CFBA: The Nurse's Secret Suitor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Nurse's Secret Suitor Love Inspired (October 1, 2013) by Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.

Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.

Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.

Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).

She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Strong-Willed Heart Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask? Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse's Secret Suitor, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
I always enjoy a fast, easy read and this book fit the bill!  A mysterious romance that makes you want to jump into the book and help the characters along.

Nothing too thought provoking or serious, just a nice easy romance.  Easy for the reader, maybe not so easy for the characters, especially Kate who has quite a few struggles.

The question throughout the book is whether or not Curtis is pushing the limits too far, and what Kate will do when her mysterious suitor is revealed.....

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

Home to Heather Creek Series

When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson’s mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books’ Home to Heather Creek series.

Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte’s daughter, Denise. Denise’s three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?
It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God’s healing touch, reminds all of them that it’s always darkest just before the dawn.


Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn’t work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.
As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.
The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons’ inspiring stories, it’s almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God’s grace can be seen in every circumstance.

Purchase a copy of the books here.

{More About Kathleen Bauer}

Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.

Find out more about Kathleen at http://amzn.to/16oBFqa.

MY THOUGHTS
This is a sad story, 3 children lose their mom and leave their home in CA to live with their grandparents...grandparents they don't even know.

It's difficult enough to lose your mom, but to move from a big city, to the country, to leave all your friends, to live with your grandparents, and to not have good cell phone or computer reception is definitely the end of the world.  Especially when you're a surly teen.

The first book, Before the Dawn, is when the children first arrive, and the second, Sweet September continues the story.  At first I just read Sweet September for an earlier review and didn't like the book all that much.  BUT...after reading the first book, I like Sweet September much better, so although these are stand alone books, I think they flow much better when you read them both.

This really is a sweet story, the family members all go through quite an adjustment and it's nice to see how the family works together and how they all find ways to work out their problems and become a real family.

*I received a complimentary copy of these books in exchange for review from Litfuse
 

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Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

CFBA: Made to Last

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Made to Last Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013) by Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This was a fun book, you could just tell that Miranda was headed for trouble....lies never seem to get you anywhere but into a heap of trouble.  Good lesson to remember!

But...the journey was fun, can't imagine having to be in a fake marriage, but Miranda seemed to do ok and her quirky 'husband' was a fun guy to have around.

A fun, romantic read.

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

Book Review: Unexpected

One day forever changes the destiny of college overachiever, Michelle Rhodes.

Shattered, confused and alone, no one understands the trauma consuming her until she meets Connor Donnelly.

A native New Yorker, he believes he can aid in getting her life back on track. But what if he's even more broken inside?

Offering her a chance at a fresh start, Connor convinces Michelle to move in with him. Hiring her to waitress at his bar, their mutual attraction only complicates matters.

As more details surrounding Connor's past emerge, Michelle uncovers the full magnitude of the loss he's trying to hide. Refusing to let her feelings for him hinder his recovery, she makes a decision that winds up hurting them both.

By sacrificing her heart, Michelle thinks she is helping Connor come to terms with his grief. Little does she know, Connor is gambling everything for the sake of having a future with her.

What happens is truly unexpected.

MY THOUGHTS
Unexpected....that's just how things seem to work, good and bad, when we least expect them, and the unexpected can alter our lives forever.

This may sound strange, but Unexpected is an incredible book about a terrible tragedy, 9/11.  It's difficult to imagine that a book with the subject matter of 9/11 in it can be good, but this is a definite page turner, one you don't want to miss.

This story is about a young girl, Michelle, who has left home for college, shortly after, her world has forever changed, like all of ours.  What happens after a tragic event, do you turn away, run and hide, leave, or stay and face your demons?  Michelle chooses one of the above, and while reading this story you will once again feel the pain, but you will also feel happiness as you read about romance that is found after the wounds begin to heal.

*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book in exchange for review from Faith Sullivan

 

Book Review: The Courier

An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution. 

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women’s families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages—a network that may be the Patriots’ only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family’s protection and her own heart’s desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.

Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Melanie’s website.

