“Helping people who are going through what I’ve been through makes me feel like {my pain} wasn’t in vain. It gives the pain I went through a sense of...more“Helping people who are going through what I’ve been through makes me feel like {my pain} wasn’t in vain. It gives the pain I went through a sense of purpose.”
Robin Price lost her husband 3 years ago and is struggling to make end meet in her little cafe and is trying to be a good mommy to her 3 year old son. But it’s not easy and life certainly hasn’t been kind to her.
Ian McKay is the only son of a developer. His mission is to bring success to Peaks by winning the contract on a set of housing developments in the small, struggling town. However, the developments sits smack dab on Robin Price’s Willow Tree Cafe. Ian find himself with the decision to either disappoint his father by backing off or ruin a young widow’s life further by taking away her dream.
This book is HEART-WRENCHING. I’ll admit that I didn’t sob buckets in this one quite as badly as in Wildflowers for Winter, but it was close.
I was so glad that Katie Ganshert was able to publish this book. It continues Robin’s story from Wildflowers for Winter. While you can read them out of order, I would highly recommend that you don’t. This book won’t be as meaningful without the first.
This book deals heavily with pain. I’m not talking physical pain. I talking deep-down in your soul emotional and spiritual pain. It spoke to me on so many levels that I could help but mark different sentences for further reflection. Yes, I know this is a fiction book. No, I don’t normally mark my books. But with some of the emotional turmoil that I have been going through in my own life right now, this book was exactly what I need.
Do I think God can speak through books? Yes, but most of all I really think He speaks through his children. Katie Ganshert’s story spoke to my heart. It encouraged me and helped me to reflect.
A beautiful story that isn’t fluff. It’s a deep story that is still stirring reflection in my thoughts.
Five Stars
Many thanks to Waterbrook Publishers and their Blogging for Books program for my review copy of this book.(less)
Yes, yes, yes! This was my kind of fiction. :) If you love historical romance with intrigue and storyline that grips your heart from the very beginnin...moreYes, yes, yes! This was my kind of fiction. :) If you love historical romance with intrigue and storyline that grips your heart from the very beginning, you must give this book a try.
The Christian values, the story, the characters, the regency setting – I loved it all.
Okay, so let me stop gushing for a moment to tell you the storyline.
I’m going to copy this from the back cover, because I can’t think of a better way to tell it:
Darbury, England, 1814
Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.
When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting to her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.
Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.
Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.
Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them.
I think what I loved most about this book was the damsel in distress who really didn’t want or think she needed to be rescued. :) Amelia was a strong heroine with a strong sense of honor and a deep love for a young child, who wasn’t even hers. She held to a promise she had made with strong conviction and courage.
Captain Graham was also a strong character and his strong sense of protection and love for his first wife melted my heart.
The whole story was set during the Regency period in England. Perhaps because of my love for all things Jane Austen, this story drew me. However, I have read several Regency period stories and not like them nearly as well. I think that Sarah Ladd is an excellent writer.
This is her debut book and if all debut authors could write like this, we’d be hard pressed to vote on favorite books. Excellent story, excellent writing. Read it and let me know if you agree! :) (less)
What would you do if you woke to find you’ve been charged with murder? And there’s no evidence to prove otherwise?
Dr. Matt Newman ended his shift in s...moreWhat would you do if you woke to find you’ve been charged with murder? And there’s no evidence to prove otherwise?
Dr. Matt Newman ended his shift in surgery and shortly afterward found himself bound and gagged in the trunk of his car. After a lucky escape, he awakes in a hospital bed with the police at his heels charging him with murder.
With no one to believe his case, he seeks help from Defense Attorney Sandra Murray. A top attorney in her jurisdiction, Miss Murray is a Christian who believes all of her clients should be given a fair trial – even the guilty ones.
Proving Matt’s innocence is harder than they both think and not only that, but someone is determined to keep the truth silenced at all costs.
A medical thriller and a race against time, don’t miss this newest book by Dr. Richard Mabry!
My Opinion
I loved this book! I loved the medical terminology and the REAL scenes. I’ve been disappointed with some medical suspense books in the past because it’s apparent that the author doesn’t have any life experience to back up their story. Not true with Dr. Mabry. His medical profession and excellent storytelling capabilities ring loud and clear.
