Within My Heart

by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House Publishers

"Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart."

I am battling a cold right now and stayed in bed most of the day.  Since I was resting I decided to read more of the book I started last night.  I literally could not put it down!  Although I did think it was a sequel to another book because some of my questions were not answered, but they were so few that it did not matter to me and the book was still good as a stand alone.  I was intrigued by the storyline as well as an understanding of the characters and their lives.  My heart broke along with the characters' when tragedy unfolded.  The book made me reflect upon my own life and my relationship with those I love and to realize how much they mean to me.

Price:  $14.99  buy now.

*I was sent a free copy of his book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

Masquerade

by Nancy Moser

Bethany House Publishing

"Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare. 

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?"

I just finished this book!  I loved it!  I felt like I was a part of the story.  I found myself wishing I could give Lottie and Dora advice.  It is a longer book then ones I have been reading, but I read it fairly quickly.  It is a good clean book .  The books talks about social classes in England and how they are in America.  There is some history of immigration to the United States in the book as well. 

I think that those who read this will love it and will learn a little history as well. 

Price: $ 14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my review.

Love's First Bloom

by Delia Parr

Bethany House Publishing

"Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him.

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?"

I really enjoyed this book.  I found myself swept up in the life of Ruth and the fears she was facing.  The story was intriguing and thought provoking.  I thought what I would do if I were her.  I am not sure I could have been as patient as Ruth.

This book was written well and the characters were portrayed in such a manner they were easy to know and love.

Price:  $14.99 buy here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publsiher.  I am not compensated for my review.

The Vigilante's Bride

by Yvonne Harris

Bethany House Publishing

"Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy.

Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice."

 

This book was a quick and easy read.  I enjoyed it, but it reminded me more of a clean romance then anything deeper.  There was a little bit of Christianity in it, but not more then would be in a normal book- praying to God when in trouble.  It only took me a day or so to read because it was quite short.  I felt the characters could have been more developed.  I would like to have read more about what they were thinking-especially Emily and her feelings about the predicament she came to find herself in.

Price:  $14.99 to purchase click here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

The Waiting

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell Publishing

"She was waiting for love--and found it in the most unexpected place.
Jorie King's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben Zook to return to Lancaster County. Waiting for him to settle down and join the church. Waiting to marry him.
But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie is devastated. She finds unlikely comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. Friendship ripens into love, and two broken hearts plan for a life filled with the promise of a fresh beginning--until their worlds are turned upside down.
With her realistic characters whose weaknesses develop into strengthens, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers a reading experience that rises above the others. You will love growing in spirit with these complex people living the simple life as The Waiting transports you into a world where things aren't as simple as they seem."

Loved this book!!  I could not put it down.  I have read a number of books based on the Amish and this is one of my favorites.  I liked the fact that it was OK for women to have an opinion.  In most of the Amish books I have read the men have the final say no matter what their wife thinks. 
I am excited to read the next book in the series.  I did read the first book and my review for that one is here. 
I liked this one a lot better then the first one.

Price:  $14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

In Every Heartbeat

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House Publishers

"As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?"

A fresh new book about friendship.  Even though I enjoyed this book, I felt the beginning quite boring.  I usually only take a couple of days to read a book, however this took me over a week, because it took me forever to get in to, but once the first several chapters were done the story became interesting.  I have a feeling there will be a sequel to the book because we do not  find out what happens to one of the friends-his ending per say. Good read.

Price:  $14.99 purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

The House on Malcolm Street

by Leisha Kelly
Revell Publishing

"It is the autumn of 1920, and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son, she is angry at God and fearful about the days ahead. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah begins the slow process of mending her heart.
Is it the people who surround her--or perhaps this very house--that reach into her heart with healing? As Leah finds peace tending to an abandoned garden, can she find a way to trust God with her future?"

I found the storyline intriguing, however as I read I was disappointed to find the story lacking- in all areas.  The author got you interested in the characters only to touch the surface with each of them.  The story lacked deeper meaning. I felt I really did not get to know any of the characters really well.  As I read on I hoped that the story would have some deeper message and that it would delve deeper into the characters- however I was sorely disappointed. When I read a book I like to get to know the character and feel as if I am understand their perspective in the story.  I was unable to read this book and feel any connection with any of the characters.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Price:  $14.99 to purchase click here.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

The Way Home (DVD)

Thomas Nelson Publishing

"A missing child. A family in crisis. A faith tested. In their darkest hour, God gives hope.
Dean Cain stars as Randy Simpkins, a husband and father torn between the demands of his job and family. Asked by his wife to watch their two-year-old son, Joe, for a few minutes, he becomes distracted by work. When he returns, Joe is gone. He and his wife search desperately for their missing son through the vast countryside. But as their fear grows, the community responds – hundreds of supporters uniting behind the family in a powerful spiritual journey that will test the couple’s love and faith, and forever change a community."

