Unlocking The Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

5.0 out of 5 stars Intensity Atop The Kingdom!

Description

Uncanny knowledge about Walt Disney and the worlds he created has granted Grayson Hawkes the key to the kingdom. His meteoric rise to the top of the most innovative company on the planet has thrust him into the spotlight—and his future holds unlimited possibilities. In this sequel to The Key to the Kingdom (Deep River Books 2010), author Jeff Dixon intertwines mystery and history. This time, Hawkes must protect the kingdom he has been given from those who desire to have it as their own—because, even in Walt Disney World, there are those who want to take what is not theirs. Navigating tourists, an intriguing reporter, and the spotlight of media attention, Hawkes will uncover more secrets, recall more fascinating Disney trivia, and remember that the art of telling a great story is sometimes found in the details. The stakes are high and the risks are real as Hawkes races against the clock to keep the kingdom safe. It's a heart-stopping, breathtaking adventure as he unravels the mystery of the man, the myths, and the worlds of Walt Disney. If you are a Disney fan, then bonus for you! But don't let the Disney fool you—this fictional, pulse-racing adventure will have you flipping pages and trying to unravel the clues, as Grayson Hawkes discovers how Walt Disney created every detail of Disney World for such a time as this. Jeff Dixon has done it again with this thrilling sequel based on what some refer to as the Most Magical Place on Earth. Magical doesn't even begin to explain it...

Biography

Jeff Dixon (The Key to the Kingdom, Deep River Books 2010) is the senior equipping minister of Covenant Community Church in Central Florida. Jeff earned a graduate degree in theological education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a native of Orlando, Florida and got the opportunity to spend time in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom before it opened to the general public. Later he would work in the theme park and has spent many memorable moments in the resort. With a love for storytelling, he has created a story that will have you taking a vacation to Walt Disney World, and seeing it again with a renewed sense of awe and amazement.





My Review ~

Dr. Grayson Hawkes, better known as Hawk, has been chief creative architect for the Walt Disney Company for 18 months, since unlocking the key to the kingdom in the prequel to this book. His security staff is devoted to protecting Hawk and the Magic Kingdom from outsiders who have been trying to take control of the kingdom. Challenges are no stranger to Hawk, but mysterious events throughout the Magic Kingdom place Hawk in a dangerous position.  Hawk has agreed to allow a prominent television crew with a well-known, award-winning, and very aggressive investigative reporter named Kate Young to produce a prime-time special about the chief creative architect. The timing couldn't be worse! The agreement is to allow the film crew and attractive Kate Young to follow him in his daily activities, but suddenly activities in the Magic Kingdom are far from normal! Along with the television crew watching his every move Hawk is presented with a new task, discovering the next set of clues to unlocking a greater knowledge in managing the Magic Kingdom. Imagineer, George Colmes has produced a set of Disney clues that Hawk needs to solve in order to unlock the ultimate secret in securing the management and future destiny of the Magic Kingdom. These clues place Hawk in compromising and dangerous situations that ultimately involve Kate Young, who questions every event with tenacity! 

This sequel to The Key To The Kingdom is another work of impressive storytelling by author, Jeff Dixon. Attention to detail and a vast storehouse of knowledge regarding Walt Disney and the world of Disney are awe-inspiring elements used in creating this factual fiction accounting of events that take place in actual Disney World locations. There's no room for boredom in this fast-paced, thriller of events that take place throughout this suspense-filled book! Once again, I found myself running through the Disney World theme parks right alongside Hawk as he encountered one escapade after another. A huge fan of all things Disney, I enjoyed the heart-racing, page-turning events in this exciting book, and I can't wait for my next visit to Disney World. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the For Readers Only program at BookFun.org for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to the author, Jeff Dixon and Fred St Laurent from BookFun.org for gifting me with a copy of this book.

The Key To The Kingdom by Jeff Dixon

5.0 out of 5 stars The Trip of a Lifetime!

