Red Headed Book Lady

Saturday, January 23, 2016

The Isaac Project by Sarah Monzon

Becky Sawyer’s life unravels in a single day. Not only does she catch her boyfriend, the man she hoped to marry, lip-locked with another woman, she also receives the gut-wrenching news that her grandfather, the man who raised her, is dying. His last wish? To see her happily married. Heartbroken, Becky seeks inspiration in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. And finds it in the story of Isaac and Rebekah.

If love couldn't keep his parents together, Luke Masterson wonders what will make a marriage last. He decides to steer clear of all women—especially crazy ones like Becky Sawyer, who employs a friend to find her a husband. But when he feels the dogged promptings of the Holy Spirit to move across the country and marry a complete stranger, it seems love has little to do with it anyway.

With commitment their only foundation, and love constantly thwarted, can an arranged marriage find happiness in the twenty-first century?

Available to purchase on

- AMAZON -

Sarah Monzon is a pastor's wife and a stay at home mom of two small children. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Adventist University. Sarah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). The Isaac Project is her debut novel.

Connect with Sarah on:

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | WEBSITE

I have really enjoyed this book. When I first opened it I had no idea what to expect.

Being told by 2 different people kind of confused me at first. But, as I kept reading I thought to myself, how interesting for a story to be told by a guy. Most of us women never know just how most men feel. Most men never tell us how they feel about certain things or what they want in a soul mate. Some women are the same way. Becky in the beginning is a very independent, strong willed person who thinks she can do it all on her own.
Becky loves horses just like I do. I was delighted to find this story involved horses.
I imagined Poppy looking like most grandfathers do. I liked Poppy from the start. His personality was infectious. It seemed he understood and felt things before Becky could come and talk with him over certain things. I guess it's because he has lived a long life and raised Becky on his own. I believe that's why Becky loved him and could always count on him comforting her and as someone she could talk to after a stressful day.
I was also delighted to find that the author included God in the story. God is our Heavenly Father and our creator. If we just turn to God how much easier our lives would be! One of my favorite songs is Have Thine Own Way Lord Have Thine Own Way. Most often not we tend to take things in our own hands not considering God's plans for us at all because we're in a hurry.
I am happy knowing that Becky takes time out of her everyday life to talk to God even if it's inside of a horse barn. God can see and hear us no matter where we are.
I felt like God had me read this book to remind me that he is always there watching over us and that if something is meant to be then He will make it happen in His time not ours. I have made new friends through this story and I am sad to see them go.
I snickered through most of this book and I know at times my mouth must've dropped open on some things.
God shows us that it takes two to make things work the way they're supposed to if we just take time out of our busy day and ask Him for help
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Singing Librarians. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
I gave this book 5 stars

Enter the giveaway HERE.

January 18--Reading Is My SuperPower | Bookworm Lisa
January 19--Just Commonly | Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
January 20--Donna's BookShelf | Singing Librarian Books
January 21--Between the Pages | Wishful Endings
January 22--Katie's Clean Book Collection | Crystal's Chaotic Confessions
January 23--Red Headed Book Lady | cherylbbookblog

If you are interested in becoming a Singing Librarian Books tour participant, apply HERE.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Huckleberry Hearts

