Book Review: A Sensible Arrangement

 

A Lone Star Brides book.

Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.
Answering an advertisement for a “Lone Star bride,” she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn’t know.

Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.
Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake’s yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty’s dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.

What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways… and dreams and secrets collide?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Tracie’s website.

MY THOUGHTS
A fun book, nothing too new, but still a nice, relaxing read.

Jake and Marty get married, but have different visions for their future, the question is....will they return to Texas as Jake dreams, or will Marty get her wish and never return? 

Jake works for some interesting folks, I can't say I'd want to work for them, they tend to run his life, and he tends to bend to their will, but for how long?

There are enough twists and turns to keep this book fun and while you can pretty much figure out the outcome, it doesn't take away from the joy of reading this book!

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

CFBA: A Promise in Pieces

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Promise in Pieces Abingdon Press (April 15, 2014) by Emily T. Wierenga

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Emily, and I’m honored and humbled to meet you, friend. We’re all stumbling along on this journey and you can approach me about anything okay? I’m an open book, with dog-eared pages and a worn cover.

I’m mama to two boys, ages two and four, and married to a farm-boy-turned-math-teacher. We live in a small Dutch hamlet with three churches, one Co-Op and no stop lights. There are a lot of fields out here, there’s a lot of space and sky for breathing and running and writing.

We foster two boys in addition to our own two, and before I had kids, I took care of my Mum who had brain cancer. She fought back and has recovered, all glory to God, and my pastor-father still holds her hand while they go for daily walks.

I battled anorexia nervosa as a child, and then again as a newly married woman, and I write a lot about body image now and have a passion for women to learn to love themselves.

My husband and I have battled infertility and are currently trying to adopt our third child through the local Alberta government.

I hurt for the church, and believe in it, and pray for it, as I’ve grown up inside its walls and have heard its groanings.

I have a heart for Africa, particularly Uganda, and went there in January on a bloggers’ trip with World Help.

My favorite things to do are read literary novels, play guitar, snowboard, paint with oil and acrylics and hug my babies.

I am the author of two books on eating disorders, a novel releasing this spring, and a memoir coming out this summer.

I hope you’ll connect with me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilytwierenga, or if you prefer, Twitter: @emily_wierenga. I’d love to have a virtual glass of wine, or cup of coffee, with you.

Peace to you friends,

e.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women’s Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier’s last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she’s not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier’s baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child’s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie—and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt—years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Promise in Pieces, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Another great read in the Quilts of Love series, really, I hope this series goes on and on......

Remember being a teen, and those crazy rules our parents would give us?  Clara has her own set of rules, rules she doesn't especially like, but as you read on through the book, you can 'see' a change in Clara.

As with most of our lives, Clara's life has many pieces, and piece by piece her life falls into place, and I loved the beauty of her quilting the newborns names into the quilts.

Forgiveness, love and hope all work together, and while reading this wonderful book you will see just how well they can.

An excellent read!!

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

CFBA: An Amish Groom

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Amish Groom Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2014) by Mindy Starns Clark
and
Susan Meissner

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Mindy Starns Clark Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of the inspirational Million Dollar Mysteries, the Smart Chick Mysteries, and three standalone mysteries, as well as the nonfiction books The House That Cleans Itself and A Pocket Guide to Amish Life. Her novels include A Penny for Your Thoughts, Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, A Dime a Dozen, A Quarter for a Kiss, The Buck Stops Here, The Trouble with Tulip, Blind Dates Can Be Murder, Elementary, My Dear Watkins, Whispers of the Bayou, Shadows of Lancaster County, and Under the Cajun Moon, plus other books!

Mindy is also the author of numerous plays and musicals which have been performed all over the United States. She has written textbooks, articles, short stories, and more than 75 computer software manuals. A former singer and stand-up comedian, Mindy lives with her husband and two teenage daughters near Valley Forge, PA. She enjoys speaking to churches, civic groups, and libraries across the country. Her unique blend of humor and insight make her an audience favorite.

Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Novels of 2008 and a Carol Award winner. She is a pastor’s wife and the mother of four young adults. When she's not writing, Susan writes small group curriculum for her San Diego church. Visit Susan at her website: www.susanmeissner.com, on Twitter at @SusanMeissner, or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner.

