Lady in the Mist

The Midwives-Book 1
by Laurie Alice Eakes
Revell Publishing

"By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.  In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace, and . . . love. But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them."



I enjoy reading books about midwives.  Although I was dissapointed that there was a lot of actual midwifery in the book.  The book gives bits and pieces of various secrets, but you do not know them until near the end of the book which is nice for suspense purposes.  The chapters go back and forth between the main characters which can be good but confusing as well.

I am looking forward to reading more of Eakes' books especially in her Midwives series.
"Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."


Price:  $14.99 purchase here.  (the publisher will sometimes have their books on sale).


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

Stars Collide

by Janice Thompson
Revell Publishing

Another book by one of my favorite authors, Janice Thompson!  I love her fun and sassy writing style- it makes me laugh and ponder at the same time!  Janice has so much talent!  I make myself read slower otherwise I would read it in one night! 

"Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom--they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed
in-laws?"

Such a hillarious book!  I just love Grandma- she is seriously funny!  Want a fun, upbeat, light read?  You gotta RUN and buy this one!

I have a feeling there will be a sequel to this one (or is that wishful thinking?).

Price:  $14.99  Purchase here (many times the publisher's website has discounts available).


*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 American Patriot's Almanac

by William Bennett & John Cribb
Thomas Nelson Publishing

Wow what a great book to have in your home.  I received this book from booksneeze.com to read and review.  It is divided into daily readings- some stories if you will.  It is great for devotionals for homeschoolers, or for people wanting a little tidbit of American history.  It is really well done.  It is nice to be able to learn something new about our nation each day.  Sometimes history can be boring and overwhelming to learn- especially for kiddos.  However, with this book it is broken up into small chunks for one to easily digest. 

"This revised edition includes:
A new preface and updated facts and figures Updates to the American History Parade lists and daily readings New special sections on "Faith and the Founders," "State Facts and Symbols," and "Fifty American Quotes"


This book will make anyone love American History!  Great book to give as a gift as well!

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

The Search

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Baker Publishing

"As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge--the very town in which that decision was made--she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn't take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and healing."

This book was set in the 1970's- something I had to keep remembering.  It was a little hard to get in to, but once I did I really enjoyed it.  It is a book about forgiveness, love and finding who you are and what you want.  There are secrets that have been hidden for a lifetime ready to come out.  It is great to find out how those people involved deal with the truth.  I really would love the author to do a sequel. 

Price: $14.99 Purchase here. (Many times the publisher has this book on sale.)

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

Fatal Judgment

#1 in the Guardians of Justice Series

by Irene Hannon

Revell Publishing

"U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment launches a thrilling series featuring three siblings bound by blood and a passion for justice."

Intense and faced paced!  Another book I could not put down.  Jake believed his old friend's view of his marriage with Liz, now years after his death he is started to reevaluate his opinion of her.  Jake's job is to protect her, but he is starting to have feelings for her.  Jake is also trying to figure out why and who is trying to kill Judge Liz Michaels.  This book is a page turner with many twists and turns.  I am excited to read more about some of the other characters in Hannon's next books.

Price:  $14.99 purchase here. (The publisher's website usually has a discount on their books).

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

Swope's Ridge

by Ace Collins

Zondervan Publishing

"September 12, 2001. Four members of the Klasser family are found dead outside Dallas, Texas. In the wake of 9/11, the Klassers’ neighbor, Omar Jones—an American citizen of Arab descent—is convicted of their murder.

A month before Jones’ execution, attorney Lije Evans searches for evidence that will prove the man innocent. But Evans’ quest goes deeper than solving one crime. He is determined to find the secret behind the dark history of sleepy Swope’s Ridge—and how it ties into his wife’s murder.

Interlocking mysteries lead Evans and his team to the battlegrounds of former Nazi Germany, the dirt roads of Kansas, and a rusty cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, they discover a secret that offers the promise of great power—and the greatest temptation they’ve ever faced.

In the second book of the Lije Evans Mysteries series, bestselling author Ace Collins immerses readers in an intricate and deadly international plot. Racism, betrayal, and death-defying escapes compound an adventure that knows no bounds in this harrowing novel for suspense lovers everywhere."

Suspense at it's best!  Ace Collins sure knows how to write a book that his readers can not wait to read the next page.  This is book two in the two book series.  Book one, Farraday Road begins this story of murder, intrigue, and  international conspiracy.  For my review of Farraday Road click here.

If I thought the first book in the series was a page turner, then this book was a great ending to the story.  Although it was not the perfect ending to the book (in my opinion) it was really good.  I of course wish for happy endings in all the books I read. 

