says
about that particular person in the scripture. This is exactly what Karen
Kingsbury set out to do by using Bible scholars to help her in terms of running
these stories by them to see if they could be possible. And so, while we do get
a look at the relatives of Jesus in a brand new way with the lovely help of
Karen Kingsbury, it is refreshing then to spend some time at the back of the
book as she provides 5 days of actual study into the character that she wrote
about. And in the end, just as she hoped by taking this journey in learning
about the “family of Jesus”, it helps you to love Jesus that much more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book opens with the story of Joseph, described as the
protective stepfather and what his journey might have been like, his
relationship with Mary, etc. We then move to Zechariah, the knowing Uncle, John
the Baptist, the chosen cousin, Elizabeth, the faithful aunt, James, the
doubting brother and of course ends, with Mary, the loving Mother. In usual Karen
Kingsbury style, the reader can’t help but engage with the characters and be
moved as you witness the great love shown in the relationships such as in Mary
and Joseph’s relationship at the onset in hearing that Mary is pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see great faith in the impossible in
Elizabeth’s life and heart as the impossible came to pass and great sacrifice
in the life of John the Baptist as his whole life was preparing for Jesus and
then dying as well. And as a mother, my heart was moved, of course, by Mary’s
story, a mother just wanting to save her son, but helpless to do so. Love,
sacrifice, and faith and of course the tears were flowing- grab your Kleenex box
as you fully engage with this story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
greatly enjoyed the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As always when you are reading something like this where
there is a fictional component, it’s wise to keep the two separate in terms of
what we know scripturally versus what can be possible. But I think the beauty
and value in this is remembering that they were real people with real emotions,
struggles and joys and heartbreak. In taking this journey, it helps to bring
these character’s alive in a new and precious way. I am glad that I took this
journey and hope that you take it as well, and fully engage in both parts- the
story section on the character as well as the bible study section as it makes
for a very moving experience and one that makes you dig into these character’s
lives through the Bible as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">4 stars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the
publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-55306028507273006642014-06-29T22:56:00.003-07:002014-06-29T22:59:14.287-07:00Review on A Broken Kind of Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyINqfItqo1j79h4hF-VZNBOnDguGLTFG1v6sIzFdI1rFaoQJiks8YKlFWx31Fic1GR2dtJfPwd_24YUGamlu8PaKhRKm0Czw1bt0CIN5-3zcV0vQAH1oo6JLOpeY_QtHlSdEfuUOnu8M/s1600/18240274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyINqfItqo1j79h4hF-VZNBOnDguGLTFG1v6sIzFdI1rFaoQJiks8YKlFWx31Fic1GR2dtJfPwd_24YUGamlu8PaKhRKm0Czw1bt0CIN5-3zcV0vQAH1oo6JLOpeY_QtHlSdEfuUOnu8M/s1600/18240274.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m that person that …occasionally…..runs a little late. When arriving at parties it’s socially acceptable to be “fashionable late”, which I often am. However sometimes you might miss the best part of the party if you are too late. I have to say that I’m “late” in joining the party on those who have read and enjoyed A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert, and after reading this book, I feel like wow- I wish I would have read this one earlier it’s filled with great characters, an interesting storyline and so much- “wow, that’s so true” dialogue. So now that I am fashionably late to discovering this book, it does not diminish it’s enjoyment or impact for me, this was a good one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The characters are as the book title suggest Broken and Beautiful- Ivy, an aging out supermodel - mind you she’s about to hit the old age of 25- is a heroine unlike most you find in this genre, but there is something about her that you just really care about what happens to her. Her back story is a bit heartbreaking as the novel opens and she is at her estranged father’s funeral. She is a young woman who just never quite felt loved and so with her beautiful outside she would seek it out in all the wrong places leading to relationships that meant nothing. Her walls were way up and no one ever really knew the real Ivy. In a last fitch effort to try and revive her career, her agent and uncle, get’s her a shoot with her Stepmother Marilyn who happens to own a lovely little Bridal shop in Greenbrier South Carolina called Something New, which is a far cry from her usual stomping grounds in New York City. She is desperate though and out of work ,so off she goes to this job with her walls of armor up high and strong against anyone trying to get in. Next, we meet Davis Knight a former up and coming fashion photographer who had all the makings of skyrocketing to the top of the fashion industry, but left his big job in New York because of an accident to his sister that has filled him with guilt and a feeling that he should never pick up a camera again. However ,he does serve as the fashion photographer for Ivy’s shoot as the proceeds are going to go to directly help his sister with an art program for her at a local college. He rediscovers his love for photography and his amazing talent shows through his work producing the best pictures Ivy has ever taken. In all of this a relationship starts to brew between the two, although not in the normal way that Ivy is used to having with a man. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are so many aspects to this novel that I absolutely loved- the power of forgiveness being one and the idea that God’s forgiveness covers it all and all guilt can be laid down right at the foot of the cross. The pacing to this novel was flawless as we see the character of Ivy develop and grow- her journey from the beginning of the book to the end was one that pulled the reader in and by the end the tears were a flowing. I also loved the fact that the “hero” of the book had his issues to sort through as well. In a manner of speaking, “Miss Abandoned “meets “Mr Guilt-ridden” and because of who God is in their lives, they can find the love and the forgiveness they need through God to heal. And for those of you that are “fashionably late” like me to discovering this book- I truly hope that you will enjoy this as much as I did. This one goes on the favorites shelf and I look forward to reading more great books like this one from Katie Ganshert.</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-62094578118473195532014-06-16T12:33:00.000-07:002014-06-16T12:33:09.875-07:00Review on Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits truly is a delightful contemporary Jane Austen romp type of story which follows loosely the storyline of Pride and Prejudice while also throwing in the delightful charm of the south, thus where the cheese grits fit it. The novel opens ,as any good Pride and Prejudice based novel should, with a scene where the main character , in this case Shelby Roswell, a Civil War historian and professor, crossing swords with a visiting professor named Ransom Fielding, who also happens to be the one who gave her book a scathing and damaging review. As she enters his classroom and creates quite a stir, she also leaves quite an impression on Ransom. I can’t possibly give you the details here as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you, but I will say that in Elizabeth Bennett fashion she dresses him down a bit and had me the reader laughing out loud. Poor Mr. Darcy, uh…Mr Fielding.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">With that rough start the two main characters aren’t very fond of each other at first, and with Shelby ,working hard to earn her tenure at her small college named Midlands located in Mississippi is finding that her college’s administration have determined it quite an accomplishment to have landed the prestigious Ransom Fielding straight from Yale to come in for a guest professorship and will basically move heaven and earth to keep him happy. When the two of them do not get along, they make it very clear that they will come down on Ransome’s side of any argument, which means she may be kissing her long sought after tenure” Goodbye”. But just as Darcy against his will becomes taken with Elizabeth, so does Ransom with Shelby. Despite her many social “faux pas’, he somehow falls for her. I found Ransom’s backstory to be touching as he is recovering from losing his wife and so he is leaving his Ivy league Academia to come to this small college near his hometown to recover a bit and ends up meeting Shelby and so his journey to seek out peace and quiet is a bit sidelined as she is anything but that .