A Beauty So Rare
A Belmont Mansion Novel

by Tamera Alexander

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating!

Description

Eleanor Braddock—plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty—knows she will never marry. But with a dying soldier’s last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America—and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path—building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows’ and children’s home run contrary to Eleanor’s wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground—and a love neither of them expects.  
But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.

From the USA Today bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and A Lasting Impression comes a moving historical novel about a bold young woman drawn to a group of people forgotten by Nashville society--and to the one man with whom she has no business falling in love.

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Tamera Alexander is the USA Today bestselling author of numerous books, including A Lasting Impression, A Beauty So Rare, To Whisper Her Name, and From a Distance. Her richly drawn characters and thought-provoking plots have earned her devoted readers worldwide, as well as multiple industry awards.

These awards include two Christy Awards for Excellence in Christian fiction, two RITA awards for Best Inspirational Romance, three Gayle Wilson Awards of Excellence, two Bookseller’s Best Awards, and being listed among Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, among others. 

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville where they enjoy life with their two adult children who live nearby, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

http://www.tameraalexander.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander

My Review ~

Tamera Alexander is a masterful author of historical fiction and romance. "A Beauty So Rare" is no exception! From the hospital tents toward the end of the Civil War and their gruesome particulars to the extravagant wealth represented at Belmont Mansion, detailing is well orchestrated. The Belmont Mansion's conservatory reveals architecture and statuary that rival landmarks in Rome, not to mention the grandeur of the roses and other floral plants that it houses. The ravages of poverty are depicted as brilliantly as the spectacular beauty and artistry possessed by the wealthiest woman in America.

Characters are developed with strong attributes, well exemplified in their varied positions, whether it be impoverished or those of prestige and prominence. Romance is palpable between the unlikeliest of characters, and arranged suitors are not necessarily prone to love. I fell in love with the descriptive elements in "A Beauty So Rare." I highly recommend another of Tamera Alexander's beautifully written novels!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through the Book Fun For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Awakening

(#1 Lewis Legacy Series)

by JoAnn Durgin

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Christian Romance!

Description

TeamWork director Sam Lewis isn’t sure what to think of his newest volunteer. She’s feisty, witty, and incredibly pretty, but looks more prepared to board a cruise ship than build houses. Burned by a past betrayal, he’s got a job to do, a reputation to uphold. Sam can’t afford to be distracted by a woman who attracts animals, defies his rules, finds trouble at every turn and questions God’s purpose. But when she tumbles from the top beam of one of the houses into his arms, Sam suspects his life will never be the same.During their weeks together in the TeamWork camp, Sam and Lexa learn the power of forgiveness and healing. Enduring a chain of incidents which challenge their faith, trust and growing relationship, they look to the Lord for guidance as together they discover a love greater than either could ever imagine. At the end of the eight-week work camp, Sam is committed to a year-long, dangerous overseas mission for TeamWork. Can Lexa trust the Lord enough to let him go? Will Sam safely return and keep his promise to meet her at The Alamo?You’ll keep turning the pages of this sweeping romantic adventure. With great characters, plenty of humor, enough emotion to make you shed a tear or two, and a happy ending that’ll have you cheering, Awakening will leave you breathless. Hold on tight. The adventures of Lewis and Clarke have only just begun! 

Theme Verse: Isaiah 50:4 The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakensMe morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Biography

I like to say I've "been around" in the nicest possible sense. Meaning I've lived in several states in this great country, and I've lived long enough to have gained a certain amount of hard-earned wisdom. I've always heard to "write what you know." My debut novel, Awakening (November 2010), is the beginning of The Lewis Legacy Series, and is loosely based on my love story with my husband, Jim. Subsequent releases in The Lewis Legacy Series include Second Time Around (September 2011), Twin Hearts (April 2012) and Daydreams (December 2012). The fifth book in the series, Moonbeams, is expected to release in late winter or the early spring of 2014. Many more installments are planned for the series!

Catching Serenity, a full-length, standalone novel, released in September 2013.

All of the above-mentioned books are available in both ebook format and paperback editions. I like to call them contemporary Christian romantic adventures and are slightly longer in length and more "outside the box" of traditional "formula" romance with elements of romance, a little mystery here and there, emotion, drama and an abundance of humor along with showing how God works in the lives of my characters.

