Friday, June 10, 2016

Spotlight for The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction
Publisher: Rooted Publishing
Publication date: April 15, 2016
Number of pages: 349

Sarah Sharpe has grown up as a carpenter’s daughter, knowing only the rough and work-heavy world of her father’s blue-collar profession. Abandoned by her mother as a baby, she’s lived twenty-one years content to drive nails at her dad’s side. Following her father into the world of construction was a natural path, and she took it without a second thought. But a harsh comment about her “butch” appearance sends her on a search for identity.

Enter handsome and easygoing Jesse Chapman, the roofer she meets on her first foray into volunteer work

for Homes For Hope. In every way, the quirky man is her opposite—confident, a people kind of guy, and most importantly, happy. His likable qualities continue to draw her in, and for some reason he keeps coming back to her. But they can’t be more than friends—he’s made that crystal clear. Except for a handful of times…and the confusion is driving her crazy.

Sarah’s quest for self-definition becomes more tangled than she ever imagined, and she discovers that the journey will take her deeper than clothes and makeup. Filling the void in her heart becomes an obsession she cannot escape. How far is she willing to go to discover who she really is?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Link to giveaway HERE.

June 6--Singing Librarian Books
June 7--Just Commonly | Katie's Clean Book Collection
June 8--Bookworm Lisa
June 9--Reading Is My SuperPower | Smiling Book Reviews
June 10--Book by Book | R ed Headed Book Lady
June 11--Getting Your Read On

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Loving A Lawman by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sheriff Seth Langston is head over heels for local wild child Jessie McAllen and has been for years. The trouble is she has eyes only for Seth’s rodeo star brother, Chase. Even though he considers Jessie his girl, Chase is an incorrigible ladies’ man with a wandering eye and no chance of settling down soon.

Jessie is ready to move away from Cattle Creek to put her feelings for Chase behind her, but after she shares a white-hot kiss with Seth, things get a little complicated. Jessie realizes her heart should have been his all along. And in the face of sudden tragedy, they’ll discover if their newfound passion will tear the Langston men apart or make the family stronger than ever.

MY THOUGHTS

I really liked the book! it was certainly different than what I'm used to reading and I most definitely skipped the bedroom scenes (sorry Amy). But overall, the characters were certainly well developed and I loved the cover of the book.

I like Jessie because in a way she reminds me of me if that makes any sense. I loved her stubborn streak but I also loved her sensitive side as well.

Seth was equally determined. I like a man who admits he's wrong and tries to make it right!

I came from a small town so I know what it's like. Everyone knows your business before you do! that's really the only thing I don't like about a small town.

There were some parts that I laughed at and wanted to cry because I can relate to Jessie so much.

I just wonder sometimes about ppl why it takes them so long to appreciate what's right in front of them!

Thanks Amy for a wonderful story. I will read this again. You truly made Seth and Jessie come alive. I can almost see them in a movie!!

I received a copy of this book from Amy Lillard in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Whisper to Horses

About the Book

To purchase your copy, click here

An old fence separates a modern community from their Amish neighbors, until a little boy opens the gate and breaks down barriers between them. Main characters, Matt and Eli, find friendship, hope, and a future through a mutual need, which creates an opportunity for them to learn to understand each other. Eli and his little sisters will touch your heart by Whispering to Horses.

MY THOUGHTS

I too am hoping there will actually be a novel following this book. I think the message here is that it isn't necessary to be loud all the time. Take the time to listen and speak soft and most times people will listen to you as well as the animals.

This little novella also speaks of hope,love in the near future and friendship. Sometimes it takes children to male ppl.see, hear and love one another again. I loved how Eli spoke to his horses and they listened to him. I also lover Matts curiosity and willingness to keep an open mind about everything. Most of all, I love how God works everything thing out in ppls lives. It's amazing how God works things out in his own timing of course! All we have to do is listen for Him. He does speak to us just not like we expect Him too!

I recommend this book very strongly.

I received this book through CelebrateLit in exchange for an honest review

About the Author

Thomas Nye, author of the Amish Horses Book Series, Lives near an Amish community where he grew to know and respect his Amish neighbors. During grade school Thomas developed an interest in history and loved reading anything he could find about the 1800s. His love of farm, history, and horses all came together in real-life experiences with his Amish friends, who also happen to share his Christian faith. He purchased draft horses from Amish farmers in his neighborhood and set out to learn the art of working with horses in harness. After years of buying, selling, and trading work horses with Amish farmers in his community, Thomas had many wonderful memories of those experiences. His novels based on those adventures. Learn more about Thomas Nye on his website.

