25 Book Reviews

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Another Great Book from Popular Author, Karen Witemeyer! Make sure that you enter her giveaway!!


               "More Than Words Can Say"
                     By Karen Witemeyer

About the Book:


Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: May 7, 2019
After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free to live life on his
own terms. No opportunities to disappoint those he cares about, just the quiet bachelor existence he’s always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away once again when the baker of his favorite breakfast treat is railroaded by the city council. As hard as he tries to avoid getting involved, he can’t turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples. Abigail Kemp needs a man’s name on her bakery’s deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. Not the stoic lumberman who oozes confidence without saying a word whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can’t even control her pulse when she’s around him. Once vows are spoken, Abigail’s troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. As trust grows between Zach and Abby, she finds she wants more than his rescue. She wants his heart.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

Karen has once again crafted a meaningful story of love, forgiveness, redemption and grace. When reading this story, the message of God's love being an important part of any type of relationship shines through loud and clear. 

The main characters are described in such depth and realistic detail that one immediately becomes engrossed and involved in their lives. The reader easily identifies with characters who  are just like ourselves, less than perfect. Abigail who has always struggled with her weight and is very self conscious about her looks, can not believe that any male could ever be attracted to her. Even when confronted with the  difficult situation of a female owning property, she failed to think that anyone would be attracted to her without promises of something to be gained. Zach is a true jewel! He not only consents to the marriage of convenience, but does so with grace and true love, although undisclosed. These two imperfect people represent all of us. We need to always look above for our help in our rough times. We are far too hard on ourselves.These endearing characters, alongside the somewhat quirky, whimsical secondary figures exhibit the author's wit and sense of humor. 

The plot, although starting off at a very slow pace, once established, moves along well with just enough unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the page. The underlying meaning shines clearly throughout the many problems and challenges experienced by these dear people. We all need to pay attention to this message. Forgiveness of self and others is required in order for us to experience true happiness. Whether the family is connected by blood naturally or a "patchwork" of individuals, we must all consider ourselves perfect in God's sight. Faith , trust and forgiveness are requirements to a truly happy life!! God can help each of us achieve that goal, as Karen has described with her collection of characters and events.

A fantastic book!! Worthy of five stars! Eagerly awaiting the next book from this talented author! 

This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. A positive review was not required.

About the Author

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
    










More from Karen

Settings – Real or Imagined?
One of the key decisions an author has to make before she begins to write is selecting the setting for her story. And the first choice she faces is the question of whether to use a real or imagined location. Roughly half the stories I have written are set in fictional towns. The use of a fictional setting allows an author greater freedom to manipulate the environment of her characters to fit her plot. This provides a great deal of flexibility. However, there is something special about setting a story in a real place. First, readers who are familiar with that place never fail to get excited about seeing a town they recognize in print. Second, if an author can find historical photos and documents, she can add a wonderful layer of authenticity to her setting that might otherwise be missing. Third, an author may turn up fascinating tidbits when studying the history of her setting that find their way into the story and bring a flavor the author never could have supplied on her own. This was the case as I wrote More Than Words Can Say. All of the stories in my Patchwork Family series have been set in real places. Pecan Gap, Texas for More Than Meets the Eye, Honey Grove, Texas for More Than Words Can Say, and coming this fall we’ll travel to Gainesville, Texas for the concluding novella, More Than a Pretty Face. Researching each location brought its own unique discoveries, but I have to admit that researching the small town of Honey Grove brought this history-loving girl a special level of joy. For example, there is a legend about how the town got its name that I knew needed to be incorporated into my story. Legend has it that when Davy Crockett was on his way to join the fight at the Alamo, he stopped in a grove of trees and set up camp. There were so many bees in that in letters to family and friends, he called the place a “Honey Grove.” He carved his initials into one of the trees and intended to return and settle there after the war. Unfortunately, as we know, Crockett did not survive the Alamo and therefore did not return. One of his friends, Samuel A. Erwin, later found the grove and became the first settler in 1839. Many people recall seeing the initials carved into Crockett’s bee tree even into the early 1900s, which led me to believe that this legend was based in truth. It doesn’t play a pivotal role in my story, but if you watch for it, you’ll find it mentioned. Discovering the Honey Grove Preservation League’s website proved a tremendous boon. Their online historical resources are some of the best I have ever come across. Historical photos, newspaper articles, government records—it was like stepping through a time portal every time I visited. And I visited often. Thanks to the Preservation League, I was able to mention real people and places in my novel. Places like the Commercial Hotel, the home of James Gilmer that was built during my time period, Wilkins, Wood & Patteson Dry Goods, and Dora Galbraith Patteson’s millinery shop on the east side of the town square. While Zacharias Hamilton and Reuben Sinclair are completely fictitious characters, there really was a lumberyard located on the corner of Sixth Street and Rail Road. As fiction authors are wont to do, I did take a few liberties with Honey Grove’s history. To my knowledge, there was never any city ordinance banning women from owning businesses in town, which was a key plot point in More Than Words Can Say. In addition, Mayor Chester Longfellow was a complete invention of my imagination. The true mayor of Honey Grove during this time period was J.H. Smith, a man who served in that capacity from 1888-1897. He must have been a well-loved city official to hold office for nearly a decade. I paid brief homage to him by having him step back into office when my fictitious mayor resigned. I hope you enjoy stepping back in time with me into historic Honey Grove, Texas. Zach and Abigail might not have lived there in truth, but I like to believe their tale is a representation of the many amazing love stories have taken place in that sweet little town through the years.

