25 Book Reviews

Sunday, November 3, 2019

A Hollywood Star plus a Pastor's Daughter equals Sparks Flying ! Make sure you enter the giveaway!


                                 "Mission Hollywood"
                                   By Michelle Keener       
      
 About the Book:
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 16, 2019
What could possibly go wrong?
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastor’s daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Ben’s agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lily’s church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastor’s daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesn’t have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.


Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:

 As I opened my ereader to begin this novel, I wondered what was awaiting. The title gave me only two clues, the tale took place in Hollywood..... maybe, and there was a goal  of some sort ....maybe!! Little did I realise that I would be glued to my seat for the next four hours, so engrossed in this book that the world passed me by. I may have read longer, however my husband quietly reminded me that it was dinner time!

 The characters were so vividly and realistically described that I was drawn into their lives so that I felt every hurt, worry, and challenge alongside them. Ben, the handsome, rich movie star and Lily, a humble pastor's daughter completely shocked me with the connections they discovered between them. As the plot unwound, and horrible events occurred that affected both, the mystery became darker and deeper. Someone was out to get them... but who??

 The plot evolves with many unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as to the outcome of this rather unusual relationship that was being blocked at every turn. 

 Throughout the story, the message of  second chances, hope and keeping one's faith through the good and the bad,  came through loud and clear. I am eagerly awaiting Book Two !! This is a story that just HAS to be continued!!

 This is a Christian romance that will keep you captivated from the first to last page. All I can say is, "WOW!"
This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author

Michelle Keener is a wife, mom, and the author of three books. She lives in Southern California with her retired Marine husband, their two children, and one spoiled dog. When she isn’t writing, she is busy homeschooling, teaching creative writing workshops, or baking something involving chocolate.

Michelle loves to hear from readers and you can usually find her on Twitter @MKeenerWrites or at her website www.MichelleKeener.com

More from Michelle

Why Hollywood?
That’s a great question! Of all the places I could have set a Christian romance novel, why pick Hollywood? It isn’t exactly the first place that pops into your mind when you think Christian romance, right?
The truth is I spent four years of my life trying to become an actress. I was a theatre major in the Los Angeles area and I spent a lot of time in Hollywood. I’ve been down Hollywood Boulevard, visited casting offices, and gone to open-call auditions. In those years, I saw the good and the bad of the movie industry. I saw dreams shattered and hearts broken under the glamourous lights of the Sunset Strip. Years later, when I started thinking about writing a Christian romance, I knew Hollywood was the perfect setting to tell the story of God’s unchanging, never-ending love for us.
Mission Hollywood isn’t just one love story, it’s two. The romance between Ben and Lily is definitely swoon-worthy, but there is also the story of how much God loves us. I hope you enjoy Mission Hollywood…it’s only the beginning of the story for the Shaw Family. Book two is coming in February!

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 24
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 24
Maureen’s Musings, October 25
Moments, October 27
Pause for Tales, October 29
She Lives To Read, October 29
Older & Smarter?, October 30
Blessed & Bookish, October 30
Godly Book Reviews, November 1
Back Porch Reads, November 2
Texas Book-aholic, November 3
Quiet Quilter, November 4
janicesbookreviews, November 5
A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a Red Carpet Collection, which includes a signed paperback copy of Mission Hollywood, a custom Pura Vida bracelet in red carpet colors, a signed and numbered print of the original painting “Redemption” by artist Charlotte Lauder, a vintage-Hollywood style postcard, a bookmark, and a magnet!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
at 2 comments:

Barbara Cameron Writes Another Winning Novel!

             "Summer's Promise"
             By Barbara Cameron    
        
About the Book:

 Can she leave everything she knows for love?

Summer Carson has lived near the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania, all her life. Now she's following in her father's footsteps and earning her degree in agricultural science so she can continue his work helping local farmers.

In her job at the county extension office, Summer moves between the Englisch and the Amish worlds. While she sometimes finds herself speaking--and even thinking--in Pennsylvania Deitsch, the transition isn't always easy. But what has come naturally to Summer is her attraction to one of the farmers: Abram Yoder is handsome, steady, and hardworking. He's everything so many of the Englisch men she knows are not. And Summer quickly realizes that she's caught his eye as well.

Can Summer give up the comforts she's always known for a life with this Amish man? And is Abram willing to let her try?
My Thoughts: 

 This book is the third is a series entitled "Harvest of Hope". Barbara has penned this novel using her unique style of storytelling that grabs the reader's attention and won't let it go! Her strong ability to describe characters in a detailed , realistic way draws one right into the complicated lives so that you walk alongside them as they encounter all the challenges that life tends to present. The reader feels every challenge, hurt and fear. 

 Being Amish does not exempt one from having problems. When two individuals meet and are attracted to one another, one from the Englisch world and one from the Amish community, there are bound to be serious problems. The two worlds just do not mesh easily  into one. Barbara Cameron capably weaves an intricate tale of two intelligent , young people who both love their lives the way they are, however when a romance begins to develop, the plot takes on unexpected twists and turns. Changes have to be made, but which world will draw these young people???  Summer and Abram both have strong, caring relationships with their respective families. Grieving for a family member, Summer is striving to help her mother as well as continue the legacy of her father. Abram is also grieving for her dad. This common factor draws them together in a unique way.