</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">For true Jane Austen fans, this isn’t an exact replication of the story Pride and Prejudice in a contemporary setting, as certain characters are morphed into one- e.g- the Mr Collins and Mr, Wickham character become one to make up the “bad guy” of the story, and there isn’t a whole lot of emphasis on Shelby’s siblings and their stories, but as I was engaged in this story, it didn't matter to me as I enjoyed this storyline and where the author took these characters. The character of Shelby certainly had plenty of “Elizabeth Bennett” spunk as well as a bit more thrown in for good measure as her mouth so often got her into trouble whenever she was in social situations- very cringe-worthy at times- but I have to say that just led me to really loving the character of Shelby even more. Just as in Pride and Prejudice, Shelby and Ransom butt heads a lot initially and their pride and their prejudice keep them from each other, but as the story unfolds and they understand where each other are coming from, their relationship starts to develop.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was an enjoyable read for me and I am so happy to see that there is a series here with Emma, Mr Knightley and Chili Slaw dogs on deck. If it follows the same vein as Pride,Prejudice and Cheese Grits, then it will definitely be a winner. Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits delivers, faith love and fun all rolled up into one great book with some good old fashion Southern charm thrown in as well. </span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-49783700828092508062014-05-28T12:52:00.000-07:002014-05-28T12:52:10.865-07:00Review on Silenced by Dani Pettrey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Submerged, Shattered, Stranded and now Silenced- all title’s in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series and I must say that I have enjoyed each one as you get to know up close and personal the McKenna siblings and all the many suspenseful happenings in their lives. I have to say that I really was looking forward to this one as this time it was Kayden MeKenna’s turn. This is the McKenna daughter who looked exactly like her mother, but ever since her death had remained pretty closed off to those around her. The story opens with a bang as Kayden finds a dead body while she is out on one of her recreational rock climbs- so much for a relaxing rock climbing experience. Kayden teams up with former police detective Jake Westin (Cavanaugh) as he is coaxed out of retirement by newly appointed local Sheriff Landon Grainger - (Piper McKenna’s fiance’.) As this case unfolds and the two are working closely together to crack it we get a closer look at Jake’s back story as well- a police detective with a sad story- a case gone wrong which ended the lives of his wife and their precious daughter, not yet born. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a whole other mystery pops up, one which is very dangerous for both Kayden and Jake, but which also draws them closer and closer together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have to say that this story begged the question- “what drives you?” If you think about it we are all driven by something- whether it be fear, guilt, revenge or love, and we get to choose what that might be. Our choices then dictate the course that we set ourselves on. As the stories of Kayden and Jake come out more fully and even the “bad guy” of the story, it is a clear picture of what drives each character. I feel it is very well done and so all those choices make sense and play out well in the storyline . And so for instance, we understand why Kayden is the way she is in terms of extreme self- discipline with her health etc., and we get it why Jake’s has a fierce protective side towards Kayden. And so of course, that leads to why it makes total sense that Kayden and Jake are attracted to each other and how they help each other see that the thing that we should be driven by is a relationship with God, any other forces lead to ruin. The suspense part of the story, as usual is well played and you will find the pages turning faster and faster towards the end of the book as you reach the climax of the story. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am very glad to have discovered Dani Pettrey and have really enjoyed this series. I know that I will be among the many that will be greatly looking forward to the next book in the series- Sabotaged which tell’s Reef McKenna’s story, oh Spring of 2015, hurry up and get here! </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was graciously given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-77453702624135583562014-05-13T17:03:00.003-07:002014-05-13T17:04:00.144-07:00Review on Somebody like you by Beth K Vogt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We all love a good “hook” in a book don’t we? That storyline that’s just a little bit different from what you are used to reading and so it just captures your attention . And when your attention is captured, the pages turn quickly as you are fully engaged in the story. And I would say that Somebody like you, Beth Vogt’s latest book had my attention captured and also had me fully engaged. I mean it isn’t every day that a poor pregnant widow named Haley Ames has a man turn up on her doorstep looking exactly like her husband Sam and so she instantly wonders if the military got it wrong and her husband isn’t truly dead , only to find out that this man in front of her isn’t Sam or his ghost, but rather his estranged twin brother…who she has never heard of. And so Haley being thoroughly shocked and completely unprepared does what any of us would do-(insert heavy sarcasm here) she draws a gun on poor Steven Ames, her husband’s brother, and proceeds to run him off her property. How do you like that for a meet cute?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As if relationships are not difficult enough, let’s throw in a twin brother who looks exactly like your dead husband. Talk about your ghost of relationships past. But somehow as Steven keeps coming around in the effort to learn more about his estranged brother, he also happens to forge a relationship with Haley. And when he is there for her in the day to day things where she needs help with her house and her new baby, etc, a relationship is forged that is truly sort of fascinating to watch . Haley discovers that while he looks just like Sam her dead husband, that he is a completely different person offering her exactly the type of love that she really needs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This book is what I love in a good contemporary novel- it’s got the “hook” as mentioned above, it’s got imperfect characters who are trying to figure things out, fun dialogue between the character’s with laugh out loud moments as well as the moment’s that bring you to tears. And also the moment where you can see a bit of yourself in the story. The love story is unique and definitely fun to read. And finally you see how the character’s grow in the story both in their relationship with each other and in their relationship in trusting God that His ways are not our ways, but He’s always got a plan. Beth K Vogt is a new author to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing and will look for her in the future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">My thanks to Howard books who supplied a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-37579547083165999092014-04-26T08:52:00.003-07:002014-04-26T08:52:42.973-07:00Review on Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Love Comes Calling</i>, Siri Mitchell’s latest offering takes a unique turn in that her main character Ellis Eton is not the stereotypical heroine- she does not have it all together…at all. As we meet Ellis at the beginning of the story, she is a failing co-ed who is poised to pursue her dream of acting and basically bolt from her education at Radcliffe to escape to Hollywood to be a movie star. The problem is, even though she comes from a wealthy family, that plan would never fly with her family or her pretty wonderful long time friend who wants to be something more -Griffin Phillips. With Ellis constantly failing to meet her family’s expectations, she alway’s hear’s the phrase “Oh, Ellis” and is pretty pressed down by the feeling of constantly disappointing those around her- professors, family, etc. Our heroine is comical in all the scrapes she finds herself in, but she yearns to be able to do something that she feels good at.