Well done, very thought provoking and a book well worth reading.(less)
Set in a culture and a time when women had no say over their choices or lives. Many times, they weren’t treated much better than a piece...moreMichigan, 1880
Set in a culture and a time when women had no say over their choices or lives. Many times, they weren’t treated much better than a piece of property and submission was an excuse for abuse.
From the book page:
Recently widowed Annalisa Werner has the feeling her husband was murdered but can’t prove it.
Alone with her young daughter in 1881 Michigan, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.
For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He’s been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn’t commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he’ll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa’s farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor.
Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He’s gentle, kind, and romantic–unlike any of the men she’s ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love–but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.
My thoughts:
I had a very hard time putting this one down. My heart broke for Annalisa and the women around her. She wasn’t physically abused by her late husband, but he did knock her down emotionally and mentally. A good man during these times were much to be desired and never expected. Sad.
As I’ve come to expect with all of Jody Hedlund’s books, her stories are always deeper than what first meets the eye. I loved the growth in Annalisa and Carl. Annalisa started out as a beat-down, eyes to the ground, lonely widow and found courage and strength as the days went on. Carl was a sophisticated brat who had never worked a day in his life. By the end of the story, he understood hard work, responsibility and what is meant to truly love.
Overall, a great read. I’m giving it 5 stars because as I said before, I had a hard time putting it down. The writing was strong and the characters even stronger and more vivid. I didn’t just read a book, I made new friends.(less)
Molly Lovelace, a spoiled rich girl, pressured by her parents to marry money and prestige. She's used to getting her own way and will do anything to e...moreMolly Lovelace, a spoiled rich girl, pressured by her parents to marry money and prestige. She's used to getting her own way and will do anything to ensure that everything is done on her terms in her time. But it gets her into more trouble than she's ever been in before and the consequences are deeper than she imagined.
Because when she makes a decision to move her life forward without waiting for direction from God, she loses the one thing she has held dear her whole life.
My Opinion:
Usually, I'm not one to like books with characters that are selfish and spoiled. However, Molly Lovelace grows throughout the book. It's her journey and glimpses of remorse that I found the most heartening. At the beginning of the book, I wanted to throw her across my knee and give her a good spanking, but at the end, I felt my heart strings being tugged and I found myself rooting for her.
It's a story where unsettled sin leads to destruction and severe consequences. And yet, there is also God's grace and redemption woven in. It's distressing and sweet. There was a lot of character growth in this book, both for Molly and the hero, whom I'm going to keep unnamed so as not to give away the story. Many lessons to be learned and much forgiveness to be given. A story that will stay with me for a while.
Regina Jennings does a very good job dealing with some sensitive issues in this book. It's very well written and I was hooked from the very first chapter.
I'm looking forward to reading Book #3 in this series, which will be released next Spring.
Many thanks to the author and Bethany House Publishers for my copy of this book. All of the opinions expressed here are mine - mistakes and all! :) (less)
YES, YES, YES!! Absolutely riveting. Jeanette Windle does it again. This was the sequel to CrossFire and I loved it.
Intrigue, Danger, Politics, Romanc...moreYES, YES, YES!! Absolutely riveting. Jeanette Windle does it again. This was the sequel to CrossFire and I loved it.
Intrigue, Danger, Politics, Romance, Adventure, Suspense...this book had it all.(less)
This book follows Submerged and once again we’re back with the McKenna family. Only this time, one of them is in...moreBook #2 of the Alaskan Courage series
This book follows Submerged and once again we’re back with the McKenna family. Only this time, one of them is in serious trouble. Reef has been accused of murdering a fellow skier and all of the evidence is pointing at his guilt. Only Piper McKenna, his sister, believes with her whole heart that he is innocent. If only she could convince the rest of the family and Deputy Landon Grainger of his innocence.
Piper delves into uncovering the facts that will prove Reef did not kill that girl. She must find out who did, before he is tried before the jury and sentenced to life in prison or worse. But someone isn’t happy about her digging up the truth and will stop at nothing to keep it buried.
Landon Grainger suddenly finds himself locking up a good friend and with all the evidence pointing against Reef, there’s no doubt in his mind of the man’s guilt. But Piper isn’t making things easy with her constant bent for trouble and his heart won’t let her go without a fight. It’s the perfect mix of romance and suspense. Tenderness and trouble.
I was sucked into this book from the first chapter and closed the book wishing I could keep on reading more. Dani Pettrey’s second novel is on my shelf to stay forever (right next to her debut novel, Submerged). This is a series that I will be recommending to my friends and to anyone who likes a good suspense with a little romance thrown in. I loved it! I’m rating it 5 Stars – A wonderful book that I couldn’t put down!
