Black Mesa Magic

by Robert Valleau

 Ghosts of the Past

Description

Betrayed by a friend. Loved by a stranger. Saved by a man she barely knows.

After her best friend abandons her, Savannah J. Palmer's quest for true love leaves a trail of unanswered questions. A chance meeting with a stranger offers hope of a match made in heaven; however, not without consequences. At the end of her quest, an acquaintance rescues her from a disastrous fate...but is he the one she wants to pin her dreams upon?
 

The Black Mesa, in northwestern Oklahoma, is an enchanting backdrop for this action adventure prequel to Robert Valleau's debut novel, Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads. It's an  unforgettable story about love, betrayal and redemption during one of the most exciting times in American history -- the dawn of the twentieth century.

This book can be purchased here:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Biography

Robert Valleau is an award-winning Christian writer. He served as a full-time staff writer for two international ministries. His career spans three decades of writing for Christian radio/television, magazines, newspapers and numerous websites. His debut novel, Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads, is Book One in The Dusty Road Chronicles trilogy.

Contact the author:

https://www.facebook.com/RobertJValleau

https://twitter.com/rjvalleau

My Review ~

Black Mesa Magic is the prequel to Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads, and reveals the background for some of the characters in that particular book. As children in the early 1900s, George and Savannah grew up playing in the Black Mesa area of the Oklahoma panhandle. The hidden caves, the banks of the Cimarron River and surrounding area were their playground. At eighteen George decided to venture on his own to Oklahoma City, leaving Savannah heartbroken. She had always felt they would spend the rest of their lives together. The story goes on to define the ensuing events between Savannah, a new-found friend, and a mysterious man who ultimately played a significant role in her life.

Robert Valleau has a flare for creating authentic pictorial elements of the landscape. I envisioned the Black Mesa area in the Oklahoma panhandle, and I've never been there. I researched some photos of the area after reading the book, and the scenery revealed in Black Mesa Magic was familiar to the point that I felt I had seen it myself. The characters throughout this book are colorful and convincing. Having read Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads in the past I was surprised at how smoothly the author was able to merge the past with its sequel which had been written at an earlier time. I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the background cast and events surrounding the characters who came before Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads. I look forward to a sequel to this series. 

Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

The Calling (Inn At Eagle Hill V2)

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

5.0 out of 5 stars Expect The Unexpected!

Description

Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime's accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher--and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.

When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, "Shootfire How did that happen?" Despite her new found purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves--and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

This book can be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com/  $11,54
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/  $11.54
http://www.christianbook.com/  $9.99
http://www.deepershopping.com/  $9.74

Biography

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction and the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom. She has sixteen books under contract with Revell--five published, eleven to come...she's contracted all the way into 2014. The Waiting is a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011).

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Website: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor


My Review ~

This sequel to The Letters from The Inn at Eagle Hill series surpassed my expectations. A guest at Eagle Hill teaches Bethany how to seek direction through patience, as she waits for a call to action in her own life. Through the help of this guest Bethany finds the answer to her mother's sudden disappearance many years ago, and she grows beyond being a heartbroken young woman into one of strength as she uses opportunities to help others bring out the best in herself. 

Five elderly sisters play a key role in this story. Colorful and somewhat eccentric, their actions teach Bethany much about what is important in life. Romance is knocking at Bethany's door, but a recent painful experience has left her raw and skeptical of flirtatious young men.

The Calling moves along at a fast clip leaving no room for boredom. The author is well seasoned in creating believable characters and realistic events that make this book of Amish fiction hard to put down. Mental illness is broached in this book, which is not a common topic in Amish fiction. Ghosts from the past wreak havoc when least expected, and at times I was brought to tears. 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a master at creating authentic and inspiring Amish fiction. The Amish lifestyle is well defined and substantive to their way of life. I highly recommend The Calling, and can hardly wait for the sequel. This is a bit of a cliffhanger, so prepare yourselves to be begging for more! This book can be read as a stand alone, but I suggest reading the entire series. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

A Miracle of Hope

(An Amish Wonders Novel)

by Ruth Reid

 Compelling Amish Fiction!

Description

"She's heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God's mercy truly reach?"

Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building--and the love that is growing between them.

Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

Contact the author here:

www.facebook.com/ruth.reid

twitter.com/@ruthreidbooks

ruthreidmail@aol.com

My Review ~

Young, unwed and pregnant, Lindie was scorned in her community, and her brother arranged for her marriage of convenience to his best friend. Josiah's first wife had died suddenly, leaving him to raise his young daughter alone. Born deaf, Josiah's daughter needed someone to look after her, and Josiah needed a helpmate to run the household. Lindie's brother escorted her by bus from Ohio to the North Woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After her initial meeting with Josiah he announced his feelings regarding the marriage. "I'm nett capable of falling in love again. Your bruder is mistaken if he's told you otherwise. Even in time, I won't." Isolated and far from home and family, loneliness and a sick stomach were Lindie's constant companions throughout the days. A life of despair lurked as she worked through the details of her life.

Ruth Reid is a new author to me. I must say that she has a new fan! This is a book that I couldn't put down, even when I should have been asleep. The hours flew by as I read the story of Lindie, Josiah and Hannah, a withdrawn and shy 8-year-old. The obstacles and complications that stemmed from previous events evident in their relationship made for a compelling story. The author's expression "cabin fever" when relating to Michigan winters is authentic. Those of us who are lifelong residents of the state can attest to that fact. The isolation and weather conditions described in the North Woods are factual, and when applied to Lindie's circumstances imparted her sense of desertion. The author has a gift for creating characterizations with a depth of feeling throughout their development. Hope, faith and forgiveness are deeply ingrained in this story. I highly recommend this author of Amish fiction. A Miracle of Hope was beautifully scripted!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Adventures With Vinnie

by Donna Winters

 True Tales of a Shelter Dog!

Profits from the sale this book will go to animal shelters. Local shelters will have the opportunity to use it for fundraising. Please help support your local shelters and encourage them to contact Donna Winters regarding this fundraising possibility. http://www.greatlakesromances.com/

Description

“Adventures with Vinnie” by Donna Winters recounts how Vinnie, found at the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (U.P.A.W.S.), filled a hole in Donna and Fred’s life. Vinnie immediately won their hearts, but he had quirks. His personality traits were the fodder that fueled the writing of this book. “Adventures with Vinnie” by Donna Winters is about a dog and his sometimes frustrating antics, but it is also about dog ownership and the decisions these pets present to their owners.

Handsome. Affectionate. In need of a forever home. And we were in need of another rescue dog. Thus began our Adventures with Vinnie. 

From his first day to his last, the only predictable thing about Vinnie was his unpredictability. Loving and loyal, an escape artist to rival Houdini, and a genuinely comical fellow, his antics will make you laugh, give you a fright (but only for a moment), and melt your heart. So join us, won’t you? With Vinnie, there’s never a dull moment! 

Having retired to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we decided to choose older shelter dogs for our family pets, dogs not easily placed because of their age. When an opportunity arose in March of 2012 to add a Lab/Dobie mix to our family, we didn’t hesitate. Nearly forty years of dog parenting had given us confidence that we could provide a safe, loving home for this senior pet fallen on hard times. 

We hadn’t anticipated the likes of Vinnie. 

Learn how that loving shelter dog with bright, longing eyes, led to adventures never expected the day we welcomed him into our lives! 

This true story includes 12 full color photographs of Vinnie and his family members. 

Purchase at the following locations:

https://www.createspace.com/4583177

http://www.amazon.com/

Biography

Author Donna Winters moved to Michigan from her home state of New York in 1971. She began penning novels in 1982 while working full time for an electronics firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She resigned from her job in 1984 following a contract offer for her first book. Since then, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Zondervan Publishing House, Guideposts, and Bigwater Publishing have published her books. Her husband, Fred, a retired middle school teacher, is an avid dog lover and arranged for their very first shelter adoption in 1973. Since then, they have adopted eight more times, keeping each rescued canine until the end of its life. Adventures with Vinnie is Donna’s first book about the dogs in her family, and the nineteenth book she has published. Learn more about her titles at www.GreatLakesRomances.com

Connect with the author at:
https://www.facebook.com/donna.winters.549?fref=ts
www.goodreads.com/author/show/734993.Donna_Winters‎
http://www.greatlakesromances.com/

My Review ~

When Fred & Donna Winters felt the desire to adopt another dog they did their homework and connected with Michigan's Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (U.P.A.W.S). Their mission as dog owners is to provide a loving and protected environment to older dogs from animal shelters. Vinnie, a Lab/Doberman mix, won their hearts, and their adventures commenced. Vinnie's antics mimicked the words sung by Frank Sinatra, "I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it my way!" 

