"first blush" by rebeca seitz

About the book (from the publisher): Elizabeth Bakersfield may live in the gorgeous town of Naples, Florida, but she is not the thirty-year-old she envisioned. Her husband left with a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Her job prospects are nil. The rent is due. Her best friend is living a thousand miles away, building a career in NYC. And her closest companion is the cockatiel Johnny Carson.

The job front starts looking up when she's offered the position of caretaker of Ganderley's - a library, kind of. Elizabeth's job is to loan out the priceless antiques and cars amassed by the widowed Ganderley sisters. Easy, right? Sign things out, get them back in two weeks. And, if she runs into trouble, there's the gorgeous Ganderley nephew with the British accent, Nicholas Harrington, waiting in the wings with help.

But Elizabeth is about to learn first-hand that possessions - and gorgeous Brits - bring their own kind of drama. If she doesn't figure out how to sidestep it, her job (not to mention the start of a new life) might be over before it ever really began.

My take: "First Blush" is a delightful novella about a woman's longing to find her place in the world. A young divorcee who lives in the shadow of her wealthy parents' expectations, Elizabeth longs to live life for herself ... though she has no idea what it is she really wants. Her life changes when she is given the opportunity to run Ganderley's, a sort of lending library to the rich, while its elderly proprietresses go on vacation. There she meets Nick, a mysterious Brit who helps her bosses reclaim their property when those who borrow it "forget" to return it. Elizabeth can't deny her attraction to Nick, but is he safe?

I enjoyed "First Blush" immensely. It's a super quick read (only 93 pages), and I never was sure what would happen next. My only complaint? It's too short! So many things that I wanted to know were left unanswered, especially the questions surrounding Nick. I hope that "First Blush" is just the beginning of Elizabeth's story, because I certainly want more!

Content note: I would categorize this as clean fiction. It's not Christian per se, but there's nothing objectionable about it. A few characters do drink (some to excess). There is no swearing or sex.

My rating: 4 stars

Buy the novella.

About the author: An award-winning novelist and President of the first public relations firm dedicated to representing entertainment created from a Christian worldview, Rebeca has worked with various national media outlets, including The Today Show, USA Today, National Public Radio, Southern Living, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, and Good Morning America. She is recognized for her groundbreaking research into the behaviors of Christian consumers as well as development of public relations standards specific to creators of values-driven, entertainment-oriented products. She also co-chairs the non-profit SON: Spirit Of Naples, which equips and encourages Christians creating mainstream, commercially-viable media content. Learn more at glassroadmm.com and spiritofnaples.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the  Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"caught in the middle" by regina jennings

About the book (from the publisher): She Wants the Freedom of the Open Plains. He Wants the Prestige of a Successful Career. Neither is Ready for What Comes Instead. 

The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected—Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.

Anne's been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She's only in town to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees—leaving Anne with her infant son Sammy. With Nick the only person Anne knows in town, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.

But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society—and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?

My take: Caught in the Middle is a decent historical romance. It's written well, and it features interesting characters. I especially enjoyed the plot line involving Anne and Sammy—I thought it was very sweet how Anne came to love Sammy, and her decision regarding his care showed just how much she grew throughout the novel. I also appreciated that the author tackled topics that aren't often seen in Christian historical fiction—infidelity and spousal abuse played fairly major roles in the story.

But overall, this novel isn't one that will stick with me. I think it's because I didn't really care about the Anne-Nick romance. Even though they did end up together, the real love story was of the motherly kind, and Anne and Nick fell a bit flat. I also didn't always follow everything with Nick's business, and I wasn't invested enough to reread things to make sure I understood.

I guess it boils down to the fact that I was expecting more. This is the third Regina Jennings novel that I've read: I loved Sixty Acres and a Bride, and I really enjoyed Love in the Balance, so my lack of connection to the romance disappointed me.

As I said, the book is written well, and I expect that most fans of historical romance will love it ... it just wasn't my favorite.

My rating: 3 stars

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Sixty Acres and a Bride and Love in the Balance.

About the author: Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers through their book reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  Also, some of the links are "affilliate links." This means if you click the link and buy the product, I will receive a commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"critical condition" by richard l. mabry, m.d.

About the book (from Litfuse): About the book: Dr. Frasier couldn't save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she's fighting for her own life.

It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier's colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.

Her "almost-fiancé" Dr. Mark Gilbert's support only adds to Shannon's feelings of guilt, since she can't bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he's just been diagnosed with leukemia. Shannon thought it couldn't get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, "What did he say before he died?"

With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.