Melanie Dobson

Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

MY THOUGHTS
A very good historical romance.  A bit of a different twist on the time period, reading about girls who go against the Crown and dare to help the 'enemy'.

Lydia, in most respects, is getting old to marry in her mid 20's and is faithfully waiting for Seth to return from war, but....her parents have other ideas which of course leave Lydia worried.

Sarah, also is helping the enemy, how far will these two girls go, and will they end up being caught....this book sheds a bit of light on the Colonists, what their life was like during the war and how they lived. 

This was a very enjoyable read, Sarah and Lydia are adventurous characters that will keep you well entertained!

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

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!

CFBA: Raw Edge

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Raw Edge Abingdon Press (September 17, 2013) by Sandra D. Bricker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.

Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie’s young heart. But is there hope for Gray’s heart too along the way?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Raw Edge, go HERE.

 

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED the book!  I quilt, but reluctantly, and only to use up my endless fabric scraps, and my quilts are definitely not fancy now are they hand-quilted, so I could totally relate to Annabelle when she began her quilting venture!


This book is bittersweet, and little Sadie is just about the sweetest girl you could imagine, sweet, spunky and caring.  She takes care of her father with a heart of gold, but she's by no means perfect and has a few tricks up her sleeve while her father and Annabelle have some healing to do.

An extremely good, heartfelt read, there is sadness, and the beginning of the book lets you meet Sadie's mom and she is one wise lady.

A book I will enjoy sharing with friends and family.

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

Book Review: The Invention of Sarah Cummings

The opening pages of the book: 

The hat crooked its finger at Sarah Cummings.

The gesture was sophisticated. Seductive. Irresistible.

Sarah pushed open the shop’s door for a better look from the inside of the display window. Under a flood of sunlight, the gold bead trim adorning a narrow crimson brim doubled as a prism, sending hues to chase and dance around the milliner’s shop.

She did love that hat.

The classic oval shape of the crown and simplicity of design would make it versatile—worth every penny of the price. The coins in Sarah’s purse were a long way from sufficient, though. She had not yet attempted to make a hat herself, but having mastered gowns and suits, she contemplated her next frontier unafraid. A hat would require such a small swatch of fabric. The attraction was all in the design and the trims, and she had a small trunk full of ribbons, beads, and buttons harvested from gowns over the last three years.

Considering the afternoon she had just experienced, Sarah felt she deserved an indulgence.

“Don’t you just adore that hat?”

Sarah turned toward the voice. The eyes fastened on her were speckled—she was unsure what color to call them. Not quite blue. Not quite hazel. Certainly not green. But bright. And not tired at all. She had seen those eyes before. The not-quite-any color was uncommon enough to be memorable. But they did not belong to anyone on Prairie Avenue that Sarah could remember.

“I’ve been marveling at that hat through the window for two weeks,” the young woman confided. “Even my mother agrees it’s exquisite, and we rarely agree about any matter of fashion. You should have seen us choosing gowns for a wedding we attended.”

And then Sarah knew. Florence Pullman’s wedding at the end of April. The immense parlor of the George Pullman home had been decked in green and gold, with vast wreaths of orchids and lilies of the valley cascading down the pillars. Florence had taken her vows in the bay window, wearing an opulent ivory satin gown. Sarah remembered the train cut on the bias. Mrs. Pullman had asked Flora Banning for the loan of her maids, including Sarah, to serve at the reception that lasted until midnight. More than two hundred people had been there for the gala and eaten from the five-tiered cake with the angel on top.

Including the owner of this pair of indescribable eyes. The voice rang familiar to Sarah now as well. She had heard this young woman’s laugh as she offered her the tray of finger foods and Johnny Hand’s orchestra played behind the screen of palms. Sarah smiled weakly and glanced back at the hat. Across the shop, a clerk perked up at the prospect of business. Sarah estimated the steps that would take her back to the sidewalk, out of range before the young woman with the laugh and eyes began to remember as well.

MY THOUGHTS
Well...did the beginning of the book leave you wishing for more?  If so, you're a lot like Sarah Cummings!  She wanted more, more than what she had and she will do just about anything to get it.