Adventures With Vinnie is a 60-page book of episodes filled with laughter and humiliation, pain and suffering, and the love and companionship that a unique pet offered his humans, even in the most difficult situations. I first went through this book sharing the pictures of Vinnie and his companions with my little granddaughter who fell in love at first sight. When she napped I went back and read the story of Vinnie and his new family. Donna and Fred Winters have loving hearts and patience that lasts quite a lot longer than mine does! Read and enjoy Adventures With Vinnie! If you're a pet owner, or have a heart for animals, this is a touching story of truth and life with one of life's ragamuffins.

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

A Rooster Once Crowed

(A Commentary on the Greatest Story Ever Told) 

by Bryant Cornett

5.0 out of 5 stars In-Depth & Rich Commentary

Description

From a one-room Sunday school class—the lesson that’s been downloaded over 8,000 times in 54 countries—comes A Rooster Once Crowed, A Commentary on the Greatest Story Ever Told. 
 
We live in those few moments between the first and the second crow of the rooster: between decision and indecision, between knowing and being known. But do you even care?
 
Small decisions made today establish our path for all time, and yet we piddle with a piece of this and a taste of that. We diet on wisdom from antiquity and gorge on culture that is next month's joke.
 
This story is an opportunity to gorge on Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, in context. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an opportunity to see for yourself what it actually is, rather than what we mold it to be, and to finally choose whether or not to care.
 
Through small stories and a modern context, this book will help you understand and decide what you believe about the greatest story ever told.

Purchase this book here:

http://www.amazon.com/   $2.99 ebook, $10.24 paperback

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/   $11.91 paperback

http://www.christianbook.com/   $11.99 paperback

http://www.deepershopping.com/   $2.99 ebook

Biography

Bryant Cornett grew up in a Southern Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated the Johns Hopkins University and spent the next two years starting a business in Vietnam. In 2009 Bryant began an earnest pursuit of God and intensive study that led (in a not-so- straight path) to A Rooster Once Crowed. Bryant is also a commercial real estate broker in Atlanta living with his wife, a native Mississippian, three kids and a puppy named Coca Cola Cornett. Bryant currently attends Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/7335638.Bryant_Cornett‎

https://www.facebook.com/wbryantcornett‎

My Review ~

A Rooster Once Crowed surprised me. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but the author has written an in-depth commentary rich with biblical history and scripture to support it. In the introduction the reader is asked to make a decision, to remain in the world of familiarity or to change course and run toward the realization of the truth. This decision will determine how one believes and live out the future. This is a journey in God's love, the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the Cross to Revelation. 

Bryant Cornett uses scriptural examples and suggested readings throughout the Bible, from Creation, the Trinity, heaven, the Fall, the prophets, the gospels through Revelation. The reader is invited to enter the Great Dance which is developed throughout the chapters in this book. The author's own revelations are a key part of this journey toward heaven, and his story is creatively shared for the benefit of the unbeliever or a long-time Christian who hasn't felt passion in his spiritual life. It all begins with a choice.

This book is written with an intensity that is contagious. Mr. Cornett writes with energy and enthusiasm that virtually sings its way throughout his lessons regarding The Greatest Story Ever Told. His story is based on solid foundations through the use of practical verses and passages from the Bible, and his excitement about living for God is contagious! There is much to be gained from this book. I intend to use it for a greater in-depth study for my own benefit. I would be more inclined to use this like a devotional, with time each day to reflect on the lessons this book has to offer. I recommend reading this book. It's an education and a revelation.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through For Readers Only, a program through The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

 Poignant!

Description

A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget—a childhood disrupted by her mother’s mental illness. 

Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother’s obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.

After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother’s torment if she wants to defend herself against it.

Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact—like a family member—can bear the marks of one’s entire past . . . as well as intimations of one’s redemption.

