Tuesday, March 31, 2015

torchlighters animated heroes of the faith: the jim elliot story & the corrie ten boom story

The Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith series tells the stories of people who spent their lives serving the Lord—some of whom even lost their lives for the sake of the gospel. I was given the opportunity to view two of these stories: "The Jim Elliot Story" and "The Corrie ten Boom Story."



In 1956, news from the steamy jungles of Ecuador spread rapidly around the world. Five young American men had been mercilessly killed by members of the Auca (Waodani) tribe - the very same people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy has become an inspirational marvel as family members of those young men have now befriended that very same tribe.

This is the story of one of the brave torchlighters who lost his life that fateful day. Jim Elliot spent his youth preparing to share the Gospel with those who'd never heard it. But nothing could have prepared him for the dangers and challenges he would face in the jungles of Ecuador. The remote Auca tribe was suspicious and antagonistic toward even the friendliest gestures from outsiders.


Corrie ten Boom and her family repair broken clocks and watches. But as the evil of World War II sweeps through their city, a new kind of "watch" comes to their care: an innocent Jewish baby, desperately needing protection from the cruelty of the Nazi invaders. How will the ten Booms keep this baby and many others out of harm's way, and what will be the cost of serving God amidst unthinkable evils? When faith is tested, hope is tried, and love is strained, will Corrie's God prevail? This gripping episode of the Torchlighters is an amazing story of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness.






I watched "The Jim Elliot Story" first, and honestly, as I began, I thought I might not enjoy it. Some of the dialog seemed a bit stilted—not quite like people would actually talk. But after about five minutes, I was completely absorbed in the story, even though I already knew it! This episode is a great way to introduce kids who aren't yet old enough to watch End of the Spear to the story of Jim Elliot and the others who were killed by the Waodani.

"The Corrie ten Boom Story" completely captivated my attention. I've read The Hiding Place multiple times, and I've seen the movie at least twice, and "The Corrie ten Boom Story" is just as affecting as those other versions of the story. It does a very good job of condensing Corrie's story into 30 minutes without losing anything important.

The animation in this series reminds me of some of the Christian cartoons I watched as a little girl in the late 80's and early 90's—there's nothing wrong with it, but it won't blow your socks off. Still, I don't think it needs to, because the stories speak for themselves. They are very well written, and the voice work is excellent. I would love to watch more of this series, and I think it would be perfect for Sunday School classes, Christian schools, and home libraries. (See the full list of episodes below.) I would say these are appropriate for ages 8 and up due to the subject matter and some non-bloody violence. 5 stars.

Purchase the series here. (Use promo code tl12cct to get $10 off. This code only works on the 12-pack.) If you'd rather call in your order, you can call 800-523-0226, just be sure to mention the promo code for your discount.

Watch the series trailer:




The Torchlighters series began when creator Bill Curtis was reading biographies of great Christian heroes to his 10 year old daughter. After finishing a chapter about missionary Gladys Aylward, she looked up at her dad and said, "I want to be a missionary when I grow up."

Realizing how clearly the power of this story moved his own child's heart, the Torchlighters Heroes of the Faith animated series for children was conceived. 

"Young people are often drawn to heroes in the sports and entertainment industry," says Curtis. "Many of these figures convey values contrary to our faith. We wanted to offer parents an alternative. We wanted to offer parents the opportunity to share with their children the stories of real heroes whose lives have had a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God."

The first 12 episodes have been bundled into a 12-pack. Each of the 12 discs includes a 30-minute animated story, four-lesson curriculum in PDF, feature-length documentary on the hero, and English and Spanish languages and subtitles. The episodes included in the 12-pack are Jim Elliot, Gladys Aylward, William Tyndale, Richard Wurmbrand, John Bunyan, Perpetua, Eric Liddell, Amy Carmichael, William Booth, Samuel Morris, Augustine, and Corrie ten Boom.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was able to view these episodes free through BelieversTrust. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, March 29, 2015

"serving up a sweetheart" by cheryl wyatt

Caterer Meadow comes face to face with one of her high school tormentors when he moves in across the street. Colin seems different, but can she really trust the man who used to make her life miserable?

Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it's served up on a silver platter?

