25 Book Reviews

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Complicated Family Dynamics!! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!


                            Moments We Forget
                By Beth Vogt

 About the book:
Genre: Contemporary fiction, woman’s fiction
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine. Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again. Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?

Click here to purchase your copy.
My Thoughts:

 This, the second book in Beth's Thatcher Sisters' series, draws you into the lives of the three sisters , every bit as much as the first one did. I thought that my box of tissues was well used for "Things I Never Told You", however, I was mistaken. Out came a new box as I made my way through Jillian's story. This author has the unique and ability when dealing with sensitive topics, to draw you deeply into the lives of young women who each have a struggle . Jillian, as the middle sister, feels very neglected and on her own to fight a battle that not one of us would want to encounter. As she works her way through the ravages of cancer and its way of taking over her life, she also attempts to reconcile with her two other sisters who have been separated far too long by grief and circumstances. With the realistic and vivid description of each character , the reader easily identifies with them, feeling every hurt, disappointment and fear. Deep emotions arise as you walk alongside Jillian in her struggles with health and relationships. 

 The plot keeps one so totally engrossed that time passes you by. I have to admit that I read the book in one sitting. I could not put this novel down!!! The unexpected twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, just waiting for the next disappointment or tragedy to fall, as usual, in the character's weakest moments! This is reality!! The rocky road of life trips us up on occasion, however, Jillian found the strength she needed, when she needed it most. You could feel her inner strength as it developed in the most unexpected ways. God is always nearby, however, we must seek and accept His help.

 So many sensitive topics addressed in this story of these women, cancer, adoption, relationships that were falling apart, were done so in such a caring manner. Beth Vogt has the unique talent of appealing to her readers' empathy in such a way that it grows, unnoticed, as the characters develop. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction!!! 

 This is definitely a five star book addressing so many topics that many avoid. I am eagerly awaiting Book three in this series!!

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

About the Author

Beth-VogtBeth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A women’s fiction novelist, Beth’s first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018.
Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly‘s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.
An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and also enjoys speaking to writers’ groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

More from Beth

“A sister is like yourself in a different movie, a movie that stars you in a different life.”
Deborah Tannen (1945-), sociologist
I’m launching Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters series, and I’ve just turned in the final book in the series. I’d love to share book three’s title with you, but I don’t know what it is. (Of course, book three might have a final title by the time you read this—that’s part of the fun of prerelease deadlines.)
One thing I do know: the theme of “Little Women gone wrong” is woven through all of the books . . . thanks to the Thatcher sisters: Payton, Pepper, Jillian, and Johanna.
Sisters, be they real or imaginary, can be complicated.
Of course, there are sisters who have close relationships. They “get” each other and love doing life together.
But then there are the sister relationships that are like mismatched socks. Or those expensive jeans you loved in the store, but when you bring them home, they never quite live up to those moments in the dressing room.
Such are the Thatcher sisters. Johanna, Jillian, Payton, and Pepper grew up in the same family. They’re all tall. They love Broncos football and board games. But in so many ways their lives are like different movies because they each made different choices. Choices that changed and separated them. Moments We Forgetcontinues to explore whether the Thatcher sisters can find a way to understand each other enough to bridge the distance between them.

Blog Stops

Livin’ Lit, May 7
Carpe Diem, May 8
Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, May 10
Genesis 5020, May 13
By The Book, May 13
Bigreadersite, May 14
Moments, May 15
Hallie Reads, May 19

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Beth is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card plus a softcover copy of Moments We Forget!!
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/e26d/moments-we-forget-celebration-tour-giveaway
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Saturday, May 4, 2019

This Book Will Keep You Thinking... of life and for those things we should be thankful! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!