Price $ 15.99 purchase here.

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

Farraday Road

by Ace Collins

Zondervan Publishing

"A quiet evening ends in murder on a muddy mountain road. Local attorney Lije Evans and his beautiful wife, Kaitlyn, are gunned down. But the killers don’t expect one of their victims to live. After burying Kaitlyn, Lije is on a mission to find her killer—and solve a mystery that has more twists and turns than an Ozark-mountain back road. When the trail of evidence goes cold, complicated by the disappearance of the deputy who found Kaitlyn’s body at the scene of the crime, Lije is driven to find out why he and his wife were hunted down and left for dead along Farraday Road. He begins his dangerous investigation with no clues and little help from the police. As he struggles to uncover evidence, will he learn the truth before the killers strike again?"

Once I started reading this book I was not able to put it down- literally. I stayed up late reading it.  Ace Collins has a special talent to pull the reader in to be part of the story.  I felt like I was on the "team" investigating the murder.  I did think there were a lot of people to keep track of and it was a little confusing because the author would refer to them by their last name sometimes and their first times at other times.

There were a couple of places I was confused, but I wonder if that was because I was sent an advance reader copy- where it is unedited.  I am sure that these few places were edited and corrected.

This is the first book in the two book series, so this book does not contain the ending- but I did read book two ,Swope's Ridge.  I had both the books so I could go right from one book to the next as I would suggest to you. 

Price $ 15.99  Purchase here.

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

Brown Paper Packages: Giveaway

One of my favorite blogs, Brown Paper Packages is having a giveaway this week!!

 They are giving away a $25 gift certificate for the Pleated Poppy! So run over there and sign up to win!

Christmas at the Harringtons

by Melody Carlson

Baker Publishing

Lena has just got out of prison, serving 8 years for a crime she did not commit.  The only thing she wants is a place to start over- where no one knows her or her past.  She is given a quite ugly outfit to wear, a few weeks of paid rent in a boarding house in an undesirable part of town, $65, and a recommendation for possible job opening.  How will the people of New Haven treat her when they find out her past?  Will she be able to be free from her past?

This book was a quick read- great for a busy Christmas season.  The farther I got in the book the more I wanted to read.  However I was disappointed in the abrupt ending.  It seemed the author had to wrap up the book and get it out to the publisher to meet a deadline.  I felt it needed a few more chapters to get to the point in the ending.  It seemed lacking and kind of out of place.

If you are looking for a quick read to get you in the Christmas spirit give this book a try!

Price:  $15.99 purchase from Revell Publishing

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

A Rush of Wings

by Kristen Heitzmann

Bethany House Publishing

"Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.

Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide."

A definite page-turner in my book!  I could not put this book down until I finished it.  Each page was filled with suspense- I just had to see what happened in the end! 

I really enjoy books that are well written and engaging.  It seems lately I have been selecting books that follow this pattern.  It is delightful to be able to read a book and be so immersed in the story that I can not put it down!

Noelle has some pretty major flashbacks during the course of the book which is the reason she fled her home in the first place.  There are so many levels to this book and so much that happens to Noelle, one can not help getting sucked into the story.

Price: $14.99

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

Hatteras Girl

by Alice J. Wisler

Bethany House Publishing

"Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?"

Filled with surprises this book was fun for me to read.  I did not know what was going to happen, and could not guess the ending.  I know what I wanted to happen and was pleasantly surprised that it came to be!  I think this book was well written and that the author is very good.  It seems there are so many books out there with stories that are easy to guess their endings, however this book took a few turns I did not anticipate happening.  Great read!!  I want a book two- I want to find out more about Hatteras Girl!

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 Reluctant Entertainer

by Sandy Coughlin

Bethany House Publishing

"True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it's about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining--connecting deeply with others--she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love."

I like to entertain, I just do not do it very often.  After reading this book I realized how much I missed it.  This is a great book for everyone- no matter where you are in your entertaining.  There is something in this book for those of us that have entertained before those that are new to entertaining, and to those who have entertained for years.

Sandy Coughlin explains the meaning behind entertaining- what your guests get out of it and how to connect with your guests.  There are ideas for conversation starters, foods, places, and how to go about inviting.  I think my hang up about entertaining is that I can not do it all, my house is on the smaller side and if we were to invite another family over then we would be squished.  However, Coughlin explains that it doesn't matter how big or clean your home is, it is just important how you relate to your guests.  I know this is one book I will be keeping around and referencing for years to come.


Price: $17.99 buy 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.

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.