During one of the biggest weeks of her catering career, Meadow Larson’s kitchen roof caves in after an unrelenting blizzard. She has to accept help from the last person on earth she wants to see: Colin McGrath. The tormentor from her past is now a contractor, her new neighbor—and the only person available to take on a project of this size.

Colin is aware God has given him a second chance to make things right with Meadow after bullying her in high school. After years of regret and guilt, Colin is determined to earn her respect and forgiveness, no matter what it takes.

It’ll take an extreme kitchen renovation, several cooking lessons, a little lace, and a lot of grace, but God is using this renovation project not only to restore Meadow’s heart, but also to restore Colin’s integrity in her eyes. Will Meadow learn to trust the new Colin even as their relationship grows from a business exchange to something more meaningful?

Serving up a Sweetheart is a sweet "second chance at love" story. It also has surprising depth, dealing with bullying, domestic violence, and addiction.

While I enjoyed the story, it didn't ever completely capture my attention. I didn't particularly care for Meadow, probably because she often didn't seem to know her own mind. (This is a trend I've noticed in inspirational fiction, and I don't like it at all.) I did really like Colin, though, as well as Meadow's sister Flora and her business partner Del.

Overall, Serving up a Sweetheart is a nice story for a rainy day. It's not one that I found particularly memorable, but I did enjoy it. 3 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. 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 an 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."

Saturday, March 28, 2015

"a heart's disguise" by colleen coble

Colleen Coble's first two novels see new life in serialization, beginning with A Heart's Disguise.

After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner—despite her strong misgivings.

Let me start by explaining that minuscule book description. The description the publisher provided (which also is the back cover copy) gives away the entire book. It's basically a plot summary. Fortunately, I didn't read the back cover before picking up this book—if I had, I would have been disappointed.

This is the first serialized novel I've ever read, so I wasn't sure what to expect. And this is the first print serialized novel I've ever seen—all the others have been ebooks.

A Heart's Disguise is intriguing, but it feels very incomplete ... for good reason! I read the entire thing (which is only 90 pages) in about an hour, and I am anxious to read more.

Sarah is a very interesting character—she's a woman who is desperate to please her family, and she doesn't take her own needs into account in order to do what she thinks best for those she loves. I can't wait to see where this journey takes her! 4 stars.

Note: This serialized series is releasing one section per month over a six month period.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Coble's Lonestar series (Lonestar Secrets; Lonestar Angel, 3 stars), Under Texas Stars series (Blue Moon Promise, 3-1/2 stars; Safe in His Arms, 3-1/2 stars), and The Lightkeeper's Daughter.

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Twitter, Facebook.



In the midst of end-of-war celebrations, Sarah discovers her betrothed was keeping a devastating secret in Colleen Coble's A Heart's Disguise. Will Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the only man she’s ever loved? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?

Celebrate book one in Colleen's A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

heartsdisguise-400

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • A copy of A Heart's Disguise
  • A copy of A Heart's Obsession (blog tour coming in April)
  • A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge (blog tour coming in April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

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 an 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."

Friday, March 27, 2015

"covering home" by heidi mccahan + giveaway

Covering HomeWhen a baseball player with a secret and a reporter desperate to further her career connect during a few days in Japan, their lives change in ways neither expected.


Covering Home
Heidi McCahan
Adult Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 310 Pages
January 18th 2015 by Snug Corner Cove Press


On assignment in Japan, television personality turned sportscaster Britt Bowen is determined to land an interview with the most reclusive pitcher in baseball and prove she can succeed in a demanding profession. A relationship with a self-absorbed professional athlete is the last thing Britt needs. 

Shunning all media attention, former All-Star pitcher Caleb Scott is focused on rebuilding his career in Japan, far from his past and the horrible tragedy that nearly ruined him. Then he meets Britt, who is everything he vowed to avoid. 

But it doesn't take long before Caleb is battling his attraction toward Britt. While she works to uncover his secrets, she can't deny she's drawn to his wounded soul. At a crossroads, Caleb must decide if he can break free from his past mistakes and give love another chance. And Britt must choose between advancing her career—or falling in love.