My take: Critical Condition is an intriguing novel that kept me guessing until the end. In addition to the suspense thread (which is really quite good), it also examines family relationships. I saw a lot of myself in Shannon, the "good girl" who always did what was expected of her, even if her heart wasn't in it. (Although I definitely don't have what it takes to be a surgeon!) I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the novel and come to a place where she could truly take control of her life. I also was surprised at the direction the romance took. It was not at all what I expected, but I do think it was fitting. (The other potential romance revealed at the end of the novel? Not so much...)

I did think one of the "bad guys" was pretty obvious ... in fact, he was so obvious that for a while, I thought he couldn't possibly be involved, just because it seemed so apparent! And I couldn't believe that Shannon would "forget" to give vital information to the police. But overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It's a quick read that kept my attention to the last page.

My rating: 3-1/2 stars

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Read my reviews of Mabry's Stress Test and Heart Failure.

About the author: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Connect with Richard at http://rmabry.com.

About the giveaway: Richard Mabry's latest medical suspense, Critical Condition, is receiving high praise. USA TODAY says, "Mabry combines his medical expertise with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Richard is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Critical Condition by Richard Mabry

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced May 13th on Richard's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Richard's blog on May 13th to see if you won.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"a sensible arrangement" by tracie peterson

About the book (from Litfuse): A Lone Star Brides book.

Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.

Answering an advertisement for a "Lone Star bride," she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn't know.

Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.

Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake's yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty's dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.

What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways . . . and dreams and secrets collide?

My take: It's no secret that marriage of convenience stories are my favorite, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to review A Sensible Arrangement. It's the compelling story of a man and woman who choose to marry for vastly different reasons: he to satisfy the board of the bank he works for, and she to escape the memories that haunt her in Texas. Along the way, of course, the two fall in love. But Marty's secrets and lies threaten their happily ever after.

One aspect that I absolutely loved about this novel was that Marty wasn't the typical romance novel heroine. She had struggled with lying her entire life, and even when she recommitted herself to Christ, her tendency to lie didn't go away, though she did fight it much harder. I appreciated that she was a representation of a real woman with real issues.

I did get a bit tired of Marty's refusal to tell Jake the truth about her ranch, but at least the secret did not hold the love story hostage. And sometimes Peterson would set up events, only to have the next chapter be days or even weeks in the future—I felt a bit cheated to not be able to "experience" the events with Jake and Marty.

Also, be aware that while Marty and Jake's love story is resolved, nothing else is. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the Lone Star Brides series to find out what happens next!

My rating: 4 stars

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Buy the book.
Read my review of Peterson's House of Secrets.

About the author: Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Learn more about Tracie at www.traciepeterson.com.

About the giveaway:  Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.

Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"A March Bride" by Rachel Hauck

As someone who read and enjoyed Once Upon A Prince, I was eager to read this continuation of Susanna and Nathaniel's story.

"northanger abbey" by val mcdermid

About the book: Internationally bestselling crime writer Val McDermid has riveted millions of readers worldwide with her acutely suspenseful, psychologically complex, seamlessly plotted thrillers. In Northanger Abbey, she delivers her own updated take on Jane Austen’s classic novel about a young woman whose visit to the stately home of a well-to-do acquaintance stirs her most macabre imaginings, with an extra frisson of suspense that only McDermid could provide.

Cat Morland is ready to grow up. A homeschooled minister’s daughter in the quaint, sheltered Piddle Valley in Dorset, she loses herself in novels (and, of course, her smartphone) and is sure there is a glamorous adventure awaiting her beyond the valley’s narrow horizon. So imagine her delight when the Allens, neighbors and friends of her parents, invite her to attend the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh as their guest. With a sunny personality, tickets every night and a few key wardrobe additions courtesy of Susie Allen, Cat quickly begins to take Edinburgh by storm and is taken into the bosom of the Thorpe family, particularly by eldest daughter Bella. And then there’s the handsome Henry Tilney, an up-and-coming lawyer whose family home is the beautiful and forbidding Northanger Abbey. Cat is entranced by Henry and his charming sister Eleanor, but she can’t help wondering if everything about them is as perfect as it seems. Or has she just been reading too many novels? A delectable, note-perfect modern update of the Austen classic, Northanger Abbey tells a timeless story of innocence amid cynicism, the exquisite angst of young love, and the value of friendship.

My take: Northanger Abbey is the second entry in The Austen Project, where Jane Austen's works are "reimagined" by famous authors. I was not a very big fan of the first entry, Sense & Sensibility, but I do love the concept, so when a publicist asked me to review crime novelist Val McDermid's take on Northanger Abbey, I eagerly accepted. I'm very glad I did.