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ellis tries to help out her friend Janie by filling in for her as a switchboard operator, as she was not permitted leave by her job to attend her mother’s funeral, and take her away for a two week period. Ellis and Janie share an uncanny resemblance and since Ellis is an aspiring actress and needs the money to help her make her trek to Hollywood, she decides to go to work in Janie’s stead, posing as Janie. As she is trying to learn the ropes of being a switchboard operator, she accidentally forgets to flip a switch and in turn hears a conversation that she shouldn’t be listening to, one where her very own Griffin is at the center of things and sadly it all sounds very dangerous. Thus begins a journey for Ellis that starts to quickly spiral out of control, meeting shady characters, seeing the insides of a Speakeasy and seeing first hand the many issues surrounding Prohibition. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I have to say that the author’s research and after notes in the back of the book are most impressive. It was a fascinating concept to me to take a modern day issue - the heroine having ADHD- and placing her in a historical setting (the 20’s) and see what that might look like. Exploring the idea of that ADHD translating into always feeling like a disappointment to her parents, worked well I believe. This is tough for me because I really wanted to like this book and for me, with no pun intended , it was just hard for me to connect to it. Trust me, I love a bumbling, scatter-brained heroine, (I feel that is me most of the time ), but I didn’t feel like the relationship with Ellis and Griffin developed in a way that made me cheer for them at the end. I just needed a little bit more to their story. It also would have been nice to know how things worked out for poor Janie as well. However, I believe that if you are a Siri Mitchell fan, then you will enjoy this book as her usual excellent </span>attention<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> to historical research is present and accounted for. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was graciously given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-28570625203553518072014-03-18T16:56:00.002-07:002014-03-18T16:56:19.068-07:00Review on Miss Brenda and the Loveladies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In the book, Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell you first meet Brenda in one of those life-altering moments. For Brenda Spahn, her moment of truth came in the form of a possible jail sentence when things went very wrong with her business, Fortunately, things worked out and she did not serve any time in jail, but she did get a wake up call from God and in that moment came a new calling on her life- a call to help women who were serving time find a way to actually make it back to lives that were meaningful and whole. The more Brenda tried to help these women, which so easily could have been her, the more she realized that there was a big need for a “whole-way” house to help them to really heal and live well and with meaning and purpose. And this is how the Loveladies house was born- a community of women fighting the odds for survival on the outside.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This story is utterly compelling to see a woman who according to the world’s standards had it all -a successful business, vacations, clothes, etc,- but whose focus was mostly on making money. When her very world and living are rocked and she finds what she is really meant to do, she literally rocks the world with this new idea- to open the Lovelady house. In march some pretty tough ladies who each have heartbreaking stories and who Brenda describes as “never having a chance” with the environments that they came from. As was usual with ex-cons, leaving the penitentiary system, they were issued a pair of pants and a shirt, 10$ and a bus ticket back to where they came from, which almost always resulted in re-offenses and they went right back to prison. Brenda was frustrated with the system and just knew that she could do better and help these ladies find hope. And so she does, by offering love, faith in Jesus and a listening non-judgmental ear, as well as lots of practical life lessons and encouragement. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This story is told with humor, love, passion and some heartbreak. The descriptive phrase on the front of the book describes it perfectly- “A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption. I was very moved by this book- the courage and obedience of Brenda in some pretty discouraging circumstances, the stories of the Loveladies are truly heartbreaking at first and then stand up and cheer inspirational by the end. All I can say is I hope this story is being made into a movie because these Loveladies are an inspiration to us all. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I was given a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></div>
ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-25381071459026937642014-03-05T16:52:00.002-08:002014-03-05T16:52:58.283-08:00Review on Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">History meets the present in a most unique and creative way in Wildwood Creek, Lisa Wingate’s latest in her Moses Lake series. (This one can be read as a standalone.) Allie Kirkland a young woman with a passion to continue on in her belated father’s footsteps in the film industry and lands a production’s assistant job for a docudrama which chronicles the life of a frontier settlement known as Wildwood. The trouble is there were many mysterious disappearances among the settlers back in 1861 and as history has a tendency of repeating itself, strange things start happening in the present day “Wildwood” as well, which makes things very interesting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A wonderful and fascinating part of this book is the dual narrative where you follow a storyline of an Irish school teacher named Bonnie Rose trying to flee her very difficult past and raise her younger sister in this brand new settlement of Wildwood in 1861. At the same time we are also learning the story of Allie who is working on a film set where all of the actors are being asked to actually live as the settlers lived back then with a functional setting, period clothing and of course no modern conveniences or communication to try and mimic what life was really like and then to document their journey on film.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> When the past meets the present and the truth of the past comes out, it becomes a very poignantly told story where you are rooting for both women as they struggle to make their way in their own world’s. This book feels like a mix of a lot of elements - a bit of history, a bit of drama and definitely suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. The spiritual thread is not heavy handed but present in the aspect that no matter how bad things look, God is active and working in the lives of both women. I still was left wanting to know a bit more of how Allie’s story played out, but I don’t consider that a negative thing- it just makes me wonder. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For those who love the blend of history with contemporary, and Lisa Wingate’s wonderful writing, I think you will enjoy this special book Wildwood Creek.</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-30109122888808791342014-02-03T11:59:00.001-08:002014-02-03T11:59:17.865-08:00Review on Friend Me by John Fabion<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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As you take in the cover of Friend me by debut novelist John Faubion you notice the descriptive phrases “Current and Captivating” by one reviewer , as well as the words “A novel of suspense”, both of which I would heartily agree with. This novel definitely clips along at a suspense novel pace and draws you in right away. So if you are inclined towards a fast paced Christian suspense novel with a bit of an edge to it, then I would say give this novel a try.</div>
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Husband and wife ,Scott and Rachel Douglas are both in a rough spot, their marriage is on shaky ground as Scott is starting to cave under the immense stress at work. The only solution in his mind is to work harder so that he can be more successful in order to provide for his family. As a result, Rachel begins to feel more and more lonely as those long hours Scott is working is erecting a wall between them. And so as a young mom with 2 small children, she comes up with a solution which fits into her stay at home lifestyle. She signs up for a virtual friend through an up and coming new company called <a href="http://virtualfriendme.com/">VirtualFriendMe.com</a>. From there she shows Scott her new virtual friend patterned after an old friend of hers who passed away, and from there Scott ends up designing a virtual friend for himself, although his virtual friend is female, which leads to some difficulties which I am sure you can imagine.</div>