Sarah is not a bad person, she's just had rough luck ever since, as a child, her parents were killed in an accident and she was left to live in an orphanage until she became a servant.  Can you blame her for wanting more?

The question is...how far will she go to get what she wants and will she miss what's right before her eyes as she strives to become a woman of society instead of one who serves society?

Sarah gets herself into quite a few jams which start in the very first chapter of the book, you know what happens when you tell one little white lie, you end up telling more, and more, and.......

This book has twists and turns that are rather fun, but when disaster strikes, things change....you'll want to read this book if you enjoy historical romance with spunky characters!

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

CFBA: Born of Persuasion

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Born of Persuasion Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013) by Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
For me, this book started out slow and I never was really able to enjoy it.  The characters annoyed me, especially Julia, who never seems to figure out what she wants, she really does need to grow up.  As I read the book I had high hopes that I would become less confused, but I didn't, and the ending...it was as if the author just decided to suddenly stop writing.  If you do enjoy this book you'll most definitely need to purchase the second book when it is published so you can stop hanging from this rather abrupt ending.

This book does have potential, especially if you enjoy the time period, there was mystery, and romance, I just wished it hadn't been so confusing for me.

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

Book Review: Surprise for Lily

Change is in the air!
Eleven-year-old Lily Lapp wants her life to stay just the way it is. Instead, it’s constantly changing. New jobs, new schoolmates, and new challenges sure keep life interesting. It seems like the only thing Lily really wants to change—Effie Kauffman’s mischief making—is the one thing that never does. Effie is up to her old tricks, and Lily is her favorite target.

With each chapter in Lily’s life comes another ever-more exciting adventure. But no one could have prepared Lily for the biggest surprise of all! Read an excerpt.

Book Four in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction, and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine. The Waiting was a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. The Choice and The Search have been finalists for Carol Awards. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011).

 

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief in her books–you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God.

When Suzanne isn’t writing, playing tennis (badly!), or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.

Keep up on Suzanne’s latest news by receiving her e-newsletter, as well as connecting on Facebook, Twitter and her blog!

Learn more about Suzanne HERE

Photo by Sandra Lepley

Kinsinger never intended to become a nationally-known author or a voice of someone who left the Amish culture but the story of her life unfolds like a miracle.

"My husband and I don't regret the life we have chosen," said Kinsinger. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

In a very brave decision, the family left the Amish culture in 2006 and never looked back. While they still speak to their families, leaving the Amish religion separated them from their roots. They are now no longer accepted the same way in the Amish community.

In 2010, the Kinsingers moved back home — leaving Missouri and their community behind and starting over again in Greenville Township — the place where they considered home. They are now members of Oakdale Church in Boynton.

In the midst of changing their lifestyles, Kinsinger started writing a blog. In the midst of leaving the Amish community and moving to Somerset County, the blog no doubt served as a therapeutic tool for Kinsinger's but it also opened up an unexpected door.

"I just felt like writing my memories for my own children and part of my mission was to connect my children to their heritage that they wouldn't know as well not being Amish. Almost instantaneously, people started writing back," she remembers.

 

Suzanne Woods Fisher, an accomplished author who has written numerous books for Baker Publishing Group concerning Amish culture, started reading Kinsinger's blog and became a friend to her.

"She (Fisher) started to ask me questions and our email friendship developed. She directed her editor to my blog and she asked me if I ever considered writing a book. I had never thought about the idea before," said Kinsinger.

It was after that "Life with Lily" was born. The book starts out with Lily, a young Amish girl living in New York. Mary Ann is, of course, Lily, in the fictionalized account based on true events.

Learn more about Mary HERE

MY THOUGHTS
Well, I have read each of the books in this series so far, and Lily never disappoints!  She is still filled with a vivacious attitude which makes every day in the pages of this book a fun one!

These books are so much fun that even though each one is a stand alone read, it's going to be so much more fun to read them all....Lily is a young girl that will capture your children's hearts, a great read for tweens or even a good bed-time story for you to read to younger children.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself falling for Lily's charm as well, this book is easily enjoyed by adults as well. 

