Wednesday, April 11, 2018
We Got a New Car
Our van was having some issues and seeming like it was going to be needing some major work soon, so we decided it was best to get a different vehicle. Since we would like to be able to tow things in the future, we went away from a minivan and looked at Ford Flexes. Also, every minivan we've had has had issues with the passenger side slider door, leaving us with only 1 door for the kids to use. We ended up with a 2010 Ford Flex with seating for 6 and a DVD player. Some Flexes have seating for 7, but then the middle seat has to fold forward to access the back row of seats and as we only need 6 seats, we thought it would be easier overall to go with the captain's chairs for the middle row. We bought it on Tuesday, but didn't bring it home as we'd forgotten the plate and they were going to fix a few things for us. We went back the next day to get it and then left for Spring Break on Friday. It is nice to have regular doors for the ease of opening and closing for the kids, but I do miss being able to push the slider door button on the key fob and having the door open when I have my hands full.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "The Forgotten Girl" by Heather Chapman
About the Book
Genre: Historical; Coming of Age; Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: February 13, 2018
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: February 13, 2018
It is 1906, and sixteen-year-old Stella’s life in Durliosy, Poland, is bleak. Her only hope of surviving is to travel to America, a land of freedom and opportunity, and reunite with her brother in Baltimore. There she’ll find new challenges, and perhaps, if she can put her painful past behind her, a new chance for love and lasting happiness.
About the Author
Being the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather to begin writing at an early age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and finally settled down in a small farming community in southeastern Idaho with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys time spent with family, volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and almost anything creative.
Author Interview
1. If you could go to tea with one of the characters in The Forgotten Girl, who would you pick and why?Definitely Stella. I would love to hear her actual story, feel of her strength, and ask her all the questions I wished I could ask her while I was writing this story.
2. In the story, who was the easiest character to write? Who was the hardest?
I didn’t feel like any character was particularly easy to write. They all came with their own challenges, but I enjoyed creating Bronia’s character the most, perhaps making her the easiest emotionally to write. Stella was the most complex character I’ve ever attempted to create. She was strong and courageous, but she didn’t realize it. She was beautiful and influential, but she never saw that. It was difficult to show her good qualities to the reader while also hiding them from the MC.
I didn’t feel like any character was particularly easy to write. They all came with their own challenges, but I enjoyed creating Bronia’s character the most, perhaps making her the easiest emotionally to write. Stella was the most complex character I’ve ever attempted to create. She was strong and courageous, but she didn’t realize it. She was beautiful and influential, but she never saw that. It was difficult to show her good qualities to the reader while also hiding them from the MC.
3. If you were to travel back in time and visit your favorite time period, where would you go and why?
Probably regency England or ancient Egypt.
Probably regency England or ancient Egypt.
4. What top 5 books do you currently have on your TBR pile?1)Turtles all the way down by John Green; 2)Why not me by Mindy Kaling; 3)Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy; 4)Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy; and 5)What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
5. What is something unique about you that most of your readers don’t already know?My first job was working as a map folder for the government. Seriously. I took maps the size of ping pong tables and folded them to fit into binder sheet protectors.
Review
“The Forgotten Girl” is a historical fiction story based on the real life person, Stella Marzewska, the great-grandmother of the author. It was told in first person from Stella’s point of view. I found it incredible reading about the experiences that Stella faced and knowing that it was what actual immigrants faced when they first came to America. There is some mention of God and Him giving Stella her wishes, but I didn’t find it to have much of a spiritual thread. I found the book to be well written and I rooted for Stella to find her place in the world.
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Tour Schedule
April 2–Remembrancy
April 3–Red Headed Book Lady
April 4–cherylbbookblog | Wishful Endings
April 5–Singing Librarian Books
April 6– Heidi Reads…. | Broken and Reclaimed
April 7–Blossoms and Blessings
April 3–Red Headed Book Lady
April 4–cherylbbookblog | Wishful Endings
April 5–Singing Librarian Books
April 6– Heidi Reads…. | Broken and Reclaimed
April 7–Blossoms and Blessings
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.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Month in Review - March
Book Review and Blog Hop: "Grace Restored" by Toni Shiloh
About the Book
Series: Freedom Lake
Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 20, 2018
Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 20, 2018
Michelle Thomas has it all. Beautiful and successful, she’s just opened her own law firm in Freedom Lake. What more could she want? When her old flame rolls back into Freedom Lake, she’s intent on ignoring him. But how can she give the widower and his precious twin girls the cold shoulder?