ABOUT THE BOOK

New from bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, The Amish Groom (Book 1 in The Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Born to an ex-Amish mother and an Englisch father, 23-year-old Tyler Anderson was raised as a military kid until the age of 6, when his mom passed away. His dad, shipping off to yet another overseas post, placed Tyler in the care of his Amish grandparents, an arrangement that was supposed to be temporary. It lasted a lifetime.

Rachel Hoeck is the young woman waiting for Tyler’s proposal. She senses that though he loves her and wishes to make a commitment to her and his Amish beliefs, part of him still wonders whether an Amish lifestyle is truly for him. When an opportunity to connect with his father unexpectedly arises, a visit to California causes Tyler to question everything, including a future with Rachel. Will the new girl in his life, Lark, cause him to remain in the Englisch world? Or will he choose to be an Amish groom after all?

A poignant novel of hoping for romance and searching for identity, set in a beloved Amish community.


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Amish Groom, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed this book.  It's about time the Amish men have a story of their own!

First off, I can't imagine how Tyler's dad could have given him up, second of all, I can't imagine how Tyler could be so willing to not hold a grudge, it goes to show the wonderful upbringing he had with his grandparents.

I like how the story developed, and loved the ending.

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

CFBA: Lip Reading

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lip Reading David C. Cook (March 1, 2014) by Harry Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself

She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.


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

MY THOUGHTS
Harry Kraus writes another thrilling read.  This time in the pharmaceutical field.

Initially, Rebecca does not come across as a very lovable person, but she really grew on me.  Kidnapped, and forced to live without her make-up Rebecca reveals a few flaws...and is forced to learn quite a bit about the very industry she works in.

This is one of those books that you won't want to leave, and one with an unexpected ending!

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

Maybelle in Stitches

Maybelle In Stitches | A Quilts of Love book.
Maybelle Kazinzki can’t sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house she gets the crazy idea to finish it—somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II.

Her recently departed mother’s quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother’s childhood, her grandmother’s childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden’s stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life. After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle’s faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful- no matter what. And it’ll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that.

Learn more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love site.

Joyce Magnin is the author of the Bright’s Pond novels, including the award-winning The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader and the organizer of the StoryCrafters fiction group. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Joyce at http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com/products/31/Maybelle-in-Stitches.

MY THOUGHTS
Another great book in the Quilts of Love Series.  This time we're placed in WWII, with Maybelle and her friend Doris.  Two women with husbands in the war.  Two women who couldn't be more different, yet, are best of friends.  They hold each other together, they help each other, and they give each other strength.

Sewing the quilt is a bit of therapy for the girls, it helps them hold on to hope and ties them to the past.  The quilt also helps form new friendships.

This is a book that will take you into the past, these girls have spunk and you will find yourself laughing along with them as they weld on the ships, and you'll feel your heart break when bad news is shared.

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

Lil Piece of Attitude

As you may know, in Feb. I finally opened my Etsy shop, Lil Piece of Attitude!  Well, a couple of weeks ago, I was asked to make an outfit for a vintage photo shoot for a little guy, I just have to share the photos from the shoot, they turned out so cute!

I also greatly appreciate being able to use the photos for advertising in my Etsy store, at this time I can't name the source, she has asked me to hold off on that, but was told that I can indeed share the photos!

I made the shorts, vest, bow tie and shirt, as well as a matching tie for the 13yr old brother!

Book Review: Dancing with Fireflies

A Chapel Springs Romance
Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Learn more and purchase a copy at Denise’s website.

Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn’t writing, she’s busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.

Find out more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/.

 

MY THOUGHTS

I have always enjoyed Denise Hunter's writing, she writes a great story, and Dancing with Fireflies brought back memories of my own dancing with fireflies...only we called them lightening bugs!

It's always frustrating when one person is in love with another who just doesn't return the favor, well, maybe returns the favor, only in a sisterly way!

Secrets never help either......

Daniels' parents are a couple of people who are extremely difficult to like and of course cause grief, but it's  all very well made up for with the McKinley family.  A sweet love story, with a few twists and turns, nothing too extreme, just a nice lazy day read.

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