"Love's Violet Sunrise"

Christian Historical Novella

(American State Flower)

by Naomi Rawlings

 

Description

With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

 

 

Purchase at the following locations:  

http://www.amazon.com

 

 

Biography

A mother of three, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. Naomi writes bold, dramatic stories and is currently enjoying writing the Eagle Harbor Series, which is set near where she lives.  

Website: http://naomirawlings.com/ 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/author.naomirawlings/?frvef=ts

My thoughts ~

The prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor series is also a part of the American State Flower Collection. Please read the description above for a summary of the novella.

Naomi Rawlings has written an intriguing tale of the Cummings family and the dangers they encounter. Hiram Cummings is an inspiring character, one who is selfless in every respect. His antagonist, Mabel Krause is an enchanting character with a strong will and uncompromising attitude. This blending of two very different personalities creates some interesting consequences.

I enjoyed this prequel every bit as much as the novels in the Eagle Harbor series! It's fast paced, suspense filled, and another side to the story involves a warmth and tenderness that is unexpected and delightful! I highly recommend this well told novella, and look forward to more from Ms. Rawlings! Pick up a copy and enjoy the introduction to a great series!

 

 

"Amish Sweethearts"

(Neighbors of Lancaster County #2)

by Leslie Gould
Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?  

They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.

However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com



Biography

Leslie Gould is the award-winning author of fifteen novels, including the #1 bestseller The Amish Midwife (CBA and ECPA), co-written with Mindy Starns Clark. The novel, the first in The Women of Lancaster County series, was a 2012 Christy Award winner. The Amish Nanny and The Amish Bride, the second and third novels in the series, also hit the bestseller list.

One of Leslie’s stand-alone novels, Beyond the Blue, won of the Romantic Times Book Club Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Inspirational Novel in 2006.
Leslie received her master of fine arts in creative writing from Portland State University in 2009 and has taught fiction as an adjunct professor at Multnomah University. She also teaches workshops at public and private schools and at writers’ conferences.
A varied work history, from curating a historical museum to editing a bridal magazine, preceded her fiction-writing career. She is also an Army Reserve wife who has supported her husband, Peter, through many years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan as the commander of a field hospital. Leslie and her husband live in Oregon with their four children.

https://www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor?fref=ts
http://www.lesliegould.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/lesliejeangould


My thoughts ~

In the second book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County the stories of the Lehmans and the Becks continue as their children have matured. As children Zane and Lila played together and shared their dreams. All that changed when Lila's father arranged for her to court an Amish man from her community. Zane couldn't watch Lila with Reuben, and made an impulsive decision to join the Army rather than seeing his beautiful friend courted by another. 

Amish Sweethearts is a powerful story of relationships and grave disappointments. Overwhelming responsibilities play a major role in this touching story of two very different families and the beliefs that separate them. Danger has become a way of life for Zane as he is shipped to Afghanistan with no guarantees he'll return home. His faith is the only thing that keeps him going. Lila continues to court Reuben while questioning if she can truly love him. When past family secrets surface Lila must consider all options.

Leslie Gould has created an extraordinary novel developing the lives of two very different cultures through their likenesses and differences. Although beliefs and customs separate the two cultures, humans still share the same needs and desires. Two stories woven into one very dramatic narrative create a strong human element that evokes a plethora of emotions throughout the novel. I highly recommend Amish Sweethearts. In my opinion this is Leslie Gould's most impressive novel to date!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All expressions 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 Friday, 2-26-16.

  

"A Daring Sacrifice"

by Jody Hedlund

Description

In a reverse twist on the Robin Hood story, a young medieval maiden stands up for the rights of the mistreated, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. All the while, she fights against her cruel uncle who has taken over the land that is rightfully hers. Forced to live in the woods and hide with the poor people she's grown to love, she works to save and protect them, but she never anticipates falling in love with the wealthy knight who represents all she's come to despise.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  

http://www.christianbook.com 

Biography

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund/?fref=ts

My thoughts ~

I thoroughly enjoyed this reverse take on the age old story of Robinhood and his compassion for the poor. Steal from the rich to feed the poor. A bit of thievery was against the law, but someone had to provide for the poor and homeless.

