Book Review: The Ride of Her Life

ABOUT THE BOOK
She's planted firmly on solid ground. He's ready to sweep her off her feet. The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six-year-old. Widowed for three years, Lilly has decided to leave the home of her intrusive in-laws to stand on her own. However, her in-laws find her new life as a cook at Lake Manawa utterly unsuitable for their grandson. When an argument ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. But Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

 Filled with the sweet romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life will have you laughing out loud and sighing contentedly as you spend the summer of 1906 at Lake Manawa.

MY THOUGHTS

I have read all three books in this series and loved each one.  Each book is stand alone, and each book is about 1 of 3 friends.  This book is Lilly's.  I loved Lilly's story, learning about roller coasters was quite interesting and some of the characters in the book are downright sinister, unlike the other two books!

What I found fun about the 3 books is that each one is completely different yet all tie together, after reading The Ride of Her Life I wish there was yet another book in the series!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

 

CFBA Book Review: Spring Hope

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Spring Hope ( Realms (May 15, 2012) by Martha Rogers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella was released in 2007.

Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry.

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages.

As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can runaway Libby Cantrell finally get a new start?

Libby Cantrell’s life has gone from bad to worse since her mother’s death. After working in a brothel to support her abusive father, she sees no hope for her future until one cold winter night when she finds the courage to escape.

When she collapses in Portersfield, Texas, exhausted, ill, and hungry, Sheriff Cory Muldoon finds her and takes her to the doctor. Against Cory’s better judgment, Seth and Erin Winston take her in and offer her a job as a nanny for their young son. As a minister, Seth sees it as his duty to take care of her. As a deputy, Cory needs to know the truth about her even as he is attracted to the waif of a young woman.

As Cory’s feelings for her grow and winter becomes spring, will he be able to accept her as she is now and truly forget and forgive her sordid past?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Spring Hope, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Right from the first pages of the story you feel as though you want to reach out and hug Libby Cantrell.  She is one tough girl who has gone through more than most of us ever will.  Cory Muldoon is kind hearted, yet determined to dig until he reaches the truth about Libby and why she's running.

As you read you will be looking over your shoulder just waiting and wondering if and when Libby's father will appear, and if he does, what will happen.

A very good, fun summer read.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

 

Book Review: A Love Forbidden

ABOUT THE BOOK

They're from two different worlds.  Can love cross the divide?

Moved by a compassionate heart and the desire for adventure, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainwright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado.  Eager to use her skills to help improve the lives of Ute Indian children, she looks forward to a fulfilling, independent life on the Colorado frontier.

But her new job isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian agent, and a demanding US government.  Her unexpected encounter with a half-Ute childhood friend, Jesse Black water, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst spiraling tensions that threaten to explode into a catastrophic uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this tale from bestselling and award-winning author Kathleen Morgan explores the transformational power of forgiveness, compassion, and God's healing love with artistry and authenticity.

MY THOUGHTS

I read the first book in the Heart of the Rockies series, and this book did not disappoint me!  This book will bring to life the struggles of the Indians, the battles between them and the whites and those stuck somewhere in the middle, feeling as though they don't belong on either side-the half-breeds.

Shiloh is a girl with a great love for God and a big heart, and Kathleen Morgan does a great job of developing the story line, as well as the characters and bringing history alive while adding a dose of romance!

"Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.
 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Annie's Truth Realms (May 15, 2012) by Beth Shriver

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she understands pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She frequents a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

In 2003 Beth began writing her first book. A couple of years later it was published and she has been writing ever since. Beth received a degree in social work from the University of Nebraska and was a case worker before starting a family. Beth followed her passion and has written in a variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?

Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”

As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?

If you would like to read an excerpt from the first chapter of Annie's Truth, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

This was a very enjoyable read.  Different from a lot of Amish books.  Annie causes a lot more pain than she intends to when she leaves the Amish community.  People get hurt, there's confusion, forgiveness and a lot of romantic drama!

Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Forever Hilltop Blog Tour

 

  

About the Book:

The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace. In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them. In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.  

 

About Judy: 

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books. A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota. She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

My Thoughts:

Leave yourself plenty of time when reading this book, you won't be able to put it down!  This is a happy book that will make you smile and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling!  I like how author Judy Baer mixed the seriousness of Alex being a pastor and being unsure of his future with the lightheartedness of the North Dakota residents that he meets and comes to love.

A wonderful book, you won't be disappointed!

 Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13467681/foreverhilltop

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity 

 Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/azv7s

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Touch for you AND one to giveaway to the friend of your choice
• Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/22/12. The winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy’s blog! 
Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Judy's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.