Description

Grayson Hawkes learns how imaginative and elaborate Walt Disney World is when he accepts an invitation one sunny day from a trusted friend landing him in a world he never knew existed. Innocently driven by curiosity he finds himself immersed in a heroic adventure. Barely escaping a late night encounter, he finds himself desperately trying to solve a mysterious disappearance while trying to stay ahead of those who are chasing him. Hawkes quickly realizes that unraveling the clues is essential if he is to discover the truth. He navigates through the kingdom where knowledge of seemingly unimportant Disney facts and some divine help are the only way he can discover the lock that can be opened by an ancient key. His world becomes even more complicated when he is captivated by a mysterious woman, causing him to make a series of choices that takes his faith to the brink. Each step is fueled with heart pounding intensity carrying him deeper into a thrill ride of secrecy. Within the walls of Walt Disney World is more mystery than one imagination can contain. Here Disney Trivia is not a game; and the ancient key is the only way out!

Jeff Dixon was raised in Florida and has always been fascinated with the man Walt Disney and the theme park he created. Dixon feels that any guest who would take the time to look would discover a story that will never be completed. It is against this canvas that Dixon paints this mystery, adventure, and thriller. The epic drama carries the reader across the state of Florida to discover details that most people have missed. Each discovery and revelation will have the reader wondering if they are reading fact or fiction. In a quickening pace, the characters find themselves on a collision course with an unthinkable outcome! Fans of Walt Disney will love the history and tourists will find a travel guide that takes them on a trip most guests never get to take.

Biography

Jeff Dixon (The Key to the Kingdom, Deep River Books 2010) is the senior equipping minister of Covenant Community Church in Central Florida. Jeff earned a graduate degree in theological education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a native of Orlando, Florida and got the opportunity to spend time in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom before it opened to the general public. Later he would work in the theme park and has spent many memorable moments in the resort. With a love for storytelling, he has created a story that will have you taking a vacation to Walt Disney World, and seeing it again with a renewed sense of awe and amazement.

My Review ~

Dr. Grayson Hawkes, affectionately known as "Hawk to most, is a preacher at Celebration Community Church in Celebration, Florida. Hawk is a long-time, frequent visitor to Walt Disney World in Orlando and has acquired an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding Disney trivia and attention to detail from his close friend, Farren Rales. Farren is head imagineer for Walt Disney World, and had worked directly with Walt Disney while he was still living. He and Hawk frequently discussed Walt's life and his dreams and visions for the future of Disney parks. In a mysterious meeting Farren presents Hawk with a "special" key, the key to the kingdom, and an assignment to unravel the clues that lead to what the key unlocks. Farren then suddenly disappears and Hawk is chased by an unknown assailant. As Hawk is catapulted into the adventures of his life, danger becomes his constant companion. Amidst his escapades through the world of Disney in his search for answers, Hawk encounters numerous predicaments that place him in compromising situations.

Jeff Dixon has created a fast-paced, exciting journey through the Magic Kingdom! The Key to The Kingdom is descriptive down to the most minute details and written with extraordinary knowledge and a passion for Disney. The author has penned a mystery that caused me to read as fast as I could, increasing my heart rate as I ran through the park with Hawk in this magical adventure! Danger lurked around every corner, and attention to detail in Disney design is amazing. Having visited Disney World a few times I was able to follow Hawk's adventures throughout the kingdom, and could visualize the attractions as if I was running alongside Hawk. If you've been to Walt Disney World this book is an amazing adventure through the Magic Kingdom that you don't want to miss! If you haven't been to the attraction yet, you'll certainly want to make the trip after reading this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and the For Readers Only program through BookFun.org for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to Jeff Dixon and Fred St Laurent from BookFun.org for providing me with this trip of a lifetime!

Interview with Author, JoAnn Durgin & GIVEAWAY!

Tell us a few fun things about yourself readers might not know.

*I love my costume jewelry and have an embarrassing number of bracelets, in particular.

*I sleep with a backrest and about five pillows; it’s amazing I don’t have neck pain.

*I’m related to an honest-to-goodness Master’s and U.S. Open Golf Champion (his oldest daughter was the flower girl in our wedding).

*I saw Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton perform together in a Broadway play. We were right up front; he spit on me and Elizabeth looked me straight in the eye and winked!

*One of my favorite indulgences? Buttered movie theater popcorn from the theater (sometimes I actually go just to buy it and don’t even see a movie!).

*This one’s for the readers who’ve read my Lewis Legacy Series thus far: Beside my computer, I have a small stuffed armadillo, a peach candle holder, an oversized soup tin that says Daydreams, a small bouquet of yellow roses made from wood, and a Precious Moments astronaut figurine (one of my favorite characters in the series is Commander Will Lewis in Pursuit, Book #8—yes, it’s a long series).