Young people will love the excitement and beautiful love story that keeps the suspense flowing. I'd rate the book PG-13 due to some violence that may not be appropriate for a younger age group.

Artfully descriptive with a fast pace, there's no room for boredom in Hedlund's most recent YA novel. Don't save this one just for the younger set. It's a great read for adults! 

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

 

"Love in Store"

(An Amish Market Novella)

by Vannetta Chapman

Description

It’s never too late for love, but danger could spoil the heart’s plans.

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com 
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com

Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published more than one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com

For more information, visit her at
webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com
blog -- http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com
facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks, and
pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman
instagram -- https://instagram.com/vannettachapman



My thoughts ~

The Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana is a tourist community where visitors can visit an Amish themed community and learn numerous techniques that the Amish employ in their daily living. Among the various venues is an Amish Market, a theater, a one room school house, an ice house, etc. 

David Stoltzfus, a widower living with his newly widowed daughter and her children has found working at the Amish Market, a satisfying and enjoyable job. Stella, a rather grumpy coworker doesn't appear to find any pleasure in her life but David offers her friendship anyway.

Characters in this warmhearted novella are charming, and for the most part, likable. Detailing regarding the Market are realistic and descriptive of a typical Amish community. Ms. Chapman does her homework and does it well! Mysterious events begin altering the atmosphere of the community,  igniting fear and anxiety.

David enlists Stella's assistance in unveiling the culprit or culprits behind the bizarre events. Stella is reluctant, but curious. Will they uncover the secrets behind these pranks, and how will that affect their friendship?

As with Ms. Chapman's other books, this one is filled with charm and mystique. Her approach to Amish fiction has a different twist from that of other authors, and I love that refreshing approach!

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

"Joshua's Mission"

(Plain & Simple Miracles #2)

by Vannetta Chapman
Review & GIVEAWAY!

 

Description 

Joshua’s Mission is a new standalone novel in the Plain and Simple Miracles collection from popular author Vannetta Chapman. These stories of love and family and Amish community in Oklahoma tell of the miracles that can happen when lives are lived in service to God and to one another.

Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. He brings his brother with him, who needs a change of environment. The last thing he wants for Alton is another brush with the law. He is pleasantly surprised when he hears that Becca Troyer, the bishop’s granddaughter, plans on joining their team.

What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A lack of electricity, certainly, which poses little problem for the Amish volunteers as they help restore order from destruction. But a budding romance? A call from God? And a possible healing of his relationship with Alton?

Joshua’s Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.



Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published more than one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks/?fref=ts

My thoughts ~

Two different cultures converge after a natural disaster destroys a community along the Gulf Coast of Texas. A hurricane completely ravaged the small community leaving its inhabitants with virtually nothing but destruction. A group of Amish young people from Oklahoma join a Mennonite Disaster Service in a mission trip to help rebuild the Englisch community.

The description of the force of Hurricane Orion is disclosed vividly. infused with the intensity the storm imposed on the community. Amish and Englisch work side by side to the same goal. Relationships develop throughout this team effort as new friendships form and old resentments surface between brothers. Tensions rise as a young Amish man finds himself in dire circumstances, but disaster has a way of maturing those who face adversity.

The depth of characterization in this novel is impressive! The strength of the human spirit is brought to life with wisdom and insight. Compassion and humility build relationships to the discovery of forgiveness, faith and acceptance of God's grace. A very strong reality discovery reveals the strength of the human spirit, and God's presence through the worst of times and the best of times. 

I highly recommend Joshua's Mission. In my estimation this novel is one of Ms. Chapman's very best! It is an impressive and compassionate revelation of the human spirit and the bonding of different cultures who walk different paths but blend through adversity. Although part of a series this book stands on its own merits!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Harvest House Publishing 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 Friday, February 19, 2016.