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With the background of the struggling marriage comes something even more sinister, a woman named Melissa who is very intelligent, but not playing with a full deck. As she has programmed the software to flag when a man who would be her perfect match, shows up, the flag waves for Scott. It’s just a small trifle that he happens to already be married. However, Melissa uses her job at the VirtualFriend Me company to manage to find out all she needs to know about Scott and Rachel and use that knowledge to get what she wants which is Scott and Rachel out of the way. The story unfolds and the suspense begins. </div>
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This story was definitely a page turner and I think that most people reading it will enjoy the current times aspect of it with the inclusion of the Virtual friend concept, that did draw me in. In reading it there were a few word choices that sort of put me off e.g.- describing something as “super secret” vs perhaps “top secret”, etc. I only mention it because when word choices like that happen and it takes me out of the story, then I think it’s odd. The other thing I would like to mention is that there is a pretty tough scene to read towards the end. I just like to forewarn folks as for me as a mom it was hard to read. As far as the themes of the book- the author talks in the question and answer section at the back of the book about the themes of “being real and being faithful“ and wow in our virtual world of Facebook where we can be and project whoever we want to be and have conversations with folks we have never met, I think that it’s a good message, very timely. As far as the ending, I think the author brought things together pretty well, it was maybe on the edge of believability for me and slightly rushed, but I think readers will be satisfied. All in all, I would say a good first novel and I hope the author keeps writing suspense novels. Well done.</div>
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I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for an honest review . All opinions expressed are my own.</div>
ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-50433090680364905672014-01-31T09:29:00.002-08:002014-01-31T09:39:33.715-08:00Review on Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">“Desperate times call for Desperate measures” might be the mantra for Maizy Grace Stewart the main character in Tamara Leigh’s novel Faking Grace as she is most definitely desperate. Maizy is an investigative journalist whose lost her prominent job in Seattle and now has fallen to the depths of her journalistic career as she has a part time job with a Nashville newspaper writing lifestyle fluff pieces . A girl can’t pay the rent on a part time salary so here’s where the fun comes in- she finds another part time job that she is applying for where she would be working for Steeple Side Christian Resources- a Christian publication. Here’s the deal- they only hire committed Christians and well Maizy isn’t exactly what you would call committed. And so, to solve her problem, she “brushes up” on Christianity by buying a copy of “A Dumb Blonde’s guide to Christianity” to make sure she can fake it effectively in order to land the job. After purchasing a“Jesus is my co-pilot” bumper sticker, and toning down her regular look from edgy to modest, she feels ready to play the part of a “committed Christian”. There’s only one little glitch in her plan- Jack Prentiss- the managing editor who happens to see through Maizy’s little charade (although now she has dropped the Maizy and is going by Grace- a more Christiany name). Perhaps one of the tip offs for Jack was Grace “taping” her bumper sticker onto her car for easy removal later. Anyway, Jack, with his cool British accent and suave demeanor is on to her and she knows it. It doesn’t help that he keeps popping up wherever she is and of course the relationship begins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> And then the conflict- Maizy (Grace) is asked to write an expose on her time at Steepleside by her other employer to show the hypocrisy that takes place there. Maizy is excited, her big shot to return to investigative reporting. But as she gets to know the people at Steepleside and sees both their strengths and their weaknesses she’s not so sure about this whole investigation thing. Will she really be able to stay “Faking Grace” or will she need to extend some and receive some as well?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In reading Faking Grace there are many hysterical moments as Maizy is trying to fake her way through the Christian world- trying to learn the lingo, talk the talk, and even attend church. As she goes along and sees authentic people with authentic faith she is definitely drawn in to real faith in God and of course, it is life changing. A very poignant scene was when she was volunteering in a soup kitchen and helping to feed the people coming in and she was so touched by a woman who had nothing and yet could still thank God for his provision for her. That really affected Grace and will affect the reader as well. This was a great contemporary fiction novel with humor, poignancy, and imperfect people meeting their perfect God. Very enjoyable read!</span></span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-77157286741545441782013-12-10T19:22:00.001-08:002013-12-10T19:22:29.715-08:00Review on Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">All I can say is that it was a good thing that I read Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund while I was on vacation sitting by pool because it afforded me time to keep my pages turning with little interruption. In usual “Jody Hedlund style” we are given a wonderful Historical Fiction novel inspired by the courtship of John (2nd president)and Abigail Adams. She creates two characters that mirror a lot of the same situations that John and Abigail faced- parental disapproval, the Colonial time frame, etc. As always with Jody Hedlund books we get strong characters, an interesting storyline as well as some pretty exciting moments along the way.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Susanna Smith is a smart and well bred young woman whose been raised to understand that she need to make a profitable connection when it comes to marriage. And so when she first meets Benjamin Ross as a young girl she informs him that he is a “nobody, a Farmer and a shoemaker’s son and she would never marry anyone that is from the middling class, her mother wouldn’t allow it.” Thus sets the stage for Benjamin Ross ,years later, a poor country lawyer when he meets up with Susanna again. HIs thoughts of her are that she is still a snobby rich girl thinking herself above everyone. But as Benjamin gets to know Susanna a bit better by happening upon her at a party, he finds her socked away in a room “reading Milton”. He slowly comes to see that Susanna has grown up a bit since he’s seen her last and not only is she a beautiful woman, but she’s smart and kind as well, with a bit of gumption thrown in . Susanna’s heart is huge and she ends up getting involved in helping a runaway indentured servant escape a very cruel master. There is much danger involved with this situation as of course it is illegal to harbor an indentured servant. Susanna gets in a bit over her head and Ben comes to her rescue more than once. As he helps her escape one bad situation after another their relationship as well as their understanding and respect for each other just continues to grow. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to read a book in this time frame, just pre-revolutionary war as I haven't read many historical fiction that have been written during that time. The characters were interesting and compelling and when I realized, after I finished the book, that it was loosely based on the courtship of the real couple - John and Abigail Adams -that made it even more captivating for me. I think that those that enjoy a great and well researched historical christian novel with engaging characters, some twists and turns and a stand up and cheer ending, will definitely enjoy this one, please pick up Rebellious Heart- great read!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">5 stars</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span>ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-17844052157114159412013-10-28T13:23:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:23:10.263-07:00Review on Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I would think that the last thing in the world that you would for-see happening when you feel a calling from God to be a preacher is to get highjacked off of a train because you are a preacher, but that is exactly what happens to Crockett Archer in the opening of the novel Stealing the Preacher, the latest novel in the Archer Brother’s series by Karen Witemeyer. Sweet , yet Spunky Joanna Robbins has been praying for a preacher for her small hometown in Burleson County Texas for a long time, ever since the death of her dear mother who raised who her to love and worship God. However the church has long been abandoned and Joanna longs for the church to have a wonderful preacher which will help bring the word of God to her community and especially to her father whose heart is completely hardened to anything at all to do with God. However his heart is not hardened to his daughter, not by a long shot, so that is how poor Crockett gets hijacked on the way to his job interview to be a preacher in Brenham, because a Father’s love is all about getting what his daughter most wants, which is a preacher!