Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The Promise of Dawn(Under Northern Skies)

32510793

ABOUT THE BOOK


When Signe, her husband, Rune, and their three boys arrive in Minnesota from Norway to help a relative clear his land of lumber, they dream of owning their own farm and building a life in the New World. But Uncle Einar and Aunt Gird are hard, demanding people, and Signe and her family soon find themselves worked nearly to the bone in order to repay the cost of their voyage. At this rate, they will never have land or a life of their own.


Signe tries to trust God but struggles with anger and bitterness. She has left behind the only life she knew, and while it wasn't an easy life, it wasn't as hard as what she now faces. When a new addition to the family arrives, Signe begins to see how God has been watching over them throughout their ordeal. But after all that has happened, can she still believe in the promise of a bright future? 


LORI'S TRAVELS




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all she left behind by Jane Kirkpatrick

34020272


ABOUT THE BOOK

Jennie Pickett is a natural healer, but her dreams to become a doctor in 1870s Oregon put her at odds with the world around her. As she struggles to keep her dream alive, she finds that the road to fulfillment winds past love, heartache, and plenty of surprises along the way.


LORI'S TRAVEL'S

n many ways I love this book and I definitely love Jane's stories. I especially like how she adds the little tidbits of how she comes up with these stories based on real ppl.
Jennie Pickett is a fascinating
character who went after her dreams even in the toughest of time and actually achieved it. 
I think that this should be classified as Women's Non fiction reason being it was based on a true story. 
I had a hard time in getting into parts of the story tho.
The medical section I had a hard time with. 
I admired Jennie because of her wisdom and the ability to see her dreams through. 
Some ppl have to work harder than others. I'm the same way with Math. I struggle so hard and to me it's not fair when others get it just like that.
my throat constricted in other parts of this beautiful story. 
Thank you Jennie Pickett for making a way for others and thank you Josiah Parrish for being there for my girl!!
Oh and did I mention that my last name is Parrish. It was one of the reasons I wanted to read this book!!
A great book!!
I received this book from Netgalley and was in no way required to review this book 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jane Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."











Wednesday, August 23, 2017

On Grounds of Honor by Rebekah Colburn

25987643

ABOUT THE BOOK

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the division of the Civil War is an inescapable reality for many households. For the Turner brothers, it means choosing politics over blood. Although his younger brother goes south to join the Rebels, Jeremiah feels honor-bound to defend the Stars and Stripes even at the risk of meeting Charlie on the battlefield and facing a deeper conflict of loyalties. His wife, Clara, is left behind at Laurel Hill to manage the farm with her father-in-law and his slaves. As the country is torn apart by opposing forces from within, Clara must find the strength to live in a world of uncertainty and change. 

What began as an act of patriotic loyalty for Jeremiah will become a test of character and courage. And as the death toll climbs into the thousands, Clara clings to the desperate hope that her husband will come back to her alive. Before it ends, the war will take far more than they could have anticipated. But in the wake of its destruction, Jeremiah and Clara will learn that sometimes victory can only come through surrender. 


LORI'S TRAVELS

This too is a new author for me. I loved how she writes with precision and accuracy. She also adds fact with fiction and has done her research very well!!
I learned a lot from this novel and there were some favorite quotes and Bible verses that were some of my favorites. 
One is "Peace I leave you Peace I give you". I know this isn't all of the verse but it is what stands out to me the most.
War is ugly but there are things to be learned of it. The world will never be peaceful as long as there are proud men or women too ornery to stand down which brings Pride goeth before a fall or something like that. 
I wanted to read this bc the Civil war is one of my favorite eras of history. 
Forgiveness is also a big part of this story. If you can't forgive yourself or others then you become angry and bitter.
I enjoyed this story so much and thank you Rebekah. I feel very blessed that you have let read and review your book.
I'm ready for book 2! 
I wish I could give this book at 12 star rating. 
I received this complementary copy from the author and in no way required to review this book 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebekah Colburn



Rebekah Colburn is the author of the Historical Fiction Series, “Of Wind and Sky.” 