I've also written two fun, contemporary Christmas novellas set in fictional Starlight, Iowa. The first is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (November 2012) and its sequel, Starlight, Star Bright, released in November 2013.

Contact JoAnn Durgin at: http://joanndurgin.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/joann.durgin?fref=ts

My Review ~

Lexa Clarke is a beautiful, petite and feisty young woman who is impulsive, headstrong and in need of change in her life. Looking for a way to heal from a broken relationship, and hoping for some adventure, Lexa volunteers for a summer session in a Christian work camp. Her dream of working in some exotic foreign country is quashed upon discovering she will be helping rebuild homes destroyed by flooding in a remote area of Texas. 

A tall, dark and handsome cowboy, Sam Lewis is the director of the TeamWork Mission. Self-assured and a solid leader, Sam's honesty and integrity intimidate Lexa but her feisty personality proves she can hold her own. Their sparring leads to flirting, and Sam and Lexa learn some important lessons from each other as their attraction for one another is "awakened" during their time spent together in the work camp. Sam's strong faith dominates his very essence to the point that Lexa finds it difficult to believe he can be so confident in his assurance of God's love. Lexa feels like an imposter among the lifelong Christians in the work camp. 

The differences between the main characters is staggering, and sparks fly! A lot of teasing, a little flirting, and concern in Sam's mind regarding Lexa's weak spiritual walk make for interesting reading. Strong Christians can be intimidating and appear conceited to one who is new in the faith walk, and that example is put to good use. The author has created a strong story of differences overcome through examples of patience, tolerance and prayer. Christian growth and sizzling romance are highlights in this story of Sam and Lexa. A large dose of wit and spunk is included between the main characters. Numerous plots and subplots intertwine to create a page-turning adventure including mystery, challenge, compassion and romance. If you enjoy Christian Romance you'll love Awakening!

I received a copy of this book from the author, having won the book in a contest. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Do Not Be Afraid!

(How to Find Freedom From Fear)

by Messianic Rabbi K. A. Schneider

Description

You Can Live Without Fear! For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 Everyone deals with fear; not everyone conquers it. Throughout our lives we all experience different kinds of fears. Unfortunately, many of us believe the lie that fear is something we have to live with. You don't! According to Scripture, God desires every one of His children to be free from fear-including you! In Do Not Be Afraid!, Rabbi K.A. Schneider shares personal testimony of how he struggled with, and experienced victory over fear-and how you too can walk in this same supernatural freedom. This book shows you how to: * Identify and overcome the enemy's number one weapon against believers * Unlock the power of God's Word to defeat different fears that come against you * Pursue freedom as a lifestyle, not a temporary experience * Enjoy supernatural peace even while living in a dark world Resist the devil's trap, walk in Jesus' supernatural freedom, and fearlessly step into your destiny today!

Purchase here:
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://www.christianbook.com/
http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Messianic Rabbi K.A. Schneider, a Jewish believer in Jesus and end-times messenger of the LORD, delivers the Word of the LORD with true passion of the Holy Spirit. At the age of 20 years old, the LORD appeared to him, supernaturally, as Jesus, the Messiah. He has since pastored, traveled as an evangelist, and more recently, served as rabbi of a messianic synagogue.

Rabbi Schneider is the host of an international television broadcast, "Discovering the Jewish Jesus," that shows with exceptional clarity how the Old and New Testaments connect--and how Jesus completes the unfolding plan of God. "Discovering the Jewish Jesus" is listed in your television guide as "The Jewish Jesus." For a list of times and stations that broadcast Rabbi Schneider's program in your area, 

Visit www.DiscoveringTheJewishJesus.com and click on the Ways to Watch link. Rabbi Schneider resides in the Midwestern region of the United States.

My Review ~

It is natural to be gripped by fear at various times throughout our lives. Messianic Rabbi Schneider offers personal descriptions of his worst fears and how he overcame them. Fear is the instinctive perception of danger, and our escape route is through God. The author shares how fear can paralyze us and prevent us from moving forward in life. Each chapter begins with scripture pertaining to the text, and biblical principles toward eliminating fear. Fear comes from the enemy, but as it states in the Bible, "the truth shall set you free." God's love is perfect, and he is our refuge. God is with us, and we must stand on his promises to defeat fear. The rainbow is the symbol of God's covenant that remains with us forever. The format used in Do Not Be Afraid is easy to read and the examples offered to apply in daily living are encouraging and useful. For those who tend to be overcome by fear this is an excellent self-help book.