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For those of us that fell in love with the Archer brothers in Karen Witemeyer’s Short Straw Bride, I just can’t imagine readers not enjoying reading Crockett’s story here as he meets the spunky and fun Joanna. She is a woman with a mission and so is he- although his changes a bit from what he thought. But being a man of faith, he accepts that while he thought that God wanted him in Brenham- God had a different plan, to help get the church up and running again in the little chapel where Joanna had prayed for a preacher to come! In order to get thing up and running Crockett needs to find work for a bit so that he can pay for his expenses. The main work to be had was at Joanna’s father’s ranch. Her father (and ex-outlaw) isn’t so sure about a preacher working for him- not man enough, etc. But Crockett is no regular preacher, he knows his way around a ranch and how to work hard and he’s not a bad shot either which earns the respect of the townfolk.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As the story progresses Crockett earns the right to be heard as the preacher and captures more than a few hearts of the female persuasion which adds to the conflict in the story with the very headstrong and persistent character of Holly Brewster who stirs up all sorts of trouble for poor Crockett. But hang in there, as things come together all right in the end.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This was a nice follow up sequel to a Short Straw Bride and in the usual Karen Witemeyer way things end just as you would want them too.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></div>
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<br />ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-62093128448865187772013-10-07T15:55:00.000-07:002013-10-07T15:55:01.045-07:00Review on Made to last by Melissa Tagg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Have you ever gotten yourself into such a pickle that you just have no way of figuring out how to get out of it? I would say that is the general feeling of Miranda Woodruff, the heroine of the debut author Melissa Tagg’s book <i>Made to last. </i> But it’s not just Miranda who feels that way, I would venture to say the male lead Matthew Knox feels the exact same way. And so how do two people that find themselves in a pickle with insurmountable obstacles come together? Well it isn’t easy, that’s for sure. We have Miranda Woodruff who is the star of a homebuilding television show called <i>From the Ground up, </i>who has been pretending to be a happily married woman and quoting on her show all the tips and tricks her dream husband has passed onto her regarding home building projects. But here’s the problem, the shows ratings are sinking and the show is in danger of being pulled and so, a pretend husband is introduced to the public. And where does Matthew Knox fit it? Well he is a down and out reporter looking to make a comeback in his career and has been assigned the job of digging up dirt on Miranda Woodruff- America’s favorite tomboy. The problem? He’s a good reporter and actually does discover all of her little secrets. And so how can he possibly print all that he knows when he is falling for her...</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This is one of those books where you are reading the storyline, fall in love with the characters and are rooting for them to get out of their messes, get over their insecurities and mis-understandings and just figure it out already! I can’t help but hear those sage words of wisdom in my head- “ Patience, Grasshopper! “ I did enjoy the fact that there are a lot of subplots going on here which really made sense to me with regards to the decisions the characters were making. For instance, the basic identity question- who am I? We all have to answer that and if a vocation was taken away or if you fail big at something where does that leave you- are you completely defined by your mistakes? Do you end up lost or do you trust that God has a plan in all of it, even if a dream changes to something different than what you thought. Could the new dream be even better? Lot’s of interesting thought to ponder.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> This was a great contemporary novel and wonderful first run for Melissa Tagg, I think that she will definitely have a nice niche in this genre. I found her character’s engaging, real ,and very relatable and a storyline that played out well in the end. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></div>
ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-53246762242753940892013-06-18T15:21:00.000-07:002013-06-18T15:21:40.974-07:00Review on A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are certain themes in writing that I am just always drawn to again and again. It’s familiar and yet interesting and the author brings their own spin to the situation. In <b><i>A Noble Groom </i></b>by Jody Hedlund our familiar themes are “the fish out of water” theme, (which I always happen to love) as well as the ill treated damsel in distress (perhaps a little Cinderella here). When you combine the two- you have Carl Richards (fish out of water) meeting up with new widow and mother Annalisa (Cinderella) and the two together give you a great story filled with humor, poignancy, much growth and self-discovery for both characters and of course a bit of romance (Cinderella, remember?) thrown in for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have to say that Carl is just a generally lovable character. He isn’t quite who he seems to be, but shows up at just the right time to help poor widow Annalisa Werner to help her work her farm in Forestville, MIchigan to pay off her land debt or she will quite literally “lose the farm”. Carl is running from a complicated situation from his home country of Germany and seeks sanctuary from the troubles at home, as well as a job. It turns out that he is the worst farmer in the history of the world, little strength, no know-how and unaccustomed to long work hours, but he somehow manages to hang in there and learn how to help on the farm and in turn help out Annalisa. She is a new widow whose now deceased husband wasn’t the best guy around and so she is unused to being around a man such as Carl. Carl is thoughtful and kind and cares about her welfare as well as her thoughts and opinions on things. The tough situation here is that Annalisa needs a new husband to run the farm and one has been arranged for her, by her father through relatives in her homeland of Germany, but this likely groom has been detained, indefinitely. And so while she waits for his arrival, she can’t help but draw closer to Carl. as she watches him tend to things on the farm, laugh at himself when he constantly makes mistakes and lovingly watch out for her daughter Gretchen. I mean what woman wouldn’t fall for him? But the dark cloud hanging over them was that any day “the groom” would be showing up sending Carl on his way.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have to say this was “that book” for me where I found myself in every last free moment running to, so that I could finish it. The characters were characters that you cared about and really were wishing the best for. Jody Hedlund did a wonderful job in slowly opening up the character of Annalisa as she was a bit closed off and downtrodden at the beginning of the story with her financial difficulties and being under her father’s thumb, etc. But as the character of Carl works his magic with his kind ways and loving nature she truly becomes stronger and more open and loving. It was really neat to see that progression. Carl exemplified that person that we all should be- someone who is able to laugh at themselves when they make mistakes, someone who looks out for the interests of others and someone who learned about what it was truly like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. He gained understanding and a deeper faith in God through his experiences on the farm.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I really recommend this books for those who love a great historical fiction Christian romance. You will love the characters, how they grow from the hardships they face and how they trust God through all of it. I hope to see this book make many awards lists in the future! Great read!