Can you tell us about your writing journey?

I tried penning my first Christian romance novel as a stay-at-home mom in Philadelphia with three small children. When we moved to Boston and my husband became a senior pastor, I put the writing—but not the passion for it—on the back burner. When we moved back to my native southern Indiana in late 2005, I remember saying to my husband one night, “I think it’s time.” Of course, before then, it’d always meant it was time to go to the hospital to give birth! This was a completely different type of birth, but the Lord prepared and equipped me for this awesome journey. The last stand alone novel I’d written was very loosely based on my love story with my husband, Jim, titled Awakening. Digging out my manuscripts (from beneath the bed and blowing off the dust bunnies), I only found half of it. When I looked at it through “fresh” eyes, I sensed this manuscript was the one He wanted me to pursue getting published. The full story of how I recovered the missing half is on my website, and it involved going to our knees in prayer. In one of those truly awesome, otherwise inexplicable “God” things, not only did He give me back my manuscript, but he confirmed it through a complete stranger! I’d encourage you to read “And the Man Said Peaches!” on my website for more details. Awakening became my debut novel in late 2010. My joke is that I wrote it in less than two weeks, but it took 12 years to get published.

What do you find the most enjoyable part of connecting with readers?

There’s nothing more gratifying than getting a message through my website or a Facebook message from a reader. That’s pretty cool. Something unexpected and wonderful happened at a  church luncheon once. I was at the book signing table and a woman came over and said, “Hi, JoAnn. I was your high school typing teacher.” I smiled and waved my hand at the books on the table and said, “Thank you. As you can see, I haven’t stopped typing since.” What was so gratifying—besides the fact that she read Awakening and wanted to buy the second in the series—was what she told me. She said she’d asked the students all those years ago to type a paragraph about a special Thanksgiving memory. She said, “I always remembered you because you wrote the most beautiful paragraph, so I wasn’t surprised at all that you became a writer.” I can’t even remember what it was, but she sure did. Those types of moments mean so much. I treasure every one of my readers, encouragers and prayer warriors.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with your readers, Nancee! Many blessings to you and continued success with your wonderful blog.

JoAnn is the author of the popular Lewis Legacy Series: Awakening, Second Time Around,  Twin Hearts and Daydreams available online in paperback and ebook formats. The fifth book in the series, Moonbeams, is expected by the end of 2013. She’s also the author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, a novella from White Rose Publishing. JoAnn works full-time as an estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Louisville Christian Writers, JoAnn’s prayer is that her contemporary romantic adventures will touch hearts and lives with the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. She’d love to hear from you at www.joanndurgin.com or her Author JoAnn Durgin page on Facebook.

JoAnn, thank you so much for joining me and sharing your story. I appreciate your time and look forward to reading more of your books in the near future.

JoAnn has graciously offered a giveaway of an autographed copy of one of her books, winner's choice! This includes Meet Me Under The Mistletoe! In order to qualify you must make a comment on this blog feature, share it on Facebook, and leave your email address in order for me to get in touch with you. You have 2 weeks from the end of the contest to contact me. If I don't hear from you in that amount of time another winner will be drawn. Good luck!

Callie (Women of Valley View) by Sharon Srock

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply Touching!

Book Description

Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who's befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

Biography

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon's previous writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.

My Review ~

Callie Stillman's compassionate heart results in concern for her granddaughter's friend, Iris, an 11-year-old girl who has begun attending her Sunday school class. Iris appears withdrawn and shy, and Callie's worries about the child's home life rise to the surface. Callie's husband and friends in her bible study group are worried about Callie's involvement after her painful experience regarding a young child in the recent past. As Callie questions Iris about her family she uncovers a heart-wrenching story of loss in the child's life. Iris, her 17-year-old sister and her baby have been running from the authorities for 18 months since their mother's accidental death. Their father, a former drug addict who had abandoned them ten years earlier, is frantically trying to find his children. Callie feels God leading her to help these children. Her discoveries are alarming and cause for further investigation and assistance.  

This debut novel by Sharon Srock is a deeply inspiring and descriptive story of loss, faith, trust and forgiveness. Her characters are portrayed with great definition and detail. There are multiple underlying themes in this well-written novel, each developed and brought to light with credibility and compassion. The author presents this inspirational story of struggle and resultant faith through various circumstances and activities that evoke deep emotions. This debut novel is very well written and filled with emotional drama. 