I loved this book! Jennifer Beckstrand is an awesome author. I love love all of her books and couldn't wait to read this one! The cover on the book is gorgeous!
Anna and Felty are at it again! They are trying to play matchmaker to Cassie and Zach; unbeknownst to them that they've already met when they were in college!
Even though Zach has changed he had a long way to go to prove himself to Cassie and her family. Especially Norman! Norman is something else altogether! What a bully!
It's amazing how Anna knows what Cassie needs before Cassie does herself! It's no wonder Cassie left the Amish.!
I did laugh when Zach wore his pink shirt to church and to the hog butchering time. I also laughed when it turned out that Cassie and Zach wound up having the same car! How ironic is that?!
I thought Cassie's mamm was very domineering on a whole lot of things especially when Cassie couldn't dress the way she wanted! No wonder Norman is a bully! He's just like his mamm! Yea to Dr. Reynolds's when he won a wrestling match. To me, that just like children that are fighting over a toy only this was a girl. Men! They never grow up!
I'm glad that Dr. Reynolds came into Cassie's life when he did. I'm also very glad that he grew up from his "college" days. I could tell that he and Cassie were meant for each other just as Anna and Felty could tell.
I wish Dr. Reynolds was my dr! He's got great bedside manners. Not all dr's do! I'm very happy that Cassie eventually changed her mind about him!( God works in mysterious ways and sometimes not to our liking!) It's in His time, not ours. It can be very disappointing for some ppl. And there's another of my favorites Good things come to those who wait.
Thank you Jennifer Beckstrand for another wonderful tale about Anna and Felty trying to play matchmaker. I hope your stories about them continue. I'm also looking forward to your new series. The covers are just beautiful!
This book was given to me by Netgalley and a paperback was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 5 stars!

Biography

http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans
Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer has been nominated for the 2015 RWA RITA Award and the RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.

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. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Books by Jennifer Beckstrand
Forever Apple in Apple Lake Series:
Kate's Song
Rebecca's Rose
Miriam's Quilt

The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series:
Huckleberry Hill
Huckleberry Summer
Huckleberry Christmas
Huckleberry Spring
Huckleberry Harvest
Huckleberry Hearts

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

I really like reading Julie's books. I'm always anticipating her next novel. Her books are always well researched as with any author whose books I read. The Secret of Pembroke Park is my favorite.

This story delights me because of how Stephen Overtree wound up taking over Wesley's mess like he's always done since they were children.

I feel like he shouldn't have done that. Wesley has always been jealous of Stephen no matter what Stephen did.

Stephen is what I call a man! He's all heart! I admire him because he stayed with his men during the battle with Napoleon Bonaparte. Not every Captain would do that I believe. He married Sophie on a whim to give her a home and wouldn't cause a scandal. It should not have been his job to do that . It should've been Wesley's job but he done run off. He thought his painting in Paris was more important than taking up for his responsibilities. It's just like a man to run off. Even Angela said that. I do have to admit though, at least Wesley tried to grow up but it didn't work. It seems like no matter how hard they try some men just never grow up!

I admire Sophie for her strength and determination to make a marriage of convince work. It is this leap of faith through God that Sophie comes to love Stephen. Sometimes it's not love at first sight. This comes slowly and maybe sometimes never. I'm very glad for Stephen and Sophie.

The in laws really crack me up because they very much remind me of mine. When I first married my husband, I did it to get out of the house. My in laws were surprised that he went and done it as were Stephens. They didn't think I was right for their son but guess what? We've been married for 19 years going on 20. Something must be right! Yes, it does take work. Especially since the in laws like to interfere more times than once! But, we got through it with God's help. If things are meant to be, then it will happen. As always with my favorite saying " With God all things are possible" and " God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble."

Winnie is a delight! Her predictions sometimes are confusing! Especially the one about Stephen. Boy, was I glad she was wrong on that account! She's the mysterious one! I believe that was why Wesley didn't really like her. She always sensed that he was up to something before he even done it. I liked the part where she thought her cat was a boy come to find out it was a girl! Cats are sometimes hard to tell if they're boys or girls. I even have a hard time telling.

I was delighted for Winnie because she found time to spend with the Grandfather. The Grandfather often cracked me up too. At first, I thought he was talking to himself the way older people do. Come to find out they were both spending time together!

I'm so glad that even though there was tension, anxiety in the house it all worked out. I guess that comes from bringing in someone you don't know very well. I think it's wrong to judge people. You really don't know what they've been through in life or are going through. I say this because of the young man I want to mention in the story. Mr. Harrison.

Mr. Harrison is a very lucky young man. Not all people want to bring up other people's children. I love the vicar and his wife for doing this. Stephen's parents have no right to judge him just because he's an orphan. I hate snobby people. I even get judged. If I don't measure up to someone's standards Oh well! God loves me no matter what. He knows what's in my heart and soul. He knows every hair on my head just because he made me the way He wanted. No one else!