Still reeling from the death of his wife, Guy Pierre returns to Freedom Lake to take over as town sheriff and raise his twin daughters. Alone. Yet, life keeps throwing Michelle in his path and sparks of interest began to rise.
Will old secrets tear them apart again or can they find the faith to let God’s grace restore what has been broken?
About the Author
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.
Author Interview
1. How did you decide that you wanted to write Christian romance? What inspired this?
When I rededicated my life to Christ, I wanted to be used by Him. It wasn’t until I went back to school to get my Bachelor’s degree in English that the writing bug really called to me. Not that it hadn’t before, but that it could actually be a way to reach people. I went to my local library to see if they had any books like this. I had never heard of Christian fiction so once I found the section, I began devouring the books and the lessons found between the pages.
When I rededicated my life to Christ, I wanted to be used by Him. It wasn’t until I went back to school to get my Bachelor’s degree in English that the writing bug really called to me. Not that it hadn’t before, but that it could actually be a way to reach people. I went to my local library to see if they had any books like this. I had never heard of Christian fiction so once I found the section, I began devouring the books and the lessons found between the pages.
2. How often do you hear from your reader fans? Do you have any funny and/or awkward stories?
I hear from readers maybe once a month. Usually it’s because they’re sharing a review with me or they just want to share how the story touched their hearts.
I hear from readers maybe once a month. Usually it’s because they’re sharing a review with me or they just want to share how the story touched their hearts.
3. What inspired the idea for Grace Restored?
When I wrote book one, I knew the characters for each series. It wasn’t until I was midway through book one, Returning Home, that I realized how much of a story Guy and Michelle had. As soon as I finished the first draft of RH, I dove into Grace Restored with anticipation. They did not disappointment me.
When I wrote book one, I knew the characters for each series. It wasn’t until I was midway through book one, Returning Home, that I realized how much of a story Guy and Michelle had. As soon as I finished the first draft of RH, I dove into Grace Restored with anticipation. They did not disappointment me.
4. What do you want readers to take away from reading Grace Restored?That no matter what skeletons you shoved in your closet, God’s grace is enough to restore You to the kingdom, to peace of mind, to faith.
5. What is your current WIP? What can you tell us about it?
Currently I’m working on finishing the fourth and final book in the Maple Run series. This book features Shorty and Nikki with characters from the first three books making an appearance. These two have really struggled to share their thoughts with me from the moment I tried to make them book 2, lol. Thankfully, they’re opening up but it’s still a struggle.
Currently I’m working on finishing the fourth and final book in the Maple Run series. This book features Shorty and Nikki with characters from the first three books making an appearance. These two have really struggled to share their thoughts with me from the moment I tried to make them book 2, lol. Thankfully, they’re opening up but it’s still a struggle.
Snippet
June 11, 2003
“Promise we’ll always be friends.” Michelle Thomas glanced at her best friends, Jo Ellen Baker and Chloe Smith. Graduating from high school was going to change their relationship no matter what. She just prayed it would stand the test of time.
“Of course, we will,” Jo said in her no-nonsense tone of voice.
“Just because we’re going to college doesn’t mean our friendship will change,” Chloe stated in her soft voice.
Michelle sighed. She loved her friends, but sometimes, they didn’t seem to understand how tenuous time could be. In the blink of an eye, life could be altered.
“I love you, guys.” She smiled at them, eyes misting over.
“Aw, group hug.” Jo exclaimed.
Michelle wrapped her arms around them. Life couldn’t get much better.
The sound of the doorbell brought the hug to a close. Her parents had gone out for date night and had allowed her to have a sleepover with her girls. She knew they didn’t like her opening the door when they weren’t home, but she was an adult now.