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was supplied by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.

Beautiful Music (Sal's Place #2) by Marianne Evans

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heavenly Interlude!

Book Description Escaping the black residue of her past, Callie Phillips finds sanctuary at Queen of Angels Church. The reformed rebel is a middle-school choir teacher by day, and music director on the weekends, mingling with parish members over breakfast at her favorite after-church haunt, Sal’s Place.  Luke West embraces a devout belief in the sacredness of human life. An EMT, he takes charge of life-and-death situations and acts as guardian for his ten-year-old niece, D awn West who has a child’s zest for life and a God-given gift for music.  When Callie takes the little girl under her wing and becomes a mentor and surrogate mother to Dawn, Callie and Luke are thrown together. She’s drawn to the dynamic and handsome EMT, but her sullied past threatens any future she and Luke might share.  Despite Callie’s former life, can Luke’s love teach her there’s nothing God’s mercy can’t wipe clean? Will Luke forgive even the bleakest form of sin and desperation in order to embrace the love of an extraordinary woman?

Biography

Marianne Evans loves to tell a good story. In fact, she’s been enthusiastic about writing ever since she could string sentences together. Joining White Rose Publishing gives her the opportunity to combine two of her greatest passions – love of the Lord and exploring the world of romance.

She’s seen a number of her books published. Kensington Publishing purchased her first book, Friends & Lovers. Her second contemporary romance, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim in The Oakland Press. Her fourth book, a novella entitled With This Kiss, is her first offering at The Wild Rose Press. Hearts Crossing is her first inspirational romance and marks her debut at White Rose Publishing.

A resident of suburban Detroit, she’s happily married with two kids and a family that never fails to support and encourage. An active member of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, most notably as treasurer and two terms as president.

My Review ~

Callie Phillips failed to meet her parents' expectations and took the rebellious route to adulthood. Unfortunately her rebellion resulted in a predicament more painful than she imagined possible. Five years later she is still battling demons that plague her as she seeks peace in her life. Teaching choir and her position as music director at Queen of Angels church allow her to glorify God through music. Divine providence places Luke West into Callie's life as Luke's niece is captivated by Callie's music. Luke's compassionate nature as an EMT serves as a bastion to Callie as she unburdens her past to him, fearing that he might balk at her indiscretions. Luke's reaction to Callie's confession is forgiving and supportive as he reassures her of God's mercy and grace, and the gift of forgiveness as he encourages Callie to forgive herself. 

The characters in Beautiful Music represent human frailties and brokenness, compassion and love, devotion and faith, through overcoming the complexities that accompany adversity. Forgiveness, acceptance and the sanctity of life play important roles in this beautifully written story of trials where God's mercy and grace are significant. Revisiting Sal's Place is like returning to a place where everyone belongs. Marianne Evans is a very gifted author who has a passion for Christ, and her love for the Lord is evident throughout her writing. I've read many of her books and am left somewhat speechless by the impact that her writing has on me. She is a beautiful example for Christian authors. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.

Disclaimer: The author supplied me with a PDF copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Maid of Murder (An India Hayes Mystery) by Amanda Flower

4.0 out of 5 stars Witty Debut Mystery!

Description:
India Hayes is a lot of things . . . starving artist who pays the rent as a college librarian, daughter of liberal activists, sister of an emotional mathematician, tenant of a landlady who has kissed the Blarney Stone one too many times, and a bridesmaid six times over. But she's about to step into the most challenging role of her life: amateur sleuth.

Childhood friend and now knockout beauty, Olivia Blocken is back in town to wed her bodybuilder fianc with India a reluctant attendant . . . not just because the bridesmaid's dress is a hideous mess, but because she's betraying her brother. Mark still carries a torch for the bride who once broke his heart and sent his life into a tailspin.

When Olivia turns up dead in the Martin College fountain and the evidence points to Mark, India must unmask the real culprit while juggling a furious and grieving Mother of the Bride, an annoyingly beautiful Maid of Honor, a set of hippie-generation parents, the police detective who once dated her sister and is showing a marked liking for her, and a provost itching to fire someone, anyone--maybe even a smart-mouthed librarian. I

India's investigation leads her on a journey through childhood memories that she'd much rather have left in the schoolyard, but to avoid becoming the next victim, it is a path she must follow.

