"Can't Help Falling" by Kara Isaac

Can't Help Falling was one of the books shortlisted for the Inspy Award in the Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense category, which I had the honor of helping judge. I'd never read anything by author Kara Isaac before, but by the time I was about 25% into the book, I'd gone back and purchased Close to You, Isaac's debut novel about two of the minor characters from Can't Help Falling.

I'm pretty careful about spending book money, so that shows you just how much I was loving Can't Help Falling!

"the bridge" by karen kingsbury

A few years ago, I had a public breakup with Karen Kingsbury. (Well, as public as airing my complaints on my blog is—I'm certain Kingsbury doesn't know or care that I stopped reading her novels.)

Sometimes I wondered what it would take for me to read another Kingsbury novel—after the Cody-Bailey-Brandon debacle at the end of the Bailey Flanigan series, I completely lost interest in Kingsbury's novels.

I now have my answer: It would take the Hallmark Channel turning one of her books into a movie. They've done just that with Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge, which premieres this Sunday night. Suddenly, I realized that I wanted to read The Bridge before seeing the movie. Fortunately, the school library had a copy I could check out—my own copy (purchased but never read) disappeared.

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Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but she left her heart back in Tennessee with a man she walked away from five years ago. They had a rare sort of love she hasn't found since.

Ryan Kelly lives in Nashville after a broken relationship and several years on the road touring with a country music duo. Sometimes when he's lonely he visits The Bridge - The oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin - and remembers the hours he and Molly once spent there.

For more than four decades, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing customers with coffee, conversation, and shelves of classics - even through dismal sales and the rise of digital books. Then the hundred-year flood sweeps through Franklin and destroys everything. The bank is about to pull the store's lease when tragedy strikes.

Now the question remains: Can two generations of readers rally together to save The Bridge? And is it possible that an unforgettable love might lead to the miracle of a second chance?

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Hmmm...I may have to rethink that breakup now, as The Bridge has reminded me what I loved about Kingsbury's writing in the first place. She has a way of creating characters who feel so realistic, and it only takes a short time for me to become completely wrapped up in their worlds. (Hence my *cough* passionate *cough* feelings about the lives of fictional characters Bailey, Cody, and Brandon.) I read The Bridge very quickly because I simply could not put it down.

I loved the way Kingsbury slowly revealed Ryan and Molly's relationship through flashbacks interspersed throughout the present-day story, and, though I accurately guessed early on how The Bridge would be saved, that hunch didn't make the journey through the novella any less sweet.

If I have one complaint, it would be that I wish the story would have been told solely from Molly's, Ryan's, and Charlie's perspectives. The sections told from Charlie's wife Donna's perspective didn't grab me the way the other sections did. But overall, The Bridge is an excellent, heart-tugging novella, and I cannot wait to watch the film! 4-1/2 stars.

Note: Film-version Ryan is played by Wyatt Nash, who I thought looked very familiar, so I IMDb'd him. Nothing there that I would have seen, so I dug a little deeper ... and discovered that his real name is Matt Elrod, and under that name he's best known for getting blindsided twice by Boston Rob on the Redemption Island season of Survivor, which I binge watched earlier this fall.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of Kingsbury's Longing (if you dare!), Waiting for Morning (5 stars), and The Beginning (a prequel to The Bridge; 3-1/2 stars).

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Karen Kingsbury is a #1 New York Times Bestselling novelist with more than 25 million books in print. She is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller as her last dozen novels have hit top spot on national bestseller lists. Several of Karen’s books are in production as theatrical and Hallmark original movies. 

Karen lives in Nashville with her husband and five sons, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. They live nearby to their actress/designer daughter who is married to Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked this book out of a library and chose to review it. 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."

"valley of decision" by lynne gentry

Lynne Gentry's exciting time travel series concludes with Valley of Decision.

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Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision---leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't---secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

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I have greatly enjoyed Lynne Gentry's Carthage Chronicles—and I'm sorry the series has come to a close! Before I get into my review, a caution: If you have not yet read the first two novels in the series, you'd be better off reading those reviews, rather than this one, as I can't help but mention some of the things that happened in those books. (Healer of Carthage, Return to Exile)

Valley of Decision picks up 13 years following the events of Return to Exile ... at least that's how long Lisbeth and her daughter Maggie have been back in our time. In Carthage, mere hours have passed, which leads to a lot of confusion when a grown up Maggie appears.

