The Refuge

Can the power of love and the bond of family triumph in a community that cannot accept either?

Published April 30th 2019 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

With the threat of a cholera epidemic at their heels, Darcie and Walter Goodwin join the Shakers, whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be temporary, but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident, destitute Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness?

My thoughts:

I love books written about Kentucky and this historical immediately swept me back to the fall of 1849 in Harmony Hill.  This story centers around Darcie Goodwin who is a young woman that is on a journey of survival.  She married her husband Walter 4 years ago, but with the growing threat of cholera in the area they made the decision to live with the Shakers until the threat was over.  Their arrival was met with changes they didn't know or hadn't expected.  For one the women and men were kept completely separate, so she and Walter were unable to live as husband and wife.  She was raised in a christian home, but some of the Shaker beliefs were hard for her to accept.  After 3 months of living with the Shakers Walter left one day never to return leaving Darcie a young widow and a baby on the way.  

I really enjoyed this book!! The plot immediately pulled me in.  I enjoyed reading about the Shakers and must admit I was shocked at some of their beliefs. I could tell the author had researched this topic well.  The engaging,secondary characters are well integrated into the story.  Darcie is both kind and sweet, but she shows a survivor instinct throughout the story.  Flynn Keller is a widow and the father of an inquisitive, young daughter.  He's not ready to move on with his life in  a romantic sense, but he knows he needs to put his daughters needs first.  The author adds an artful touch to the story by adding a small mystery into the plot.  It was not something I expected, but enjoyed because it enriched the story.  

This captivating story has elements of faith, second chances, quirky characters, romantic tension, and love.  

This is a book I would recommend to anyone.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Available for Purchase:

Amazon  Barnes & Noble ChristianBook

Baker Book House

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Three Sisters Island

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

Published April 30th 2019 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher for forever and was so excited about her new release.  This book is the first release in her new series, Three Sisters Island and centers around the Grayson family.  Paul Grayson has recently had a health scare that has taken a lot from him, but it has also makes him re-evaluate his life.  I don't think he's very happy with what he sees. 

I loved this book!

This is a well written book and I was immediately drawn in from the first page.  

As Paul begins his journey to reinvent himself I could just picture it in my mind.  He wants a closer relationship with his daughters, but he also wants them to connect and be closer. The author weaves words together that brings the characters and island to life for me.  I must admit when I picked the book up I didn't want to put it down.  

This story centers around Camden, the eldest daughter, but I got to know each character as the story progressed.  She is definitely a type A personality.  Working in the corporate world has been her dream and she's living it, but it comes at a big cost. Her loyalty has always been her best and only friend, Libby.  Libby leaves her with a big responsibility, Cooper, but is she up for it?  I loved how she developed and grew as a person.  

I think the author touches on many elements in this book: faith, forgiveness, second chances, mystery, laughter, and love.  I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.  This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.  

*I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

WALMART E-BOOKS  

Connect with the Author:

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Supper Club #2

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Expected publication: February 5th 2019 

by Tyndale House Publishers

Available for Purchase:
AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK
BOOKS-A-MILLION  TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS

Meet the Author:

Carla Laureano is the RITA Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Connect Online:

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  TWITTER  PINTEREST
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My Thoughts:

Oh my, what a wonderful book.  

Carla Laureano is a new author for me and how I have missed her books is beyond me.  So now I'm on a journey to read all her books.lol  Some books you read and enjoy, but others will touch your heart and soul.  Well, this booked did that for me.  I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down. 

This book is the second installment from the author in the Supper Club series.  Having never read the first book in the series, I can easily say this book is a stand alone, but I encourage you to also read the first book to get the full feel of the series.  

This book centers around Melody Johannson:

When I opened this book I was intrigued by Melody. She's a French trained baker and works in a chain bakery to prepare baked goods for the following day. She has no chance to use her own recipes or talent to bring a little bit of Paris to Denver. A cold, snowy night and a chance meeting Justin, a pilot, and the next thing you know her life is no longer the predicable life she knew. 
Melody is a character that feels deeply and acts on her feelings. She was basically raised by her grandmother who was a professor and introduced her to works of literature that she loved. In fact she spent her college years persuing an education in literature, but while working at a bakery in school she found her one true love: baking. At present Melody is not anywhere close to where she thought she would be in her life. I think we all have had these same feeling at one time or another. I think her doubts and disappointments is what makes this character feel real to life for me. She has a vulnerability that most can relate to, but she is also a strong character. Melody would love to open her own place and when the opportunity comes available she talks to her friend, Rachel, who's a chef about a partnership that would make both their dreams come true. 

