World Vision Winner!!

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  I'm finished with my baking, my cooking, almost done cleaning, have a few beds to prepare and an apron and bow tie left to sew.  Within 5 hours my family will start arriving from out of town!  YIKES.

Thanks for all of the great entries to the giveaway, I enjoyed reading what everyone would like to donate....I'll start emailing you to collect your donations after Christmas.  JUST KIDDING!

......the WINNER is:

VICKI HOWES

Congratulations Vicki!

 

World Vision...and a giveaway!

Have you heard World Vision? They have 46,000 staff members World wide and are in nearly 100 countries! They integraterating lasting solutions to the root causes of poverty and sharing God’s hope for a brighter future.

There are several ways that you can help, here are just a few.....

Soccer Balls – Every parent knows one of the best feelings in the world is seeing a child’s face light up like the Christmas tree as they discover what’s been left for them by Santa. Donors can pass that same joy along to kids across the world with their gift of soccer balls, which replace makeshift balls made of banana leaves or rolled-up trash. The global popularity of soccer makes this gift a great way to reach out with a helping hand. $16 for two balls, $32 for four, $48 for six

Fruit Trees – Even with all the sweets and treats the holiday season brings, it’s important to remember nature’s candy—and not just for the figgy pudding! Donating five, ten, or fifteen fruit trees can help a family feed itself and start a business. The seed of this gift can blossom for years as a few trees turns into groves and orchards full of good, healthy fruit. Partridges not included. $30 for five trees, $60 for ten, $90 for fifteen

Goats – World Vision offers donors a variety of livestock to choose from, and goats are their most popular option. One goat is a valuable source of milk and fertilizer for a family. The milk provides children with easy-to-digest protein and calcium, and the fertilizer helps crops flourish. A gift of two goats sets a family on a path towards success as shepherds who can start their own flock. $75 for one, $150 for two

Career Training for Girls & Women – Empower a woman with this investment in skills training, business education, and, most importantly, hope. With opportunities in weaving, jewelry-making, baking, dairy farming, and more, this gift helps create the chance for mothers and daughters to take their future into their own hands. It’s like they always say: Give a woman a fish, and you feed her for a day. Teach a woman to fish, and you can change the world. $25-$125

World Vision also has an amazing Gift Catalog where you can purchase many different ways to give, or even buy a beautiful handcrafted item!

I was given a beautiful Turquiose Necklace, bracelet and earring set to review, and one of my lucky readers can win their very own set!

The photos truly do not give this Drops of Turquoise set justice. It was made by artisans in Delhi who are now able to support their family thanks to fair trade wages. The pieces are large, yet they are not cumbersome, heavy, or overly stated.  They truly are beautiful, and I feel honored to have been chosen for a review, and to wear this beautiful set.

Approximate size: 20" long
Nickel-free.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, call 855-WV-GIFTS or use the direct link below:

http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog?campaign=108929254I

****************************************************************

Now...how about on to the GIVEAWAY!!!
*First, there are a few rules.
 -Separate comment for each entry, with email address so you can be notified when you win!!!
 -Winner will have 24hrs to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.
 -USA only for this one
 -The lucky winner will be sent the entire set directly from the company.

HOW TO ENTER:
#1 Visit the World Vision Site and tell me how you would donate

#2  Follow World Vision on Facebook
#3  Follow World Vision on Twitter

That's all...keeping this short, sweet and simple 'cause I know you're all busy with Christmas right around the corner.  Now, what are you waiting for, hurry up and enter so you can win yourself this fabulous gift!

Oh!  I almost forgot...the giveaway will end at Midnight on Dec. 23rd!!  I will notify the lucky winner here on my blog as well as in an email on the 24th!

GOOD LUCK!!!

**I received these items in exchange for an honest review from Wilks Communications Group

An Endless Christmas, Book Review and a $100 giveaway!

An Endless Christmas (Worthy Inspired, October 2015)
Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.
Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, "no." Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it's Christmas.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PmF69N

 

 

 

About the author:

Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and speaking for women's and writers' events. Her books have been recognized by Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards, Selah Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, and Carol Award nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers' Choice Award. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville, Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Connect with Cynthia: website, Twitter, Facebook

MY THOUGHTS

I cannot lie, one of the reasons I enjoyed this book was due to it's setting.  Stillwater is just a 40 min. drive for me, so I could easily picture the setting.  The snow, the crowds while shopping downtown Stillwater...despite my knowledge of the area, I believe anyone reading this story will easily visualize the setting!