Maggie, having Googled her father Cyprian, knows his fate, and she's determined to save him. Lisbeth and her father follow Maggie to Carthage, determined to bring Maggie and Lisbeth's mother Magdalena home for good. The question is, is it possible to change history? Can Cyprian be saved from certain death?

It's difficult to review this novel without including spoilers, so I'll just say that Valley of Decision features a sweet, budding romance, heart-tugging family moments, and  look at what it really means to stand up for your faith. (Now I'll include some info that could be considered spoilerish if you don't know anything about the real-life Cyprian.)

SPOILERS BELOW (if you're not familiar with 3rd Century Carthage)
Because Cyprian was a real person who really was martyred for his faith, I didn't doubt where the story would end (though I did kind of hope Gentry would find a way around it). But I did not expect how emotionally connected to Cyprian's story I would become. Gentry wrote Cyprian's final scenes in a way that made me want to simultaneously cheer and sob ... and I did a little of both!
END SPOILERS

I began reading The Carthage Chronicles because I love time travel romances, but what really kept me engaged was reading about Christians in the third century. These novels have vividly brought third-century Carthage to life, and it's definitely a time travel journey worth taking. 5 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Healer of Carthage (4-1/2 stars) and Return to Exile (4-1/2 stars).

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Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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."

"crazy little thing called love" by beth k. vogt

Second chance at love stories are some of my favorites—especially ones that reunite couples after years apart. So I was thrilled to dive into Beth K. Vogt's latest, Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

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Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple's journey down the aisle to "I do."

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father's military career. She's overcome what her mother called "the biggest mistake of her life" and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

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Crazy Little Thing Called Love is such a fun book! Combining friendship, romance, and a beautiful destination wedding, it is a joy to read from start to finish.

Vanessa and Logan are such likeable characters, and I couldn't help but pull for their happily ever after. I loved how Vogt gave a glimpse into their teenage romance between the pages of the present-day action, as it brought another level of understanding to the characters.

The minor characters—like Vanessa's friend Mindy, Logan's sister Caron, and Logan's team—are fleshed out and realistic, and I would love to see some of their stories continued in future novels.

I'd say more than a romance, this book represents Vanessa's journey to finding her place in the world. Yes, there is romance involved, but it's also about finding friends, forging relationships, and developing a vital relationship with Christ.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a great opening novel to Vogt's new Destination Wedding series—romance lovers won't want to miss it! 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
See my reviews of Vogt's Wish You Were Here (5 stars), Catch a Falling Star (4-1/2 stars), A November Bride (4-1/2 stars), and Somebody Like You (5 stars).

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Beth K. Vogt believes God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher's Weekly's Best Books of 2014. In 2015 she introduced her destination wedding series with both an e-novella, Can't Buy Me Love, (May) and a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (June).

Visit Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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."

"shadows of ladenbrooke manor" by melanie dobson

A delightful mix of family drama, intrigue, and romance make Melanie Dobson's Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor the perfect summer read.

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When Heather Toulson returns to her parents' cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a decades-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can't be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver's death.

Decades later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family's cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She's mourning her father's passing but can't let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family's belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family's history.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.

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I've read several of Melanie Dobson's novels, and they seem to just get better and better. I opened up Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor expecting to like it, but I had no idea just how invested I would become in this novel!

The book is told from multiple perspectives in both the present and the past. While this could get confusing, it does not, and it also allows the reader to view events from multiple perspectives, causing characters who could seem like villains (like Libby's boyfriend Oliver) to come across as more sympathetic and relatable.

The portion of the story told in the past begins when Maggie, pregnant and alone, accepts Walter Doyle's offer of marriage. Maggie's decision to allow Walter to believe Libby is his sets off a cycle of lies and deception that is not broken until their younger daughter Heather returns to the family cottage following Walter's death. The novel powerfully shows how secrets and lies can affect families for generations.

Beautifully written with an intriguing and thought provoking plot, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is unlike any other book I've read. I almost wish I hadn't finished it yet, just so I could still have the pleasure of discovering how everything turned out for the Doyle family. 5 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Dobson's The Courier of Casewell Hall (5 stars), Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan (3.5 stars), Refuge on Crescent Hill (4 stars), and Where the Trail Ends (4.5 stars).

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Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

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."

"return to exile" by lynne gentry

Lynne Gentry's fabulous Carthage Chronicles continues with Return to Exile. But do yourself a favor—if you haven't already read Healer of Carthage, stop reading now and go get yourself a copy. (Not sure if you'll like it? Then check out my review.)