I really enjoyed Covering Home—especially the part set in Japan. Author Heidi McCahan did a great job of bringing Japan, an area of the world I've never visited, to vivid life. I was especially intrigued by the cultural differences, specifically those surrounding the treatment of professional athletes.

The romance between Caleb and Britt moved very quickly, but it didn't feel unnatural, and I was glad the story continued beyond their time in Japan and moved into the real world, where they had to figure out if they could make their relationship work.

I will say that Britt's character annoyed me at times—she was so wishy-washy about her relationship with Caleb. Fortunately, she never questioned her feelings (that really drives me nuts), just the wisdom of their relationship. Also, the spiritual content of the novel felt a little forced. Throughout the majority of the story, God and faith are mentioned here and there, but neither are a focus of the novel. That's totally fine. What I didn't like was that very near the end, Britt and Caleb have a conversation about how he came back to faith. It's not something the reader got to witness, as the conversation takes place after a time jump, and it almost felt like it was thrown in to show that this novel really does belong in the inspirational category.

Despite those two minor quibbles, I did enjoy Covering Home. I especially appreciated how both Britt and Caleb grew as characters throughout the novel, and I enjoyed watching them forge a relationship. Fans of contemporary romance, especially those who like sports, will enjoy this novel. 4 stars.


Heidi McCahanHeidi McCahan is a Pacific Northwest girl at heart. She spent her formative years in Alaska, where her unique upbringing, coupled with Alaska's breathtaking scenery, fueled her active imagination and loosely inspired her debut novel, Unraveled. 

Heidi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. They currently live in North Carolina with their three boys. 

When Heidi isn't stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the boys around suburbia or watching one of their many sporting events, she loves to read and write heartwarming romance.


- US Grand Prize: Birchbox 3-month subscription ($30 value) & signed paperback of Covering Home (US Only)
- Gift Card Grand Prize: $20 Gift Card for Amazon/iTunes/B&N (winner's choice) & an ebook of Covering Home (open internationally)
- Ends April 7th

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Prism Book Tours

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Prism Book Tours. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, March 23, 2015

"for the right reasons" by sean lowe

It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Bachelor franchise. Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, Bachelor in Paradise ... if Team Bachelor puts it on TV, I'm going to watch it. (I'm also going to write about it, as I did here, here, here and here.) When I heard that Sean Lowe, my favorite Bachelor so far, had written a book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!

The "virgin Bachelor" Sean Lowe reveals the challenges of finding love while championing his Christian convictions in the morally complex world of reality TV.

After The Bachelorette broke his heart, Sean Lowe suspected his "nice guy" image hurt him. The show never emphasized it, but Sean committed to living according to biblical standards of sexuality, even as producers emphasized the risqué and promiscuous. A Texas boy from a Baptist home, Sean tells the story of how he went from a Division I college football player to a fan favorite on reality television, taking readers behind the scenes of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette to see the challenges of living out his values and faith-and ultimately winning his true love's heart.

For the Right Reasons is about the journeys we all have to take in the real world, where being "good" is the right thing to do but sometimes doesn't seem to be enough; where betrayal is commonplace; and where that thing called perfection is actually just a cruel myth. Sean learned a few things from his two seasons on the hottest romance shows on television, and he wants others to benefit from those lessons: good does eventually win, lies will be discovered, and "nice guys" do ultimately finish first.

For the Right Reasons is like a backstage pass to The Bachelor/ette. In the opening section of the book, Sean details his early life and faith, and that's interesting enough, but what I wanted—and what most readers will want—was the behind the scenes info from his time on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. He delivers that in spades.

What I actually found most interesting was what he had to say about being on The Bachelorette. I always enjoy The Bachelorette more than The Bachelor because I love how the guys goof around and forge real friendships, while the girls on The Bachelor often just come off as catty or crazy. (I realize I'm in the minority here!) So when Sean talked about his friendships with Arie and Jef, his relationship with Emily Maynard, and what he went through after Emily let him go, well, I ate it up.

Sean spends considerable time on the whole Bachelor experience (for good reason). He addresses the Tierra drama, Des' brother, the difficulty he had in choosing who to let go near the end, and his reasons for ultimately choosing Catherine. The one aspect I wish he would have touched on is The Women Tell All episode. He never mentioned it, and I seem to recall it being rather dramatic regarding AshLee, the girl who came in third. (Here's the video evidence!) It just seems a little odd that he wouldn't mention that episode at all.