                        "Shine the Light"
                       By April McGowan

 About the Book:
Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time. She’s stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives especially when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised. And she’s even let down her guard long enough to let a boyfriend, Justin, into her life.
Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?
Click here to purchase your copy.
My Thoughts:

 This book is one that will make you think deep thoughts.... all centred on overcoming!! Overcoming what?? you may ask. Well, when the book begins , I was immediately struck by a main character overcoming the inability to see. Being blind in a seeing world would challenge me in ways that I can't even imagine!! But as the plot progressed, the theme of overcoming many serious problems became evident! Just imagine, you have to somehow strive to live a happy life while attempting to deal with many deep seated fears and memories.

April manages to use her unique talent to pull the reader into her characters' lives , travelling alongside them as they fight their inner demons. Your emotions are in high gear making your heart throb, as each fights to win and overcome. The characters are all described so vividly that one is wanting to constantly give them hope and a big hug , as well as a prayer that all will be well one day in the near future. The reader feels the brokenness and hopelessness that must be experienced before achieving healing from hurtful pasts.

 The plot is detailed, moving along at a quick pace, with twists and turns jumping out at the most unexpected moments. The need for forgiveness plays an important part throughout this story. How can one forgive someone who left such a hurt in your inner being ? Can trust every be a part of your life again? Only God can truly give the healing touch that is needed. There is hope and redemption but only when one puts their whole lives in God's hands and allows Him to take control. Easier said than done, but possible.

 This book is ideal for those who are hurting and need some answers to have hope for a happy future. It is also for those of us who need to appreciate what we have and what greater happiness we can feel through our faith.

 This is a five star book!! Leaves you in deep thought long after the book has been read and put away!!
Eagerly awaiting this author's next book!!

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

About the Author

April McGowan loves to read and write inspirational fiction. She and her husband, two children, and her ‘mews’ (three cats!), live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is a member of Oregon Christian Writers, the Christian Author’s Network, and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, homeschooling her son, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she’s on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.

More from April

Writing About Tough Subjects—with Hope
I began writing over twenty years ago. And technically I wrote long before that as well. But those pieces were ‘just for fun.’ However, as I look back on my short stories, blog posts, and now my published work, there’s a definite theme: overcoming. Overcoming childhood abuse, overcoming an abusive marriage, overcoming loss—physical and emotional. And those overcoming stories were not about overcoming through our own strength, which is so often flawed and lacking, but by relying on the One who can heal us from every wrong, every hurt, and every loss.
After my first novel, Jasmine, I asked my readers what they’d like me to focus on in my next books—what subjects were overlooked in fiction today? The overwhelming consensus was adoption, loss, and mental illness.
As a contemporary fiction author, I stay current on social issues, so that wasn’t a huge jump for me. My readers saw a gap, and I did, too.
Not that it’s wrong to simply read for entertainment—shoot, I do! But I’ve always loved gripping stories with people I could identify with who were overcoming obstacles I’d faced, or watched a loved one face—stories that offer real hope in the face of tragedy.
So began my journey. In book one of this series, Hold the Light, I wrote about sight loss and adoption. I wrote about best friends who were solidly there for each other in the face of great hardship and pain. And in book two, Shine the Light, I’m doing the same—with a twist.
There’s a lack of representation and writing concerning mental illness and how it affects the sufferer and those around them. There is a stigma that is significantly changing, but it’s something we’re still hesitant to discuss. Myself and many I know are deeply touched by this issue, and I think we’re long past due letting those that suffer from mental illness and their families know that they are not alone. Or if they are, that they don’t have to be.
Book two, Shine the Light, is about Shannon’s life. Her love for the downtrodden, the lost, and the injured. Her passion for the underdog. How she became the stalwart friend she is to Amber in Hold the Light, the obstacles she’s overcome, and those she has to continue to grapple through with God’s help.
As with all of my books, I’ve vetted this story with people who have faced these situations and am very careful to respect their stories as well as staying true to my characters. I hope you’ll dive in and find Shannon to be a deep and real and identifiable character. I hope you’ll discover in her a friend.
I know you’ll grow to love her as I do.
The giveaway: Many of my books are set in Portland, Oregon, and as a celebration of that, I’m offering a giveaway celebrating two of my favorite things about the city: Powell’s books and super good coffee! Also cats…but I can’t give one of those away in a contest! Well…I could try, but I’d probably fall in love with it and never send it to you…so for now, books and coffee!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Mary Hake, May 10
Carpe Diem, May 15

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, April is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Powell’s gift card, a Powell’s coffee mug, and Stumptown coffee!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e21c/shine-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway




















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Tuesday, April 30, 2019


          

        










Great new collection of  novellas created by best selling authors in the Amish fiction genre!! 