I can't imagine how Katie must have felt upon her arrival at the Wilson's...much less the shock she's in for after walking in the front door!

Katie, as well as Micah's family are all gracious, Katie is waiting though....waiting for the family to show their true selves.  One thing after another happens, some good, some bad.  There are some realizations, a lot of love, a lot of commotion, and the book leaves you with a nice warm cozy feeling despite the snow being dumped outside!

A very enjoyable get in the holiday spirit read!

 

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

 ********************************************************

Celebrate the holidays with Cynthia and An Endless Christmas by entering her $100 Target gift card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of An Endless Christmas
• A $100 gift card to Target

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. The winner will be announced December 1st on Cynthia's blog.

 

CFBA: Hand Me Down Princess

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hand Me Down Princess CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015) by Carol Moncado

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle, or Girl Meets World with her kids. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Prince Malachi Van Renssalaer of Mevendia is getting married. The problem? He’s never even met his bride. His father arranged everything, right down to the marriage contract. Malachi swears to himself that he will be nothing like his father in the ways that count - including his fidelity to his wife.

Jessabelle Keller would happily spend her entire life in obscurity, but her father once saved the life of a future king. Before he dies, her father is committed to seeing that king make good on his promise to have one of his sons marry her so she would be taken care of for life.

No sooner than Prince Malachi and Jessabelle return from their honeymoon, they find themselves dealing with both private trauma and the very public drama of groundless accusations from the press. Just as they begin to weave their fragile trust back together, a ghost from the king’s past arrives and threatens everything they’ve ever held dear.

Secrets have a funny way of coming out and this one could rip the faith of the country in their leaders to shreds. Malachi is determined to protect Jessabelle no matter what it takes, but will it ever be enough for her to not feel like a Hand-Me-Down Princess?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hand Me Down Princess, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Can't say I've ever read a book about a Prince with a forced marriage that included contemporary electronics! 

A very good book, kept me entertained.  It was a little slow at first and it took me a bit to get into the story line, but once I did...it was so worth the wait!  Jessabelle was a character that drove me nuts from time to time, I gave Prince Malachi a lot of credit for putting up with her!

The twists and turns were a lot of fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected.

Worth the read.

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

CFBA: A Father's Second Chance

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Father's Second Chance Love Inspired (July 21, 2015) by Mindy Obenhaus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author: To steal a line from Donny and Marie, I’m a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll. I’m trapped in the city, but prefer the country or the mountains.

I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.

I believe Jesus died for my sins, rose three days later, and will one day return. He has carried me through some of my darkest hours. Without faith in Him, I would be nowhere.

I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn't need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste's project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn't looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Father's Second Chance, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS


A few twists and turns, a mom who has an attitude and a man who refuses to repeat past mistakes and Celeste, who is finally happy....

This was a rather predictable read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.  The twists and turns as well as the colorful characters kept me well entertained, and there were a few surprises as well!

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

Free Sewing Pattern!

I just love testing patterns for Tammy over at Love Notions, she has so many awesome, easy to read, and quick sew patterns that turn out fabulous!

Last week I tested this awesome shirt, named Laundry Day Tee!  I chose a dressier fabric, not sure how I like the fabric yet, but I know I'll be sewing up more of these in a more casual knit.

Afraid of knit fabric?  Don't be...it is so easy to work with, set your machine for a knit stitch, and away you go!  This shirt takes about 30min. to sew up.  How cool is that?  V-neck, Crew Neck, 3 sleeve lengths, and either t-shirt or tunic length.  Fill your closet!

Even more awesome....you can try out this pattern for FREE, what're you waiting for?  Go snag your pattern, have questions, message me!  Let's see those T's!

Photo taken by Reyna Meinhardt Photography

 

Book Review: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn

 A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn (Avon Inspire, September 2015)

A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.

Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

MY THOUGHTS 
If you've read about the Orange Blossom Inn in the past, you'll recognize some of the characters in this story.....

This is such a sweet story, which includes a very naughty dog who is determined to stir up trouble...especially when food is involved!

Emma and Jay are both lonely, after losing their spouses, they turn to each other for friendship despite the fact the Emma's family is none to happy with her...but she's an adult, right?

You won't become bored while reading this story, full of fun, heartbreak and a lot of happiness!