Her desire is to bring history to life with rich stories, compelling characters and inspirational themes which will inspire and encourage her readers.

In 2001 she obtained a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Washington Bible College. Rebekah loves being outdoors and enjoys mountain biking, cycling, and cruising the local waterways with her husband on his jet ski. 

She lives in historic Centreville on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, teen-aged daughter, two rambunctious dogs, two spoiled cats and a whole lot of chaos.








Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

33414153



ABOUT THE BOOK

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.



Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can’t understand her mother’s over protectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish attention and affection.
 
When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that’s been lost? 


LORI'S TRAVELS

Just beautiful and so very sad!!! It brought tears of sadness and tears of joy to my eyes!!
Some of this story eve made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Call it premonition.
I have loved every one of Kim's books since I've started reading Christian fiction. 
I enjoyed this book so much to the fullest!!
Overprotectiveness can be a good thing and it can be a good thing.
I'm certain situations like Hazels I can definitely understand. 
I'm in agreement with Hazel. No one is so damaged that they can't come to Jesus and be healed. We always have a Father .
You see, God orchestrates things in His own time. He wants us to come to Him on our own.
Yes, I'm Thomas the doubter at times but, aren't we all?
I can only stress that I enjoyed this book 
I received this book for free.. In no way was I required to review this book and all opinions are my own!!!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Vogel SawyerKim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information." 





The Action Storybook Bible by David C. Cook

DOES YOUR CHILD LOVE COMIC BOOKS? HOW ABOUT SUPER HEROES?

Now is your chance to have DC and Marvel illustrator Sergio Cariello make your child's dream come true!

 

Parents!

David C Cook is proud to introduce the newest book in the Action Bible collection: The Action Storybook Bible (coming October 2017). Pre-order The Action Storybook Bible from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ChristianBook.com to reserve your copy today. Plus click the graphic below to enter to have a chance to win an illustration of your child as a super hero by Action Bible artist Sergio Cariello (who has also illustrated comics for DC and Marvel!).

 

The giveaway is open until September 11, 2017, 5:00pm MST.  Your entry must be received by then to be eligible. Five winners will be chosen at random from eligible entrants.




LORI'S REVIEW

 enjoyed this beautiful story book for children. I love picture books even tho my son is almost 16.
I guess you can say I'm a kid at heart and will never grow up as long as I have Jesus.
I enjoyed the message and the beautiful pictures that were in it.
The artist did a fabulous job in bringing the stories to life making me want to jump into the book and be with all the people.
I received this beautiful book for free and in no way required to review this book




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{THE ACTION STORYBOOK BIBLE}

Families see the Bible in motion and put their faith into action! The Action Storybook Bible invites families with young children to explore God’s redemptive story together. An entry point into the world of The Action Bible, it tells of the amazing creation story, powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel, God’s miraculous gift of eternal life through Jesus, and more! God’s promise for the world is displayed throughout every page. Discover your family’s place in God’s incredible story and together put your faith into action! Interactive features include:
  • Fifteen key episodes from God’s Word—each one loaded with several stories along with over 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.
  • Short and easy readings—for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.
  • Life, Faith, Action! features—conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.
  • Hall of Fame visual index—the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

Monday, August 21, 2017

road trip to delusion blog hop tour kit

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Genre: Contemporary, Christian
Publisher: Love Truth
Publication date: June 22, 2017

A fifteen-year-old takes a road trip with her two younger sisters and their strong-willed great-granny, and circumstances force her to drive her granny’s Cadillac through a freeway-closing-down blizzard which brings everyone and everything to a standstill.