He also talks about his time on Dancing with the Stars and is very open about how difficult that time was for him and Catherine. There's also a bit about Catherine's conversion and their wedding.

All in all, For the Right Reasons is a must read for any Bachelor fan! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.
Watch the book trailer. (It's adorable!)


Sean Lowe, one of the three finalists on Emily Maynard's popular season of The Bachelorette, later starred in the 2013 season of The Bachelor. Credited by the New York Times for "reinvigorating the franchise," he has been voted America's favorite Bachelor and is the only one to marry his match from the show. Sean and his bride, Catherine, live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs, Ellie and Lola.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. 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 an 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."

Sunday, March 22, 2015

"the hesitant heiress" by dawn crandall

Author Dawn Crandall recently asked me to review her latest book, The Captive Impostor, when it releases in April. Since I hadn't read the previous two books in her Everstone Chronicles, she sent me copies. I opened up the first one, The Hesitant Heiress, on the way to our district speech meet on Wednesday. (We won! Go team!) That may have been a mistake, as I was constantly thinking about the book throughout the day, reading bits and pieces every time I had a break. I finished reading after getting home ... instead of going straight to bed like I should have. The book was just so captivating!

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.

Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been “managing her life” isn't who she thought at all.

The Hesitant Heiress is a compelling romance with a side of mystery set in the late 1800s. I say "side of mystery" because the mystery is in no way the driving force of the novel—the romance is. The chemistry between Amaryllis and Nathan is palpable, and their love story kept me flying through the pages.

The characters are fleshed out and interesting, and I'm thrilled that some of the more intriguing supporting characters (like Amaryllis' cousin Lawry and her friend Meredyth) will be featured prominently in future novels. This is a series that I am 100% behind.

Here's the thing, though: I didn't love everything about The Hesitant Heiress. In fact, Amaryllis annoyed me quite a bit. She was so wishy-washy when it came to Nathan that I just wanted to shake some sense into her! But in spite of that, I couldn't stop reading. And I enjoyed reading it, even when I found Amaryllis frustrating. The story is written in first person from her perspective, and for the most part, I really liked Amaryllis. It was just when she thought about her love life that I found her trying.

And then there's Nathan. I can see how Amaryllis couldn't help falling for him—I would have fallen for him, too! He actually reminded me a bit of Mr. Darcy—rich, handsome, brooding—and I'm certainly a sucker for the Darcy type.

So here's my recommendation: Read The Hesitant Heiress. You may want to shout at Amaryllis at times, but read the book anyway. It's a gripping story featuring a fabulous romance that will hold your attention from start to finish. 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my review of book two, The Bound Heart (5 stars).



A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing her debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a review, and 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 an 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."

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

"an uncertain choice": introducing sir bennet + giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the Noble Knights Blog Tour for Jody Hedlund's new YA historical novel An Uncertain Choice! Today I'll be introducing you to Sir Bennet, one of the three knights vying for Lady Rosemarie's heart. And be sure to stick around until the end of the post, when I'll tell you how you can enter to win a signed copy of An Uncertain Choice. Also, be sure to visit Jody's Events page for more giveaway opportunities and unique content on the Noble Knights Blog Tour.

So let's meet Sir Bennet ...

Physical Characteristics: With dark, wavy hair and eyes the color of midnight, Sir Bennet is very handsome—strikingly so. He epitomizes "tall, dark, and handsome." He has strong, chiseled features, and he reminds Rosemarie of a Greek god, often bestowing "heart stopping smiles" on her.

Personality: Sir Bennet is romantic and intelligent. He's not as carefree as Sir Collin, but neither is he as serious as Sir Derrick. He has a quick wit that sometimes gets him in trouble when he doesn't consider his words before speaking.

Strengths: A lover of beauty—in nature, in art, and in people—Sir Bennet is a skilled conversationalist and always knows what to say to make Rosemarie feel special. Though he is competing with his friends for Rosemarie's affections, he loves and respects the other two knights and the Noblest Knight and would do anything to protect them.

