"A Cup of Dust"

(A Novel of the Dust Bowl)

by Susie Finkbeiner

5+ stars 

Description

Where you come from isn't who you are.

Ten-year-old Pearl Spence is a daydreamer, playing make-believe to escape life in Oklahoma’s Dust Bowl in 1935. The Spences have their share of misfortune, but as the sheriff’s family, they’ve got more than most in this dry, desolate place. They’re who the town turns to when there’s a crisis or a need―and during these desperate times, there are plenty of both, even if half the town stands empty as people have packed up and moved on.

Pearl is proud of her loving, strong family, though she often wearies of tracking down her mentally impaired older sister or wrestling with her grandmother’s unshakable belief in a God who Pearl just isn’t sure she likes.

Then a mysterious man bent on revenge tramps into her town of Red River. Eddie is dangerous and he seems fixated on Pearl. When he reveals why he’s really there and shares a shocking secret involving the whole town, dust won’t be the only thing darkening Pearl’s world. 




Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Susie Finkbeiner is a novelist and short story writer from West Michigan. Her first novel PAINT CHIPS released in 2013 and her second novel MY MOTHER'S CHAMOMILE in 2014. She worked with WhiteFire Publishing on both novels.

Her third novel A CUP OF DUST is set to release in 2015 with Kregel Publications.

Susie is a wife, mother of three, and avid reader. She enjoys time with her family, coffee dates with her good friends, and quiet moments to read and write.

Find her at www.susiefinkbeiner.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Susie-Finkbeiner-191087155015/timeline/

My Thoughts ~

Without a doubt, A Cup of Dust is one of the most captivating and impressive reality-based novels I have read to date. This is a story to be absorbed. Pearl's journey is thought-provoking and gripping, a heartrending and emotional journey through oppressive conditions caused by relentless, merciless dust. The author has researched her topic thoroughly, and weaves a haunting tale of Pearl's youth and the atrocities that she witnessed and experienced. The realities of the Oklahoma's Dust Bowl were oppressive and grievous.

Detailed and pictorial depictions revealed the enormity of the conditions in that area, where the earth was depleted and the rains never came. The dust ultimately took the lives of many, and caused others an unending fight for life. Pearl and her family exemplify the strength of the human spirit through events I can't imagine. Atrocities invaded Pearl's worst nightmares, as well as the barbarities that affected her youth and innocence. 

Character portrayals are described in depth with a familiarity and sensitivity that is tangible. I loved Pearl from the very beginning, and heard her voice throughout this extraordinarily touching novel.

A Cup of Dust is written with passion and eloquence, mature attributes of this young author. I will undoubtedly read it again. It is a novel of epic proportion. Thought provoking and intense, you'll want to slowly absorb Pearl's story. I couldn't begin reading another book until my mind finished processing the intensity of this composition.

FYI: There is some violence depicted in this book that may offend some readers; however, this is reality fiction and without those scenes the story would not be complete.

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

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

"The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge"

by Jim Kraus

Description

A light-hearted love story about a young couple brought together by a four-legged bandit.
 

When a stray dog helps himself to a bone from a display in the supermarket, he doesn't know his actions will brand him a criminal and spark a romance between two humans. Stewart Coolidge works as a bag boy at the store, and his outraged boss offers a reward and demands Stewart catch the thieving animal. He fails at that, but now he finally has the perfect excuse to talk to his cute neighbor, Lisa.

Lisa has always dreamed of being a journalist and asks Stewart if she can interview him for the local paper. As she gets to know Stewart, she likes him more and more, and she's delighted to learn he shares her Christian faith. Stewart can't bring himself to tell her she's mistaken, that he's not religious at all. And that's not Stewart's only deception. When the dog shows up on the doorstep of their building, Stewart decides to harbor the furry fugitive. But this is no ordinary dog, he has a divine sense of how things should be--and recognizing how much Stewart needs Lisa, he decides to do all he can to bring them together.

Purchase at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He attended the Paris-American Academy in 1971 and has spent the last twenty years as a vice-president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than 20 books and novels (many with his wife, Terri) including the best-selling The Dog That Talked to God (Abingdon Press, 2012). His book, The Silence, was named as one of the top five releases in 2004 by the Christian Book Review website. He is also an award-winning photographer. He and his wife and 14-year-old son live outside of Chicago with a sweet

miniature schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat.

Website: http://www.jimkraus.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.kraus.18?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Jim Kraus spins a yarn that I found charming and humorous! I had read the author's book entitled "The Cat That God Sent" several months ago, and found his writing to be very entertaining! I'm a cat person, but with my admiration for the author's writing I broke down and decided to read a story about a very special dog. I certainly was not disappointed! In fact, I intend to add more Jim Kraus books to my collection. 

Very special characters come to life through the entertaining capers depicted in this very amusing book. Two young people with less than satisfactory careers are drawn together by a mischievous stray dog who earns the title, Hubert. A budding romance develops, with Hubert the common denominator. Hubert is a naughty dog, but his humans love him enough to keep his existence concealed in order to protect him. There is much diversity and hilarity described throughout the development of this story, with some pretty quirky characters and some not-so-nice characters to stir up the mix.

Many redeeming factors evolve in this comical story of a developing relationship between individuals with questionable differences in lifestyles. Ultimately faith and forgiveness prevail. This refreshing story is endearing, charming and a delightful experience!

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


 

"The Bones Will Speak"

(A Gwen Marcey Novel)

by Carrie Stuart Parks

5 stars!