When I read Sense & Sensibility, one of my main complaints was that the minor details were modernized, while the rest of the book felt like it remained in the original setting. Northanger Abbey does not suffer from a similar malady. While the plot very clearly follows the original, the updates bringing it into the 21st century—everything from moving the setting to a festival in Edinburgh to having Cat obsessed with Facebook and Twitter—feel completely organic. McDermid retains the spirit of Austen's original without being shackled to it.

I did feel that the references to Jane Austen were a bit out of place, though. Perhaps a little self-awareness would have been in order here—if Cat or Henry had noted that Austen had written a book with characters that had, coincidentally, shared their names, I could have bought it. But to have Austen exist in this world but, apparently, not her novel seemed awkward. Better to not mention Austen at all, as she didn't play a major role in the story.

Additionally, the reason for General Tilney's sudden dislike of Cat rang a bit false. I wish McDermid had stuck a bit closer to the source in that case.

Overall, though, Northanger Abbey is a delightful take on the original. I eagerly await the next entry in The Austen Project.

Content note: While Northanger Abbey is tame by many standards, it does include several profanities sprinkled throughout. The amount of profanity definitely increases in the last quarter of the novel.

My rating: 4 stars

Buy the book.
Read my review of Sense & Sensibility.
Learn more about The Austen Project.

About the author: Val McDermid is the bestselling author of twenty-eight previous novels that have been translated into over forty languages. She lives in the north of England.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free for review from a publicist. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"the thousand dollar tan line" by rob thomas

Note: If you're a Veronica Mars fan who hasn't watched the movie yet, please don't read this review. It will reference some events from the movie, and I don't want to spoil it for you!

About the book (from Amazon): From Rob Thomas, the creator of the television series and movie phenomenon Veronica Mars, comes the first book in a thrilling mystery series that picks up where the feature film left off.

Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.

Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

In Veronica Mars, Rob Thomas has created a groundbreaking female detective who’s part Phillip Marlowe, part Nancy Drew, and all snark. With its sharp plot and clever twists, The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line will keep you guessing until the very last page.

My take: I pre-ordered this book with a little apprehension—could it possibly be as good as the series and the film? The answer is: almost. The case is interesting; Veronica does her thing with the help of Mac, Wallace, and Keith; several secondary characters from the TV show pop in; and there are a few genuinely shocking twists, along with several laugh out loud moments. All those factors work together to form a satisfying journey back to Neptune.

The novel is very good, but it isn't spectacular—too much profanity, a tendency to over explain Veronica's connection to places and characters (necessary for those who didn't watch the series, but a bit annoying, nonetheless), and one very obvious bad guy kept me from falling completely in love with this book. There's also too little Logan for my taste, which is understandable considering he's on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean, but I still wanted more. Fortunately, Rob Thomas has promised more Logan in the next book!

Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of Veronica Mars—and they're the ones who will be interested in it, anyway. I hope that this is just the beginning in a long series of novels—I'll take Veronica Mars however I can get it!

My rating: 4 stars

Buy the book.
Read my other posts about Veronica Mars.

About the author: Rob Thomas is an American author, producer, and screenwriter, best known as the author of the 1996 novel Rats Saw God, creator of the critically acclaimed television series Veronica Mars and co-creator of 90210 and Party Down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book and reviewed it of my own free will. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"esther queen of persia" by jim baumgardner

About the book (from CWA): Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

My take: I've always loved the story of Queen Esther, so I jumped at the chance to read Jim Baumgardner's retelling of the Biblical story. I was a bit skeptical, though, when the book arrived. Though I understand that a lot of thought and work went into the cover (and the picture makes perfect sense when reading the story), it did not jump out to me as the cover of a book I'd like to read.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," they say, and in this case, "they" are right. Esther Queen of Persia is a completely captivating look the events in the Book of Esther. I especially appreciated the time Baumgardner spent explaining what Esther probably went through as she prepared for her initial introduction to the king. I had never really considered what all would have gone into her preparations, and I wondered why on earth she needed a whole year to prepare. Now I understand.

I especially appreciated the way Baumgardner wove other historical figures—most notably Ezra—into the narrative. I tend to think of Esther in a bubble, not realizing where exactly it fell chronologically. The novel helped to bring the story and the time period to life.

One thing that did bother me throughout is that the novel needed better proofreading, starting with the title, which should be Esther, Queen of Persia or Esther: Queen of Persia. But while each missing apostrophe and misspelled plural caught my attention, the errors were infrequent enough to make them a minor annoyance rather than a deal breaker.