This book has elements of romance, grief, disappointments, adventure of falling in love, heartbreak and most of all faith. Oh, I don't want to forget to mention the delicious food. I am a big fan of the British Baking Show and it was almost like watching another episode with Paul and Mary.lol  

This captivating and heartwarming story is one I would recommend to anyone.
** I received this book from the publisher via the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coldwater Bay Intrigue

Perilous Reunion at Sea

Published December 31st 2018 

by Love Inspired Suspense

When shipwreck archaeologist Cora Strand is attacked and the research boat she’s on explodes, her ex comes to her rescue. Years ago, Kirk Higgins forfeited her heart, and now with no memory of who attacked her, Cora must trust him with her life. But at the risk of blowing his cover, can the NCIS agent stop a killer determined to put them both in a watery grave?

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK
HARLEQUIN

Meet the Author:

Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books BURIED and BACKFIRE in the Mountain Cove series. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children.
Connect Online:
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My Thoughts:

Elizabeth Goddard is one of my favorite authors.  She writes my favorite genres and I know the way she weaves words together always brings both the characters and setting to life for me.  Her plots are edge of your seat suspense, but she also brings a faith element to the story.   
This is the third installment in the Coldwater Bay Intrigue series, but it's easily a stand alone book in my opinion.  
For me, this was a spectacular read!
From the first page I was drawn in and captivated until the last page was turned.Once I got started, I didn't want to put it down.  So for that to me, I classified it as a one sitting read. 
  Cora Strand is a young woman who accepted a job 2 months ago as a shipwreck archaeologist on board the research vessel Sea Dragon. Being a member of the science team is her dream job.  She has a passion for the sea and what she can find and learn from ships that have gone down.  Some do this for treasure hunting, but for her the treasure is in finding and researching history. 
Kirk Higgins was hired on the Sea Dragon as part of the dive team.  With his impressive archaeological credentials, diving skills, and having served in the Navy getting the job was not the problem, but keeping his real purpose for being there a secret might be.  He's looking for answers to the disappearance of his childhood friend, Drake Jackson.  
Both are strong characters that will pull on your heart strings.  I liked that Cora has a strong faith and isn't afraid to lean on God for guidance for strength and guidance.  Kirk has to face the fact that he has always had feelings for Cora and that he had literally pushed her away years ago.  He has a tough exterior, but also a softer side.  
This book has elements of faith, trust issues, crisis of faith, romantic tension, spine tingling suspense, unexpected twists, turmoil, and love.  It's a book I would recommend to anyone who loves suspense. 
*I received this book from the author.  I was not expected to write a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Faithful Friday

 

Published May 17th 2016

 by Zondervan

Book Description:

 

As an on-the-go teen, you’re moving fast. God is moving faster! The New King James Version Teen Study Bible will help you keep in step with all he has done, is doing, and will do in the world and in your life. This Bible will help you discover the eternal truths of God’s Word and apply them to the issues you face today.

Features include: • We Believe: Unpacks the Apostles Creed to reveal the biblical foundation of faith • Panorama: Keeps the big picture of each book of the Bible in view • Key Indexes: Help with in-depth Bible study • To the Point: Reveals what the Bible says about pressing issues • Dear Jordan: Offers biblical advice for teens • Instant Access: Tells what God says to you personally • Q&A: Tests your knowledge of Bible trivia • Bible Promises: Highlights Bible verses worth remembering • Book Introductions: Provides an overview for each book of the Bible • Complete New King James Version (NKJV) Bible Text.

My Thoughts:

I have been looking for a bible for my son who is now 15 and has advanced from his first bible.  As you know there are lots of bibles on the market, but for me it was important to find one that would fit with his age.  When given the opportunity to review this bible I was very excited to see if it was one that would be a good fit for him and fortunately it was.  