       "An Amish Reunion"

                             

                   By:  Beth Wiseman

                Amy Clipston

               Kathleen Fuller

                Kelly Irvin



Synopsis:







Their True Home by Amy Clipston



When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?



A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman



Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?



A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller



Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?



Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin



At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?











My Thoughts:







If anyone has read my previous reviews, you already realize that one of my favorite genres is that of Amish Fiction. Although collections of novellas are not always my top pick of books to read,(only because I never want the tale to end),  I have to admit when I saw the names of the authors who contributed to this collection, I knew this novel would be one that I would love!! All four of these stories involve reuniting with loved ones. Each author uses her own unique style to produce a story that keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end of the book. It was a delight to reunite with some of the folks of past series as well as encounter new individuals, each coming with their own needs and challenges.







Each and every character is described in a vivid , realistic fashion, enabling the reader to easily identify with them, feeling every hurt as well as allowing one to experience their joy when their battles of life are successfully dealt with. Just a side note.... be ready with a box of tissues, as these dear people tug at your heartstrings. Sensitive subjects are addressed with care and understanding as these families deal with grief, as well as struggles to maintain faith and trust in self as well as others. The reader is left with a deep feeling of empathy and understanding of these day to day challenges, similar to what each of us has experienced. Lives were changed as these characters repaired hurting relationships through forgiveness and faith in a higher power. 







The plot  in each novella moved at a quick pace and each was full of unexpected twists and turns. The theme of forgiveness so much valued by the Amish faith shines loud and clear throughout these four tales. This is not an easy task as each family discovered. Although each story is a standalone , the common theme of forgiving in order to  heal past hurts so that once can achieve reconciliation among family members ties them together. Even when we feel we are at our lowest , deepest moments, there is always hope, if we look above and follow God's plans. Peace within a family is so important to gain true happiness. 







This is a book not to be missed!! These authors should be commended on their skill and talent of leaving a lasting impression on all readers. The importance of faith and forgiveness to achieve healing past hurts comes through loud and clear . I was left with the thought, "Can I do something to improve my own and my family's lives?" Of course, after reading this book, all readers will have the answer!







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






























































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Monday, April 29, 2019


          

        










Rachel Hauck Has Written Another Winning Novel! A Story of Hope! Enter the Giveaway!


















                   "The Memory House"

                       By Rachel Hauck



About the Book:







Genre: Christian Romance



Release Date: April 2, 2019



Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either. Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share. Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.





Click here to purchase your copy.





My Thoughts:



Rachel has the unique ability to take a theme and develop it into a story of hope even when the characters are in the worse situation that one can imagine. God , alone, has the ability to heal the past and give us hope for the future. Rachel clearly shows this in her new novel. This is a beautiful story of two women whose lives are intertwined although separated by  fifty years. 



Love , fear, loss of hope, are all experienced by the main characters. They are so vividly described that the reader immediately becomes one with them, feeling their every hurt as well as when they succeeded in finding joy amidst the storms. I was caught up in the lives of these people so much so that  at times, the world around me ceased to exist, as I lived life alongside them. The Memory House brings  these flawed , very realistic individuals together in spite of all that has gone on in their lives. There is a very real message underlying this story of healing, God and He only, can heal hurting hearts and supply each of us with what we need to find joy, even in the toughest situations. 



The intertwining plots are chock full of unexpected action and surprises. Just when the reader relaxes and thinks that the characters are on their way to  a happier future, reality kicks in! Unexplained tragedies and hurts once again arise. 



