Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Month in Review - January

Wrote 3538 words (avg 114 words/day)

Sculpted 0 babies

Tatted 0 crosses

Sewed 0 sock monkeys

Knit/crocheted 2 hats

Exercised 21 days

Read in the Bible 31 days

Wrote up 3 backlogged book reviews

Monday, January 29, 2018

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Their Daring Hearts" by Sharlene MacLaren

About the Book

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian Historical Romance (Civil War)

Release Date: Jan 9, 2018

Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation.

Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.

But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?

My Thoughts "Their Daring Hearts" is the second book in the Forever Freedom series. This book tells the story of Levi Albright, the brother to the heroine of the first book. Since I got an uncorrected copy of this book from Netgalley, it had formatting issues that are common with books from there. While it was a little distracting to have random hyphenations and page number/author name footers in the middle of the text, I know that these aren't going to be problems with the final book. The book is told from the perspective of Levi, Josie, and the unnamed spy/traitor. I kept having various theories of who the spy was, but they proved incorrect and I was in the dark until the very moment that it was revealed. I thought the faith element was woven through the story well.

About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

Blog Stops

History, Mystery & Faith, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Inspiration Clothesline, January 25

ASC Book Reviews, January 26

Multifarious, January 26

Christian Bookaholic, January 27

Remembrancy, January 27

Carpe Diem, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 28

Blossoms and Blessings, January 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 29

The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 30

Moments Dipped in Ink, January 31

Mary Hake, January 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Daysong Reflections, February 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Have A Wonderful Day, February 2

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Cafinated Reads, February 3

proud to be an autism mom, February 4

Bibliophile Reviews, February 4

Red Headed Book Lady, February 5

My Wrtier’s Life, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Post from Mindy Houg)

Pursuing Stacie, February 6

A Greater Yes, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 7

Janices book reviews, February 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
840ae240-8560-476e-ac12-7dfdc106f1ba

Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602

"Their Daring Hearts" is available in paperback:

Series: Forever Freedom Series (Book 2)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (January 9, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 162911930X
ISBN-13: 978-1629119304
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 9.2 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 3661 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (January 9, 2018)
Publication Date: January 9, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07117G2L7

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Book Review: "Cheyenne Sunrise" by Janalyn Voigt

"Cheyenne Sunrise" is the 2nd book in the Montana Territory series. The characters from the first book play a fairly large role in the 2nd half of the book, but it isn't hard to follow as you don't feel like you are missing something. I really liked Nick and empathized with his struggles. I enjoyed the inclusion of the Indian/Native American culture. There were many "adventures" that take place and I never was sure what was going to happen. The inclusion of actual historical events was interesting and a cause of learning something new for me. I found the faith element to be well done and woven throughout the book well. I look forward to reading more books by Janalyn Voigt.

"Cheyenne Sunrise" is available in paperback:

Series: Montana Gold
Paperback: 316 pages
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (January 23, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1943959374
ISBN-13: 978-1943959372
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 2622 KB
Print Length: 295 pages
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (February 1, 2018)
Publication Date: February 1, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B078JK4M8Y

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Book Review: "Finding Love in Eureka, California" by Angela Ruth Strong

"Finding Love in Eureka, California" is the 5th and last story in the "Resort to Love" series, but is the second story in chronology (There are only four books officially in the series, but Dave's story is in the novella collection "Finding Love on the Oregon Coast"). I really enjoyed this book. At the beginning, I was grinning like a fool over Gen's crush and her interactions with Matt. I ached for them in their heartaches and cried over the choices they made. It felt very real, almost as if I was experiencing it myself, or maybe a close friend. I wish I could go listen to one of Rosie's motivational talks. Some of the other Lake brothers make an appearance, as did Emily Van Arsdale. I love how Sam shows up in all the brothers' stories. Both Matt and Gen grew a lot through the book. It was a good reminder that what we may think of as a curse might not really be one and that how someone's life looks from the outside doesn't always show what they are truly going through. I didn't want to put the book down and stayed up too late reading. I am sad that we won't get to spend anymore time with the Lake family.