Let me tell you a little about this bible:

•  Hardcover
• 1632 pages
• 8.50 X 5.40 X 1.75 (inches)
• 8 point font in black letter text

 

Features include:

• We Believe: Unpacks the Apostles Creed to reveal the biblical foundation of faith
• Panorama: Keeps the big picture of each book of the Bible in view
• Key Indexes: Help with in-depth Bible study
• To the Point: Reveals what the Bible says about pressing issues
• Dear Jordan: Offers biblical advice for teens
• Instant Access: Tells what God says to you personally
• Q & A: Tests your knowledge of Bible trivia
• Bible Promises: Highlights Bible verses worth remembering
• Book Introductions: Provides an overview for each book of the Bible
• Complete New King James Version (NKJV) Bible Text

 This is a wonderful bible and resource for any teen.  It will help them in their study of God's word and their understanding of all he has done and will do in their lives.  I really liked the Dear Jordan sections which are questions/concerns a lot of teens have.  I also liked the Q&A section.  I do believe this is a great bible for the target audience (ages 13-16) and do believe this bible could last through all the teen years.  

I would recommend this for any child in their teens.  

*I received this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers book review program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. 

Standing on the Edge of Goodbye

 

Published November 17th 2015 

 by Smashwords Edition  

Synopsis:

She gave up everything in the name of love and it almost cost Kate Alexander her life. Now alone and pregnant, Kate is desperate to reach the one person who matters most in her life. Her Grandmother Rachel.
After the death of his son, Matt Stevens checked out on life and God, but when Kate shows up at his doorstep desperate and sick, Matt finds himself wanting to help her. Is it just for Rachel’s sake? While he loved Rachel like a family member, lately since Kate’s entrance into his life, he finds himself thinking about things he’d written out of his life. Things like love and a future with Kate and her child.
Is it possible for two broken people to rebuild their lives and start over? Can Matt accept the second chance at happiness Kate can provide? Can Kate trust Matt when he tells her love isn’t supposed to hurt? 

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO 

APPLE iBOOKS | AUDIBLE 

 Meet the Author:

MARY ALFORD
was inspired to become a writer after reading romantic suspense greats Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Soon creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith came naturally for Mary. In 2012 Mary entered the Speed Dating contest hosted by Love Inspired Suspense and later received “the call”. Writing for Love Inspired Suspense has been a dream come true for Mary.  

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My Thoughts:

This is a heartbreaking story that will grab you from page one and hold you until the last page is turned.  This is a story that will swallow you heart and soul.  It has elements of mystery, faith and forgiveness.  There are tough issues addressed in this story, but are resolved realistically.  The characters are detailed and perceptive.  The plot flows effortlessly and the engaging characters grab you at page one.  

In this story we meet Kate Alexander and Matt Stevens.  

Kate moved to Texas to fulfill all her dreams, but what she ended up with was a nightmare instead.  She longs for safety and comfort she would find both in her grandmother's arms.  She traveled over 1200 miles fighting both pain and nausea to reach Silver Mountain, Colorado the last address she had for her grandmother, Rachel.  Unable to find her grandmother at home she trudges up to the landlord's door and hears news she never expected, her grandmother had dies three weeks ago.

 Kate had endured her very own hell on earth and she would survive this blow also.

Matt Stevens has been in turmoil since the loss of his son and wife in an auto accident on the mountain side.  How could God have let that sweet little boy suffer?

He not only lost his faith in God, but in humanity.  He has shut himself off from everyone, but Rachel and a childhood friend, Dr. Denny Hernandez.  He was a successful businessman who works from home so this was easier to accomplish than it sounds.  

The arrival of Kate at his doorstep was unexpected and suddenly he found things more complicated than he ever imagined.  It was obvious that she was unwell, but when he found out the extent his heart melted with compassion.  With both of their histories trust is a big issue, but will either be able to open up to deal with their grief?

This story is about trust, forgiveness, faith and second chances.  

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves romance, mystery and stories of faith.  

*I received this book from the author for a honest review without bias or outside influence.  I was not required to write a positive review.