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Jean Ann Williams is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes regularly for Putting on the New blog and Book Fun Magazine on the topic of child suicide loss. Her book “God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart” started out as a blogged book on her Love Truth blog. Jean Ann and her husband of forty-six years have thirteen grandchildren from their two remaining children. They reside on one acre in Southern Oregon where they raise a garden, fruit orchard, goats, and chickens. Jean Ann’s favorite hobbies are practicing archery, hiking through the woods, and big game hunting with her bow.




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1. Who are some of your favorite authors?  Do these authors influence your own writing?
My favorite authors write inspirational/historical, which includes, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Tessa Emily Hall, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Laura Frantz, Jane Kirkpatrick. Last but not least for the deeper Point of View, Virginia Smith, and for my most favorite time period with captivating stories, Sydney Tooman Betts. Each of these authors have taught me differing things; how to write better, go deeper into story, and deeper Point of View so the reader is allowed to live in the characters’ heads.

2. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about this project?
Season of the Fawns is written with the new adult audience in mind, but it’s for all ages. Synopsis: Born on the same day, Vale acts older than her cousin Caleb and is protective over him because of the loss of his family at age ten. Days before they turn twenty, the two cousins yearly hunting trip approaches. Caleb no longer cares about participating, as he suffers from migraines caused by an injury while mountain climbing.
Before leaving for the hunting cabin, Vale discovers how severe Caleb’s depression has become. Though worried she will lose Caleb by his own hand, she insists the trip will be good for him. As the cousins enter a new season of change, will Vale’s grit be enough to save Caleb’s life?
 
3. What advice would you give potential authors/writers?
Never, ever give up on your dream of writing and publishing, and when you think you’ve hit a writer’s block wall keep writing even if it’s junk.

4. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing energizes me and editing my work exhausts me.

5. What inspired the idea for Road Trip to Delusion?
Now, a bit about how this story came about. I told my California resident mother-in-law we would pick her up when she was ready to stay in our home. She commented she just might get in her car and drive her own self to Oregon. To this, I stared at my granddaughters and said to Mom, “Well, you better bring my granddaughters with you.” Because of this conversation, Road Trip of Delusion took root and I watered it and God gave the increase.

6. What do you want readers to take away from reading Road Trip to Delusion?
I hope readers will get a strong sense of the value of family, especially when not everyone gets along. Also, I’d like readers to consider the importance of prayer to a Lord Who loves us.


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My heart sank to my navel as I grip-hugged my cookbook.
Granny slammed on the gas pedal of her Cadillac Fleetwood, and the vehicle chugged onto Highway 101. Her eagle eyes never wandered from the beams of the headlights.
I shook my head for I had a huge regret. I wasn’t able to talk Granny out of taking this trip.
In the backseat, my middle sister thirteen-year-old Leah Be-de-ah jumped on the freeway of reason. “And, Granny, don’t you think we should tell someone?”
Granny’s head barely crested the top of the seat. “Your Grand, James, is gone, so it’s just me now.” She lifted her chin.
Little sister Mia Babe sat next to Leah. “Kari?”
Twisting in my seat, I faced them. “What?”
“Mom says Grand’s in paradise, but where’s that?”
Ah, Mia, an old soul at the age of seven. “Well, from what Mom taught me, it’s a spiritual place where people go when they die.”
“Oh.” Mia rubbed her eye.
A scary notion surfaced, and I slapped my forehead. “Granny, do you even know how to get to Oregon?”
“Of course.” She flicked her blinker and passed a small car. “James and I visited Oregon when your mama was a slip of a teenager.”
“But Granny—” Leah counted. “This was twenty-five years ago. Right, Kari?”
“Right.” I rolled my eyes to the car roof and refocused on the headlight-brightened pavement. “I don’t think, Leah, they moved the state.” But, does Granny remember the route