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I was graciously given a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed ar my own.</span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-33517222656460700592013-06-01T13:22:00.001-07:002013-06-01T13:22:09.643-07:00Review on Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A Handsome modern day prince about to become King, amazing travels abroad, beautiful ball dresses, a chance meeting that leads to something more. Wow, all of these ingredients add up to a recipe that readers love when it comes to contemporary Christian romance novels. Honestly, these are all the things that<i><b> I</b></i> love when it comes to “Once upon a time” stories. And I really liked this story and the characters, but I have to say that I felt that maybe an ingredient or two might have been left out of this one.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> As this novel opens our sweet heroine Susanna, a beautiful landscape architect, is getting dumped by her long time fiance’ on a scenic walk along the beach. All of her plans came crashing in around her as she thought that this stroll was the one to ‘“set the date” for her happily ever after. However, it turned more into-” See ya, I’ve met someone else. kind of stroll” This sends poor highly structured and infinite planner Susanna into a tailspin. And so tailspinning Susanna then meets up with playboy prince, “not -excited- to-be-King-someday Nathaniel as our damsel in distress has a flat tire. And the gallantry begins. He is a fish out of water in her world, even helping out at her family’s restaurant as they were short handed and a mop thrown in his hand. And she ventures to his neck of the woods too, where she needs to observe all the royal etiquette correctly and makes an occasional “Eliza Doolittle “ move by standing when she should be seated, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> I have to say that I absolutely adore a storyline where royalty falls for the girl next door, I mean who doesn’t? I just felt that this relationship didn’t form that deeply for me. It just felt a little rushed and I had a hard time seeing how with so little interaction that they could be so connected so quickly. Perhaps I just needed to suspend disbelief as it is a bit of a modern fairytale. As mentioned previously, it just felt like something was missing. I will have to say that it was a charming read and like I said had many things that I did enjoy. The ending is sweet and very romantic and I know that many readers will love it! </span>I am a fan of Rachel Hauck’s writing and know that I will continue to read her in the future.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3 Stars</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I received a complimentary digital copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.</span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-83213928596752428542013-05-06T12:20:00.004-07:002013-05-06T12:20:31.889-07:00Review on Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What happens when desperation meets desperation, with a little candy making thrown in? You get Unrivaled, Siri Mitchell’s latest offering; a story about two desperate people. Exhibit A- desperate person- #1-a lovely young woman named Lucy Kendall who has just returned from a tour in Europe where she was hoping to gain inspiration from the fine confectioneries there in order to come home and create a new Pièce de résistance for her Father’s Candy Company-. Regrettably, her Father’s business has been going downhill for a while and Lucy’s great love for her Father and his candy company closing weighs heavily on her heart. Exhibit B- desperate person #2- Charlie Clarke who is new in town and just happens to be the son of a rival Candy company who is systematically running Lucy’s Father’s company out of business. Charlie grew up with a huge burden on his shoulders as his father whom he is now trying to become reacquainted with left him and his mother and sister when he was a young boy. This has created much hurt and many high walls between his Father and him. But now his father is trying to make amends by having Charlie work for him in his Candy business. Charlie is also trying to put his past behind him as he didn’t make the best choices and even had a run in with the law in Chicago before coming to St Louis where this novel takes place.<br />
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As this novel progresses, of course we have Charlie meeting up with Lucy and there is an immediate attraction between the two. You might say sparks were flying. However once the pair discovered who their parents were, we go from sparks to full-fledged fireworks! As each person tries their hardest to a) not be attracted to the other and B) try and run the other out of business, things continue to heat up and the back and forth between the two as they try to outmaneuver the other gets pretty intense.<br />
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Overall, I would say that I liked this story; I do believe each character goes on their own personal journey and grows as a result which is always what we want our characters to do. Where I had a little trouble with this story is I felt that the hero of the story tended to be more likable than the heroine. That’s a little problematic for me as I always want to be rooting the girl on (sister power!). Honestly I felt that the business dealings with each other got a little too underhanded and their tactics a bit too much and went on a bit too long and as a result, I found it a little unbelievable that all of a sudden at the end Boom!, they magically reconcile. That being said, Charlie is a pretty charming “rogue turned good “character and I greatly enjoyed reading his portions. ( Note, the book alternated first person point of view between Charlie and Lucy, which I did find interesting.) <br />
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So again, overall a good Historical Fiction Romance filled with candy making, intense business dealings and a pretty lovable hero to round things out. <br />
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3 Stars.<br />
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange fro an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.<br />
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-58082527628529427992013-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:002013-04-09T08:49:34.294-07:00Review on Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd and a giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One can’t help but have favorites in life. Favorite coffee places, favorite eateries, favorite desserts and of course favorite people. I have to say that <em>Roses Have Thorns</em> a novel of Elizabeth I by Sandra Byrd will go down as a favorite read of mine for this year. As you read on in this lovely historical fiction account of Queen Elizabeth’s life , you will find that she had favorite’s as well, which is how we meet young Elin von Snakenborg, a lovely young girl from Sweden who journeys to England with her Swedish Princess Cecelia to tend to her on the voyage. Through a series of events, such as a sister who is systematically stealing her fiancé back home in Sweden to the meeting of a very high ranking and very interested Lord Northampton, Elin does not return to Sweden, but remains in England. As a result, she is welcomed onto Elizabeth’s court and becomes, as previously mentioned a favorite of Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s story is told through the lens of Elin’s perspective.<br />
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As Elin transitions from her Swedish roots to her new English life, she adopts the name of Helena with the mindset of embracing her new English life. It is rather lonely at first as she is treated by many around her as an outsider. But Helena in her efforts to please Queen Elizabeth uses her Swedish know-how to offer her comfort and help through Herbal fragrances and massage to help with the stress that a Queen carries. After some delay she is finally married to Lord Northampton which immediately elevates her to the Marchioness of Northampton which deems her the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. It’s a rather interesting circle to be a part of I’m afraid as it becomes confusing to find out who can be trusted as loyal to the crown and who cannot. There are Catholic enemies plotting everywhere and the intrigue of the court and the sundry goings on keeps one turning the pages!<br />