A huge thank you to Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers for my review copy of this book. The review here is completely my opinion and I was not asked to give a positive review in exchange for this book.(less)
Why in the world did I take so long to read this book? I LOVED it. I was hooked from the very first chapter and didn't want to put it down all the way t...moreWhy in the world did I take so long to read this book? I LOVED it. I was hooked from the very first chapter and didn't want to put it down all the way through. (less)
Wow, hang on for a crazy ride. This was the first book I've ever read by Steven James and I hope to read more. His writing is a sort of cross between...moreWow, hang on for a crazy ride. This was the first book I've ever read by Steven James and I hope to read more. His writing is a sort of cross between Ted Dekker, Robin Cook and John Grisham.
An intense, fast paced suspense/thriller. Want to read more. :)(less)
A historical romance that was filled with emotion and well-developed characters. The story was bittersweet and I had a hard time putting it...moreGreat book!
A historical romance that was filled with emotion and well-developed characters. The story was bittersweet and I had a hard time putting it down. Very good read.(less)
As a big fan of Denise Hunter, I found this book for Kindle and decided to read it. I'm not usually a huge fan of novella's but since it was by a favo...moreAs a big fan of Denise Hunter, I found this book for Kindle and decided to read it. I'm not usually a huge fan of novella's but since it was by a favorite author, I decided to give it a try. I'm glad that I did. It was short and sweet. Another book to add to my favorite shelf. :)(less)
I have had the privilege to read all three of Jody Hedlund’s books so far and to be honest I’m not sure which is my favorite. Each one is just as good...moreI have had the privilege to read all three of Jody Hedlund’s books so far and to be honest I’m not sure which is my favorite. Each one is just as good as the last. No duds found here. :)
Unending Devotion takes place in Michigan in the year of 1883. It’s a man’s world and lumber is his trade.
Lily Young has spent years searching all of the brothels in all the mining and lumber towns for her younger sister. In the process she has rescued several young girls and continues to put her life in danger with each mission. Lily is headstrong, independent and has a very strong sense of morals that no one can bend or break.
She tangles with Connell McCormick, a lumber mill operator and owner, in Harrison, MI. Lily is incensed that this man who calls himself a Christian turns a blind eye to the degradation of women that is going on in his town. She is determined to make the one man who could change things for the better, see things the right way.
The two pair off and pretty soon it’s not just a battle of the wills, but a battle for their very lives.
I really liked this book. It was well-written and the characters were very well developed. The book doesn’t stand out as a story that has never been done before, but its still worth reading if you like historical romance with substance.(less)
Oh My Goodness! How in the world does Denise Hunter write romance with this kind of toe-curling sweetness? I started the book around 9pm, thinking "I'...moreOh My Goodness! How in the world does Denise Hunter write romance with this kind of toe-curling sweetness? I started the book around 9pm, thinking "I'll just read a chapter before going to sleep". At 1:30am, I closed the cover after devouring the whole story to the very last page.
Every book I pick up of Denise Hunter, I say, "This is my favorite of hers so far." How can that be?
All I know is that I'm first in line for every one of her books. I pre-ordered this one months ago - March, I think. It came in this week and was worth every penny I spent.
I dare you to just read the first paragraph and stop!
I tried and didn't make it. Wow, oh wow. Jordyn Redwood can WRITE. From the very first sentence u...moreI dare you to just read the first paragraph and stop!
I tried and didn't make it. Wow, oh wow. Jordyn Redwood can WRITE. From the very first sentence until the last, I was hooked. This book was like an IV fully open, running and running.
I'm a big fan of suspense and I love medical mysteries. It had them both, but a sweet little romance sprinkled on top.
Awesome book, I'll be looking for more of Redwood's books and next time I won't make the mistake of starting it late at night. Staying up all night to read the whole thing could be hazardous to your health. :)(less)
Oh my! I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it wasn’t what I found.
This story is absolutely moving.
Lonnie Sawyer is force...moreOh my! I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it wasn’t what I found.
This story is absolutely moving.
Lonnie Sawyer is forced to marry the local rascal Gideon O’Riley after he steals an innocent kiss for walking her home. Having already come from a life of abuse at the hands of her own father, Lonnie knows she is in for a long unhappy marriage.
