Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Woods Edge By Lori Benton

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Wood's Edge
WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)
by
Lori Benton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori's first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood's Edge, go HERE.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

About the Book:

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

My Review:

5 Stars

Another excellent book from the talented Tamera Alexander. Everytime I open one of her books I just know I am in for some late nights and lots of page turning. She is easily an author I love and would recommend to anyone that would be interested and those that aren't too...lol. This just might be her best book yet, though they are all so good it is hard to tell. I love how much research she puts into her books and the depth she brings, they aren't light, fluffy and predictable and that shows true talent in an author. This is the second book in a series and I think they should be read in order but that is because no matter what I like to read books in order whether you need to or not.

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Snuggle Time Devotions that End with a Hug

About the Book:

Children will grow in their understanding of faith and look forward to spending time with God as they read, play, hug, and get inspired through these 52 heartwarming snuggle time devotions. Along with the short devotional reading and Bible story, each snuggle time moment features a game or activity to help kids remember the lesson and tuck it away in their heart. This book will get you and your child talking together, laughing together, and hugging together! It’s a great way to strengthen your parent-child relationship while introducing young children to the joys of spending time with God. It’s also an effective resource for helping to shape behavior and for teaching kids biblically based life principles.

My Review:
4 Stars

Such and adorable little devotional for young kids. This is a great book for 2-4 years old and a way to establish devotion time. It is broken into 52 devotions which is nice since it works great as 1 a week, and repeating that 1 throughout the week since little kids learn by repetition. The illunstrations are just adorable and will delight children and adults alike. I love that it includes bible reference so its easy to pull it up and show kids where in the Bible it is and teach them the importance of everything being tied back to the Bible. The only think I didn't love about this book is the activities, many didn't seem to tie well and many just awkward and time consuming. Not something that we would do at night when many do devotions.

This is just one of a few books in the End with a Hug series and its just as cute and good as the others. This is a great book for those with young children or who interact regulary with them. 

* I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

Series: The Royal Wedding #3

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

Or let it be lost forever?

My Review:

4 Stars

How to Catch a Prince is the final book in Rachel Hauck's The Royal Wedding series and I found it just as good as the first two. I really enjoyed reading this whole series and highly recommend it to others. Please note though that this is a series that should be read in order as each book does build on each other.

Rachel Hauck is a fantastic author and one I know I read in the future again. She does such a great job at bringing the characters and settings to life. I really have enjoyed Prince Stephan and Corina and felt like they were real people and wanted to know more about them. I am sad to see this series end but it was a fantastic journey!

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Still Life by Christa Parrish

About the Book:

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Adah spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Adah was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Adah is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life errupts into chaos. She begins travelling-with Julian's camera for a companion-searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of why she gave up her seat-to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Adah's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them.
My Review:
3.5 Stars
I am not sure what I really think about this book. It is very complex story in a way but the character development was so weak. I loved Christa Parrish's last book, The Air We Breath, but in the end I felt like this book did not live up to be as great to me. I really did like Julian and Adah but never really could connect with them. With every chapter I was hoping to learn more about Adah's past and more of her relationship with Julian before the cast. 
I am sure some will really love this book, but in the end it just wasn't my favorite. I do look forward to reading more from Christa Parrish!
*I received this book through Book Look Bloggers for the purpose of this review. Thank You.

Friday, February 20, 2015

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

About the Book:

Genre: Contemporary

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

This is the first book I have read from Kathryn Springer but it sure won't be the last. From the first page to the last I just loved this story. Christian Contemporary books are my favorite and this is one of the best I have read lately.

I really loved all the characters and how the story had almost two story lines going on it, one with the teens and one with the adults. This just brought a different dynamic to the book. This book also brought a great reminder that God can turn broken into something beautiful and amazing if you just trust in Him and let Him guide you.

Fans of contemporary novels will just love this book! 

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Easter Stories and Prayers Children's Book

About the Book:

Celebrate the real meaning of Easter with your kids. This special edition of Little Blessings books includes four books in one: Who is Jesus, Why is there a Cross, What about Heaven, and What is Prayer.

Each title is designed to help kids learn more about Jesus and his sacrifice for us. This volume includes a special note from author Kathleen Bostrom on how to help kids understand the meaning of Easter and the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

Full-color art of the adorable characters draws kids in and makes them want to hear the stories over and over again. Scripture references support each answer to the questions so parents can study more.

Make Easter about Jesus this season

My Review:

4 Stars

Four previously published books make up this book and they all focus on the meaning of Easter. Each page is beautifully illustrated. I really love how sweet the pictures are. I love the rhythmic nature of the stories because it makes reading out loud so much easier. There is scripture on the top of every other page which is a nice way to introduce where it comes from in the Bible and a great tool for older kids too. My biggest complaint on the book is that the pages are thin and I worry they will rip easily especially with kids that like to turn the page and flip through books on their own.

This is a great book for any young child's library. I just love multi-volume books, they take up less space and its nice to grab one book and have the option of many stories in it. Overall great book!

*I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. My honest opinion was all that was requested.