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As with every one of these Tudor books that Sandra Byrd has written, you can’t help but fall in love with the heroine and her plight there are challenges, a romance (or two) and all sorts of things that keep a Marchioness on her toes. Poor Helena endures much and is sometimes confused about whom she can trust amongst the court and who she cannot and even falls in and out of favor with Elizabeth a time or two, but that adds to the interest of the story. One aspect that I though was especially well done was showing just how attached Elizabeth became to her ladies of the court. They really were her family and so she loathed to part with any of them as it was like parting with her own family. As she was a virgin queen and decided to forego marriage in lieu of her commitment to ruling as the Sovereign of England it gave way to much loneliness on Elizabeth’s part. I thought that was well written and added much understanding to why Elizabeth did what she did. This story also covers the time frame of leading up to the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots and the very difficult decision that was for Elizabeth.<br />
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And so to sum up, yes, I very much enjoyed this read, it was very well done and I think the crowing achievement for these three Tudor books that Sandra Byrd has written. This book was well researched and when good research meets a wonderful storyteller you get a truly wonderful historical fiction account of Queen Elizabeth as well as Helena von Snakenborg. Again as stated above this one goes down in the books as a favorite! <br />
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5 stars<br />
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.<br />
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And... an exciting Giveaway- I am so excited to offer you all a copy of this wonderful book <em>Roses Have Thorns</em> , as well as a beautiful necklace of Queen Elizabeth I being provided by the author herself, Sandra Byrd. Here is how it works. Please just answer me this simple question if you could slip back in time and have a "tea time" with anyone from Henry the VIII's family tree- who would you pick? King Henry himself, one of his many wives, (Ann Boleyn, Kateryn Parr, etc) or his lovely daughter Elizabeth? Your choice- can't wait to see who you pick! Please leave me your email so that I can contact the winner! Also if you are new to my blog and become a follower you get an extra entry. I will choose through random.org. This giveaway will go for 2 weeks and I will choose on April 23rd. ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-24265412565366181512013-03-15T11:35:00.005-07:002013-03-15T11:36:40.911-07:00Review on The Chance by Karen Kingsbury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzadwxN-E_xTm57mpkLZeTXUVt3ohCjMcqfFn_dXNmydJeHuKL3lAEWKuefzDbTPICjzeYL7dIyqiRXyWgTKgblgPDOtsIUOx9vYPQNZ13zcHhSU1cS3l93MSB-yZ7RlFZjTRfiLkEIRrM/s1600/the+chance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzadwxN-E_xTm57mpkLZeTXUVt3ohCjMcqfFn_dXNmydJeHuKL3lAEWKuefzDbTPICjzeYL7dIyqiRXyWgTKgblgPDOtsIUOx9vYPQNZ13zcHhSU1cS3l93MSB-yZ7RlFZjTRfiLkEIRrM/s320/the+chance.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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Ah, the second chance. Why is it that novels that stress that theme just seem to resonate for so many of us? Maybe it’s because we all know that we need them, right- a second chance, or in my case, third and fourth chances as well. You know what I mean- a second chance on a relationship that you thought was long over, or a chance to have a do-over on a job you messed up pretty well the first time. We are human, we are fallible and we all need a second chance. So if you take the concept of the second chance, throw in a large measure of forgiveness, grace and faith in God, you have the story line for <em>The Chance</em> - Karen Kingsbury’s latest offering from Howard Books.<br />
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As the novel opens we meet the 2 main characters Nolan Cook and Ellie Tucker living in Savannah, Georgia-. Two 15 year old best friends, on the verge of being something more, are torn apart by the broken relationship of Ellies’ parents Alan and Caroline. Because of this broken relationship, Alan takes Ellie away to San Diego to a new job and what he is hoping for is a new life away from his wife. That doesn’t go so well as when we try to run away, our troubles usually follow us. On the night before Ellie is whisked away from Nolan and her mother, Nolan and Ellie meet in the park, their usual place to go and talk and decide to write each other a letter telling each other how they really feel about one another and bury it in an old tackle box. The plan was to return in 11 years, dig up the box and read what the other person wrote. Neither one thought that they would be separated from each other for that time period. Even with Ellie’s move, they could write each other, call each other, etc. Unfortunately through some unforeseen circumstances, they were separated for that long, but still in the back of their minds was returning to that tree as promised all those years ago.<br />
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Their lives each took very different directions- Nolan’s in the world of professional basketball living out the dream he had had for himself for many, many years. And Ellie, her journey was the complete opposite- she didn’t reach the dreams that she had for herself, which included writing the perfect novel and being a part of Nolan’s life. His faith had grown, hers had shrunk. How could this work out?<br />
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This story, as most of Karen Kingsbury’s stories do, resonated with me. I love the second chance- the beauty from ashes story lines. They just always make me want to stand up and cheer. This one did as well. The heart string pull was pretty strong for me and I appreciated the journey this novel takes you on. When God is allowed in the middle of relationships, there is forgiveness, grace and restoration. And this is portrayed beautifully in several of the story lines. So if you feel like reading a novel that makes you stand up and cheer both at the basketball portions as well as the relationship journeys, I recommend you pick up Karen Kingsbury’s novel <em>The Chance</em>.<br />
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4 stars<br />
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I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.<br />
<br />ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-86374707306320657262013-03-05T12:11:00.000-08:002013-03-05T12:11:01.473-08:00Review on The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1maWknN5AO5A1fGhDnMPd9uPJDixSJbnDe62P2Znuxbj_P5lQF4jV8oJOtYXCOtD50v02R69fY8jzhmxAsVmI-gz3o70Gc9nI5UpjCVcN9gomiFv6boQmz11hRXSYjuMDIP60GMWlaOgV/s1600/tutor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1maWknN5AO5A1fGhDnMPd9uPJDixSJbnDe62P2Znuxbj_P5lQF4jV8oJOtYXCOtD50v02R69fY8jzhmxAsVmI-gz3o70Gc9nI5UpjCVcN9gomiFv6boQmz11hRXSYjuMDIP60GMWlaOgV/s320/tutor.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Tutor’s Daughter is Julie Klassen’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>latest offering in the Regency Historical
Fiction genre, a genre that she simply excels at. Verging on a gothic romance
with her sweeping landscapes and mysterious moments of “things that go bump in
the night”, she brings home a story full of secrets, romance and some pretty
suspenseful scenes as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see her main
character Emma Woodhouse, who is extremely prim, proper and structured, show
growth in this story as her faith grows and her relationships with others as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She truly learns to let go of the
control she desperately tries to hold onto and surrender her life to God’s
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story is reminiscent of
Jane Eyre as it takes place in a grand sweeping house named Ebbington Manor in
Cornwall, England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There lives the
Weston family- the older sons, Henry and Phillip Weston- former pupils of
Emma’s father-, their father Sir Giles, their stepmother Lady Weston and half
brothers Rowan and Julian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add in Lizzie
a ward of Lady Weston’s and you have a houseful of people that add to the
mystery and suspense that unfolds at Ebbington Manor. Who of these people is
sneaking in to Emma’s house late at night leaving mysterious messages in her
room, stealing her journal and playing music downstairs in the wee hours of the
night?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julie Klassen
crafts a fun, mysterious and lovely historical fiction novel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in The Tutor’s daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is quoted as saying that she loves “all
things Jane”- I do too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for those
that love to see the influence of Jane Austen, “Jane Eyre” and some well