She peered through the peep hole and frowned. Why was there a police officer at her door? She opened the door. “May I help you?”
The officer removed his hat, a somber look coloring his features. “Are you Michelle Thomas?”
She nodded. This was getting stranger by the minute.
“I’m Officer Simpson with the Kodiak City Police Department, may I come inside?”
What were the Kodiak City Police Department doing in Freedom Lake?
“Who’s at the door, Chelle?” Jo called out.
“The police.”
Jo quickly padded to the door to stand next to her. “How do we know you’re really the police?”
Trust Jo to be cynical and non-trusting. Who would lie about that?
He handed over his badge and Jo examined it. Michelle wanted to laugh at her serious expression, but something was off. Something wasn’t right.
Chloe peeked over Jo’s shoulder. “Looks real to me.”
“I suppose,” Jo replied. She handed the badge back. “Just say what you have to say right there.” Jo pointed past the threshold, as if the officer wasn’t strong enough to cross it if necessary.
The officer met Michelle’s gaze, his gray eyes softening. “Ms. Thomas, your parents have been involved in an accident.”
“What? Are they okay?” She swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. She met Jo’s eyes, noticing the creases in her forehead. She vaguely noted Chloe’s hand on her back.
“Ma’am, I regret to inform you…”
It sounded like a recording. The words didn’t make sense. How could they be dead? She just saw them. Her dad had teared up after the graduation ceremony while they were taking family photos.
Slowly, the sound of wailing penetrated her thoughts. She wished they’d shut up. How could she hear what the officer was saying if they wouldn’t stop?
Her knees buckled and she felt arms come around to steady her.
It was her.
She was the one wailing. She was the one making the incessant noise.
They were dead. At the blink of an eye, her parents were dead.
Review
"Grace Restored" brings us back to Freedom Lake for the second book in the series. I feel that it would be best to read the first book (Returning Home) so that you have the background laid for this story. Many of the characters experienced spiritual growth in their lives through the story. Besides the main story, there are subtle subplots with some of the secondary characters. I think it is probably setting up the story for the next book. I found the book to be well written and it flowed well for me. I look forward to reading Chloe's story.There is one warning and it is a bit of a spoiler alert (although I figured out Michelle's secret early on in the book, so maybe not a huge spoiler). This story deals with a character's struggles with overcoming having had an abortion. I recommend reading at your own ability to deal with that.
Giveaway
For a chance to win an e-copy (International) of Grace Restored by Toni Shiloh, comment on this blog responding to the following question: What verse capture’s God’s grace for you?
Tour Schedule
March 19-Among the Reads
March 20-Faithfully Bookish | Wishful Endings
March 21-Singing Librarian Books | The Power of Words
March 22-A Baker’s Perspective
March 23-Remembrancy
March 24-Kat’s Corner Books
March 26-Reading Is My SuperPower
March 27-Robin’s Nest
March 28-Cafinated Reads | Fiction Aficionado
March 29-Cordially Barbara
March 30-All-of-a-kind Mom
March 31-Blossoms and Blessings
March 20-Faithfully Bookish | Wishful Endings
March 21-Singing Librarian Books | The Power of Words
March 22-A Baker’s Perspective
March 23-Remembrancy
March 24-Kat’s Corner Books
March 26-Reading Is My SuperPower
March 27-Robin’s Nest
March 28-Cafinated Reads | Fiction Aficionado
March 29-Cordially Barbara
March 30-All-of-a-kind Mom
March 31-Blossoms and Blessings
Reviewer: Mindy Houng
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Book Review: "Mermaid's Song" by Darlene Franklin
About the Book Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail.
Thus begins this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.
Justine Battineaux, an Acadian forced from her homeland on Cape Breton Island by British decree, finds herself adrift in the Maine colony. She doesn’t know the language and is distrusted as a foreigner.
Noble lives up to his name, providing shelter for Justine—and protection, as distrust turns into danger. For himself, his family—and the woman he comes to love.