Maid of Murder is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mystery set in an amusing world of academia. Readers will fall in love with India Hayes's fierce loyalty and wit.

Biography

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she'd found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was a 2010 Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and the first in a series featuring amateur sleuth India Hayes. In July 2012, Amanda will debuting her second mystery series, the Appleseed Creek Mystery Series, which is set in Ohio's Amish country. In addition to being a mystery author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. Visit her online at www.amandaflower.com.

My Review ~

India Hayes is an artist who makes her living as a campus librarian in a small college town. She and her pampered cat reside in a duplex owned by an eccentric Irish landlady who lives in the adjoining unit. Olivia Blocken was India's childhood best friend who insisted India act as a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding. India's brother, Mark, is a depressed and rather pathetic individual who is a local college math professor. Just days before the wedding Olivia died from traumatic head injuries sustained as a result of being pushed into a fountain on the college campus near Mark's office. Mark was discovered holding her after pulling her from the fountain. Due to circumstantial evidence he was ultimately taken into custody for the suspected murder of Olivia Blocken, his old high school flame. The fires are still smoldering where Mark is concerned as he'd never stopped loving Olivia. 

Amanda Flower has written a cozy mystery with unexpected elements of humor, suspense, and chaos. Her characters are as diverse and capricious as the weather. This witty mystery is well written with character and humor, as well as suspense and mystery. The fur flies between cats, sisters and liberal activist parents. Eccentricities prevail and tempers flare as Mark's family attempts to prove his innocence. Maid of Murder is a well written and humorous story of tempestuous proportions.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.  

Susanna's Christmas Wish by Jerry S. Eicher

4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant Christmas Novella!

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2012

From the pen of bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher, (more than 350,000 books sold), comes a truly delightful and inspiring Christmas novella.
Fans will be delighted by this peek at an Amish Christmas, complete with the romantic wish of Susanna Byler to spend the holidays with the man of her dreams.  But who is the man of her dreams?  Is it the competent but plain Amishman she married for convenience….or is it her first love—an Englisha man with whom she has recently had an unexpected encounter—and who wants her back in his life?
A perfect holiday delight for lovers of Amish fiction…and those who love a heartwarming and tender Christmas tale. 

About The Author:

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.







My Review ~

Young newlyweds, Susanna and Herman Wagler are adjusting to their new life together. Susanna still holds onto memories of her past love, Matthew Yoder, who left the Amish community during his rumspringa. As preparations for Thanksgiving Day were being made at Susanna’s sister's home Matthew suddenly shows up. Matthew’s presence threatens Susanna’s relationship with Herman, and places Herman in a depressed state, worried that his wife doesn’t truly love him. To complicate matters Susanna is heartbroken that Herman refuses to celebrate Christmas with her family. Is Susanna strong enough to conquer the obstacles set before her by her old boyfriend, and the strict beliefs of her husband?

This story of young Amish love is poignant and emotional. Formerly Amish, Jerry Eicher is very familiar with the Amish culture and their practices. He pens a well defined portrayal of the community and activities common to the Amish. His characters are realistic and true to their identities. The locale is well described with accuracy and familiarity. His personal insights into Amish tradition enhance this story of struggle in the young lives of Herman and Susanna. Although a novella, much transpires throughout this story of past love, new commitments and adjustment.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.

Make A Wish by Marlayne Giron

Book Description:

Inspirational short "wish fulfillment" stories written for real people who "star" in their own story. Make sure to have a box of Kleenex nearby!

About The Author:

Marlayne Giron is a wife and mother living in Southern California. She is also the author of The Victor, a Tale of Betrayal, Love, and Sacrifice.








My Review ~

Make A Wish is a collection of stories specifically written for people the author has encountered in her life. Each person has a specific need or desire that would improve and enhance his or her life. These stories are written with each individual's life story in mind, and represent an experience that would enhance the life of that particular person. The author's purpose is to fulfill a "wish" for each of these individuals that is specific to that person's situation. Many of these narratives are intense, impassioned and inspiring. 