 This book is one not to be missed! If you are looking for a novel in the Amish fiction genre, but are getting tired of the norm, this is one that is very different.

 I am looking forward to Barbara's next creation!!!
This book was provided by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own. 

 About the Author:





Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books and three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.
at No comments:

Sunday, October 27, 2019

A Beautiful Story of Second Chances! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

      
                    "Second Chances"
                By Shirley Quiring Mozena

About the book:
Genre: Family and relationships/Death, Grief, Bereavement
Release Date: September, 2012
When Shirley and Bill set out on a dream trip in the beautiful northwest wilderness to celebrate their 40th anniversary, what develops is a nightmare that has no end. Mysterious pangs turn into a vicious virus that makes its way into Bill’s body. Shirley finds comfort through her Savior during the six months of Bill’s illness—an illness which eventually takes his life.
After a time, Shirley’s heart aches for companionship. Little does she know that living a few miles from her home, a widower mourns the loss of his wife of 32 years. They meet and fall hopelessly in love, and their love takes them on a two-year journey of joy and adventure until once again overwhelming heartbreak rocks Shirley’s world. This is a story of faith and courage to strengthen your own soul.


Click here to get your copy!

 My Thoughts:

  As I was started to read this book, I was immediately struck with how different it was from what I expected. More than a novel, this story a life changing tale , one of enduring love, loss and the search for joy in the great hope that our Lord provides to us in order to  sustain us during the worse times of our lives. Lives change at the blink of an eye, but how much can the average human endure? What would any of us do without prayer?

 I have never had to endure the loss of a spouse , but I did watch my mother lose my dad when she was in her fifties. As the only child still living at home, I went through the valleys with her. The only hope she had was that of seeing my dad again one day in heaven. God gave her the much needed strength to keep going.

 Shirley has written a sad story of loss, not once but twice, a life experience that none of want to ever have to endure! The underlying theme of this whole book was the very clear message that there can be joy and hope in the future if one walks the path outlined by God. The continued love of God is what Shirley hangs on to when everything she holds near and dear falls apart. 
This book left a deep impression on my inner soul. Do I have that deep faith that Shirley has? Could I find joy once again if I lost my spouse? If not, I had better get to work on my faith! The sadness was deeply felt as was the promise of a happy future.

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

 About the Author:
                                   
Shirley Quiring Mozena is an outdoors woman, musician, amateur chef, and former elementary music teacher and librarian. She has survived the hardest test of her faith and now works with others grieving the loss of loved ones.





More from Shirley

They told me there was no hope. How could that be? I’d already lost one husband. Would I have to lose another? We’d had so little time!
Four years earlier—nearly to the day—my high school sweetheart and father of my two children had died. We’d gone through so many struggles. Our marriage was nearly broken. Through courage in facing our faults and selfishness, our marriage was restored. And then, after a six month battle with a terrible virus, my husband died.
I’d never dreamed I’d love again, but it happened. Six months after our first date, we were married.  It seemed like we were still on our honeymoon when the next tragedy happened. Just like that, he was gone.
And then I knew the story needed to be told. For myself. For my children. For anyone who wanted to know. It’s a story of second chances in a restored marriage. In love. In hope for the future and God’s sustaining love and comfort. A story to strengthen your own soul.

Blog Stops

Avid Reader Nurse, October 21
For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)
Quiet Quilter, October 27
Texas Book-aholic, October 28
janicesbookreviews, October 30
Andrea Christenson, October 31 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shirley is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Beyond Second Chances and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

at 6 comments:

Saturday, October 26, 2019

A Great Tale : A Modern Day Mail Order Bride! Be sure to enter the Giveaway!


                       "Practically Married"
                          By Karin Beery

 About the Book:

Release Date: October 22, 2019   
She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.
Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.

Click here to get your copy.

My Thoughts:

 As this author is new to me, I commenced reading this book with some trepidation. Would I like the style of writing ? Would the tale keep me engaged?
Happily, I can report that this was a book that I read in two days! There was something about it that kept me wondering, wanting to know what was going to take place next. Admittedly, the plot is not a sit on the edge of your seat kind, or one that has the reader's heart pounding. But it is a bittersweet tale of how life can change in the blink of the eye! 

Karin Beery has written a story that is about a modern day marriage of convenience, similar to the old fashioned "mail order brides" except with a life changing twist. Imagine selling everything you own, intending to travel, meet your future husband to whom you are engaged..... who you have NEVER met! Would you do it?? Not I! Ashley is a very brave, young woman who is seeking love , a perfect husband and a family in which she can become immersed finding the happiness she truly desires.  However, upon arrival, she finds a funeral taking place, that of her fiance. What a frightening experience! Then , to make matters worse, no one in this family knows of her existence. I can feel her intense fear. what on earth will she do? 