researched history of Cornwall thrown in, placed in a faith based novel, I am
sure that you will enjoy this journey to Ebbington Manor in the form of The
Tutor’s daughter.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 stars</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was provided with a free copy of this novel in exchange
for an honest review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions
expressed are my own.</span></div>
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ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-16640543531190153352013-02-08T10:00:00.001-08:002013-02-08T10:00:48.011-08:00Review on Iscariot by Tosca Lee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5WMgPbHiMApmM62hUBH6a4M5KBDzyV2MM2h0y5-apBu1bu9i5K5RFW5HzEDUySzar-juMb82FTNQN1t3jWe_Lzp6zD9fNcdq2rOgIy32aDnCi-BlTaEbybItiWEMxp8LrXmQv8Hajuxi/s1600/Iscariot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5WMgPbHiMApmM62hUBH6a4M5KBDzyV2MM2h0y5-apBu1bu9i5K5RFW5HzEDUySzar-juMb82FTNQN1t3jWe_Lzp6zD9fNcdq2rOgIy32aDnCi-BlTaEbybItiWEMxp8LrXmQv8Hajuxi/s320/Iscariot.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brave, passionate and fearless are three words that I would
choose to describe both the author Tosca Lee and her new novel Iscariot, A
Novel of Judas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it takes a true
master and someone who is willing to take a major risk to write a novel like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And take risks she did. But I think unequivocally
the risk paid off as Iscariot is an amazing literary work that takes us on
Judas’ journey with Jesus in a way that was so heartfelt and yes,
heartbreaking, I mean, how can it not be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personally I think it’s very tough to take a story where everyone knows
the ending and the ending is not a good one, but still make it a compelling
read. Tosca Lee does this so well and I really appreciated the journey and feel
that everyone who reads this book will look at Judas a little differently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Judas is portrayed
as someone who was always searching- searching for a true messiah. And with
much heartache and tragedy to show for this search, his story unravels in an intricately
done way. He loses vastly important people to him, and his grief and guilt play
a major role in shaping him as a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His search for a messiah and search for love draw him to this person of
Jesus. Along with Tosca’s portrayal of Judas, I loved how she wrote Jesus as
well. His amazing love for his disciples and the people around him showed
through beautifully, as well as the absolute desperation for why he came to us.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the thing I most loved about
this portrayal of Judas though, is the fact that he loved Jesus, but still even
with that love there was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his constant
battle between what he grew up knowing as the law versus what he saw before him
in the person of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another aspect of this novel that I found utterly compelling
was Judas’ “fall”- so different from how I have ever pictured it, I think that
most of us have just left Judas as a 2 dimensional character- “he’s the bad guy
who betrayed Jesus”, but Tosca brings him alive and we can see him and understand
him and empathize with him and yes, even see ourselves in him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He like so many of us was a man deceived and
with that deception came ultimate destruction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, I would like to urge you to read the author’s note
at the end of the book- it is fascinating to read Tosca’s journey as she wrote
this book. I loved the questions that she wrestled with to bring this character
of Judas to life; especially with regards to grace- are there no limits? Truly
this last bit of the book puts a period at the end of the story, which is why I
mention it- I always feel that if we get a further look into the heart of the
author with regards to their work that it broadens our understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the usual Tosca Lee style she brings
beautiful prose to this book as well as an intense realness to the
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it to be masterful,
compelling storytelling and a story that I will remember for a long time. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was given a complimentary copy of this novel from the
publisher in exchange for an honest review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All opinions expressed are my own.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336040559823806863.post-37477805767295355092012-10-26T09:59:00.000-07:002012-10-26T09:59:27.896-07:00Review on The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gL_ATrhdEFSd6ri2mvagTRH6l0TL6cOulifPbhgaRmdyMV3Q5DHAu3_da-NIGl2e5b-WWHiswAmmWsgiFdhrrk43yR2jZIt7jWPtG235Rq_jXIZ1hyphenhyphen0ASwgwUloQqHf-bHzO7cfBwuHu/s1600/51P+b2dOHXL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gL_ATrhdEFSd6ri2mvagTRH6l0TL6cOulifPbhgaRmdyMV3Q5DHAu3_da-NIGl2e5b-WWHiswAmmWsgiFdhrrk43yR2jZIt7jWPtG235Rq_jXIZ1hyphenhyphen0ASwgwUloQqHf-bHzO7cfBwuHu/s1600/51P+b2dOHXL__BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heartwarming, Inspirational, Romantic and reminiscent of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a wonderful life”, are just a few
descriptors that come to mind as I reflect on “The Bridge” by Karen
Kingsbury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This charming Christmas
novella completely satisfies the inspirational Christmas “feel good” novel that
we are all craving during the Christmas season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the novella
opens, we meet the lovely Molly Allen and are introduced to her simple and a
little lonely live in Portland, Oregon where she heads up an animal rescue
shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the day after
Thanksgiving, a day that she reserves for thinking on an old friend and one she
hoped would be more- Ryan Kelley. Ryan is a guitar player who had just been
touring with a popular country band, but as things happen in the music
business, he is currently unemployed and looking for a new gig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Molly and Ryan, years ago were inseparable in
their college days in Franklin, Tennessee, and although they were never
technically dating per se, they had a very strong connection with each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Molly’s overbearing
father did not want Molly forming any attachments while she was off at college,
(He wants her to come home and learn the ropes of running the family business)
Molly and Ryan needed to keep up appearances that they were not involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so they would meet secretly in the upper
room of a charming little book shop called “The Bridge”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bridge was run by a wonderful couple
named Charlie and Donna Barton who in many ways became surrogate parents to
both Molly and Ryan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlie and Donna
poured their heart into their bookstore and especially into all their customers
who entered their doors, offering help and love anyway they could. Molly and
Ryan love and respect the Barton’s immensely and it is at The Bridge where
their relationship continues to grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, because of misunderstanding
and miscommunication Molly and Ryan part ways and now 8 years later they still
think of each other with longing and regret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tragedy strikes the Barton’s in a way that draws both Molly and Ryan
back to the small town of Franklin to come to the Barton’s aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Old feelings are rekindled and grace,
friendship and love are prevalent in a very satisfying ending that all will
enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always Karen
Kingsbury gives us great character’s that we can cheer on to overcome their
obstacles through God’s love and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you are in the mood for a Christmas miracle sort of story, where
second chances come to life, friends rise up and come to each other’s aid and
God is the author of it all, then do pick up “The Bridge” by Karen Kingsbury,
you won’t be disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received a complimentary copy of The Bridge from the
publisher in exchange for an honest review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All opinions expressed are my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ihhcherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17282409996047816777noreply@blogger.com1