"A Baxter Family Christmas"

by Karen Kingsbury

 

 

 

 

Description

 

Karen Kingsbury’s most beloved characters are back!
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes A Baxter Family Christmas, a life-changing story of love and hope featuring the Baxter family.
Whether you’re meeting the Baxter family for the first time, or finding them all over again…A Baxter Family Christmas will leave fingerprints on your heart forever.

Two years have passed since the terrible car accident that took the life of John Baxter’s daughter, Erin, her husband and three of their four daughters. Prompted by grief, and missing his daughter, John has invited a stranger for Christmas Eve dinner—Kendra Bryant, the transplant recipient who now has Erin’s heart.
In light of their father’s idea, Ashley and her brother Luke don’t think it’s right. They want to protect their ten-year-old niece, Amy—the only surviving member of the accident. But John is determined and believes meeting this woman is something his deceased daughter would want.
At the same time, Maddie West, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Brooke Baxter West, is praying for meaning this Christmas. Could she find it in a newfound friendship with a boy she never expected to see again? Maddie believes in miracles, especially at Christmastime, but this is a stretch even she can’t imagine.
Meanwhile, Kendra Bryant has been struggling these past few years to find purpose in the tragedy that gave her a second chance. She believes the invitation to see the Baxters and witness their unwavering faith in God can instill peace and happiness back into her life.
Heartwarming and touching, filled with love and redemption, A Baxter Family Christmas brings together two families in the aftermath of loss and in the midst of an unfolding love story, all with the help of one very special child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

 

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Don, and their five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti. Their actress daughter, Kelsey, lives nearby and is married to Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky. The couple recently welcomed their first child, Hudson. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.  

 

 

 

 

My thoughts ~

 

I've read a number of the Baxter Family's early books, and this particular book still brings back character memories and events from the past. 

 

I found the first half or more of this particular book a bit slow and written for a younger audience in my estimation. I was somewhat surprised at that revelation since the earlier books in this series were very entertaining and a bit faster paced. 

 

Eventually the book reached a pivotal point that was so touching and sensitive that it brought me to tears more than once. This sensitivity continued through to the end of the book, and "wowed" me! The last third of the book is what I remember of Karen Kingsbury's earlier books. Don't give up on this one. There is much to absorb toward the end of this book!

 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and my review contains only my expressed opinions.

 

 

 

"Turbulence"

A Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense Novel 

by Alana Terry

 

 

 

Description

Facing doubts and terror at forty thousand feet. It's been another grueling semester at Harvard, and Kennedy can hardly wait to take a break from her premed studies for some much-needed rest and relaxation at her roommate's homestead in rural Alaska.Unfortunately, Kennedy's great arctic adventure might come to a crashing halt before it even begins.

Note: Turbulence is book 5 in the Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series, but it's a great introduction to the characters and can be read as a standalone. 

 

 

 

 

 

Biography

 

Alana is a pastor's wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers' Favorite, and more. Alana's passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.  

 

 

 

My thoughts ~

 

I've been following the Kennedy Stern series since the first novel released, and each book has been unique and stands on its own merits. Topics vary and Kennedy matures. I love her character and strength in adversity. I found Turbulence to be jaw clenching! Kennedy is flying to Alaska to spend the Christmas holidays with her college friend and family. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Kennedy is looking forward to a relaxing flight, with lots of time to read and nap. Her friend, Willow, has made a new friend with whom she's occupied, so Kennedy relaxes and attempts to enjoy the flight. The pace takes off and the suspense is riveting! Kennedy's faith is strong, but she worries about her friend who doesn't share her faith. Kennedy fears that she may not have the opportunity to share her beliefs with Willow. 

 

I think that Turbulence is probably the most exciting and nail biting book in the Kennedy Stern series. I was captivated! This series is not only great for adult readers, but I think that older teens would thoroughly enjoy this suspense series with a component of salvation. I'm hoping there will be a followup to this novel. I look forward to new releases in this series!

 

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift and was not expected to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

 

 

"Forest Child"

Vikings of the New World Saga, #2

by Heather Day Gilbert

 

 

 

Description

Viking warrior. Dauntless leader. Protective mother. Determined to rise above her rank as the illegitimate "forest child" of Eirik the Red, Freydis launches a second voyage to Vinland to solidify her power and to demand the respect she deserves. She will return home with enough plunder to force her brother, Leif, to sell her the family farm in Greenland. But nothing can prepare her for the horrors she must confront in Vinland...and nothing can stand in her way when her family is threatened. In her race to outrun the truths that might destroy her, Freydis ultimately collides with the only enemy she cannot silence—her own heart. Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, Forest Child brings the memorable, conflicted persona of Freydis Eiriksdottir to life. This immersive tale is Book Two in the bestselling Vikings of the New World Saga.