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

Sewing Love

Lately I've been doing a lot more sewing than knitting and reading!  I have an etsy store and it was going strong, then I dropped the ball and my stock ran low...SO....now I need to get back in the game.

Anyway, when I sew I generally use PDF patterns which are written a lot better than those pesky patterns you buy in store....you know, those patterns on thin paper that shred easily, you cut one size, then you're out of luck if you ever need another?  PDF patterns are AWESOME.  Many are set up so you can print in layers, which means you print the size you want, but can always come back and print another size later since you have the file saved on your computer.  Also, these patterns make so much more sense.

I test patterns for a designer or two.  What does that mean?  Well...it's actually pretty awesome.  The designer creates the pattern, then asks us to try it out.  Which means that in the end you end up with a pattern that fits great and is easy to understand.  We try to catch the typo's, we try to catch things that the designer may not, since all levels of sewists test the patterns!

This past week I tested an awesome pattern for ...the Boyfriend Cardigan is all the rage these days, and this one is just perfect.  I generally sew and sell children's items, but take custom orders for adult items so it's fun to try out new patterns and build my 'stash' of great items to sew!

Anyway, do you sew?  If you do....you can buy this pattern at 20% off through 9/19 using code 'sewallthecardigans' at Love Notions tiered pricing is also available, so the more you buy, the more you save!

My daughter took these photos of me....isn't she a great photographer?

 **Photo credit goes to https://www.facebook.com/ReynaMeinhardtPhotography?fref=ts

I used a thicker knit for my cardigan, and left off the pockets, you can add the pockets, and leave the hood off, the pattern also comes in kid sizes!

Don't sew?  Well, now you know who to ask for your very own cardigan!  My store is on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lilpieceofattitude  hopefully it will be 'popping' with all kinds of new children's items soon! 

 

Cold as Ice

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Cold as Ice Sydney Lane Press by M.K. Gilroy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark won’t claim he has done it all in the world of publishing, but he has packed boxes, edited manuscripts, made sales calls, created marketing plans, directed design and illustration, started companies, consulted, agented the works of others, and written advertising and catalog copy. He’s authored, compiled, and ghost written books that have landed on an array of bestsellers lists and sold millions of copies. His first ghost writing project, The Wal-Mart Way, was done for Don Soderquist, Sam Walton’s longtime right-hand man.

In early 2012 he put on a new hat as a fiction author. His debut novel, Cuts Like a Knife, was released in April 2012 and was met with rave reviews from USA Today, Fresh Fiction, Publishers Weekly, and other leading national reviewers. His second novel, Every Breath You Take, second in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series, released in Fall 2012 to similar acclaim. Kristen Conner returns in Cold As Ice, which releases in Fall 2014.

Gilroy has extensive writing credits. He scripted and served as creative consultant for a two-hour training video that was honored with the Award of Excellence by the International Television Association. He has compiled and written close to fifty books and penned hundreds articles and curriculum pieces for a variety of periodicals and publishers.

Gilroy and his wife Amy reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. Their six children are Lindsey, Merrick, Ashley, Caroline, Bo, and Zachary—the youngest has now headed off for college, so he and Amy are officially empty nesters.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Detective Kristen Conner is back on a new murder case. She’s still fighting with her sister—and no surprise, someone new wants to kill her! He was a pillar in his Chicago neighborhood: popular school teacher, devoted father and husband, political activist on behalf of underprivileged children—and a master gardener who liked to plant flowers in his neighbor’s yards. What wasn’t to love about him? Who would want him dead?

When Detective Kristen Conner lands the case she knows from day one who the key suspect is. That’s simple. The person most likely to kill you is someone close that you know and love. But the wife? She was always at her husband’s side and just as passionate about his causes as he was. No way could this loving wife and mother of three be a killer. Right? Mix in her on-again, off-again relationship with FBI Agent Austin Reynolds, a quick trip to New York City where Kristen helps her media-star sister for a new apartment—only to discover the body of a man who appears to have been executed by a professional killer on a run through Central Park—and Kristen Conner is once again swept into a world of danger, intrigue, and a confusing love life.

What she doesn’t know just might kill her.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cold as Ice, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
The title of this book alone made me shiver....then I started reading.

A vacation and the Russian Mafia they just don't belong together, but they merge together in this New York City/Chicago mystery, sending shivers up and down your spine.

An extremely good read...one that kept me guessing page after page, the suspense kept me turning each page a little more quickly.