"Finding Love in Eureka, California" is available in paperback:

Series: Resort to Love
Paperback: 286 pages
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (January 22, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1943959420
ISBN-13: 978-1943959426
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 4162 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (February 1, 2018)
Publication Date: February 1, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B078HSC3NV

I was given a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Book Review: "Troubled Waters" by Susan May Warren

"Troubled Waters" is the 4th book in the Montana Rescue series. In it we finally get Ian and Sierra's story. Their story has been carried along from the very first book (and the prequel), so it is nice to finally have their story and to find out what actually happened that day that Esme disappeared. The secondary story in this book is once again Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg. It brings things to a head for them and sets it up for their story coming in book 6 of the series. Ian and Seirra are thrown into situations where they only have God to rely on and they do some deep soul searching and changing along the way. There were twists and surprises I didn't see coming and I had a hard time putting the book down. After binge reading Books 2, 3, and 4, plus the prequel in a week, I'm going to be having withdrawals until "Storm Front" comes out in May! There is "Crossover" that is a Montana Rescue novella which would fit before this book, though, so...

"Troubled Waters" is available in paperback:

Series: Montana Rescue (Book 4)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727460
ISBN-13: 978-0800727468
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 9396 KB
Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0741FGCW9

I got a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Book Review: "If Ever I Would Leave You" by Susan May Warren

"If Ever I Would Leave You" is a prequel to the Montana Rescue series. It fills in the backstory and sets up the events for "Wild Montana Skies". I actually read it between books 3 and 4 and a lot of the things that take place in the prequel are referenced in "Troubled Waters" (book 4) so I think it definitely needs to be read before then. This prequel doesn't have a secondary plot like the other books in the series being just the story of the start of Ian and Sierra's relationship and the disappearance of Esme. In a way, it is more a prologue for "Wild Montana Skies". It does "foreshadow" a few things that are fleshed out in later books so we do meet some of the other people who have major roles throughout the Montana Rescue series. It was well written and a very quick read.

"If Ever I Would Leave You" is available in Kindle edition and is free:

File Size: 3646 KB
Print Length: 152 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: SDG Publishing (September 15, 2016)
Publication Date: September 15, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01M1F8JF0

Friday, January 19, 2018

Book Review: "A Matter of Trust" by Susan May Warren

"A Matter of Trust" is the 3rd book in the Montana Rescue series. The books have a continuous flow of story between them, that if you don't read them all in order, you miss part of the story. It does give "fill in" details, but you get so much more of a complete picture if you read all the books. It isn't like some books where the story between the hero and heroine starts and is concluded within the pages of the one book, you get snatches of things throughout the whole series. I think it brings the characters more realism and depth. I like seeing the whole PEAK gang over and over through the series and they become my friends. Although, I was a little disappointed that this book didn't include Sam and Willow (the main plot characters in book 2) until the very end, almost like a cameo. "A Matter of Trust" was primarily Gage Watson and Ella Blair's story, but also Ty Remmington and Brette Arnold as well as a little of Pete and Jess's story continuted. I appreciated that the story wasn't just another "lost in the park" story, but instead involved backcountry skiing/snowboarding. I had to look up a few terms to know what was going on, but it made me look up videos on Youtube and man do they do some amazing, crazy things! The faith element of the book feels natural and seamless, not added artificially. The book pulled me in and I didn't want to stop until the book was finished.