Purchase a copy here:

http://www.amazon.com  $12.03

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $12.26

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $11.99

https://www.deepershopping.com  $10.39

Biography

Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor.



Contact the author:
https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThePaintedTable

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314202.Suzanne_Field

My Review ~

The "painted table" originated in Norway, handcrafted from a birch tree, and passed down through family generations in America. A child found solace underneath the table, throughout frequent unpleasant experiences, most notably a prairie fire that threatened to burn everything in its wake. Resultant and convoluted events in her life affected Joann's coping mechanisms. She discovered love accompanied by mistrust, bore children left devoid of nurturing and affection, and upon receipt of the table, an obsession with it. 

Mentally agonizing memories from time spent beneath the table tormented her, as the table represented constant reminders of her past. Joann's painful existence was focused on the Norway table compelling her to irrationally paint and repaint the table in layers typical of the painful layers of her life. Each layer of paint appeared to intensify her anguish, releasing more irrational behavior. Paranoia presented itself in Joanna's early adulthood, and as told throughout The Painted Table a succession of events intensified into full-blown psychosis and schizophrenia.

Suzanne Field painted the layers of her characters comprehensively and with creativity. The development of those characters throughout the book represented a substantive view through the eyes of the mentally ill and those who surrounded her. The anguish these characters experienced was convincing and poignant. The author created expressive, imaginative portrayals of the various environments which gave credence to the believability of the story. I found myself becoming more and more engrossed as the story progressed. The Painted Table is an excellent chronicle of mental illness and its pervasive effects on the afflicted and those closest to them.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received as a result of this review.

The One Year My Princess Devotions: Preschool Edition

by Karen Whiting

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious Daily Devotional!

Description

Princesses are a big attraction for most girls, especially preschoolers and early readers. The One Year My Princess Devotions is written for early readers and preschoolers. Each devotion sheds light on how the reader is a princess—a daughter of God, the King. The devotions also emphasize how little princesses should respond to being God’s children. Each devotion includes Royal Words (the Bible verse), Princess Thoughts (a short devotion written for early readers), a Prayer, and a Princess in Action section (an activity related to the devotion).

The devotions are thematic according to the calendar. For example, January features creation and February highlights love.

Little Princesses will look forward to learning more about their King each day.

This book can be purchased here:

http://www.amazon.com  $12.78

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $12.81

http://www.christianbook.com  $11.99

http://www.deepershopping.com  $10.49

Biography

Karen Whiting, wife of a retired Coast Guard Officer, is an international speaker and former television host. Karen loves to splash creativity and faith on pages as she writes. 

Her inspirational craft books for girls come from fun she had raising her daughters as well as getting creative with other girls.Look for more craft books coming this year and next!

Karen speaks to many groups of women and moms as well as mother-daughter events to share laughter, stories, on topics ranging from building strong relationships, managing time, to appreciating the contributions of women of faith in our history.

Contact the author:

http://www.karenwhiting.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1878937.Karen_Whiting

https://www.facebook.com/KarenHWhiting?fref=ts

My Review ~

Each day of the year has a special theme where the bible verse, called "Royal Words" is relevant to the initial theme ofthe day. Following the bible verse is "Princess Thoughts," a brief and easy to understand lesson based on the scripture for the day. "A Prayer for the King" follows, and these prayers are brief, simple and clear. "Princess in Action" is an application where the child can actively participate in a fun activity to apply what she has learned in her daily devotion. These activities are creative and give a little princess extra quality time with her parent(s).

My Princess Devotions is a beautifully illustrated, easily understood application for preschool and kindergarten girls. The appearance is "all girl" with princesses depicted on the cover and throughout the book, the use of pinks and purples which are generally a little girl's favorite colors, and what little girl doesn't imagine herself to be a princess? While some may look at the "princess" theme as a negative connotation, the use of this theme is more importantly a means to show the child that she is special, not only in our eyes, but in God's eyes. Every little girl is a daughter of the King, a princess!

This sweet book is an excellent tool for parents to use in helping their little girls understand who God is, what he has done for us, and the way that he teaches us to live for him. Using this book with our little girls is a beautiful way to spend time together in both a spiritual way and having fun together. My little granddaughter will love this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are y own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.