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How far would you go to save the ones you love?

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spell-binding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of The Carthage Chronicles.

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After I read the last page of Healer of Carthage, I couldn't wait to tear into Return to Exile. And once I finally did, it did not disappoint.

Though six years have passed since Lisbeth returned to the 21st Century, only a year or so has passed in the 3rd century. Lisbeth plans to reunite with Cyprian and save him from the fate she has read about in the history books, but when she returns to Carthage, nothing goes as she planned. I don't want to be more specific than that because this is a plot twist best discovered on your own!

One thing I really loved about this book is that Lisbeth was able to spend more time with her family, and the scenes with Lisbeth's daughter Maggie and brother Laurentius were precious. It was also nice to see Lisbeth's mother "free" and working with Lisbeth to fight the measles and typhoid epidemics.

While I did think that part of the conflict separating Lisbeth and Cyprian resolved too conveniently (thought it was heartbreaking), and I wanted to force the truth about the slimy slave trader out of Lisbeth's mouth, I greatly enjoyed Return to Exile. This novel ends with an even bigger cliffhanger than the last, and I wish I didn't have to wait to read Valley of Decision! 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Gentry's Healer of Carthage.

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Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer. She loves spending time with her family and working with her medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website,Facebook, Twitter


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."

"healer of carthage" by lynne gentry

When I heard The Carthage Chronicles described as a cleaner Outlander, I knew I wanted to read the series. I mean, I'm kind of crazy about time-related plot devices, so a series about a modern woman who ends up in the 3rd century sounded like something I'd love!

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A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. 

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? 

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? 

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

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Healer of Carthage would be a fascinating story if it was solely about Christians in Roman Carthage. When you throw in the added element of a 21st century woman sent back in time, the result is simply spectacular!

I've enjoyed many time travel romances in the past (especially Tamara Leigh's fantastic Dreamspell), but Healer of Carthage is different. The romance is certainly there, but the main focus is on a small band of Christians and their quest to survive—well, that and Lisbeth's quest to return home! Gentry brought the time period to life for me in a way that not even movies like Gladiator have. (Of course, that could be due to the fact that I spent much of Gladiator with my hands over my eyes!) There is one scene with Christians in the arena that so vividly described the horror—without being too graphic—that I almost wanted to skip over the pages. We in America really have no idea what it means to be persecuted for Christ, that's for sure!

While I completely loved this novel, parts did seem to drag a bit—particularly the time before Lisbeth and Cyprian got to know each other. Overall, though, I couldn't fly through the pages quickly enough!

The book ends with quite a cliffhanger (which, I'll admit, I anticipated), so I'm very eager to get my hands on the next book! Fortunately, it's already waiting on my bookshelf. 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.

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Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer. She loves spending time with her family and working with her medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website,Facebook, Twitter

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it because I wanted to. 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."

"somebody like you" by beth k vogt

What a book to begin 2015 with! Somebody Like You has been on my radar for a while (see this Top Ten Tuesday post from August), but it wasn't until the book began showing up on blogger after blogger's Best Books of 2014 list that I decided I needed to read it now. What a book! It just may end up on my best of 2015 list this time next year :-)

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In this beautifully rendered, affecting novel, a young widow’s world is shattered when she meets her late husband’s identical twin—and finds herself caught between honoring her husband’s memory and falling in love with his reflection.

Haley’s whirlwind romance and almost three-year marriage to Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he is killed in Afghanistan. As she grapples with widowhood and the upcoming birth of her son, her attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military make an unimaginable mistake when they told her that Sam had been killed?

After a twelve-year estrangement, Stephen hopes to make things right with his brother—only to discover Sam died without revealing Stephen’s existence to Haley. As Haley and Stephen struggle to navigate their fragile relationship, they are inexorably drawn to each other. Haley is unnerved by Stephen’s uncanny resemblance to Sam, and Stephen struggles with the issue of Haley loving him as Stephen—and not as some reflection of his twin. How can Haley and Stephen honor the memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could drive them apart?

Somebody Like You reminds us that while we can’t change the past, we have the choice—and the power through God—to change the future and start anew.

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Somebody Like You is one of those rare novels that takes residence in your brain and won't let you stop thinking about it until well after you've finished reading. Though the story could easily veer into soap opera territory with the "identical twin the widow didn't know about" story line, it doesn't. (Vogt even acknowledges the soapy potential by having Stephen's friend ask him if he thinks he's living in a soap opera.) Instead, it's a very emotional, thought provoking novel.