Weaknesses: Sir Bennet appears jealous at times—understandable, considering he is one of three men trying to win Rosemarie's heart, but it's still unattractive. While he appreciates beauty, he has an aversion to things (and people) that are not beautiful. Rather than showing compassion to a young boy with a deformity, he appears repulsed and then shifts his attention away from the boy.

Romancing Rosemarie: As someone who loves and appreciates beauty, Sir Bennet uses beauty to
try to win Rosemarie. The gifts he presents her with are not costly, but they are thoughtful and beautiful: a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful veil lined with roses. He arranges an art fair for his date with Rosemarie, and he commissions a painting of her. His biggest strength in wooing Rosemarie, though, is his words, which make Rosemarie feel beautiful, appreciated, and special:
I know a rare treasure when I see one. And you are one of the rarest, my lady. 
I believe that you're made more beautiful because of the sweetness of your inner spirit.
I didn't think it was possible for you to become any lovelier than you already are. But every day that I see you, you grow more beautiful.

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow. 

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights—the one who appears the most guilty—had not already captured her heart.

Read my review of An Uncertain Choice (5 stars)
Read my review of the prequel novella The Vow (4 stars)
Visit Jody’s Website: jodyhedlund.com
Like Jody on Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund
Follow Jody on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
Download the Discussion Guide
Read the Prequel Novella
Buy the Book
Follow the Blog Tour

Want to win your own—autographed!—copy of An Uncertain Choice? Enter using the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open to US readers only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification before another winner is randomly chosen.

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Monday, March 16, 2015

"deepest roots of the heart" by chautona havig

A young man encounters more than he expected when he returns home following World War II to reclaim his home.

During WWII, Avelino Carrillo spent four harrowing years in the South Pacific with one thought driving his survival: to return to his beloved home in Napa Valley.

The Carrillos have a history in the valley that stretches deep, like grapevine roots in the soil. For a century, they worked the vineyard at their family home, la Casa de los Sueños, until they lost the property to a wealthy land baron. Now, Avelino is determined to reclaim the land and home he loves so much. When he meets Amelia, a young woman who lives at the vineyard with her grandfather, he finds that regaining his birthright isn’t his only struggle—he battles the longing of his heart as well.

Can Avelino overcome the local bigotry and personal demons that face him to create the life he desires?

Deepest Roots of the Heart intertwines two stories: one involving a WWII veteran in 1945 and one beginning in 1836 at the Battle of San Jacinto involving his namesake. Avelino Carrillo's story is intriguing: he returns home from war to discover a beautiful young woman and her grandfather living in the house he grew up in. As he works to regain ownership of his family's land and vineyard, he finds himself falling for Amelia, that young woman. But many things stand in the way of their happiness—poverty, prejudice, and Avelino's own stubborn pride.

As Avelino gets to know Amelia, he tells her the story of the first Avelino, Avelino Aguilar. Honestly, that story didn't intrigue me nearly as much as Avelino and Amelia's story did, and I found myself skimming the pages. Also, while the first Avelino's story wrapped up, the story of how the second Avelino's family came to be in possession of the vineyard didn't, and I thought that was the point of Avelino's story.

Deepest Roots of the Heart is well researched and written, but I felt like the story could have been told in about 100 fewer pages; it just seemed like the story dragged on a bit. It's not a bad novel, but it's also not as engaging as I would have liked. 3 stars.

Buy the book.

Chautona Havig is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Past Forward series and Ready or Not, among many other novels. When not writing, she enjoys paper crafting, sewing, and, of course, reading. She lives in a small, remote town in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and seven of her nine children.

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. 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."

Sunday, March 15, 2015

"an uncertain choice" by jody hedlund

The Bachelorette meets medieval romance in Jody Hedlund's An Uncertain Choice.

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow. 

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights—the one who appears the most guilty—had not already captured her heart.

When I heard that Jody Hedlund, author of swoon worthy historical romance titles like A Noble Groom and Unending Devotion, had written a YA romance, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. After all, I already knew Hedlund wrote amazing romance, and I love YA, so what could be better?