"A Matter of Trust" is available in paperback:

Series: Montana Rescue (Book 3)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 4, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727452
ISBN-13: 978-0800727451
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 7823 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 4, 2017)
Publication Date: July 4, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01MYR22CG

I got a free copy of this book through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Book Review: "Rescue Me" by Susan May Warren

"Rescue Me" is the 2nd book in the Montana Rescue series. The characters and stories are very intertwined between the stories, so it is best to read the books in order. Like Susan May Warren's other books, this one had a main plot with Sam Brooks and Willow Rose, but also a secondary plot with Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg (albeit not brought to a conclusion). The book was real and open and gripping. I picked up the book and everything else was put on hold. All I wanted to do was read. And then when it was done, to read more. Thankfully there are two more books in the series, with more to come. Faith was woven easily throughout the story. I think the reader as well as the characters in the book learn a great deal from the truths shared.

"Rescue Me" is available in paperback:

Series: Montana Rescue (Book 2)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 31, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727444
ISBN-13: 978-0800727444
Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 4508 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800727444
Publisher: Revell (January 31, 2017)
Publication Date: January 31, 2017
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01LZ80SI4

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Book Review: "The Lacemaker" by Laura Frantz

About the Book When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?

My Thoughts When I heard about this book, it drew my attention. It was about a lacemaker and I haven't heard of many of them. The book drew me in and I didn't want to put it down. The book had quite a few foreign words (French and Welsh) but most were understandable either by it giving a direct translation for it, or through context. It also used old versions of words such as salat (salad), lanthorn (lantern), Kentucke (Kentucky). It made it more "in period" but I was glad I was reading the book on my Kindle as then I could highlight words I didn't understand and see what they meant. A couple of things sort of rubbed me the wrong way a little. They kept saying "Providence" did this or that instead of "God". Maybe that is how they would have referred to it, but it kind of bugged me. Also, at first they kept referring to Thomas Jefferson as "Jeff" and George Washington as "Wash". Did they really call them that? The book was well written and really brought to light the difficulties and dangers that the Patriots faced during the American Revolution.

About the Author Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net

*Join Laura's monthly newsletter to receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! To subscribe, copy and paste this into your browser's address window:
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"The Lacemaker" is available in paperback:

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800726634
ISBN-13: 978-0800726638
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 8157 KB
Print Length: 418 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800726634
Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2018)
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0741F5SGH

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand

About the Book

Title: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Christian Amish Fiction

Release Date: December 26, 2017

Elsie Stutzman’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she’s not about to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . .

Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He’ll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.

My Thoughts I love Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hill books. Anna and Felty are so cute and funny and you never know what to expect other than Anna's going to get her match made. Sam was very frustrating at times, but he was also sweet and protective. I liked watching the changes that occurred in the characters lives and the way that they were transformed into new people. The book flowed extremely well and it was a very fast read. I was frustrated, and happy, and sad over things in the book as if I was the one experiencing them. I can't wait to read another of Jennifer Beckstrand's books.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand

I have a very special place in my heart for teachers. My dad was a high school math teacher. My mother taught second grade for over twenty years. My son-in-law taught choir in high school, and my daughter taught seventh-grade science. Another daughter taught American history labs at the university and still another daughter taught classes for a youth summer program.

Elsie Stutzman is a dedicated teacher who was dismissed from her last teaching job in Ohio and is trying to make a fresh start and a good impression in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Unfortunately one of her students, Wally Sensenig, is making things difficult for her, and Wally’s hot-headed older brother seems determined to get her fired. But Elsie is a dedicated teacher, too stubborn to back down and too steadfast to give up on anybody.

Elsie’s grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, have other plans for her. They want her to fall in love with one of the local boys, but they’re finding it a little difficult to get the two young people together.

Teachers have an immense impact on our lives. We all remember a favorite elementary school teacher who inspired a love of learning or a high school teacher who encouraged us to reach for greatness. One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Zobell, who taught ninth grade English. I distinctly remember her reading “The Outsiders” out loud to our class. She had a way of making great books and great stories come to life, and she sparked a love of reading (and writing) that I will always be grateful for. The teacher who had the most impact on my life is my dad. He helped me through Calculus in high school and inspired me to major in math in college.

I hope we will take the time this month to thank the teachers in our lives for all they do for us and all they do for our kids.

Who was one of your favorite teachers and why?