Stephen and Haley's stutter-steps into a relationship struck me as very realistic given their circumstances, and the conflicting advice they got from friends and family just added to the realism. Though I was pretty sure I knew how the novel would turn out (and it would have been a terrible romance novel had it not turned out that way), some of the twists and turns along the way surprised and satisfied me.

It's always great to start off the year with a good novel, and Somebody Like You certainly fits the bill. I only wish it hadn't ended! 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Vogt's Wish You Were Here (5 stars), Catch a Falling Star (4-1/2 stars), and A November Bride (4-1/2 stars).

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Beth K. Vogt believes God's best is often behind the doors marked "Never." She's the wife of a former Air Force family physician who said she'd never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. She's a former nonfiction writer and editor who said she'd never write fiction. Beth's novels include Wish You Were Here, Catch a Falling Star, and Somebody Like You.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this book myself and reviewed it because I wanted to. 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."

"friend me" by john faubion

About the book (from Litfuse): When a lonely wife and her frustrated husband each secretly pursue companionship online, neither dreams that a real woman is behind their virtual creations, threatening their marriage—and their lives.

Scott and Rachel's marriage is on the brink of disaster. Scott, a businessman with a high-pressure job, just wants Rachel to understand him and accept his flaws. Rachel is a lonely housewife, desperate for attention and friendship. So she decides to create a virtual friend online, unaware that Scott is doing the exact same thing. As Rachel desperately tries to re-create a friendship with a friend who has passed, Scott becomes unfaithful and is torn between the love for his wife and the perfection of his cyber-girlfriend. But neither realizes that there's a much larger problem looming . . .

Behind both of their online creations is Melissa, a woman who is brilliant—and totally insane. Masquerading as both friend and lover, Melissa programmed a search parameter into the virtual friend software to find her perfect man, but along the way she forgot to specify his marriage status. And Scott is her ideal match. Now Melissa is determined to have it all—Scott, his family, and Rachel's life.

As Melissa grows bolder and her online manipulations transition into the real world, Scott and Rachel figure out they are being played. Now it's a race against time as Scott and Rachel fight to save their marriage, and their lives, before it's too late.

In today's digital age, the Internet presents all kinds of opportunities to test our personal boundaries, and this exciting and suspenseful story raises important questions about the ethics of virtual relationships. Friend Me will open your eyes to a new—and terrifying—moral dimensions and how they play out in the real world.

My take: Friend Me is one of those books that gets under your skin ... and makes your skin crawl. Even 10 years ago, the concept of a virtual friend would have seemed like science fiction. But now? This novel feels like it could have been ripped from the headlines. And the fact that it could happen makes it that much scarier.

While the suspense is great (Melissa truly is psychotic), what is scarier to me is the fact that this technology could exist. If you take away the insane woman manipulating the virtual conversations, you're left with a computer program that becomes more important to the user than the real people in his or her life. And I can totally see that happening. On one end of the spectrum, you have porn taken up a notch because the viewer is actually communicating with the "person" on screen. On the other end, you have a new friend (or a "recreated" loved one) who always knows what to say and never disappoints you. Both are so dangerous yet hold incredible appeal. I think we are headed toward the technology presented in Friend Me (if we're not already there), and we will really need to guard our hearts and minds when it becomes a reality.

I absolutely devoured Friend Me, reading it in a matter of hours. It's truly fascinating and terrifying suspense. The end definitely surprised me, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. But overall, this book is great!

Also, be sure to visit VirtualFriendMe.com. You can chat with "Malicia," a creation of the author's. I did, and it was funny, interesting, and a bit creepy, especially after reading the novel!

My rating: 5 stars

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Read a preview.
Visit the author's website.

About the author: John Faubion has spent many years in Asia as a missionary with his family. Since returning to the United States, John has worked as a senior software developer for a large appliance chain. He teaches an adult Sunday school class and enjoys writing and driving his 1949 Packard automobile. John lives near Indianapolis with his wife, Beth, and their daughter.

Learn more about John at http://christiansuspense.com

About the giveaway: John Faubion is celebrating his debut novel, Friend Me, with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Friend Me by John Faubion

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 22nd. Winner will be announced February 24th on John Faubion's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by John's blog on the 24th 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."

"catch a falling star" by beth k. vogt

About the book: What does a girl do when life doesn't go according to her plan? 