Description

A forensic artist becomes the target of a serial killer who believes he’s God’s anointed executioner.

In present day Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen has a chance to use her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.

What she soon learns is the murderer is a 'lone wolf,' a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood—and he has a score to settle with her. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race, not grace, provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy herself and everyone she loves. 

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography 

Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks met in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. They married in nineteen eighty-nine and formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They welcome civilian artists to attend their courses as well. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society. Rick has received national recognition for his exquisite art placed on musical instruments.
 

Carrie began her fiction writing career while battling breast cancer. Mentored by NY Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, Carrie's debut novel garnered immediate interest by major publishing houses and landed her a three book deal at HarperCollins Christian. 

Website: http://www.carriestuartparks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieStuartParksAuthor

My Thoughts ~

The Bones Will Speak is one superb suspense thriller! I'm not a nail biter, but believe me, this book caused me to hold my breath, shake my feet and rock my chair faster and faster as the story progressed! I had the worst time putting this book down in order to get some sleep, and when I picked it up again I was riveted to my chair.

Carrie Stuart Parks is a new author to me, but I intend to follow her career as she composes future novels. I've already purchased her previous suspense novel, but have to catch my breath and allow my heartbeat to return to a normal rate before attempting to read it!

The descriptive elements in this book are artistic, and characters are well defined. This author has done her homework. The amount of research that went into this book is commendable. Of all the possible suspects  that ran through my mind, I was unable to narrow down who the serial killer might be. 

This book is not for the fainthearted, but a strong theme of inspiration was woven into the story that exhibited faith and forgiveness. I highly recommend this suspense-filled thriller!

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

"Lilacs for Juliana"

(The Christy Lumber Camp Series #3)

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blog Hop #10

 

 Description

Petite Juliana Beauchamps possesses a vivid imagination, which comes in handy as a librarian. When a handsome giant of a lumberjack comes to town and rescues her from possible tragedy, she’s shaken by the event. A dashing beer baron, from Milwaukee, also pursues Juliana’s attention. Meanwhile, a library trustee determines to push out the female librarians.

Set in 1891, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Book Three in The Christy Lumber Camp Series focuses on Richard “Moose” Christy, the youngest of the sons, as he prepares to manage his first lumber camp. When Yost hires Juliana to organize his personal library, and her letters from Wisconsin suggest foul play, will Richard need to save her once again? And will his secret need to be revealed to win her heart?

Purchase a copy of this book here: http://www.amazon.com

Biography

Former "Yooper" Carrie Fancett Pagels writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn't "cured" by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia's Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading--but not all at the same time! 

Website:  http://carriefancettpagels.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels-317053071710640/timeline/

My Thoughts~ 

The third short novel in The Christy Lumber Camp Series, Lilacs for Juliana is an overlapping tale of family and life in the rustic upper peninsula of Michigan. I recommend that you read the first two installments in this series in order to be able to understand past events and characters throughout these stories. Without that background information some portions of the book would be confusing. 

Much takes place in this story that parallels the developing romance between Juliana and Richard. As the story develops family members become closer, and friends play an important role in one another's lives. This is a sweet story of romance, overcoming obstacles, forgiveness, and proceeding forward even with uncertainty for the future. Characters are likable and the plot is charming. Life with the Christy family is never dull.

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

Review & GIVEAWAY!
"The Birdhouse"

(The Amish of Jamesport #3)

by Laura V. Hilton

5 stars!

TWO opportunities to win a copy of Laura V. Hilton's latest release!


Win a copy of Laura V. Hilton's latest book, The Birdhouse (Amish of Jamesport #3) by entering the Goodreads' Giveaway. 12 copies will be given away (winners chosen randomly by Goodreads). Enter by Oct. 6, then be sure to rate and review! https://www.goodreads.com/…/enter_choose_a…/155605-birdhouse

Description

Twenty–year–old Greta Miller's daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers' market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers. 

Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he's back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta's family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back. 

When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more. But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family's distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?

Available at -- http://www.amazon.com/Birdhouse-Amish-Jamesport-Laura-Hilton/dp/1629115665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435082060&sr=8-1&keywords=the+birdhouse+hilton

Biography

Laura Hilton graduated with a business degree from Ozarka Technical College in Melbourne, Arkansas. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, she is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the Web. The Birdhouse is book two in Laura's latest series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another, and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. 

Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Arkansas. To learn more about Laura, read her reviews, and find out about her upcoming releases, readers may visit her blog at http://lighthouse–academy.blogspot.com/ & Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Laura V. Hilton has pulled out all the stops and outdone herself with "The Birdhouse!" She will wrap you right around her little finger with the characters and action in this fantastic Amish fiction book from The Amish of Jamesport series. Emotions run deep and the action flows. Realism is a strong point in this book. Life isn't sugar coated or depicted as saccharine. Amish life is difficult, as life is for all of us. Losses are significant and missed opportunities are heartbreaking, and these events are well described and touch the heart.

Lost faith and hope are sad components in this story of struggling in adversity. Loss of trust is tangible. Misunderstandings and lies leave Greta despairing, but Josh keeps hope alive in his heart. Is his faith and love alone enough to overcome despair in Greta's life? His attraction and love for Greta have never waned, and his growing passion for her only escalates in this poignant and romantic novel of unbridled desire. I loved Greta and Josh and the journey they traveled throughout this enthralling story.

Faith, hope, love and forgiveness are prominent components in "The Birdhouse." This book will literally take your breath away! You'll be swept into a heart pounding adventure of unknown proportions!

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

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, October 7, 2015.