 

 

"Love's Every Whisper"

(An Eagle Harbor Novel #2) 

by Naomi Rawlings

Description

Inspirational romance readers everywhere are falling in love with Naomi Rawlings’s Eagle Harbor Series, and the bestselling series continues with Book 2, Love’s Every Whisper.

Victoria Donnelly wants to do something right at least once in her lifetime. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, she's finally found a way to redeem herself in the eyes of her family. But her plan requires her to return to her home town of Eagle Harbor, where forgotten feelings for a man she can never have lie buried.

Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen’s sons don’t marry shipping barons’ daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks... until he learns she's about to make an irreversible decision, one she'll spend the rest of her life regretting.

He knows how to save drowning sailors—but how is he to save the woman he loves from the biggest mistake of her life… without destroying both their hearts in the process?

"A whole new level of storytelling." Laurie Alice Eakes, Author of The Mountain Midwife. "One of those rare occasions where I loved the second book more than the first!" Heidi Robbins, Book Blogger

Come visit the rugged yet beautiful coast of Lake Superior and the remote historical town of Eagle Harbor that readers can’t get enough of.

Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor
Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa)
Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria)
Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)
Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah)
Book 4: Love's Eternal Breath (Seth and Lindy--winter 2017)
Book 5: Love's Constant Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn--summer 2017)
Book 6: Love's Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen--winter 2018)

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

Biography

A mother of three, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. Naomi writes bold, dramatic stories and is currently enjoying writing the Eagle Harbor Series, which is set near where she lives.  

Website: http://naomirawlings.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/author.naomirawlings/?fref=ts

My thoughts ~

Loves Every Whisper was beyond my expectations! I was swept into the first book of this series with excitement. This second book is even more intense and impressive. Unpredictable, fast paced, suspense filled drama exceeded even Love's Unfading Light. Characters from the first novel in the series flow into the second book with a familiarity that is authentic and remarkable.

Victoria is sought after by a wealthy man who is deceptive and pretentious. Her family has arranged for a marriage of convenience while she is attracted to another. She may be attracted to the fisherman who is known for his life saving enterprise, but family expectations override her interest in those beneath her class. 

Shipwrecks are a common threat as Lake Superior's storms threaten the ships that travel the deadly waters. A life-saving team has been invaluable to the victims of these shipwrecks. Without that team the numbers of lost sailors and travelers would be overwhelming. The portrayal of shipwrecks and rescue endeavors are intense and descriptive. As a resident in the area the author is very familiar with the location and landmarks, as well as tragedies in the mines of the area and the shipwrecks of Eagle Harbor. That knowledge is a pivotal part of this novel.

I found this book to be one of the most exciting stories, revealing many layers of relationships, family dynamics, and the devotion of a man who values the lives of others above his own. I highly recommend this book!

       

"Jesus Helps Me"

by Callie Grant

Art by Missi Jay

Description

Jesus Helps Me, new to the Knowing My God series, offers four levels of exploration: a quoted Bible passage, beautiful real-world photographs, supportive captions to relate the passage meaning to a child’s life, and thinking questions to personalize the experience. A parent guide gives tips for involving a baby, toddler, and child. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Jesus Helps Me is a Learn book, which makes personal Bible study accessible to young children who, alongside adults, build a foundation for faith and a lifelong friendship with Jesus. These books grow with your child! Find out more about our Learn, Absorb & Praise™ framework for children’s books at  GrahamBlanchard.com.

 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com.

My thoughts ~

Jesus Helps Me is a beautiful Christian children's book featuring birds and how they care for their young. The photographs are stunning! This little book is meant to be shared with young children by introducing them to a new aspect in God's creation. Sharing time with youngsters is another benefit of reading and sharing about the lessons in this book. 

I am very impressed in the approach to learning about our Christian faith through such important things in nature that children can relate to. As I stated above, the photographs are absolutely beautiful, and clear closeups allow children to get a good look at each bird and its family. I highly recommend this little board book for toddlers and preschoolers. 