Esther Queen of Persia is a great book—one that fans of biblical fiction will enjoy. I highly recommend it!

My rating: 4 stars

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About the author: Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19th Century. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release, Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.

To learn more about Jim and his books, visit his websites:
http://www.biblenovels.net/ 
http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/ 
http://www.sarahbooks.net/ 
You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google +, and Goordreads.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links on this page are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase a product, I will receive a commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.

"claiming mariah" by pam hillman

About the book: After her father's death, Mariah Malone sends a letter that will forever alter the lives of her family. When Slade Donovan, strong willed and eager for vengeance, shows up on her front porch, Mariah is not ready to hear his truths: her father's farm, the only home she's ever known, was bought with stolen gold. With Slade ready to collect his father's rightful claim and force Mariah and her family out on the streets, Mariah must turn to God for guidance. Though Mr. Frederick Cooper, a local landowner, promises to answer her financial woes if she agrees to be his bride, Mariah finds herself drawn instead to the angry young man demanding her home.

With the ranch now under Slade's careful eye, he unearths more than he ever imagined as a devious plot of thievery, betrayal, and murder threatens the well-being of the ranch, endangering those who hold it dear. As the days dwindle until the rest of the Donovan clan arrives at the Lazy M ranch, Mariah and Slade must rise above the resentment of their fathers and see their true feelings before greed changes their futures forever.

My take: A touching story about truth and forgiveness, Claiming Mariah is a very enjoyable historical romance. I enjoyed getting to know both Slade and Mariah and watching their relationship develop throughout the novel. But my favorite character was Buck, Slade's younger brother. He was such a gentile, wounded soul, and I would have loved to spend more time with him.

There was a fitting villain in Mariah's would-be suitor Cooper, and the plot had a few twists I wasn't expecting. I did think that the truth about Mariah's sister's schooling remained a secret for far longer than seemed credible, and the suggestion of who might fall in love with Buck seemed a bit too ... convenient. (Sorry, I don't want to spoil it—but if you read the book, you'll know what I mean!) That said, I would very much enjoy reading Buck's love story, even if it does go in the direction hinted at in Claiming Mariah. I hope Hillman writes that story next!

My rating: 4 stars

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Read my review of Hillman's Stealing Jake.

About the author: Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of!

Learn more about Pam at http://www.pamhillman.com.

About the giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"know orphans" by rick morton

About the book (from Litfuse): The global orphan crisis is complex. The church's response should be comprehensive, but is it? In this provocative follow-up to Orphanology, author Rick Morton provides the framework for families and churches to have a gospel-centered response to the growing global issue of orphan care.

KnowOrphans addresses three distinct areas associated with global orphanology. Delving deeper into the criticisms of the movement, the need for reform, and what families can expect, author Rick Morton helps shape realistic perceptions of the challenges and rewards adoptive parents face in transnational adoptions. Through illuminating the work internationally adoptive families can expect, KnowOrphans offers solutions for the church in remedying the ills and deficiencies surrounding the church's role in equipping and supporting families before, during, and after the adoption process. Knowing that the church's response and attitude should be one that goes beyond adoption, KnowOrphans also addresses the complexities of how Christians are to respond ethically, compassionately, and comprehensively to the biblical call to care for orphans.

KnowOrphans is the next step in conversation as this evangelically based movement of orphan care matures and begins to live out James 1:27 globally.

My take: I both wanted and didn't want to read KnowOrphans—because I have long had a desire to adopt. I'm not at a place personally or financially where adoption is an option, so until God gives me a "go" sign, I'm content to wait. I began reading KnowOrphans with the expectation that I would walk away feeling manipulated. I was afraid that author Rick Morton would try to guilt trip me into adoption, and I would feel horrible, knowing that adoption is my desire but that God is saying "not now." But that's not remotely what this book is about, and Morton makes clear that he's not trying to guilt anyone into anything.

KnowOrphans is a guide book of sorts. It shows how the American Evangelical church can be more proactive when it comes to caring for orphans—and that doesn't just mean adoption. God is indeed calling some people to transnational adoption (Morton's term for what I would previously have called international adoption). But adoption is, as Morton says on page 138, "only one way that a few people care for orphans." Others care for orphans by supporting ministries like Compassion International. Still others prayerfully and financially partner with friends and relatives who are adopting. And others practice purposeful consuming, "buying products that we would buy anyway from sources that support healthy ministries and causes" (58). I think just about everyone can do one (or more) of those things! (One source Morton mentions here is WorldCrafts. Check it out!)