An Uncertain Choice is certainly worthy of the Hedlund name. While this book doesn't exhibit the same amount of passion as her adult titles, it's still swoon worthy in its own right. In fact, the build in romantic tension is so great that at one point I wanted to yell, "Just kiss her already!" at one of the knights. He didn't (at that time), but boy was I rooting for the couple! I should also note that while the romantic tension is there, the novel contains nothing inappropriate. It's a great alternative to much of what's on the YA market today.

The novel is told in first person mostly from Rosmarie's perspective, so the reader really gets an understanding of all the choices she has to grapple with. Should she continue with her plan to take her vows and live out her days in the Abbey under the Abbot's protection? Should she take the Noblest Knight up on his offer and choose one of his three knights for her husband? And what is love, really?

I must confess that I was a bit disappointed to find that the knight who would be Rosemarie's true love was apparent almost from his first appearance in the novel, so much so that the other two knights seemed a bit extraneous. But the love story between Rosemarie and her knight was so sweet that I got past any objections fairly quickly.

Also, the twists the plot took in the second half of the novel placing several characters in danger surprised me and made this more than just a simple love story—it also became an adventure!

I've already recommended An Uncertain Choice to several teens I know in real life, and now I'm recommending it to all of you, too! It's a novel that both teens and adults will enjoy, and I'm excited for Hedlund to continue this series. 5 stars.

Note: There is a prequel novella to An Uncertain Choice named The Vow. While it's not necessary to read The Vow prior to An Uncertain Choice, it does give insight into some of the characters, including Rosemarie, the Abbot, and the Noblest Knight.

Buy the book.
Download the An Uncertain Choice discussion guide. (It's free!)
Follow the Noble Knights blog tour. (My post will be on March 17!)
Read my reviews of the prequel novella The Vow (4 stars) and Hedlund's adult titles A Noble Groom (5 stars) and Unending Devotion (5 stars).

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances including books for adults and youth. She currently makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and their five busy children.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review as a member of Jody Hedlund's An Uncertain Choice influencer team. 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 an 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."

Saturday, March 14, 2015

"miracle at the higher grounds cafe" by max lucado

What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

When I heard that Max Lucado had written a novel, I was intrigued. Lucado's writing, specifically Fearless, has had a big impact on my life, but I wondered if he could successfully shift into the world of fiction.

He has, without a doubt!

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café is a sweet story about faith and community that seems a bit farfetched at first. A direct line to God via the internet? I was skeptical, as I'm sure I would be if I heard about something like this in real life. So I could really identify with Chelsea's pastor brother-in-law Tony, who asked why God would use a blog to speak. The answer was basically, why not? After all, God used a fleece with Gideon, a donkey with Balaam, and a star with the Magi. Why not a blog? (p. 61).

In another section of the book, Manny, one of Chelsea's employees at the café, is pondering the spiritual battle taking place.
...Manny's mind was racing. Not with doubts, but questions, for the two are not the same. Even the deepest, darkest questions can lead to a deeper faith (p. 49).
And that's what I loved most about this book—wrapped in an engaging story, Lucado brings truth without seeming preachy. With this novel, he'll reach a new group of people who may not be inclined to pick up a non-fiction book.

While I completely loved the story and spent some time pondering my own faith, I do wish that the novel had included more of Chelsea's relationship with her husband. Once things began to wrap up, they did so very swiftly, and I would have appreciated another chapter or two near the end to expand on things. That said, I really loved this book! 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Watch the book trailer.
Get the first three chapters free!
Join Lucado and his daughter for a live webchat about this book.
Read my reviews of Lucado's Fearless and The Tallest of Smalls.

More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

Find Max online: website, Facebook, Twitter


In Max Lucado's new fiction release, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, he asks, If you could ask God anything, what would you ask—and how would he answer? When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.

Join Max in celebrating the release of his new fiction book by entering his iPad giveaway and RSVPing to his Coffee with Max webcast!

higherground-400


One grand prize winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
  • A copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on the Litfuse blog. Then tune in later on the 24th for his Coffee with Max webcast. RSVP here!

highergrounds-enterbanner


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
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 an 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."