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

 

War Room

by Chris Fabry

Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

Juggling motherhood and her job as a real-estate agent, Elizabeth Jordan wishes her husband could help more around the house. But Tony’s rising career as a pharmaceutical salesman demands more and more of his time. With a nice home in the suburbs and a lovely young daughter, they appear to have it all—yet they can’t seem to spend time together without fighting. Hoping for a new listing, Elizabeth visits the home of Clara Williams, an elderly widow, and is both amused and uncomfortable when Clara starts asking pointed questions about her marriage and faith. But it’s Clara’s secret prayer room, with its walls covered in requests and answers, that has Elizabeth most intrigued . . . even if she’s not ready to take Clara’s suggestion that she create a prayer room of her own. As tensions at home escalate, though, Elizabeth begins to realize that her family is worth fighting for, and she can’t win this battle on her own. Stepping out in blind faith, putting her prayers for her family and their future in God’s hands, might be her only chance at regaining the life she was meant for.

Purchase at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

I was born in West Virginia in 1961. I read a lot, but not very fast, and wrote poems and songs, and transcribed Marx Brothers movies and memorized dialogue. In 1984 I met Jerry Jenkins at Moody Bible Institute. He offered to help me learn to write and I took him up on the offer. In 1998, Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye hired me to help write the Left Behind: The Kids series. After that I worked on several other series for children and then published my first adult novel in 2008. It took more than six years to write Dogwood and find a publisher. It received a 2009 Christy Award.

My next novel, June Bug, drew its themes from the classic Victor Hugo tale, Les Miserables. Then, Almost Heaven released and also won a Christy Award, as well as the 2011 Christian Book Award for Fiction.

Not in the Heart is another riveting, suspenseful, and yet relational story. A mystery within a mystery within an addiction. I dedicate it to all who have someone in their life who is addicted. This story also received a Christy award.

Borders of the Heart is my nod toward some of the great western writers--Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. It's a love story, a painful story of loss, a mystery, and an edge-of-your-seat thriller. I hope you enjoy the ride through Tucson and the surrounding area as much as I did.

In the past year I've also had the opportunity to craft novels based on film screenplays. The motion picture The Song released in September 2014, with my novel developed from Richard L. Ramsey's screenplay following later that year. I recently completed work on the novelization of War Room, the latest film produced by the Kendrick brothers (Courageous, Fireproof). Both film and novel were released in August 2015.

I graduated from the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. I have been married to Andrea since 1982. We have nine children. In October of 2008 our family evacuated our house in Colorado, leaving behind all our belongings because of a toxic mold situation. Since then we have been living near Tucson, Arizona, working on recovering our health after the mold exposure.

Stop by my website at www.chrisfabry.com to learn more about my writing and radio endeavors, and be sure to sign up for my online newsletter, the FABRYGRAM. I can also be found on Facebook and Twitter, or you can email me at chris@chrisfabry.com.

My thoughts ~

War Room is one of the most impressive Christian fiction books I've ever read. The story strips away the outer layers of the characters in this powerful book. By revealing negative attitudes, beliefs and actions the Jordans are challenged to find true faith. Through fictitious characters who represent middle-class America, the author reveals the deepest weaknesses and individual strengths each character represents. As the Jordan family struggles through the most difficult time in their lives, Miss Clara comes into the picture. 

Miss Clara represents the epitome of Christian faith and servitude.  This character had me spellbound throughout the book. I believed in her and her authenticity was impressive and contagious. She is the crux of this story! I loved everything about this beautiful lady, and was caught up in her journey with God through her War Room. There were moments that I was swept into the War Room with Miss Clara, and felt the power of the holy spirit. 

Although I found the Jordan family to be somewhat superficial and unrealistic, Miss Clara's character far surpassed any lack of credibility in Tony and Elizabeth. Their daughter represented a well developed 10-year-old child in the midst of a family crisis.

I highly recommend War Room! It's a powerful journey into your heart that stirs your inner core regarding where you stand in your faith life. Savor it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program 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 Tuesday, February 9, 2016.