Marlayne Giron has written her "wish" stories with a great deal of compassion and insight into the lives of those she has gifted with her stories. Many of these "wish" stories are creative and detailed, and written with a deep-seated love for those she has touched through her writing. The recipients of these fictional writings have been emotionally impacted beyond their dreams, and the peace and pleasure of these "wish" tales are very poignant.             

Disclaimer: The author provided an ebook for the purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.

Scent of Lilacs by Ann H. Gabhart

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Touching Story!

Book Description:

Before Ann H. Gabhart became well-known for her much-loved Shaker novels, she wrote three poignant novels centered on the loveable Jocie Brooke and her family, who lived in 1960s small-town Kentucky. Once named as one of Booklist's Top Ten Christian Novels and now featuring a brand new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of new readers everywhere. Life-changing events rarely happen here, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once. Jocie has questions that need answers. As she digs into her family's past, she finds a whirlwind of discoveries, and everything begins to change. In the end, will Jocie find the answers everyone so desperately needs, or will her questions lead to truths that were better left uncovered? 

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story takes readers through the universal experiences of true love, new life, and renewed faith. With a beautiful new cover,Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.

Biography;

Ann H. Gabhart started writing when she was ten and has been writing ever since. Her first published writings were personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems in church periodicals such as HomeLife. Her first novel, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then, she's published numerous books for both adults and young adults. The Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as one of the Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction in 2006 by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for Christian Fiction Book of the Year in 2009 and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. 

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband, Darrell, a bass singer in the Patriot Quartet, have three children and nine grandchildren. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com


My Review ~

This story takes place in small-town Hollyhill, Kentucky during the summer of 1964. Thirteen-year-old Jocie Brooke has two prayers, her dog prayer and her sister prayer. She has always wanted a dog, and she wants her older sister to come home. Her mother and older sister left for California whenJocie was five years old, and Jocie questions her mother's reasons for leaving her and her father. Jocieis bombarded with daily bible verses from her elderly aunt, and her father's friend claims to Jocie that he's from Jupiter, and tells her tales of his adventures on a spaceship.  

Scent of Lilacs is an endearing and timeless story of family dynamics where untold secrets are revealed, and generational parallels surface. Ann Gabhart writes with wonderful insight into this rural community in small-town America. Her characters are realistic and represent an abundance of colorful personalities, from an eccentric "biker" who claims to be from Jupiter, to her elderly great aunt whose forgetfulness is cause for concern.  I discovered I had read the book previously when it was originally published, but it was well worth a second reading. It's a story that warms the heart and restores faith in humanity.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from BookFun.org and Revell for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. Thank you to Fred St Laurent at TBCN and Revell for making this review program possible.

Pennsylvania Patchwork: A Novel (Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy) by Kate Lloyd

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Amish Fiction!

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2013 | Series: Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy

ONE HEART. TWO LOVES. ONE CHOICE.

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what  - and who – really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Biography

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novel Leaving Lancaster. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest, the setting for Kate's first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Find out more about Kate Lloyd at
www.katelloyd.net
www.facebook.com/katelloydbooks
Twitter @KateLloydAuthor.

She loves hearing from readers!

My Review ~

Esther Fisher was drawn back to her Amish roots in Lancaster, PA where she was raised, but had left as a teenager. Living on her childhood farm with her aging mother, Esther prepared for Amish baptism and marriage to her widowed childhood neighbor. Her daughter, Holly, had never met her Amish relatives, and after the loss of her job in Seattle, Holly flew to Pennsylvania to meet her family. Upon traveling from the airport to her new home she received a marriage proposal from her driver, a local veterinarian with a questionable past. Soon Holly found herself attracted to her Amish neighbor's younger brother, who did the farm chores for her grandmother. As Holly's questions arose regarding her future, a previous friend from Seattle arrived at Holly's door with an engagement ring in hand. With three men competing for her attention which suitor will win Holly's heart? Numerous other questions arise as unforeseen events develop.

This story is filled with romance and adventure! Discovery through past experiences is a strong theme. There is not a dull moment in looking to the past for guidance toward the future. The characterizations in this book are varied. Relationships are the driving force throughout the book, and decisions made by the various characters are adventurous, and in some cases careless. Holly's dilemma surrounding her relationships was a major theme throughout the book, but there are numerous other underlying layers within the story. Unexpected events keep this story moving at a rapid pace.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media for the express purpose of my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no monetary compensation was given for this review.