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

"one perfect year" grand finale + giveaway

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.
The One Perfect Year tour is wrapping up, but you still have time to enter for your chance to win some great items! On your way to the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the post, glance through the reviews, interviews, and other fun things that happened during this tour!

We're blitzing the GRAND FINALE for
One Perfect Year
By Melinda Curtis

Did you miss any of the tour? Go back and check out these exclusive excerpts and reviews...

Launch - Intro to the Series
Old clashes against new with fun and heartwarming results. Although each book is a step closer to bringing the town back to life, each book also stands alone (because I hate it when you need to read from book 1 to enjoy the series).

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review
"I loved returning to Harmony Valley. The characters are quirky and endearing and the setting is heavenly. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story and felt a lot of emotion in relationship to the events that happened."

JoJo's Corner - Review
     I love reunion love stories and Melinda has crafted a fabulously romantic story about love and loss and hope for the future. . . . This is a fantastic story that you won’t be able to put down! I love this town and can’t wait to revisit it in the other books in the series.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt
The day he met Shelby, she'd stumbled into his high school science class during his senior year. He’d felt as if he’d been sucker punched. Unbelievably, he, who’d always relied on proof and facts, had fallen in love at first sight. How else could he describe how discombobulated he felt just seeing Shelby? But while he’d over-analyzed those strange, new feelings, Nick, who’d never hesitated in his too-short life, acted right after Gage introduced them.

Getting Your Read On - Review
I haven't read the first three books in the series but I never felt like I was missing out on anything.  I'd love to go back and read the whole series though. . . . This is a sweet story of love and friendship.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  

i blog 4 books - Review
Oh what a fun book! I enjoy books where characters already know each other. I’ve found that it can move the story along a little quicker while still allowing for plenty of tension. Melinda Curtis did a great job using Gage and Shelby’s friendship from years ago to create a lot of believable drama in One Perfect Year.

Melinda Curtis is a new-to-me author, but I will definitely be searching out more of her wonderful stories! Don’t miss One Perfect Year! [4.5 stars]

Mel's Shelves - Review
This book is a clean, fun read! There was more to it than I thought there would be and I enjoyed that! I liked the different storylines that came together in the end. I also like that it's part of a series yet easily stands alone. I want to read the other books to see what other fun characters are in this series and I look forward to future installments! 

Southern Chelle - Review
I love a good homecoming, animals-horses in particular, and opposites attract love story, so this was a great novel for me (and so very easy for me to love). Gage and Shelby’s story can easily ring true with a wide variety of readers and is a short, wonderful read.

Bookworm Lisa - Excerpt
“Accept my apology, Sugar Lips?” Gage Jamero was up to his elbows in trouble with his latest lady love.

Well, at least one elbow.

Sugar Lips’ contraction built like a blood pressure cuff around Gage’s right bicep. His face heated, his fingers numbed, his body felt as if it was wrapped in a too-tight ace bandage.

“Breathe easy, honey.” Gage tried to follow his own advice. During his internship and residency, he’d gained quite a reputation as a horse whisperer when it came to peevish, pregnant horses.

I Am A Reader - Excerpt
“I can’t talk to you as if I just saw you yesterday.”
But she wanted to. That once young, innocent part of her she’d assumed was long dead and buried—that stumbling, lonely misfit—wanted to.
What if she lost Gage, too?

Her vision blurred around the edges, tunneling to Gage's bare, muscular chest.
“Shelby!” Gage’s voice sounded far away.

And in that faraway place, Shelby dreamed of Gage’s lips pressed to her forehead, of him tenderly whispering her name.

Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review
One Perfect Year is ... nice. That is to say, it's a very pleasant romance with likable characters and an enjoyable plot. I very much liked Gage and could understand his hesitance to commit to staying in Harmony Valley. I also actually found the description of the wine business to be very interesting (this surprised me greatly).

     “Friendships take time, too, in case you’d forgotten,” Shelby countered. “I’d rather have a dog.”
     “You’ve given up on relationships? That explains a lot.” Looking grim, Gage finally took a bite of spaghetti.
     “I don’t…I haven’t…You know nothing.”