The last part of the book is really a guide for those who are called to adopt transnationally. The author and his wife adopted three children from the Ukraine, so he knows of which he speaks. While this section provides a jumping off point for those about to begin the adoption process, it also serves to enlighten those of us who aren't walking that path but know people who are. Very helpful stuff.

While this book is a wonderful resource, it does lack one thing that I really wish was there: a listing of all the organizations and websites Morton references throughout the book. I would have found such a list to be very helpful.

My rating: 4 stars

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About the author: Rick Morton is the father of three transnational adopted children and coauthor of the popular book Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. His dedication to the plight of orphans extends beyond his own family. The Mortons were cofounders of Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An inspiring speaker for the gospel to be expressed by the church living out God's heart for the fatherless, Rick presents at adoption and orphan-care conferences and pastor's conferences. Rick and his family live in the Greater Memphis area.

Learn more about Rick at http://www.rickmortononline.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

recipe: dark chocolate bundt cake

Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm not exactly a fan of fruits and veggies. I want to eat healthier, and I've made large strides in the last few years, but I haven't been able to bring myself to eat the proper amounts of fruits and veggies. So when I heard about Green Giant's new Veggie Blend-Ins, I thought they sounded tailor made for me.

I received a multi-pack to review from Vine, and while I'm not required to do anything other than write a review on Amazon, I thought I'd take you on this Blend-Ins journey with me. The package gives three recipes—one for the carrot puree (tacos), one for the butternut squash puree (mac & cheese), and one for the spinach puree (brownies). I would have made the brownie recipe, but I didn't have any brownie mix, so I adapted this recipe that I found through a Google search.

Guess what? It was delicious!!! Granted, this cake is only mildly healthier for you than if you'd make a cake following the package directions, and there's a total of only two or three servings of veggies in the whole thing. (It's pretty hard to tell based on the package.) But ... without the Blend-Ins, I wouldn't have eaten any spinach today, and a little bit of spinach is better than none!

I decided to take the cake to work with me (because even with the added veggies, I probably shouldn't eat the whole thing!). My coworkers loved it! I didn't tell them about the "special" ingredient until they'd already raved over the cake. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake

1 devil's food cake mix
1 (3.4 oz.) box instant chocolate pudding
1-1/4 c water
3 eggs
1 pouch spinach Green Giant Veggie Blend-Ins
1 (10 oz.) pkg dark chocolate chips (or other chips of your choice)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt pan. (I use Baker's Joy instead of greasing and flouring by hand.) In a large bowl, beat cake mix, pudding, water, eggs, and spinach with electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes. Add chips and stir in with a rubber spatula. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a plate to cool completely. Frost or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free for review from Amazon.com through its Vine reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

"dancing with fireflies" by denise hunter

About the book (from Litfuse): A Chapel Springs Romance

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

My take: I finished reading this book a week ago, but I wanted to wait to write the review. Why? Because I was afraid I would gush too much if I wrote the review right away. Well, I think I'm still going to gush, even with a week's perspective ...

Dancing with Fireflies is the second (sort of third, as there's a novella about secondary characters) installment in Denise Hunter's Chapel Springs series. It's the story of Jade, the McKinley family free spirit, and Daniel, Chapel Springs mayor and honorary McKinley. These two characters are incredibly likable, and I actually thought at one point as I was reading, "Lord, I need a Daniel."

As I got close to the end, I actually contemplated putting the book down for a while ... simply because I wasn't ready for the story to end! I have always enjoyed Denise Hunter's novels, but the more recent ones haven't captivated me as much as The Convenient Groom, the first Hunter novel I read. That book set the bar high—and I'm happy to report that Dancing with Fireflies is just as good as, if not better than, The Convenient Groom. That's high praise, let me tell you!

I read a lot of books (obviously). Most of the books I read, I enjoy. But rarely do I encounter a book that keeps me from realizing that it's time for dinner ... or for a favorite TV show. And that's exactly what Dancing with Fireflies did—it sucked me into its world and held on until I'd read the last page. It's a book I could see myself rereading (which I very rarely do). It's a book I'll highly recommend whenever a "real life" friend asks if I've read any good books lately. It's a book that will undoubtedly make my yearly "Top 10" list. It's a book I'm glad I had the opportunity to read.

My rating: 5 stars (If I had more than 5 stars to give, I would!)

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of the other Chapel Springs books: Barefoot Summer and "A December Bride."

About the author: Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.

Learn more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com.

About the giveaway: Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."