Overall, the reader is left with an intense desire to keep trudging along in life's battles. God is with us in the hardest moments and will see us through. There is always hope for a positive and joyful future that is only possible through His leading. 



A five star book!!! FANTASTIC READ!!



This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. A positive review was not required. 













About the Author



Rachel Hauck_headshotRachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauc



Excerpt from The Memory House



When Mama Applegate spoke as if Everleigh were a guest rather than a family member, she embraced it with grace. Because at the end of the day, she was Rhett’s wife. She alone shared his dreams, his heart, his life.



And at night, when she couldn’t sleep, his soft breathing was her lullaby.



“Listen, mister, I have to get back to work or I won’t make it home in time for our dinner.” She tugged at his shirt collar. “So are you going to tell me why you’re here?”



“I was going to wait until tonight, but I got so excited . . .” Rhett stepped over to the desk in front of Everleigh’s and retrieved a long white canister. “Here. Open it. I feel like a kid at Christmas.”



“Rhett, what have you done?” She pried away the cap and slipped out a set of drawings.



“Here, let me.” Rhett unrolled a rendering of a cozy house with a wraparound porch nestled between two cottonwoods. “Our house, Ev. I took those sketches you made after we were married and gave



them to the architect. What do you think?”



“Th-this is our house?” She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning against his thick arm as she studied the drawing.



“It’s our house, darling.”



Everleigh studied the drawing. It was just like she imagined. “Are you sure?” She gazed up at her husband. “I didn’t think we’d saved enough money.”



“We’ve saved every penny of your salary, and I finally sold the stud bull to Jacob Marshall. He’s been after me for a year . . .” Rhett held her with one hand while flipping through the drawing with the other. “I bought the ten acres by the stream. You know, the one with the trees we loved. Dad wanted to give it to us, but I said no strings.



I wanted to buy it so he can’t hold it over me. Not that he would, but family business can get tricky.” Everleigh leaned to see the name of the road. Memory Lane.



“Darling, the section right off Memory Lane? The spot I wanted?”



Rhett’s grandmother had named the dirt road years ago, when she imagined a large family with lots of grandkids running around.



She envisioned an Applegate community.



But her sons, Melvin and Earl, went to war. Only Earl—nicknamed Spike—returned home the fall of 1918. He inherited the ranch, married Mama Applegate, and fathered Rhett, an only child. Grandma’s two daughters married and moved away.



“Your granny would be proud, darling,” Everleigh said. “We’re beginning her dream.”



“Sh-she would.” Rhett cleared his throat, pressing his fist over his cough. “So, w-what do you think?”



…



Tell him! The timing could not have been more perfect.



“Rhett, sweetheart—”



He jerked his wrist up, checking his watch. “Oh, Ev, sorry, darling, but I promised Dad I’d pick him up from the hardware store thirty minutes ago.” He gave her a quick, passing kiss. “I’d planned to show you these tonight, but I just couldn’t wait.” He rolled up the drawings and tucked them into the canister. “What is it you wanted to say?” On reflex, he checked his watch again.



“Nothing,” she said, smiling. “I’ll see you later. We can talk then. I have work to do anyway.”



“You sure?”



Everleigh fell into him and pressed her cheek against his chest.



“You make my dreams come true, Rhett Applegate.”



He kissed her one more time, then held her at arm’s length.



“Distraction, girl, you are one beautiful distraction.”



Blog Stops




The Avid Reader, April 22



Wishful Endings, April 22






Worthy2Read, April 23







C Jane Read, April 25









Carpe Diem, April 26



Mary Hake, April 27



EmpowerMoms, April 27





Bigreadersite, April 28




Pause for Tales, April 28








Quiet Quilter, April 30


















Moments, May 5




Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)



Giveaway







To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a copy of The Memory House!!





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/e2aa/the-memory-house-celebration-tour-giveaway














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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...