I give this book 5 stars because I loved it so much! I recommend this book and I would reread it again. Julie is a wonderful author and as I said before The Secret of Pembroke is my favorite but now, I have a new favorite! If these were real people, I would certainly love to congratulate them on a job well done! I feel like I have made new friends. I love a book when I can do that. Make new friends.

Thank you Julie for another wonderful story!

Biography

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her book, The Silent Governess, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com for more information.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off--only to find she's fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they're all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally--and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.

A Thousand Shall Fall
by Andrea Boasharr

I think that this is by far my favorite Civil War novel. I love how the author has thought out each perspective of her book.
The reason for this being my favorite is because I like this time period and it has been some time since I've read one of this authors books. She definitely keeps you spellbound! I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and she didn't disappoint!
I can't imagine the turmoil and loss each side has suffered especially at Gettysburg.
In my opinion I would have to side with the North. Slavery is wrong no matter how you look at it even though it wasn't what started the war. What started the war was when the South fired on Fort Sumter and succeeded from the Union. Slavery later became involved towards the end of the war.
Carrie Ann is my favorite character. She has strength and determination that I don't believe I could ever have. Her faith is even more amazing!!!
Carrie's journey has taken her on some amazing situations and it was always Colonel Peyton to the rescue! I had to laugh at some the of things she found herself in!
She's one lucky girl! She has God on her side!!! He was her strength and shield and folks prayer is very powerful!!!
As Carrie searches for her sister, she runs into the very thing that her childhood friend Joshua warns her about. Though he has warned her she finds nothing but common courtesy from the Union Officers. Colonel Peyton even offers to protect her and help her find her sister.
I liked Colonel Peyton from the start. Not only was he a gentleman, it seemed he was handsome as well. His aunt raised him right; but, it is a shame it takes something drastic to make a believer out of a person. I think if times were different, it wouldn't matter if he was Carrie's friend or not.
One of the reasons I thought a lot of Peyton because he sent Carrie to safety. He sent her to his Aunt Ruth's.. I also thought it was sweet of him to want to be more than a friend. I think if the times were right and not in the middle of a war, maybe things would be different for both of them.
However; I didn't like Joshua's friend that he run around with. I thought he was rude and not very compassionate at all!!! He deserved what he got in the end. He always made Carrie uneasy about being near him. I thought he was just downright mean! I think I'd give him the what to four myself! Yea for Carrie!!! I must admit though, I held my breath waiting to see if Joshua would step in or not. I wasn't disappointed! He did the right thing by Carrie. Joshua also kept his promise to Carrie about helping her to find her sister. I thought that was real gentlemanly of him.
Even though war changes people it's a wonder that people can still remain friends. Especially if one is a Confederate soldier.
At least Carrie has someone on both sides to watch out for her and protect her. But, there is someone from above that can do much, much more!!! All you have to do is ask!!!!
For this reason I give this book a 5 star rating and the author has generously given me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you Andrea for a wonderful story and I am anxiously awaiting your next book!

A

Biography

Andrea Boeshaar has been married for nearly 40 years. She and her husband have 3 wonderful sons, 1 beautiful daughter-in-law, and 5 precious grandchildren.

Andrea's publishing career began in 1994 when her first novel was released by Heartsong Presents (Barbour Publishing). She went on to write numerous romances for the book club and was voted one of the line's "Favorite Authors" several times over.

Over the years, Andrea has written books for such publishers as Summerside Press, Guideposts, Charisma House/Realms, and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Andrea's latest novel--her 30th book--is titled A Thousand Shall Fall. Set in 1864 during the American Civil War. Through the efforts of the Seymour Agency, it is contracted with Kregel Publications and will be released in late 2015. Most recently Andrea was contracted with the Prism Book Group for a collection of 3 romantic novellas called Seasons of Love.

In 2000, Andrea co-founded ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) with author Lynn Coleman and served on the organization's advisory board for a number of years. Although no longer in leadership, Andrea maintains her membership in the organization and her local ACFW-WISE chapter.