This is the 3rd book in this series, I have not read the first two, it is definitely a stand-alone read.

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

Childrens Book: Tillie and Clementine, Noises in the Night

Noises in the night....we all hear them....are they louder when children hear them, are they scarier...larger?  Do you remember ever getting yourself more and more afraid with your imagination?  As a parent did you ever have to 'save' your children from noises in the night? This is a super cute book with equally cute illustrations.  Kids get afraid, but what's better to take away the fear than a bit of silliness, and this book does just that!

.....noises in the night are scary to children, but most fearful for mommies is leaving the children home with daddy.  Daddy may have the trembles thinking about being left alone with the kids....read this story and you'll find out just what DOES happen when Daddy is left home with the kids!

Cute, fun read, a great cuddle-up and snuggle read!

About the Author

Dan Killeen is an author/illustrator living in beautiful and humid St Louis. His books display a love of classic comic strips and silly family humor.Dan Killeen is an author/illustrator living in beautiful and humid St Louis. His books display a love of classic comic strips and silly family humor.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Buoyancy Public Relations

Once Upon a Summertime

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.

My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
This is one of those fun, lazy day reads.

At a few points all I could do was shake my head at Anna.....I just wanted to give her a push, to tell her she could do better, but that was something she needed to find out herself!


Anna definitely took a gamble when moving to NYC, but then she fell victim to Sean O'Neil.  That in itself is quite a ride.....and then you have the owners of the Rothsberg Hotel, characters themselves, really.

With it's ups and downs, romance, and friendship this book will keep you turning pages, mostly with a smile on your face.

I always enjoy a Melody Carlson read, and this book was no disappointment!

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

CFBA: Hope Harbor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hope Harbor Revell (July 7, 2015) by Irene Hannon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.

Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!

Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.

Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.

When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

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

MY THOUGHTS
I always jump at the chance to read a book by Irene Hannon, and once again I was not disappointed!

At first I wasn't sure if Michael was a divorcee or a widow, but I did know he was definitely down, lost, and needing to 'find himself' again.  Anna.....she wrapped herself around my heart right away.  Kind of a loner, but willing to stick her neck out.  Tracy...she's a bit feisty, but nothing wrong with that, and together all of these characters make for quite a read.

Of course, you can pretty much imagine on your own that Michael and Tracy will have a romance....they both have a past that needs to be healed, and maybe they both came to Hope Harbor for a reason.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, the journey through the book brings happiness, healing and love.

A great read.

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

CFBA: Dead Dog Like Me

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dead Dog Like Me Worthy Publishing (June 23, 2015) by Max Davis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Max Davis is the author of over twenty books, has been featured in USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly, and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. Max and Alanna have three grown children and a grand baby.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dead Dog Like Me, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
Oh my, this was quite a read....I was entertained throughout the entire book.  I only have problems reading the word "Mephibosheth" because I could never pronounce it correctly in my mind!

I all respect, my problem was really quite small compared to Nick's.  His problems were of a much more serious nature.

Imagine hurting your family pet and becoming a public figure because of it.

Imagine surviving an accident that you definitely should NOT have, only to find that you're someone else entirely.

Imagine that you're that other person in a time many many many years prior to your actual existence.

Poor Nick.  At times I was thinking I would lose my mind if I were him, maybe he did in a way.

Waking up from his accident was a bit confusing for him, poor guy.  Sometimes things happen for a reason, and as you read you'll find the reasons....be prepared for quite a journey!

Loved this book, something fresh and different.  Quite entertaining.

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

No Safe Harbor

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing No Safe Harbor Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Elizabeth Ludwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by I'll be Home for Christmas, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.

** I have not yet received my copy of this book for review, but am posting this for CFBA

Summer's List

Summer’s List (River North, June 2015)

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

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


MY THOUGHTS
Despite some of the sadness this was such a happy read, I caught myself smiling so many times...even laughing out loud!

Summer and her grandma have a closeness to be treasured, and of course Summer's world comes to a sudden halt when she finds out her grandma doesn't have long to live.  But leave it to her grandma to make a list for Summer...a list that will change her life!

You just can't help but love Martin Langtree..such an awkward guy but so very lovable.  His brothers...they leave a bit to be desired, but then I think anyone would be a bit messed up with their past.

I truly loved this book, and now as I write this review, I think I'm going to read it again!  Don't miss this one.  It's quirky, funny, sweet, and yes, sad...but the sad doesn't overtake you.

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