Gideon is prideful, selfish and dominating. It is his journey that I loved most in this book. I felt as though I were walking alongside him as he blundered his way through marriage and becoming the man of his home.
When the young couple set out on a journey for a better life, they never realize the spiritual and emotional journey it will be. This book is soul-searching and emotionally deep.
I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but let me just say that the progress through the struggles in a Christian life are most profound. It touched my heart.
Many thanks to Multnomah books for my review copy of this books. All of the opinions expressed here are mine.(less)
Eliza Crawford is a traitor to her country. Against her family’s wishes, she had the audacity to marry a Yankee Officer. Now the war is over, her husb...moreEliza Crawford is a traitor to her country. Against her family’s wishes, she had the audacity to marry a Yankee Officer. Now the war is over, her husband is dead and she is reaping the consequences. The embittered South has a group of misfits launching out to a new world – Brazil.
Colonel Blake Wallace is the man leading this expedition and he has carefully selected each person on the team. Each one must pull their weight and offer something of value if they are going to survive and successfully start a new colony without being under the regulations of the dominating Yankees.
Struggling with hatred and bitterness against the North for killing his brother and wrecking his life, Blake finds himself drawn to the young widow. That is, until he finds out that she is a traitor to the Cause…
My Thoughts ~
Emotions, turmoil and danger abound in this latest book by MaryLu Tyndall. Set during a time when two separate countries are trying to unite, personal feelings and bitterness are set a flame in every heart.
With her descriptive writing and touch of Spiritual elements, MaryLu brings this story to life. Her love and research of the era just after the Civil War is apparent as you read this book. Her characters are intriguing, but most of all, the story is pleasant to read.
I really enjoyed this new book and I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series. There are several characters who intrigued me and I hope MaryLu gets the opportunity to tell their stories.(less)
Loved this book!! First time I have ever read any of Camy Tang's novels and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to read the second one in the...moreLoved this book!! First time I have ever read any of Camy Tang's novels and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to read the second one in the series. I'm all over it. :)(less)
I found this story line to be very interesting and engaging. Adalia flees a life of slavery and boards a ship bound for America. She manages to secure...moreI found this story line to be very interesting and engaging. Adalia flees a life of slavery and boards a ship bound for America. She manages to secure a position with a respected physician and settles quietly into life. However she is always having to look over her shoulder. Her owner wants her back.
Morgan is a slave in his own right too. Although he is the son of a wealthy plantation owner, he is slave to the ideal and principles that are expected of him. All he wants is to be able to captain his own ship and sail the seas. His father has different ideas and threatens to disown him and ruin his life if Morgan doesn't bow to his will.
It's a clash of interests. Adalia desperately wants to see all slaves set free. Morgan doesn't care, he just want to live life in his own way and preferably with the pretty Adalia on his arm. Neither one is willing to bend.
I think what I loved most about this book was the friction and dialogue between Adalia and Morgan. There were times that I laughed out loud at the hilarious responses and outrageous scenes. Even though Morgan was rough around the edges (quite the ladies' man) he was very lovable and endearing. I loved how he continued to pursue Adalia and didn't give up.
Sure, the overlying message in this book is about slavery being wrong. However, there was so much more to it than just that. The book also carried undertones of loyalty, and being yourself. The message that sang the loudest to me was the one about being who God made me to be. Not to worry about what others think, but to be my own person and serve Him to the very best of my abilities.
It's adventure, turmoil and sweet romance, but most of all it's a message that rings loud and clear. Tyndall does a great job weaving the themes into the book without being preachy. I like that. A wholesome book where the storyline is so engaging you forget you are reading.
So grab a copy for yourself, put up your feet for a spell and go on a journey. It's worth it.(less)
Great book! This is the first one I've ever read by Lisa Harris. I will be reading more.
Set in Africa and each page, each chapter has an adventure tha...moreGreat book! This is the first one I've ever read by Lisa Harris. I will be reading more.
Set in Africa and each page, each chapter has an adventure that won't let you put it down.
Another thing that I really liked about this book is that the chapters are really short, so it feels easy to pick up and read little bits at a time. If you can resist, of course.
This is the first book that I have every read (I think) where the hero is a con man. Great read and oh-so-interesting. :) I was hooked from the first...moreThis is the first book that I have every read (I think) where the hero is a con man. Great read and oh-so-interesting. :) I was hooked from the first chapter.(less)
Loading...