We watched this on Monday for family night.  We should have got our box of tissues out before the movie started.  This is my worst nightmare:  that one of my children will become missing.  I watched the movie in suspense realizing in my heart that this was a true story, not based on a true story but the true story.  My stomach was in knots, but it was a good movie.  Yes, the acting was lacking-especially the gal who played the mom.  She seemed very calm and not upset at all that her two year old wondered off in the middle of the woods.  

The DVD contains the real people and the story behind the making of the movie.  It was very touching to see the actual parents and their true reactions. 

This is a must see for all dads-especially ones who think work is more important then their families.

*I was sent a free copy of this DVD from the publisher to watch and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

A Hope Undaunted

by Julie Lessman

Revell Publishing

"The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?"

 

This book by Julie Lessman was a like/dislike.  Why?  I liked the basic storyline and the characters.  I did not like it because the story was too drawn out and the ending was weird and not developed enough to make it a smooth ending. I think that the story could have been edited down and not so long.  The last few chapters bounced back and forth between a happy ending and an unhappy ending leaving you guessing until the end.

Price: $14.99  Purchase here.

*I  was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated in any way for my review.

Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

by Mary Beth Chapman & Ellen Vaughn
Revell Publishing

I was not sure what to expect when I recieved this book.  I have tried to read other books that people have wrote about their experiences that were poorly written and uninteresting.  However this was NOT that kind of  book.  This book is well written, very interesting and pulled me in to her story.  After finishing this book I wanted to be her friend and get to know her more. 

Her story is not a happy one, but it tells her story~ how she has dealt with the death of a child.  It has been fairly recent~a little over 2 years.  I found myself wanting to comfort her and her family in their time of loss. 

Her story also involved adoption.  Since we are on our own adoption journey, although ours is domestic foster care, I felt I was able to connect and learn from their experiences.

She is able to give her grief to her Father in Heaven and let him help her through it.  Through this journey we are able to SEE how we can learn to give our troubles over to the Lord.

September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Giveaway!!

One of my favorite blogs is doing a giveaway on her blog for some great Scentsy stuff. 

Check it out and enter to win, be sure to tell her I sent you!!

Brown Paper Packages

One Hands, Two Hands

by Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson Publishing

This is a very cute book for children.  My 5 year old daughter really liked and thought it was a good book.

One Hand, Two Hands illustrates that their hands are a gift from God.  Lucado shows that hands cando all sorts of things but they are best used to serve God by helping others. 

There are silly whimsical pictures, but the book ends with a prayer of thanks.  A very sweet book, it would make a nice baby gift.

*I was sent a free copy of this book by the publisher to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

The Boy Who Changed the World

by Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson Publishing

The Boy Who Changed the World is a very profound book.  I read it to my children and my husband was in the room. We all talked about it afterward-how what you do and the choices you make can make a big difference.  The boy in the story did not make a difference at the time but later on influenced many others.

I think this book should be in every home.  It shows children that their decisions really do make a difference, no matter how small.  No matter what they think, this book will help them understand that one person really can make a difference.

I encourage my readers to purchase a book for yourselves or one as a gift for the child in your life.

*I was sent a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and review, as always I am not compensated for my review.

Brown Paper Packages Giveaway!!

One of my favorite blogs I follow is Brown Paper Packages.

She is so creative!  I have no creative bones in my body but I think everyone of hers is creative!! 

Right now she is doing a giveaway from Poppy Seed Projects.  

Check it out and enter to win! 

Amish Proverbs GIVEAWAY!!!

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Revell Publishing

This is such a beautiful book!  My husband even picked it up and look through it and found a fun proverb:

"There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's the wife who can't cook and will." (page 201)

No, I am not a bad cook, he just thought that was so funny.

My grandma always says, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."  I love this proverb.  If you keep asking, or haggling or looking for whatever you need you will find it.

Price: $13.99

*I was sent a free copy (and a free copy to give away) to read and review.  The opinions on this blog are my honest opinions and I am not compensated for the review.

To win your very own copy of this beautiful book please leave your favorite proverb (or saying).  Make sure you leave your email as well so I can contact you if you win!  I will give you an extra entry if you get a friend to come and leave a favorite saying~ just make sure you leave another comment saying you sent them!  I will randomly select a winner Monday August 30th.