 The characters are all  well described so realistically that the reader can easily identify with them, and immediately begins walking alongside them as they meet the many challenges and questions that must be answered. Many times, I questioned the wisdom of the two characters who seemed to be thrown together. 

 The plot moved at a steady, somewhat slow pace. My interest was maintained throughout as unexpected twists and turns appeared. Ashley and Russ had many decisions to make. Their futures were to be determined by these complicated issues.

 I will definitely be watching for more books by this author. Although the tale was somewhat unbelievable, I escaped the real world for a few hours, experiencing a decision that I would never want to have to make! 

 A sweet, complicated tale of two people desiring love, going about in it in the most unconventional way!!

 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:

 Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys being at home with her husband and fur babies watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies.

More from Karin

Why would two contemporary American’s agree to a marriage of convenience?
That’s what I asked myself when I sat down to write Practically Married. I love reading historical books about mail order brides and other arranged marriages, but I wanted to see if I could make that historical theme more modern (and still be believable).
That’s how Ashley and Russ came to be, and—after several revisions—I think I did it! It takes two to get married, but this is really Ashley’s story—it’s her past that inspires her future, and it’s up to her to decide where that inspiration with lead her.
The story couldn’t just be about their relationship, though. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a big brother, so I gave Russ little sisters. And nieces and nephews. And a pie-baking mom who doesn’t like his beard (which may have been inspired my mother-in-law, who tried desperately to get my husband to shave his beard before our wedding). I also threw in some real buildings and places in northern Michigan (even though Boyne Falls is fictional). And it’s possible that some of my character names came directly from friends and other local inspirations. Practically Married isn’t only set in northern Michigan, it’s inspired by it.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 22
Blogging With Carol, October 22
Texas Book-aholic, October 24
CarpeDiem, October 24
Maureen’s Musings, October 24
Emily Yager, October 25
Rebecca Tews, October 25
Older & Smarter?, October 26
janicesbookreviews, October 27
Quiet Quilter, October 27
Cultivating Us, October 28
SusanLovesBooks, October 29
Vicky Sluiter, October 30
A Reader’s Brain, October 31
Moments, November 1
EmpowerMoms, November 2
Remembrancy, November 3
Godly Book Reviews, November 4
Pause for Tales, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

at 3 comments:

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Charlotte Hubbard Welcomes Us Back to Promise Lodge in Her New Novel!


        "New Beginnings at Promise Lodge" 

                  By Charlotte Hubbard

I have to admit that I was ecstatic when I discovered that Charlotte was weaving another fabulous tale about my friends, as well as introducing some new ones,  who reside near and in Promise Lodge, my dream home! I say friends, and you will understand when you begin to read, because you can not help but be caught up in their lives. They are so realistically and well described that the reader becomes part of them , walking their rocky journey of life alongside them. Charlotte's character development never fails to amaze me. The problems these dear people have, become mine and their fears and worries as well. 

The novel begins in the spring, a time of new growth and development. A just opened bakery sweetens the air with  the baked goodness of all of their delectable treats. 

Frances, a widow, after twenty years of marriage is ready to taste freedom and opportunity that her friends at Promise Lodge have. She is a strong woman who certainly isn't looking for a new husband. She will NOT be pressured into it even by her needy daughters. Her friendship with Preacher Marlin Kurtz is much more to her liking to the disgust of their prospective families. 

The plot moves quickly and with many unexpected twists and turns. Frances suffers a serious injury, however hangs on to her independence, despite the protests of others. She certainly would never burden her friend , Marlin. Marlin works with the residents of Promise Lodge to help restore his dear friend's joy. These residents have so many quirks that they will amaze you with their unique ideas and ways to get things done. I giggled, I groaned, I cried and I cheered, as this unlikely group of individuals worked together- well, most of the time. The message of the novel comes through loud and clear. God does provide each of us with second chances. The future does not have to be bleak. God has it all in His hands! A blessed future awaits if only we patiently wait, listen and follow this plan.

I enjoyed the author's ability to go beyond stereotypes, showing us that strong women do exist and they can uphold their community's traditions and forge ahead to a bright future.

This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone , although it is part of the Promise Lodge series. I enjoyed Charlotte’s previous books so much that I eagerly dug in to this new adventure at my favorite place. It really was like going home, to a familiar, well loved home. Charlotte is an author who writes with compassion, understanding and yes, even humor. The complications of an Amish community in such a unique location appeals to me in a deep way. How grief  and unexpected  challenges  are handled  leaves me deep in thought. How can i improve my life? Do I take all that God offers?  

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

About the Author:

Charlotte Hubbard sold her first historical romance in 1990, and she’s been a slave to her overactive imagination ever since. As she writes, her stories invariably take on a life of their own, different from the way she proposed them: unforeseen characters and plot twists come along, and they keep her guessing right along with her readers!

Charlotte has lived in the Midwest most of her life. When she’s not writing, she loves touring historic homes, trying new recipes, crocheting, and playing with her Border Collie, Ramona. She’s a Presbyterian deacon, sings in her church choir, and plays in the percussion ensemble. She’s married to a fine man who—bless him—has never once suggested she get a real job!
at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

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...