Andrea worked as a literary agent under the tutelage of Joyce Hart and the Hartline Agency. Andrea saw much success. But in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a coach than literary agent. She earned her certification in Christian life coaching. Now she is the purveyor of Steeple View Coaching for Writers. Recognizing one of her client's gifts and potential, Andrea wrote a novella with debut author Christina Miller called "One Way to the Altar" (Convenient Brides Collection). The anthology made its way to #15 on the ECPA's Bestseller List for August.

For a complete listing of Andrea's books, and information about her business, log onto: www.andreaboeshaar.com

Saturday, December 5, 2015

A Shenandoah Family Christmas

A Shenandoah Family Christmas

by Lisa Belcastro

Where is Christmas?
Disease, freezing temperatures, and the Revolutionary War bring bitter reality to the Reed home in December 1777. Captain Benjamin Reed is ordered to sail a supply shipment south to General George Washington. Days before Shenandoah’s scheduled departure, Ben’s first mate succumbs to smallpox.

Rebecca Reed had never feared the dreaded disease until her one-year-old daughter Felicity breaks out in the telltale rash. In the cold, dark days of Advent, Rebecca, Ben, and the Reed family wait in prayerful hope as Felicity fights for her life and they wonder who could be next.

With the rest of the family at risk, they decide to obtain the forbidden cowpox vaccine. Ben's brother Jonah, his uncle Isaiah, and Shenandoah’s cook Adam Greene venture off in search of the outlawed vaccine. A blizzard hits. A tree crashes. Jonah crumbles to the ground. A woman with the face of an angel aids Jonah, but is it too late? And where are Adam and Isaiah?

As the death toll rises throughout the Colonies, the Reed family prays for more than one Christmas miracle.

Amazon Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Shenandoah-Family-Christmas-Winds-Change/dp/0996794506/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449168828&sr=8-1&keywords=lisa+belcastro

A Shenandoah Family Christmas

By Lisa Belcastro

My thoughts about the book

When I first started this book I thought Oh boy a trip back to 1777!

I was definitely in for a surprise! I have never read a time travel book before but

as I started reading it, it turned out better than I expected.

I can't imagine going through a portal and end up exactly where I wanted.

I think I would use a portal to travel back to Titanic.

I also can't imagine having Small Pox.( If I remember correctly Small Pox is what wiped out half of the Indian nation). Wouldn't everyone wonder why Missy and Rebecca never contracted the disease? I know I would wonder. It's a great idea that Rebecca made mittens to keep Felicity from scratching. It seemed to have worked. I guess being a small child you wouldn't think about it. I can sympathize with Rebecca if my child ever got sick like that. I think that I'd definitely be down on my hands and knees praying to the one above. Miracles happen all the time.

People are always wanting, wanting never content with what they have. I can relate to this.

It's a shame it takes a child to get sick and then Rebecca is content on what she already has.

If we can look to God, he will take care of most of our needs. We need to only ask.

I am happy that Felicity recovers and so does William. I held my breath all the way though this novella to see if Felicity would make it. Prayer is powerful my friends. God may not always answer the way we want him to.

Blizzards can come out of nowhere. They can also kill if you're not prepared for them. I was happy that Jonah made it through his injury. It's amazing how they found him at all!

Rebecca is so very lucky to have a loving and devoted husband such as Ben. I know that she misses him when he takes off on his ship. I know I would!

Missy and Isaiah are best friend with Ben and Rebecca. I think it's wonderful how they stayed friends even after they traveled through the portal.

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She loves time with her family and friends, running, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, chocolate, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat, Ben, who keeps her company while she creates fictional lives for the numerous characters living inside her head.

Lisa runs as an ambassador for TEAM 413 (www.team413.org), and has completed a marathon (26.2 miles) in all fifty states.

Lisa’s stories are set on the Vineyard amidst the magnificence of the ocean, the beauty of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and ancient cliffs, as well as the people and events that make the Island so very unique.

When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, training to run the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in January 2016, walking the beach looking for sea glass, or enjoying a great meal while she pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style Magazine.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d26850c547/?

HTML code: <a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d26850c547/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="d26850c547" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_kza76g4f">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>