There are illustrations throughout the book that show Amish lifestyle which is a wonderful way for children to learn more about their way of life and to connect with Lily.

This book would make a wonderful gift.

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

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

 

Book Review: Eventide

A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?

Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman—all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.

Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.

Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?

MY THOUGHTS
This is the 3rd and last book in The Days of Redemption series, and finally it's Elsie's time to shine.  Elsie has always had a hard time getting the rest of her family to treat her like the rest and tries to act as if her eyesight is not getting worse.  She simply does not want to be treated like an invalid.

As in the past 2 books, there are still secrets, this family just can't keep from having secrets, they just don't seem to learn from past mistakes....so much like any other family.

The romance in this book is sweet and hopeful, since Elsie finally seems to be getting everything she has ever wanted, only time will tell...and that's all I'm going to say about this wonderful book!  Once again, you don't need to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but believe me, the characters will grow on you and you'll miss them once you finish the last page of the book.

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

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Shelley and her publisher are celebrating by giving away FIVE sets of the series. 

Five winners will receive:

• Daybreak, Ray of Light and Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 21st. All winners will be announced September 23rd at Shelley’s blog.

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Shelley’s blog on the 23rd to see if you won one of the book sets!

 

CFBA: Shades of Mercy

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shades of Mercy River North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2013) by Anita Lustrea
and
Caryn Rivendara

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita Lustrea. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul. Anita is the co-author of “Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook” and “Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith”, a Devotional for women. Her first solo venture as an author releases in November, 2010, “What Women Tell Me: finding freedom from the secrets we keep.” Anita and her husband, Mike Murphy, a pastor, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks.

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Caryn is a sought-after writer and speaker. She’s the author of four books—Shades of Mercy: A Maine Chronicle (River North, September 2013), Known & Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms (Revell, April 2013), Grumble Hallelujah (Tyndale House, September 2011), and Mama’s Got a Fake I.D. (WaterBrook Press, March 2009)–and a regular contributor to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics as well as columnist for Re:Frame Media’s ThinkChristian blog. She has written dozens of magazine article. Her work has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife, and Engineering and Mining Journal (you read that right). Caryn leads workshops and speaks at conferences and church groups across the country. She’s also a regular guest on Moody Radio’s Midday Connection with Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt and has been featured on such radio shows as The John and Kathy Show, Changing Worldviews/WOMANTalk with Sharon Hughes, I Thought She Said with Faith Daly, The Paul Edwards Program with Paul Edwards, and Talk from the Heart with Rich Buhler, among many others. Caryn also appeared on The Harvest Show. Caryn earned a B.A. in English from Calvin College and attended the University of Chicago’s publishing program. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Rafael, her three kids, a rescued pit bull terrier, two hermit crabs, and several tank fulls of who-knows-what-kind-of fish. Caryn and her family are members of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where Caryn recently joined the worship staff.
ABOUT THE BOOK

It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels. When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shades of Mercy, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
First of all I must say I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I've never before heard of the Maliseet tribe, so this story was a bit of a learning experience for me.  Secondly, we could all learn from Mercy.  She is one girl who does not let race make a bit of a difference.

Mercy calls her dad Mr. Pop, which I think is rather endearing, and although he jokes that she's the son he never had, they have a very good relationship, and his feelings towards Mercy and Mick warmed my heart.

This book will make you sit back and think as you read of love, and hate, a very well written book that will keep you engrossed straight through to the very end!

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

CFBA: Unforseeable

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unforeseeable Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe. However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this. Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons. As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

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

MY THOUGHTS
Have you read any of the Road to the Kingdom books?  If you enjoy Amish/Mennonite books, you're going to want to read these!  Unforseeable is book #3 in the series, and it is just as good as book #1, and #2.

This book will bring you back to Kingdom and once again there is a mystery to solve, and like any small town everyone seems to know everyone else's business and when tongues get wagging......

A very exciting read, Nancy Mehls stories are always a joy.

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