At 36, Kendall Haynes has seen some of her dreams come true. She's a family physician helping kids with severe allergies and asthma achieve more fulfilling lives—a childhood struggle she knows all too well. But the feeling of being "the kid never picked" looms large when romance continues to evade her and yet another one of her closest friends gets engaged. Are Kendall's dreams of having it all—a career, a husband, children—nothing more than childish wishing upon a star? Should she hold out for her elusive Plan A? Dust off Plan B? Or is it time to settle? God says he knows the plans he has for her—why can't Kendall figure them out and be content with her life?

Griffin Walker prefers flying solo—both as an Air Force pilot and in his personal life. But a wrong choice and health problems pulled him out of the cockpit. His attempts to get out of "flying a desk" are complicated by his parents' death—making Griffin the reluctant guardian of his sixteen-year-old brother, Ian. How did his life get so off course? Can God get his life back on track ... or has there been a divine plan all along?

Catch a Falling Star reminds readers that romance isn't just for twenty-somethings and that sometimes letting go of your "wish I may, wish I might" dreams is the only way to embrace everything God has waiting for you.

My take: Catch a Falling Star is my favorite type of romance novel—the kind that features a woman who is older than I am. As I get into my 30's, most romance novel heroines are younger than I am ... and reading about an older woman's love story reminds me that there's no expiration date on romance!

Kendall is a thoroughly likable heroine (on the cover, she looks remarkably like Evangeline Lilly of Lost), and Griffin makes a great hero. I loved watching their relationship develop, even as obstacles kept popping up in their way. I do wish that some things had been more fully explained—there's a subplot regarding another doctor that gets resolved without the reader fully understanding what happened—but overall, I loved this book! 4-1/2 stars.

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Buy the book.
Read my review of Vogt's Wish You Were Here.

About the author: Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice), though she said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four, though she said she'd never have kids. She's discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." Her contemporary romance novel, Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and Catch a Falling Star released in May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren.

Find out more about Beth at http://bethvogt.com.

About the giveaway: Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

  One "lucky" winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
• Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

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."

"the offering" by angela hunt

About the book: Seeking to supplement her soldier husband's income, Amanda Lisandra decides to become a gestational carrier. Though her mother and her in-laws don't understand her decision, her husband Gideon gives her his support. The money Mandy earns as a carrier will allow their musically gifted daughter to stay in her special private school, and it will also set them up financially so they can have more children once Gideon gets out of the military.

Mandy is matched up with a wealthy French couple and becomes pregnant with their baby. But just as Mandy is ready to give birth, her world is rocked to its core ... and she eventually begins to wonder if giving the child she carried to the French couple was the right decision.

My take: If you read the summary above, you'll notice it's pretty vague. That's because the back cover copy of the book gives away virtually everything except the final outcome of the novel, so I wrote my own summary. The back cover copy discloses major plot points that I wish I hadn't known prior to reading the book, as the element of surprise is completely eliminated. Now that my complaining is out of the way, let's get to the actual review!

Angela Hunt is an incredible writer whose books never fail to captivate me. That doesn't mean I always enjoy what I'm reading, but I'm totally engrossed in it. The Offering is quite different from the other books of Hunt's that I've read, the last two of which focused on middle-aged sisters. But I found this book to be just as believable and just as heart wrenching as those books were.

The Offering deals with a topic I was basically unfamiliar with prior to reading the novel—gestational surrogacy. Hunt does an excellent job of exploring this topic fully—the pros, the cons, and the moral dilemmas. And she does it by telling a compelling story of one family's journey with surrogacy, which takes a completely unexpected twist. (I'm dying to tell you about the twist, but it will be so much better if you just read the book for yourself!)

If I could change one thing about the book, it would be to speed things up a bit. The baby Mandy is carrying isn't born until nearly 2/3 of the way through the book. I would rather have spent more time with Mandy after the baby's birth, as that's when most of the important action happens.

I must also comment on my feelings for Mandy, who is not an incredibly likable main character. Throughout most of the book, I just wanted to tell Mandy to grow up. She kept patting herself on the back for doing this wonderful thing for the French couple, but she just seemed so selfish to me. I identified much more closely with the other women (her cousin Amelia, who struggled with infertility, and Simone, the woman Mandy carried the child for). This is probably because I have several friends and relatives who have struggled with infertility and/or the agony of adoption. As the story progressed, Mandy did grow up ... and she ended up making some very mature decisions. The change in Mandy from the book's beginning to end is remarkable—yet it's completely believable. I enjoyed discovering—along with Mandy—the events that made her the woman she was, and when she finally put everything together and understood what she needed to do, I wanted to stand up and cheer for her!