One Perfect Year (A Harmony Valley Novel)One Perfect Year
(Harmony Valley #4)
Melinda Curtis
Adult Contemporary Romance
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming


He's coming up on her blind side

How can Shelby Hawkley forgive Gage Jamero for bailing on her when she needed him most? He and her husband, Nick, were the best part of her life. Now her former best friend is back, shaking up the widowed wine harvester's world. The safest bet is to protect herself. Except Gage is awakening feelings that are decidedly unfriend-like.

Shelby is the woman Gage has secretly loved since high school. Starting over—together—could be the best dream he's ever had. If only he can find the courage to say what he should have said all those years ago.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Kobo - Google PlayHarlequin

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the indie pubbed Bridesmaid series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes independently published, hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.”

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Grand Prize: An Autographed Set of the first 3 Harmony Valley Books
(Dandelion Wishes, Summer Kisses, and Season of Change) (US only or ebooks to an international)

Additional Prizes:
- Happy Bee Day Mug with candy and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet (US
only - if international winner pulled then a single ebook from author's back list)
- Bee Salt and Pepper Shaker and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet (US
only - if international winner pulled then a single ebook from author's back list)

Ends March 15th

Monday, March 9, 2015

"how to catch a prince" by rachel hauck

If you love fairy tale romances, you won't want to miss How to Catch a Prince!

"anna's crossing" by suzanne woods fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is back with another delightful Amish novel, this one set shortly after the church's founding.

Some endings are really beginnings . . . 

On a hot day in 1737 in Rotterdam, Anna König reluctantly sets foot on the Charming Nancy, a merchant ship that will carry her and her fellow Amish believers across the Atlantic to start a new life. As the only one in her community who can speak English, she feels compelled to go. But Anna is determined to complete this journey and return home--assuming she survives. She's heard horrific tales of ocean crossings and worse ones of what lay ahead in the New World. But fearfulness is something Anna has never known.

Ship's carpenter Bairn resents the somber people--dubbed Peculiars by the deckhands--who fill the lower deck of the Charming Nancy. All Bairn wants to do is to put his lonely past behind him, but that irksome and lovely lass Anna and her people keep intruding on him.

Delays, storms, illness, and diminishing provisions test the mettle and patience of everyone on board. When Anna is caught in a life-threatening situation, Bairn makes a discovery that shakes his entire foundation. But has the revelation come too late?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the beginning of Amish life in America with this fascinating glimpse into the first ocean crossing--and the lives of two intrepid people who braved it.


Anna's Crossing is not your typical Amish novel. Set in 1737 and taking place nearly entirely on a ship crossing the Atlantic, it really just reads like historical fiction. Though Anna and the members of her party are Amish, their brand of faith doesn't seem as restrictive and separated as what's present in the Amish faith today. (The extreme lack of technology in the 1700s probably has something to do with this perception!) In essence, what I'm saying is this: If you're not a fan of Amish fiction but you enjoy historical fiction, you should give Anna's Crossing a shot.

The plot, which moves very quickly, unfolds from three perspectives: Anna's, Bairn's, and Felix's. Anna and Bairn's love story is sweet, and the slow unpacking of Bairn's history is incredibly satisfying. Yet I found myself itching to read more about 8-year-old rapscallion Felix, who reminded me very much of a young Jimmy Fisher from Fisher's Stoney Ridge books. (Jimmy Fisher is one of my favorite Fisher characters, so seeing a Jimmy-esque character in Anna's Crossing made me very happy.)

As I have come to expect from Fisher's novels, Anna's Crossing has a laugh-out-loud funny moment, which, of course, features Felix. I love that amid the seriousness of her novels, Fisher always manages to bring in some humor!

Though the book didn't wrap up in the way I'd imagined (I was hoping for just one more scene after the end), Anna's Crossing is incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend it to fans of Amish fiction and/or historical fiction. 4-1/2 stars.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Fisher's Inn at Eagle Hill series: The Letters (3-1/2 stars), The Calling (5 stars), The Rescue (novella: 4-1/2 stars), The Revealing (5 stars); her Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (4-1/2 stars), The Lesson (4-1/2 stars); and her Christmas books: A Lancaster County Christmas and Christmas at Rose Hill Farm (4-1/2 stars).



Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. 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 an 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."