A Woman of Fortune by Kellie Coates Gilbert- 5 Stars! Loved this book!

Is having it all really worth it? Claire Massey and her family are living the American dream of having everything money can buy. A high society extravagant lifestyle amongst important people, fabulous parties and riches beyond their dreams. What she has counted on in her life becomes extremely challenged when her husband of 30 years commits a fraud crime. The months following is heart wrenching for Claire as she tries to remain strong for the sake of her grown children. Will the Massey family survive despite impossible odds? A true to life fiction story will keep the reader glued to the pages wondering where the twists and turns will lead next. I connected right away with the realistic and interesting characters. Descriptive and lush surroundings, smooth flowing and engaging plot promises no slow, dull or broken parts. Make this your next book to read!. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning and found that I could not put it down. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended! Thank you Revell Publishing for the complimentary copy for my review for this blog tour. Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider's view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of relationships in her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances. The author of Mother of Pearl, she currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4KfPyw-FwE&feature=youtu.be http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/thumb/9780800722722.jpg?1394030975

A Table By The Window by Hillary Manton Lodge- Entertaining!

Some secrets long to be hidden. Juliette grew up in a family of great cooks and seemed happy in her writing career. Her brother suggested that they together open a restaurant, meanwhile, she wonders if fulfilling this dream would cost her her current job as a food editor. While cooking and thumbing through one of her grandmothers cookbooks she stumbled upon a very old photograph and the man in it looks just like her brother. Her quest for the truth leads her down an unknown, yet familiar path. She meets a charming physician who happens to live many miles from her. Will she discover who is in the photograph and will things work out for a long distance relationship? A realistically yet romantic read, this cozy novel was fun to read. Interesting down to earth characters, easy to follow dialogue, and smooth flowing plot kept me reading. I enjoyed the email conversations between the characters in the story and look forward to creating a recipe or two or ten from the book. This story does have a cliff hanger ending however which will make the reader want to read the second book to see how things are wrapped up. I was entertained and challenged in my faith and would recommend this book to others. I received a free copy from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for my review. www.hillarymantonlodge.com www.waterbrookmultnomah.com http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307731753 About the Author Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in (...Read More

Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith- My Favorite Wives of the Patriarchs Series so far!

In the breath of a moment... love lingers.... Rachel and Leah, sisters, are each vying for the attention of Jacob, who has come in search of a wife. Each sister has her own agenda, her own longings, her own needs and their father and his wives have another. A very creative, tender and touching read, familiar yet at times seeming different and one that comes full circle while portraying the biblical story accurately. I was highly entertained by this fast moving novel. Realistic characters seemed to come alive within the storyline from the beginning and do not lose momentum keeping the reader interested and turning the pages. Accurate picturesque scenery captures the mind promising no dull or dragging parts. I feel this novel can be enjoyed by all readers seeking a historical biblical read. 5 Stars! I received a complimentary copy from Revell for my review during this blog tour.

Jill Eileen Smith Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai and Rebekah in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com

Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman - Entertaining!

In a given moment can the heart maintain its safety?

Allison McClare, new spunky English and Drama teacher for the Hand of Hope School for girls seems to know exactly what she wants in life.

Detective Nick Barone gets more than he bargained for with Allison. Sent to help fix up the school is challenging as his faith needs a bit of polishing.

When Allisons trusting nature is tested at the hands of those who wish her harm a solution has to be reached
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Can two independent souls join forces despite uncommon odds with each other?

I enjoyed this humorous and romantic historical read. A fresh story that introduces many unique characters into the lineup. Descriptive and colorful scenery and engaging plot kept my attention and kept me turning the pages ensuring me of no dull or broken parts. This is a novel I believe that would attract a more female audience. Well written and enjoyable.  I received a complementary copy from Revell Publishing for this blog tour. 

 

Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series The recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards, as well as many other accolades, Lessman was chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers' Choice Awards. She resides in Missouri with her family. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

Burning Sky by Lori Benton-
My Review


At times the heart cannot accept closure. Willa, as a young girl, captured and taken hostage by the Mohawk Indians, is caught between two worlds. Neil, in need of more than her doctoring finds when he does not search for. The loyalties Willa has developed with her Indian family and the past intertwines with her new older familiarities and the life she now lives. She keeps within her spirit a reserve despite the persistence of several men vying for her attention. With a difficult decision looming within her heart the question is, which life path will she choose and how will it impact her future? I enjoyed this novel for the historical value, while descriptive scenery peppers the storyline and connectable characters kept me reading along, I would have enjoyed the novel more if it contained more details of the Mohawk lifestyle and how it impacted her when she was younger. For the most part the storyline did not shift from present to past abruptly, nor did it contain broken or hung parts, but it was rather lengthy and slow at times. Towards the last quarter of the book the action picked up and kept me reading hence the three star rating rather than a lesser one. I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my review.