Let's Do Lunch

by RogerWilson

Thomas Nelson Publishing

Very rarely do I finish a book on "dieting."  Usually diet books are full of scientific facts, psychological mumbo jumbo.  Don't get me wrong I do not believe that science and psychology are junk, but when you want to lose weight, you want to do it NOW.  I would get discouraged reading the stupid book~ and go off the diet before I even finished the book!!  Not with this book.  Not only did I finish the book but I did so in 2 days! 

Wilson writes about what he learned when we lost his massive amount of weight.  He told the readers what to eat, not why it scientifically worked that way.  There was no psychological basis, just the facts.  He is giving his readers what they need, a way to change their diets forever.

I am so excited to start this new eating plan.  I will keep you updated as to how things are going.  I need to go buy grapes first!

*I was sent this book as part of the book sneeze review program.  I am not compensated in any way for my honest review.

Cast of Characters

by Max Lucado

Thomas Nelson Publishing

"Some of the most powerful stories from the Bible will come alive for today’s readers through these

inspiring selections from the writings of Max Lucado. Max provides a compelling look at the most

high-impact moments in the biblical narrative, drawn from his previous 20+ years of writing.

At the end of each chapter will be study guide questions so the reader can go deeper into this

scripture.

Extraordinary stories are told about the following characters:

Mary, Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Nicodemus, Woman at the Well, David, Esther, Job, The Samaritan Woman, John, Rich Young Man."

I have read a number of Max Lucado's works.  Most of them I have found to be wonderful and profound.  However this book felt wrong.  I picked it up to read today.  I was disappointed and a little upset at the way Lucado portrayed the Bible and Biblical characters.  I felt he was trying to fit in with today's hip way of life.  I have respect and reverence for my Father in Heaven and the Holy Scriptures.  I felt that the respect and reverence that the Bible demands was not there.  It was almost callous in the way it was written.  I was unable to read the entire book, because of the uneasiness that I found from reading the small bit I did.  Maybe this book will appeal to others in a way it did not to me.

Price: $14.99

*I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to read and review.  I am  not compensated for my honest opinion.

Offworld

by Robin Parrish

Bethany House Publishing

Okay, so yesterday I was reading this book and told Brian what a great book it was.  He asked me what it was about.  I told him it was about these 4 astronauts that went on a 2 1/2 year mission to Mars and when they came back EVERYONE in the world was gone.  I happened about 2 months before their return~ the same time they lost contact with NASA.  So as they are traveling to this bright light in Houston from Florida, they find a homeless gal (about 19 or so)~ the only person alive.  Not knowing what to think they took her with them.

  Brian was shocked he said, "Your are reading science fiction?"  I told him I was and it was soooo good and they needed to make it into a movie! (I never read sci-fi).

Well this morning I finished it and while it was really good, I can not tell you any more.  It will spoil the ending for you if I tell you more then what I told you already.  But even if you are not into sci-fi (like me) you should try to read it.  Only took me about 5 hours to read!
Loved it!

Price $14.99  purchase here.

*I was sent a free copy to read and review.  I am not compensated for my honest review.

Though Waters Roar

by Lynn Austin

Bethany House Publishing

"Thank goodness you're such a plain child. You'll have to rely on your wits."

So went the words of Grandma Bebe. And for all of my growing-up years, I scoffed at the beauty of my sister and what I saw as her meaningless existence. But my wits hadn't served me well in this instance, for here I was, in jail. And while I could have seen it as carrying on the family tradition (for Grandma Bebe landed in jail for her support of Prohibition), the truth is, my reasons for being here would probably break her heart.

So how did I end up becoming a criminal? I've been pondering that question all night. Perhaps the best way to search for an answer is to start at the very beginning."

One girl's story intertwined with her grandmother's life story.  This truly is a unique story of courage and trusting God with our lives.  There is quite a bit of history in the book that I was able to glean.  I found myself hoping and wishing for good to happen from Bebe as her life was so hard..  It was easy to follow a long, although I did find it a bit long and hard to get into in the beginning.

Price: $ 13.99 purchase from the publisher.

*I was sent a free copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.  I am not compensated for my honest opinion.

Granola Bar and Fruit Snacks GIVE AWAY!

My friend Janet from Simply Schooling Mom is having a giveaway from Costco.  She is giving away a huge box of granola bars, real fruit roll up snacks, and a $25 gift card to Costco. To enter go here.

Thank you Janet!!