Blog Stops

Baker kella, June 16
EmpowerMoms, June 16
Genesis 5020, June 17
Bigreadersite , June 17
Among the Reads, June 18
C Jane Read, June 19
Mary Hake, June 19
Hallie Reads, June 19
Splashes of Joy, June 21
Pause for Tales, June 21
Worthy2Read, June 22
Vicky Sluiter, June 23
Wishful Endings, June 24
Simple Harvest Reads, June 24 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
amandainpa , June 25
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Emily Yager, June 28
Lukewarm Tea, June 28
By The Book, June 28
The Becca Files, June 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a grand prize that includes More Than Words Can Say, More Than Meets the Eye, and a $20 Panera Bread gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f4/more-than-words-can-say-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Fast Paced Thriller by Dana Mintrink!! Enter the Giveaway!

         
                 "Danger on the Ranch"
                      By Dana Mentink 

About the Book:


Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense
Release date: June 1, 2019
After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.



Click here to purchase your copy.


About the Author

Dana-MentinkDana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
My Thoughts:

I must admit that my first choice of reading material is not usually one taking place on a ranch, however, this book was one that grabbed my attention from the first page and just wouldn't release me until I had read the last page!!! If you are looking for a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, with your heart racing, then this is an excellent choice for you!!

Dana is the queen of storytellers! She is able to engage you with each and every character in her story,vividly describing each one,  allowing you to feel the story unfold , while feeling every challenge, hurt , fear and emotion . I walked alongside these dear people as they stumbled  along their rocky road of life. There are two brothers in this mysterious tale. We think of brothers sharing some traits however these men are as different as night and day. One loving and kind, the other as evil as could be. As the story progresses, we learn how this complicates the development of a romance. 

The plot is suspense filled, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing from beginning to end. This journey is complete, filled with terror, with a mad man seeking others in order to kill them . He wants them dead and nothing else will satisfy him. He has the others questioning themselves as they attempt to trust each other. Can anyone be trusted????  God has a plan but are these individuals able or wanting to follow it? The unexpected ending shows us the power of our Lord.

 I highly recommend this book to all suspense lovers! I have to tell you that it did take my heart a while to beat at a normal rate again!!

The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.



More from Dana

We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!
https://youtu.be/XQnhfGyTvHw


Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 26
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Wishful Endings, June 28
Hallie Reads, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
Remembrancy, July 2
Moments, July 3
Genesis 5020, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Carpe Diem, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
EmpowerMoms, July 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e31a/danger-on-the-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

What could be better than five tales about weddings??? Well, how about winning a spa package ? Make sure that you enter!


                        "The Second Yes"
                                                                  By: Terry
                                                     Verde
                                                     Bridgeman
                                                    Havig
                                                     Tru

About the Book:


Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance
Release date: May 15, 2019
The Second Yes: Five of today’s Best-selling Christian Authors weave six brand-new, unique, interconnected stories of what happens after the bride says yes to him and yes to the dress.
Something Borrowed, Someone Blue: A borrowed dress, half-completed marriage counseling, and a last-minute theft.
Let’s face it. Weddings equal stress for the families involved. Preachers, however, have it easy. Or so they say.
Ty Jamison’s first parishioner is getting married. Though he’s performed many services at the little chapel in New Cheltenham–grand affairs, all designed to give the illusion of simplicity–all of them were strangers to him.
So when Lara Priest asks him to perform the ceremony at her wedding, and to use the chapel, of course, Ty is thrilled. That joy fades as one by one, things go wrong. From a groom who refuses to attend pre-marital counseling to Lara discovering that her dream wedding dress is a no-can-do, what can go wrong seems to.
And like so many weddings that movies are made of, things go from bad to worse to “worser.”
All the while, Ty tries to remind himself that he only has to provide a little premarital counseling, show up, perform the service, and find a way to hide his broken heart through the whole ordeal.
All in a life’s work.

Click here to purchase your copy.
My Thoughts:

This collection of five stories each written by a different author fit so well together that you easily step from one tale into the next. Each involves the main topic- a wedding, including wedding dress shops. What a great book to lose yourself in as you become immersed in the trials and challenges each bride experiences. Families, love and God's plans in individual's lives are a focus that we all need to think about, especially in  the nerve wracking planning of a wedding. 