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  1. August 7--Paulette's Papers
    August 8--Fiction Aficionado
    August 9--Debbie's Dusty Deliberations Mel's Shelves
    August 10--Singing Librarian Books
    August 11--Smiling Book Reviews 
    August 12--Radiant Light
    August 14--Remembrancy
    August 15--Faery Tales Are Real
    August 16--Christy's Cozy Corners
    August 17--cherylbbookblog
    August 18--Bookworm Lisa
    August 19--Red Headed Book Lady

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Tuesday, August 8, 2017

The Amish Cooking class-The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter

33215948


ABOUT THE BOOK

Return to the Troyer farm where, despite stressful changes occurring in their lives, Joel and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn about Amish cooking. This time a teenager helping her divorced dad cook for the family, a caterer needing new recipes, a food critic, a hunter looking to impress his buddies, a wife given the class as an unwanted gift, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good cooking gather around Heidi s table. More than good food is exchanged, though, as friendships form, a romance blossoms, and hearts are healed."


LORI'S TRAVELS


I love Amish stories and I admire Heidi for holding her own. I can't imagine wanting something so bad and it's just withing reach. Heidi however:; is stronger than she looks and is a wonderful teacher in many ways and I believe if memory serves me correctly a matchmaker in the making. 
There are many new characters in this book. We meet Lisa, Bill the janitor, and a few others. All have come to learn how to cook. 
I think the one I most feel sorry for is Nicole who has to do everything around the house. There is no way not no how would I take on all that responsibility when there were two or three capable hands or bodies whatever the case may be. I'd be like hey I need a little help around here I can't do all this by myself. I"m a sister not a mother. 
There are a few things that I like about the story. There are a few dislikes I don't like for example when Kendra went back to live with her parents and changing her mind. Sometimes it's not always best and it usually ends up hurting the other party. 
I do believe that things work out some for the better but some not for the worst. 
I did have a little trouble connecting with the characters in this story but I have seen God's grace through the author who wrote this book..I do understand that these books are written from the heart of the authors who put these books out there for us reader and for that I do thank you!! 
Some ppl might not like this review but I totally understand! I wouldn't either!! 
I do wish that events that happen in books can happen in real life and sometimes I guess they do. 
I know I've been blessed 10 times fold and blessed especially by getting to read these wonderful books!! I always enjoy helping out my favorite authors!!!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wanda E. Brunstetter              
A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has sold more than seven million copies of her fiction and nonfiction books. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts.














To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

To Wager Her Heart (Belle Meade Plantation, #3)



ABOUT THE BOOK

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn't tear them apart first. 

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancee—and what has broken her heart. 

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor? 

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it. 

Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.



LORI'S TRAVEL'S 

Tamera may I say that you've really made my heart sing with this one!! I have learned a lot through reading about Alexandra and Sy's story. There is one quote that really stands out. It's when Mr. White is leaving Alexandra some advice that I really took to heart. He says" It's your decision to make but remember that there are dire consequences and Alexandra soon found out what they were!!! Oh my what a brave lady!! I admired her for following her heart and stepping in the right direction!! God was working on her then and even more so through out this beautiful story!
When the Jubilee singers were singing their songs I imagined myself for being there and actually hearing them and it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!!! I love a good concert don't you? Especially gospel? I even closed my eyes and swayed with the singers. I think I could hear God talking to me through them!!! I learned a few more things like I never knew about Fisk University. It's truly amazing where anyone can just say hey I"m going to make this a school no matter what it used to be and be determined to do it.
The Lord is good is He not?
President Spence has such a negative impact. In a way I guess I can understand but at least if it didn't work out they had the guts to try. It's the Lord's will. I enjoyed this story so much!! It's usually the last book in the series that is the best one. I also enjoyed the noted that Tamera had in the end of the story and how she mixed fact with fiction. I think this is the real reason I love historical fiction.
I truly feel blessed when I'm allowed to read and review the author's stories! I love to help them promote their books.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tamera AlexanderTamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today's most popular writers in the inspirational historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels.




The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

ABOUT THE BOOK Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a tailspin in her late teens, Lau...