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

* Before I share my review with you I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ann regarding the loss of her dear mother this past weekend. May she feel God's love and strength as she mourns her loss. 

Love Comes Home

(Rosey Corner Series, #3)

by Ann H. Gabhart

 Impressive!

Description

When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.

World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are busy joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be—a life with a man who will never come back. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.

Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

Read the first chapter of Love Comes Home . . .

To purchase this book follow these links: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Christianbook.com and http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She's published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine.

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com. Her facebook address is: https://www.facebook.com/AnnGabhart?ref=br_tf

My Review ~

World War II has ended. Two of the Merritt family's four daughters are happily awaiting the return of their husbands after years of being separated by the war. Sadly, one of the Merritt girls will not be greeting her husband along with the others. Her husband died in the war, leaving her to raise her young daughter without a father. Merritt family ties are strong, and the family gathers together in rural Rosey Corner to celebrate, accompanied by extended family in the community. 

This post World War II novel is rich in history and the flavor of a rural community where neighbors are family, and everyone's business is public knowledge. At this time in history people truly cared for one another, and shared in the joys and sadness surrounding them. Young families were excited and determined to move forward with their lives, although nightmares of war haunted many young men. There were obstacles to overcome and fears to be conquered, but the support of strong families and friends is paramount in this compelling story. Acceptance is a strong theme throughout, as well as faith, hope and unconditional love for one another as a family pulls together to support one another in love and life. 

Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for creating stories of human interest that go far beyond a simple story. She creates in-depth characters, rich in faith and compassion. Her writing contains a wealth of human emotions that grips the reader by its intensity. Life is not watered down. These characters are true to rural American communities. "Love Comes Home" is a memorable book of diversity in personalities and a family love so strong that nothing can break their ties to one another. I highly recommend this book! I had not read the first two books in this series, but I certainly will now! 

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

Praying through Hard Times

Finding Strength in God's Presence

by Linda Evans Shepherd

 Finding strength in tough times

Description

Linda Evans Shepherd shows how God's answers to prayer may not come packaged in the ways we would expect, but they do come in ways that will transform our lives. This book will be a comfort to those who struggle with faith yet still dare to believe that God cares. Through solid biblical teaching and true stories of answered prayer, Shepherd walks with readers on a journey to renewed hope.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Linda Evans Shepherd is living and laughing through a large life of miracles. She is the 2012 Selah Award winner for Christian Life for her book When You Can’t Find God, How to Ignite the Power of His Presence as well as the 2013 Selah Award winner for Christian Life for her bookWhen You Need A Miracle, How to Ask God for the Impossible. She is also the author of the bestselling When You Don’t Know What to Pray, How to Talk to God About Anything (Revell 2010) and the co-author of the bestselling novel series The Potluck Club and The Potluck Catering Club (Revell 2005 – 2011).

Linda is the, founder and leader of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and President of the non-profit ministryRight to the Heart. She oversees the publication of Finding God Daily, an online devotional as well as Thinking About Suicide, a ministry for the hurting.

Linda’s authored almost 30 books including co-authoring the bestselling Share Jesus Without Fear. She’s married to Paul and has two children.

To learn more about Linda’s journey with her daughter, Laura, click HERE.

Invite Linda to speak at your next event. For more information, click HERE.

For more about Linda, go to:  www.VisitLinda.com

My Review ~

We all struggle through difficult times, sometimes insurmountable obstacles overwhelming us. Having the strength to let go and let God can be challenging during those times. The enemy lurks, wanting us to give up. "Praying through Hard Times" reveals powerful tools to seek and connect with God during those times when hope seems far from our grasp.

Each chapter in this inspiring book reveals practical methods to put to use in our daily prayer lives. The chapters begin with a quotation from a famous spiritual source, and an example of difficult times that the author has experienced in her life. A "trip to the oasis" is a quotation from the Psalms that can be read as a prayer, culminating into a "prayer experience." 

"Praying through Hard Times" presents some simple and helpful techniques to focus on through the tough times in life when we need to seek strength through prayer. I found some very useful concepts and methods to connect spiritually through the routines expressed in this book. I recommend it for focusing on a strong and meaningful prayer life.

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