Chautona Havig's novella, "Something Borrowed, Someoneone Blue" definitely stood out as one of my favorites. She is an author that I have admired for some time and I find myself always able to lose myself in her stories. The characters are engaging and have you  walking alongside them in their challenge of preparing for the wedding of the century. They were so realistically and well described that I found they were easy to identify with. I felt every heartache that Lara Priest met as she tried to meet the needs of her groom and his family. I must admit that I wanted to shake him many times and wake him up so that he could see what an angel he was getting as his bride. However, the minister who was going to marry this couple became the saving grace. There was definitely more to Preston and his family than met the eye. 

The plot moved quickly with many unexpected twists and turns keeping the reader totally engaged from beginning to end. Just when I thought plans couldn't be more bizarre and heartbreaking , another bump in the road would appear. AND.... it wasn't a small bump, it was a boulder!! I felt such sympathy for this young lady who just wanted to be a bride!! Shocking reveals concerning the groom and his family became apparent as the story progressed. Could Lara ever meet the expectations??? Could any one of us do it?? Was there a hidden agenda? If so, what was it???

This book is worthy of five stars. All stories were thoroughly enjoyed by this reader. God's plan becomes apparent in all of the tales. Sometimes we just need a bit of nudge to make us aware of it!

This book was provided by CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review. 

About the Author
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

The tiny bridal shop held dozens of dresses. Frothy princess dresses, twenties dropped-waist dresses, straight, short, silky, shiny satin, lace, beaded appliques… I looked at them all and found an ivory jacquard, tea length, dress by Jessica McClintock. It was a hundred dollars. To a girl making $4.25 an hour and too broke to buy food, it might as well have been a thousand. Still, it was also cheaper than any other dress in the store and just my style.
I pulled out the twenty-dollars I’d saved by doing extra work around my apartment for the landlord and said I’d put it on layaway.
My maid of honor protested.
The dress wasn’t fancy enough. It didn’t reach the floor. It wasn’t white. I didn’t look good in ivory (she was right on that one, anyway), and the veil I’d fallen in love with—you know the $120 veil I could never afford—wouldn’t look good with it.
Duh.
Look, I was eighteen (barely), and had parents who would have paid me to elope in Las Vegas in lieu of the wedding. Two months later, we did go… And we still had the wedding, but that’s a story for another day.
I left the store with my choice on layaway. Went home and later told my fiancé about the thing. He said to get the one I wanted. And I had. Still, I got the impression that he thought I actually wanted the other one… and maybe he meant that I should get that one.
That left a conundrum. Did he like the sound of the other one more? Was that why? The traditional white and floor-length thing? I went back to the shop the next day to look again. Seriously, if we’d had cellphones back then, I would have taken a picture and asked him.
That’s when I found out the white one was now on layaway—not the ivory I’d chosen. The decision had been made for me.

AND SO WENT THE REST OF MY WEDDING PLANNING.

I made one decision. It was countermanded as not grand enough, not traditional enough, too cheap, not enough… One decision, I’d made involved flowers. I called to ask about something after I’d ordered them and found they’d been changed to something else. I lost it—informed the florist that if any changes were not made in person with my driver’s license as proof of me making them, then when the wedding day came, if the flowers were wrong, I’d do without flowers. We wouldn’t have any. And I wouldn’t pay for them.
I wish I’d have had the backbone to do more of that.
But come on, I was eighteen. My mother didn’t have anything to do with wedding planning. They’d agreed to show up in whatever clothes we told them to, and that was it.
Back to the dress. I think it’s important to note that I did love that white, floor-length dress. It was beautiful, it looked good on me, and it would make for lovely pictures. It would.

IT JUST WASN’T WHAT I’D CHOSEN.

You see, I’d said “yes” to a dress—just not the one that I had agreed to pay for. Instead, it was the one that was almost four times the cost of the one I already couldn’t afford.
I’d always planned to tell the story—fictionalized, of course—but I figured it would be about Rockland’s wedding planning company, “The Agency.” So, when it came time to do my book for the next Crossroads collection, The Second Yes, I was surprised to discover that elements of my own wedding kept cropping up in different ways.
The motivation is different in Something Borrowed, Someone Blue, but the result is the same—a girl who, no matter what happens, can’t seem to have the wedding she envisions.
The question is… is that a good thing?

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, June 19
Cultivating Us, June 22
Carpe Diem, June 23
Power of Words, June 26 (spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize that includes a Spa Basket designed to soothe any bride’s nerves (or to make any reader feel as though she is part of the bridal party and getting pampered before the big day) and also includes a $25 gift certificate to Amazon (Image not reflective of actual contents)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e514/the-second-yes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Another Fantastic Read by One of My Favorite Authors, Vannetta Chapman!

An Amish Proposal for Christmas  By Vannetta Chapman Synopsis: Her deepest Christmas wish will bring more than she imagined…in this novel by...