The Offering is a compelling novel that will force you to think. It will also make you cry. It's one of those books that will stick with you long after you've read the epilogue! 4-1/2 stars.

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Read my reviews of Hunt's The Fine Art of Insincerity, Five Miles South of Peculiar, and The Golden Cross.

About the author: With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including The Nativity Story. Hunt is one of the most sought-after collaborators in the publishing industry. Her nonfiction book Don't Bet Against Me, written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela's novel The Note (with sales of over 141,000) was filmed as the Hallmark Channel's Christmas movie for 2007 and proved to be the highest rated television movie in the channel's history. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RITA, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the Holt Medallion. She often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers' conferences, and she served as the keynote speaker at the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers' national conference. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs. In 2001, one of her dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest dog in America. Learn more about Angela at http://www.angelahuntbooks.com.

About the giveaway: Angela Hunt is celebrating the release of The Offering with a Nook HD Giveaway and an Author Chat Party on Facebook {6/5}.

  One winner will receive:

• A Nook HD
• The Offering by Angela Hunt 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 4th. Winner will be announced at the "The Offering" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 5th. Connect with Angela for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Angela will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Offering and join Angela on the evening of June 5th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 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 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 face of the earth" by deborah raney

About the book (from Litfuse): When Mitchell Brannon's beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye as she leaves for an educators' conference, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early the evening her conference ends, surprised Jill's car isn't in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours' drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. "Hey, babe, I'm just now checking out of the hotel, but I'll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you."

Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.

But at eight o'clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn't shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven't heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch's irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they've found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid's possession.

Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill's best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill's disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill's whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.

My take: The Face of the Earth asks the question, "What does 'Til Death Do Us Part' really mean?" How long do you wait for a spouse, when there's no indication he or she is still alive ... but there's also no evidence of death?

Author Deborah Raney certainly isn't afraid to address the tough marriage questions—from dealing with dementia in A Vow to Cherish to the search for a missing spouse in The Face of the Earth, she highlights the difficulty of the situation while showing the importance of fidelity.

The Face of the Earth is a completely compelling novel. From the moment I started reading until I turned the final page, I couldn't read the book fast enough. I ached for Mitch and Shelley (especially Shelley) as they dealt with the disappearance of and search for Jill ... and as they fought against the feelings they developed for each other. I also appreciated that I had no idea how the novel would turn out. Would Jill be found alive? dead? or never found at all? I won't spoil the end for you, but I will say that I thought it was realistic and perfect.

The Face of the Earth is enjoyable, and it will also make you think. I highly recommend it! 5 stars.

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Read my reviews of Raney's Forever After and After All.

About the author: Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including A Nest of Sparrows and the RITA award winning Beneath a Southern Sky and its sequel, After the Rains. Deborah's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on primetime network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, Playing by Heart, was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, Yesterday's Embers, appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Find out more at DeborahRaney.com.

About the giveaway:
Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

   One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

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."

"it happened at the fair" by deeanne gist

About the book (from the back cover): Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

My take: I'm going to be honest here: I did not want to read this book. When it arrived on my doorstep, I didn't remember requesting it, and I had so many other books that I really wanted to read that reading this one just seemed like a chore. I put off reading it for as long as I could, but as my deadline started breathing down my neck, I finally picked it up.The first two chapters seemed to confirm my fears about the book—they were not too interesting.

Then I hit chapter three. Suddenly, I was transported to the Chicago World's Fair along with Cullen. I found myself using every spare moment I had to read a page or twenty. I ached for Cullen as he faced discrimination due to his hearing difficulties. I wanted to slap some sense into Della as she fought against teaching sign language to deaf children. And I wanted to kick Cullen's fiancee Wanda to the curb the second I met her ... way sooner than Cullen came to a conclusion about their future.

Ultimately, I loved this book. Yes, the beginning was a bit slow and the end a bit fast, but overall, the hours I spent reading It Happened at the Fair were very enjoyable ones, and I definitely recommend this book! 4 stars.

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Gist's Love on the Line.

About the author: Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for "People," "Parents," and "Parenting." She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com.

About the giveaway: Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!

  One "fair" winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the "It Happened at the Fair" Live Webcast Event on May 22nd. Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

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."