How will Justine and Noble overcome the evil woman’s schemes to find their own love everlasting?
My Thoughts "Mermaid's Song" is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid" set during the French and Indian War. I found the way that Darlene Franklin tied the story to the original story was interesting with Justine not being mute, but unable to communicate due to speaking a different language. I found it a little redundant that it kept saying how Justine's dress made her seem like a mermaid. The one time would have been enough. I did like the characters and enjoyed reading the story. I had not known anything about the Acadians before, so it was interesting to learn a piece of history. The romance and story moved quickly, but that was to be expected since it isn't a long story.
About the Author Best-selling hybrid author Darlene Franklin's greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She published her fiftieth book, Mermaid's Song, in July 2017, and has contributed to more than thirty nonfiction titles. Her column, “The View Through my Door,” appears monthly in two national venues and three regional. You can find Drlene online elsewhere at http://darlenefranklinwrites.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.Franklin/"Mermaid's Song" is available in paperback:
- Series: Love Everlasting (Book 4)
- Paperback: 101 pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 6, 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1548654620
- ISBN-13: 978-1548654627
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.3 x 8 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 213 KB
- Print Length: 103 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1548654620
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications (June 29, 2017)
- Publication Date: June 29, 2017
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B073JQR67L
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "A Loyal Heart" by Jody Hedlund
About the Book
Title: A Loyal Heart
Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Young Adult medieval romance
Release Date: March 6, 2018
He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?
When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.
As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.
Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.
My Thoughts I was delighted to be able to read this latest installment in Jody Hedlund's medieval romance series. We first meet Aldric in "For Love & Honor" and get a look at what drives him in "A Loyal Heart" and what his 'demons' are. While you could read "A Loyal Heart" alone, you will get a much fuller picture having read (at least) "For Love & Honor" beforehand. Bennet and Collin (who we meet in previous books) both make a cameo appearance in this book. I love Aldric and his desire to be an honorable man and do what is right. I liked Olivia, but was glad for the character growth by the end of the book. Having read this book as an ebook, I missed having the differing fonts to show the different points of view. With both POV's being in the 1st person, it was a little confusing at first until I realized that Olivia's sections had a fancier flourish at the beginning of her sections and the first few words were bolder and a bit fancier font as well. I hope that there are more books to come in Jody Hedlund's medieval book series.
About the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Guest Post from Jody Hedlund
The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances
By Jody Hedlund
This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.
Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.
As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.
“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.
“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.
The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.
She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.
“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.
I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.
Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.
My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!
In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.
How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Blog Stops
Among the Reads, March 27
Lighthouse Academy, March 27
Neverending Stories, March 27
Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28
books n baubles, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
By The Book, March 29
Reading Is My SuperPower, March 29
Genesis 5020, March 29
Books, Books, and More Books., March 29
Have A Wonderful Day, March 30
Blogging With Carol, March 30
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 30
Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, March 31
Book by Book, March 31
God’s Little Bookworm, April 1
The Christian Fiction Girl, April 1
Mary Hake, April 1
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 2
Daysong Reflections, April 2
Novels Corner, April 2
Remembrancy, April 3
proud to be an autism mom, April 3
Texas Book-aholic, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4
Janices book reviews, April 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 4
Romances of the Cross, April 5
Carpe Diem, April 5
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 6
Karen Sue Hadley, April 6
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 6
Red Headed Book Lady, April 7
Bibliophile Reviews, April 7
Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pursuing Stacie, April 8
Bigreadersite, April 8
margaret kazmierczak, April 8 (interview)
Henry Happens, April 9
Faery Tales Are Real, April 9
Joy of Reading, April 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76
"A Loyal Heart" is available in paperback:
Paperback: 310 pages
Publisher: Northern Lights Press; 1 edition (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692055231
ISBN-13: 978-0692055236
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches
Paperback: 310 pages
Publisher: Northern Lights Press; 1 edition (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692055231
ISBN-13: 978-0692055236
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 3065 KB
- Print Length: 195 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Northern Lights Press (March 6, 2018)
- Publication Date: March 6, 2018
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0797F1YZC
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.
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