Guest Post from Thomas Nye

Last spring, I visited numerous Amish communities throughout the state of Indiana. My original goal was to bring awareness of my Amish Horses book series to the Amish and tourists in that region. As I traveled down quiet country roads, my heart was overwhelmed by beautiful farm scenes. Conversations with Amish families, and especially Amish children, brought a new awareness and inspiration to me. Springtime and its rich aromas flooded my senses and filled my heart with a story, Whispering to Horses.

Whispering to Horses is a very short novel which spans several generations. It is the story of two families that live side-by-side for years, and yet are strangers to each other. A fence that was installed to keep livestock apart has become a dividing line, separating Amish from their non-Amish neighbors. Years ago, when putting in the fence, an Amishman remembered his grandfather’s advice, almost prophetically, “… a gate opens the way for help in time of need.” Generations later, a gentle Amish boy named Eli, seems to have inherited his great-great-grandfather’s wisdom, as he opens the gate and communication between neighbors.

Kalona, Iowa has been my home for the past 35 years. Living in an Amish/Mennonite community, I have experienced many situations exactly like the one described in this book. It is so easy for us to look over a fence and have a disdain for people we don’t know, or understand. Sometimes, a little child can use their simple wisdom to break through our misconceptions, and soften our crusty opinions. In my hundreds of visits to Amish farms, it has been the children that have surprised me most. Even though English is their second language, Amish children speak with wisdom that has become a treasure to me, and I want to share it with you. I hope the story of Whispering to Horses opens your eyes, and brings back memories of your own childhood, when we all shared that simple wisdom.

Blog StopsJune 7: Quiet Quilter

June 8: ArtisticNobody

June 8: Petra’s Hope

June 9: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 10: Cindy’s Book Reviews

June 10: Blossoms and Blessings

June 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

June 12: Bigreadersite

June 13: Through The Open Window

June 14: A Greater Yes

June 14: Cassandra M’s Place

June 15: Texas Book-aholic

June 16: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 17: Lighthouse Academy

June 18: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 19: Red Headed Book Lady

June 20: Rockin’ My Mom Jeans

June 21: Simple Harvest Reads

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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch: The Adventures of Punkin and Boo

by Patrick E Craig

ABOUT THE BOOK

4.33 · Rating Details · 3 Ratings · 2 Reviews

Against their wishes, cousins Jacie Masters, (Punkin), and Hannah Roberts, (Boo), are thrown together for the summer at their grandparents’ Ghost Dancer Ranch. What starts as a very boring summer turns dangerous when they find themselves in the middle of an insidious plot to steal the ranch and turn it into a Casino. By clinging to their faith, and with the help of a guardian angel and Jack Wilson, a young Native American man who hopes to lead his people back to prosperity and power through the resurrection of the Ghost Dancer Religion, Punkin and Boo overcome all obstacles to solve the mystery and save the ranch.

In the best tradition of Franklin W. Dixon's Hardy Boy Mysteries and Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, comes The Adventures of Punkin and Boo, an exciting series of adventure/mystery stories for young children, tweens, and teens (adults will also enjoy them.) Featuring Hannah Roberts (Boo) and Jacie Masters (Punkin), these are the adventures of two teenage cousins who meet for the first time on a summer vacation and fall right into an on-going series of action-packed, page turning, "can't-put-em-down" books that will delight young readers and have them asking for more of The Adventures of Punkin and Boo.

MY THOUGHTS

I received a copy of this book from Patrick in exchange for an honest review He's also in progress with a sequel to The Amish Heiress so we have that to look forward to reading it.

The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch is the gripping story of two teenage cousins who are thrown together for the summer at their Grandparents' ranch in California. While exploring the old ranch, the girls stumble on a mystery that involves desperate crooks, the ghost of a long-dead Sioux War Chief, a young Native American man on a mission to save his tribe, and secret tunnels and caves left over from an old Spanish Mission. Throw in a guardian angel who protects the girls from some evil spirits that want to bring the story to a bad end, and you have The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch, the first in a series of faith-filled mystery adventures for kids, featuring Punkin and Boo.

I enjoyed reading and waiting to see what the girls would uncover and I also enjoyed learning about the Indians as well.

I thought that Patrick did a wonderful job in weaving his characters together and making them into a family who loves the Lord just as much as I do.

Patrick tells us that God loves everyone no matter the nationality you are.

I gave this a 5 star because I enjoyed a different read than what I'm used to.

Thank you Patrick for another wonderful read!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in northern California and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

For Richer or Poorer by Kari Trumbo

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elizabeth Whitte finds herself on the frigid border of Minnesota and Canada as winter sets in. When her plans for finding a husband and rushing back to Kansas fall through, she has to stay and learn a few things…like how to care for others.

Robert is a Mountie in Fort Frances, Canada. When he meets Elizabeth, his first instinct is to send her home. He’s been burned by women like her in the past and knows his life isn’t suited for them. Elizabeth’s pull is strong, but he cannot leave his beloved Canada.