Book Trailer: Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry

Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry- Not To Be Missed!

God is always at the center of every good thing. Treha, an extraordinary girl, is gifted with a most unusual way of relating to others. Her work centers around Desert Gardens, a nursing center, and its elderly residents. Miriam watches as her life slips by, a mixture of redundancy and sameness, she longs for purpose, and reason. When Miriam recognizes Treha and what she can do for the facility and its residents, she encourages her to make full use of her potential. When Treha's life changes abruptly uncertainty lingers in the background. A very creative and original read with connectable and interesting characters, believable scenery, smooth flowing and progressive plot that will cause the reader to hang onto every word and promises to keep them reading long into the night. This is a what if.. kind of novel that men and women would enjoy. I found it to be very hard to put down with an overall inspiring message. I was entertained by this faith challenging novel and will highly recommend it to others. Very well written! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for this blog tour for my review. Author Bio

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children. Chris's novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and Not in the Heart, have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR. Visit his Web site at www.chrisfabry.com. Author Q & A; A Chris Fabry on Every Waking Moment 1. What was your inspiration for this book, Every Waking Moment? The question at the center of this story is “If this is as good as it gets, am I okay with life?” I find this is a universal question that hits at the heart of our outlook on life and our belief in God. The other question it raises is this: If you could bring someone back from dementia or Alzheimer’s and have a conversation, what would you ask? What would you say to that person? 2. Tell me about your main character Treha Langsam. Was this character based upon anyone in particular? She was loosely based on my own children and what they’ve gone through the past five years. This is probably my most personal story to date. We were exposed to toxic mold. Most people think you can only get a rash or have respiratory damage, but it can attack the brain. Treha’s symptoms are similar to what I’ve seen in them and others who have been exposed. 3. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel? I love the fact that God doesn’t look at the exterior; he looks at the heart. As humans, we have a tendency to judge on first impressions, but we miss so much by doing that. Those who are disabled, those who have some kind of struggle in life, those who are older—all are lumped into a category, and this is such a disservice to them and us. 4. How do you expect Treha’s story to resonate with your readers? I think everyone feels a bit like Treha. She is the little engine that could, even if she isn’t given a chance. And it only takes one person giving someone else a chance. I’m hoping readers will give someone a chance—or maybe let someone else give them a chance. 5. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story? I loved getting to know Treha better because she’s so mysterious to everyone around her. She’s also a bit scary. To crawl into her skin and walk around and see what she sees is a heartbreaking, life-affirming journey. I also liked the discovery that came with other characters who encounter Treha and see how she changes their lives. 6. What is your hope for this story? How would you like it to impact readers? My hope is that this force of nature, Treha, would empower readers to believe the truth about themselves and others. In Christ, you are stronger than you think you are. With God, you can do anything he calls you to do. 7. How has this novel helped you to grow as a storyteller? Trying to tell a complex story in a simple way is always difficult, and people’s lives are hugely complex. Trying to uncover the truth about Treha—why she is the way she is and where she might be able to go from here—helped me as a human being as well as a writer. 8. Your novels typically touch on a relevant and current topic in our culture. What topics do you weave into this novel? One thread running deeply through this story is the reliance we have on drugs. It’s much easier to take a pill than to make a lifestyle change. And this is affecting individuals, families, and our culture. It also means a great deal of money to institutions, so in tackling this, I know I’m not going to make friends in the pharmaceutical industry. I’m grateful for drugs—my son wouldn’t be alive today without insulin. But every positive thing can have a negative side as well. 9. What big questions will this novel get your reader thinking about? What is your backstory? What is the worth of an individual? Old, young, disabled, unsuccessful . . . several characters are faced with questions of their own worth as well as how they treat others. I’ve always heard that your faith is tested by how you treat someone who can’t do anything for you. This story will get you thinking about some of those deep issues of the heart. 10. How do you manage your time with such a full life, including a writing career, a radio career, and a large family? Everyone has the same amount of time each day. We simply make choices about what we invest in. Hence, I spend less time watching television than I used to. That’s a huge time waster. I get up earlier and go to bed earlier. And when you begin your day centered on God’s Word and ask him what your priorities should be, things generally fall into place. I haven’t arrived at that balance, but I’m struggling as well as I can. http://www.tyndale.com/x_products/videos.php?flv=Not-in-Heart.flv http://www.tyndale.com/x_products/videos.php?flv=Not-in-Heart.flv