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, a Grace Award winner and bestselling author, writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University, and she and her husband are raising their children in the same home in which Heather grew up.

Heather's Viking historical novels, God's Daughter and Forest Child, are Amazon Norse bestsellers. Heather has also authored the bestselling Murder in the Mountains mystery series, the Hemlock Creek Suspense series, and the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher.

Sign up for Heather's newsletter updates on her upcoming releases here: http://eepurl.com/Q6w6X 

 

 

 

My Thoughts ~

 

This genre is quite new to me, but I was captivated by the events throughout this book. A novel about the differences between family, enemies and the struggle for power takes us on journeys to Vinland and Greenland. The fight for power and respect creates both darkness and horror. Historically based on the Icelandic Sagas, the daughter of Eirik the Red, Freydis Eiriksdottir is known as the illegitimate Forest Child. 

Unfamiliar with either Vinland or Greenland, I discovered much through Gilbert's descriptive skills of both the terrain and the lifestyles of people throughout these areas during this time period. Freydis demonstrated an immense power and strength that many men couldn't match. Her craving for respect and power nearly consumed her. This obsession for power brought her to experience unknown atrocities and horror.

I found it very difficult to like Freydis through this powerful novel, and was I was repulsed by her actions while in Vinland. I grew to respect her after her return to Greenland when she endured unfairness and cruelty from her brother. Once she returned to Vinland Freydis became a character I grew to respect and favor. 

Forest Child is a powerful and deeply disturbing tale of a woman who fought like a man, but exhibited love for a child. Impressed by "Forest Child," I will be picking up a copy of "God's Daughter." Forest Child has piqued my interest in learning the background for this compelling tale! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review, with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

 

 

"Fatal Frost"

(Defenders of Justice #1)

by Nancy Mehl!
GIVEAWAY!

Description

Mehl Ramps Up the Suspense in This Brand-New U.S. Marshals Series!
Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang.

When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.

Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?

Biography

Nancy Mehl is the author of 22 books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more. 






My thoughts ~

The main characters in Fatal Frost are very well developed, and I loved all three of them. They are very different personalities, but with roles that attract the reader's attention. Their relationships are connected to the past. Although Mark and Mercy are no longer connected by their past love for one another they find they can work together when life gets tough.

Descriptive and pictorial, as well as frightful scenes take the reader to the location, and draw the reader into the plot. This is one unpredictable suspense novel that was hard to put down. I've read other books written by this author, and this one even tops the rest in my estimation. I look forward to the next book in this series! Pick up a copy and enjoy a fast paced trip through the underworld of drugs and deception!

Disclaimer: The publisher sent me a copy of this book but I was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own. 
 

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 Friday, 11-25-16.
 

"Waves of Mercy"

by Lynn Austin!
Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

Austin Returns with a Multi-Generational Historical Novel

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.

Biography

Award winning author Lynn Austin was a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won six Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:31 -"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."






My thoughts ~

Waves of Mercy is reminiscent of a very significant family history regarding my own ancestors. Every aspect of this book is filled with memories of my own family who immigrated to West Michigan from The Netherlands. 

Lynn Austin has done a spectacular job of recreating the plight of those immigrants and their very difficult encounters both during the immigration process, and starting anew in an underdeveloped locale. I had a little trouble keeping timelines and characters straight at the beginning of the book, but with the development of those characters I began to feel a part of their story. Names mentioned throughout the book are still familiar to this locale.

The setting for this novel is very familiar, and it was an early journey through my own lifelong home in Michigan. Description was a highlight, as well as the development of each of the characters. The research for this book is very well done. The locations described are accurate and particularly sentimental.

I highly recommend this latest release from Lynn Austin. Her previous novels are some of my favorites, and this one was no disappointment.   

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book, and was pleasantly surprised when I received a gift copy from the publisher. My expressed opinions are my own, and I was not expected to post a positive 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 Tuesday, November 15th.


  

"Forgiveness"

by Marianne Evans!