As Elizabeth matures in many ways, Robert must decide if sending her back to Kansas is still his best option. Could she learn to love him, and his beautiful home?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Trumbo is a writer of Christian Historical Romance and a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. She does freelance developmental editing and blogging. When she isn’t writing or editing, she homeschools her children and pretends to keep up with them. Kari has written three novels in the Western Vows series and one prequel/novella; all should be released by fall of 2016. Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing with the worship team, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of eighteen years, two daughters, two sons, and four cats.

Places to follow Kari:

Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Amazon

Review

I loved loved it! My first by Kari Trumbo. Thus is the 2nd book by her in this series and as usual I wound up in the middle of a series. I'm hoping this won't ruin the rest of the other books.
Kari is a good story teller and I loved her little snippet at the end telling how the Mounties came about. in some ways they remind me of the Texas Rangers.
I enjoyed watching Elizabeth change from this selfish person that she was and into a wonderful person that she became through Jesus and the help of her family. Elizabeth had a lot of demons to overcome and with the Lords help she did just that.
Robert is a dunderhead like most men are. It is a shame that he had to learn some things the hard way like most men do and it seems like he has selective hearing and shortsightedness where is Elizabeth is concerned.
it takes a good friend to make him see the light of day. Thank Goodness!
I enjoyed this story because I got to meet new friends and characters. I hated to say goodbye . I hope to read more about them in the future
I really think Elizabeth is a lot like me. She loves jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst without finding out the truth.
thank you Kari for a wonderful story
I received a ebook copy of this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review

Blog Spots

May 1: Mary Hake

May 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 3: A Greater Yes

May 4: Bukwurmzzzz

May 5: Simple Harvest Reads

May 6: Artistic Nobody

May 6: Cassandra M’s Place

May 7: Red Headed Book Lady

Guest Post from Kari Trumbo

Welcome to the tour, my new friends!

The Western Vows series began, believe it or not, on a dream and a challenge. I’m very close friends with another writer. We’d been friends for about seven years when she published her first book. I offered to edit it for her and tucked my own secret thoughts of writing inside. She and I are so alike, we share a birthday, look similar, have similar interests and likes, but we are not sisters, at least in the biological sense. When I’d been editing for her for three years, in secret, I wrote a manuscript. It was during the month of our shared birthdays. I told her about it and she said the best thing to do when you start writing is to set that one aside and keep going. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) camp came the very next month and she challenged me to write another, right away. I’d had a story bottled up for over three years. I accepted her challenge, set my word count, and finished the first draft of To Honor and Cherish five weeks later.

I knew the story was good, I just needed to work on it, but while I was writing the story of Meg, stubborn Lizzy started pushing her way to the forefront of my mind. That would be For Richer or Poorer. I edited book one over twenty-five times and submitted it to a few agents, all of whom gave me good advice on how to improve it. Parts that I took out of book one in editing became the background of Forsaking All Others, the prequel and Rose’s story, explaining how a Sioux couple ended up on a Kansas ranch.

Lastly, and the most difficult, was To Love and Comfort, Margot’s story. She fought me every step of the way and that story had to be started over four times before I got it right. It will be released fall of 2016. There may be more novels in the Western Vows series, I’m not willing to write the end just yet. I’m currently working on two new series, one focused on a tiny town in Montana with three other authors, the other a series based in Nebraska.

In For Richer or Poorer, I’ll take you through the taming of Elizabeth Whitte. I didn’t like her much at first, and I don’t think you will, either, but keep reading! She reminded me a bit of Scarlet O’Hara in the beginning. She rushes off to Northern Minnesota to trick a man into marrying her so she can inherit her father’s ranch. She never dreamed that there might be men out there unwilling to listen to her every demand. Life is a little harsh for her, but she soon learns that the things she teased her sister Meg about enjoying, just might make her happy, too. By the end of For Richer or Poorer, Elizabeth was one of my favorite characters and Robert is, bar none, my favorite hero so far.

I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did writing it.

~Kari

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away two wonderful prizes! The grand prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire. The first place winner will receive a copy of each of her books. This giveaway begins April 30 and ends May 9. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and entrants release any liability to this blog and Celebrate Lit.

Click here to enter.

Red Headed Book Lady

Friday, June 10, 2016

Spotlight for The Carpenter's Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Loving A Lawman by Amy Lillard

Whisper to Horses

About the Book

About the Author

Guest Post from Thomas Nye

Blog StopsJune 7: Quiet Quilter

Tour Reminders

Tour Information

Submit review here

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch: The Adventures of Punkin and Boo

by Patrick E Craig

Saturday, May 7, 2016

For Richer or Poorer by Kari Trumbo

Guest Post from Kari Trumbo

Giveaway

The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

Bethany House Publishers

Revell Reads Program