Description

Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite. Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle. What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long-buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize? Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase? Above all, can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

Biography

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Forgiveness earned a covered 4.5-Star, Top Pick review from Romantic Times Magazine. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne at: www.marianneevans.com 


My thoughts ~

Country music singer, Chase Bradington and Pyper Brock are both haunted by ghosts from the past. Chase nearly crashed his career when a wild ride with alcohol and loose women rocked his world. Pyper's early years held frightful memories of a formidable alcoholic father who beat both her and her mother, and before Pyper's 5th birthday he kicked them both out of their home.

Both Chase and Pyper are very strong characters, as are supporting characters throughout this moving story. Chase discovered God while in rehabilitation, by support of his sponsor, a man Chase had learned to love like a brother. 

Pyper's faith is a strong aspect of her character. Her mother and adoptive father taught her about God's love and forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is the essence of this powerful and inspiring story of brokenness and despair. The poignancy throughout this book brought me to tears as the past became the present. Faith, tolerance, love and acceptance lead to new directions in the path to healing. A song named "Forgiveness" played a significant role throughout this story, and I wish I could hear the melody that accompanies the beauty of the words that portray the true meaning of forgiveness.

The author has once again created a very touching, heartrending and inspiring tale of life at its lowest point and the healing process developed through faith and redemption. I highly recommend this very sensitive and powerful book!

Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author with no expectations of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. 

 

Web Thinking

(Connecting, Not Competing, For Success)

by Dr. Linda Seger

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

 

Here Linda Seger gives specific steps to switch from linear to web thinking, and change our lives from isolation to deep connection.

Biography

Dr. Linda Seger created and defined the script consulting profession in 1981 when she began her business, based on her doctoral dissertation about what makes a good script a great script. Since then, she has worked on over 2000 scripts, and with writers, producers, directors, and executives from six continents, including Peter Jackson, William Kelley, and Ray Bradbury. She is the author of 9 books on screenwriting and has given seminars on screenwriting in over 30 countries around the world. In the last eight years, she has also written 6 books on spirituality, (2 to be published in 2017), based partly on her degrees in theology where she explored how drama communicates values and themes, how spiritual principles are expressed through art and business, and the relationship of the creative process and spirituality. Dr. Seger lives in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs with her wonderful husband and a magnificent cat.
Find out more at LindaSeger.com  


My thoughts ~

Web thinking is a combination of thought concepts. Dr. Seger begins the description of web thinking with the straight line, spiraling, the circle, and finally the web where all facets of thought are brought together into the relatable component of the World Wide Web as we know it. 

The descriptions of each thought process are well presented and understandable. Personally, never having been involved in business, and the growing power of women and business, I can't relate to that aspect of the web. I can only relate through interpersonal relationships in my life. That being said, I found it difficult to become engrossed in reading the book, as I felt it wasn't pertinent to my personal life.

Dr. Seger is very highly educated and well versed in her writing. I admire her knowledge and concepts that show the development of web thinking. If you're a woman involved in the business world I think you may find this a helpful asset in your life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift from The Book Club Network (Book Fun). All expressed opinions in this review are my own, and no compensation or expectations were related to this review.
 

"The Cautious Maiden"

(The Everstone Chronicles #4)

by Dawn Crandall

Description

Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind. 

Biography

Dawn Crandall is an ACFW Carol Award-nominated author of the award winning series The Everstone Chronicles, which consists of four books: The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart, The Captive Imposter and The Cautious Maiden which released October 4th, 2016.
Apart from writing, Dawn is also a mom of two little ones and serves with her husband in a premarital mentorship program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and an associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter. She is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.

My thoughts ~

Dawn Crandall is a new author to me, and I have not read the prequels to this novel, the 4th in The Everstone Chronicles. That being said, this book could easily be a stand alone novel. I do think it might be advantageous to read the previous books in the series for more vivid background information.  

Character development is competent, and locale is well represented. Detailing is commendable! The book starts off with instant drama, and the suspense continues throughout the book. It's difficult to know who is trustworthy and what their motives may be.  Lack of trust is woven throughout this story of Vance and Violet as they discover a deep attraction for one another. 

 I found it a bit difficult to determine characters at first, but I think that is because I lack the background for this story. That made the first portion read slowly for me because I had to backtrack occasionally to clarify background information and characters. As I became more familiar with characters and locale the book picked up and moved along at a rapid pace. I enjoyed being taken back in time to the late 1800s, and the premise behind the events portrayed in this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own No monetary compensation was received for this review.