"Out of the Storm"

A Novella

(Beacons of Hope Series)

by Jody Hedlund

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful introduction to the Beacons of Hope series!

Description

Having grown up in a lighthouse, loneliness is all Isabelle Thornton has ever known–and all, she assumes, she ever will know. But when her lightkeeper father rescues a young man from the lake, her sheltered world is turned upside down.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund’s Out of the Storm is her first ever novella and introduces readers to Beacons of Hope, a new series set in the 1800s amid the romance, history, and danger surrounding the Great Lakes lighthouses of Michigan.

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Read Isabelle’s Letter:

Isabelle’s Letter

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.

Connect with Jody at the following locations:

http://jodyhedlund.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

My Review ~

In this novella the author introduces the role of lighthouse keepers along the Great Lakes, Lake Huron in particular. A widowed man and his daughter are alone on a distant isle on the eastern coast of Michigan's lower peninsula. Lake Huron storms are harsh and have battered many ships through the years. This story develops around a seriously injured lone survivor of a shipwreck and his attraction to the lightkeeper's daughter.

Jody Hedlund has done an outstanding job of creating the pace for a new series of books surrounding lighthouses around the state of Michigan. Her research is impeccable, and the romantic involvement in this short book is tangible. Certainly there is no room for in-depth development; however, considering the brevity of this novella the author has piqued my interest in her newest series. Jody is known for creating well developed characters and a spine tingling story of danger and romance. A very strong theme recurring through this story is hope.  I highly recommend this free novella as an introduction to further books in this series.

Disclaimer: I obtained a copy of this novella free through Amazon with no expectations for a review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Adriana's Secrets

The Secrets of The Montebellis Series

Book 2

by Cheryl Colwell
Review & GIVEAWAY!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Heartless Deception!

Description

Tragedy strikes the mountain town of Mont Castello, the home of Adriana Montebelli. Orphaned in 1888, Adriana's life is swept along at the whim of forceful men who decide where she will live and who she will marry. Instead of breaking her, their cruel deceptions toughen her resolve to take control. Though she rises to manage the vast Van Buren estate, she wonders if her broken heart will have the strength to love again.

Follow Adriana's journey as she navigates the challenges of woman's suffrage, union violence, and the tragic hardships of love and loss, while struggling to cling to her faith.

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Print Books:

BUY FROM AUTHOR $13.99 Signed Print copy

FREE shipping (within the U.S. only)

 

Biography

Passionate about all things creative, Cheryl finds inspiration in the countryside of Ashland, Oregon - her family's ancestral home and the perfect venue for her interests in writing, gardening, art, and relationships. 

John, her husband, best friend, and chiropractor, keeps her in shape for gardening and writing long into the night. They are delighted to have four unique and talented children and three grandchildren. A smart and playful English Shepherd makes their empty nest a happy place. Cheryl says, "I am blessed beyond measure to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and friend." 

She began writing fiction in 2007. Following the theme, "Stunning Suspense," her characters visit stunning locations while they pursue adventurous quests peppered with mystery, suspense, and romance. She thinks of her novels as "cozy" suspense.

Author's website: http://www.cherylcolwell.com/

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

My Review ~

Adriana Montebelli has suffered overwhelming tragedy and loss throughout her life as told in "Adriana's Secrets." This is a history of the events that precede the novel, "The Secrets of the Montebellis." The story begins with 7-year-old Adriana and her younger sister, and the events that separate them not only physically but spiritually. Separated by the families who accommodate them, the sisters drift further apart until their familial relationship is literally destroyed. Deception and betrayal become the norm throughout Adriana's life, and her faith deteriorates as a result. Her trust and hope are destroyed by the people she loves, yet she forges ahead through adversity.

Cheryl Colwell writes a brilliant romantic suspense novel that contains a myriad of unexpected developments. She portrays characters with great depth and sensitivity, creating individuals with charisma and distinction, as well as those who represent the most corrupt and ruthless beings. The author's descriptions throughout this book are highly picturesque and represent tangible images of the landscape and the moods evoked by the settings. Suspense flourishes throughout this book, and I literally had to force myself to put the book down to get some sleep. "Adriana's Secrets" is a novel that will hold your attention until the very end. I highly recommend this book replete with danger, conflict, misfortune and romance, with a renewal of hope and faith interwoven throughout the pages.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and her publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expression 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 Monday, January 12, 2015.

"Paint Chips"

by Susie Finkbeiner
Review & GIVEAWAY!

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey through healing & redemption

What lies beneath the layers of hurt?

Though haunted by her troubled past, Dot has found a safe haven. She has a fierce protector and a colorful collection of friends...but sometimes she wonders if her life will ever be normal again. Though college and romance await her, embracing them requires a new kind of strength--one she isn't sure she has.

Emerging from years of confusion, Cora struggles to latch hold of the sanity she needs to return to the real world. She yearns to find a place of peace...but first she must deal with the ghosts of her past.

Can this mother and daughter overcome abuse, betrayal, abandonment, and the horrors of sexual trafficking, and make it back into each others arms?

Facing the past is never easy. But as they chip away the layers, they might just find something beautiful beneath the mess.

Available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and
Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Biography

Susie Finkbeiner is a novelist 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. 

Susie's third novel "A Cup of Dust" will release Fall, 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.

Susie Finkbeiner is represented by Ann Byle from Credo Communications. 

Susie can be reached at her website: http://www.susiefinkbeiner.com/ and Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Susie-Finkbeiner/191087155015?sk=timeline

My Review ~

"Paint Chips" reveals the painful life stories of three women whose lives were very nearly destroyed as young children. Their stories are interwoven in a remarkable manner, each sharing a common thread. Abuse is no stranger to these women as their childhood lives were brutally torn from them, innocence and youth destroyed. These atrocities are all too common in our society, emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse. As the stories of these three women unfold realism becomes so profoundly cruel that you'll never see life the same way again. The atrocities of what these women suffered are happening all around us, in the slums, in the suburbs, in our own backyards, even here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Due to the risk of spoilers I am not going into further detail regarding a description of this book.

Susie Finkbeiner has researched a very difficult topic, sex trafficking in all its basal forms, how it begins, where it is found, how it travels, the effects of this ever-growing cancer in our society. This is a Christian reality fiction story that you need to read for yourself. The author is very careful in not becoming graphic in her descriptions of the abuses that occur throughout this story. Openness and honesty are at the core of this difficult tale told with compassion that encompasses the lives described throughout "Paint Chips," and those who reach out to help them. When I took "Paint Chips" off the shelf I knew I was in for a ride into the dark side of life, but I found the hand of God within the pages of this book. At times I felt I couldn't read fast enough, and then I had to stop, lay the book aside, and process the images that raced through my mind. 

The author is very gifted at painting a realistic portrait of life at ground level. Mental images created through her descriptive talents revealed authentic impressions of the various locations throughout the book. The inhumanity of life in its most barbarous form is revealed in a very tasteful and sensitive manner. The brutal honesty in "Paint Chips" occurs in every community, today, tonight, tomorrow and until our society puts a stop to the practice. 

Pick up a copy of this book and educate yourself to the activities going on around you, and take a stand to help cure this cancer of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book, particularly to those who work with children. You could be the one to identify an issue that may be happening to a child in your life.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure, with no expectations from the author or publisher to write a 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 Monday, January 5, 2015.

A Robertson Family Christmas

by Miss Kay Robertson

& Travis Thrasher

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, poignant & entertaining!

Description

Hunter Clarke wanted one thing for Christmas: to spend it with his dad and his brother. He misses being included in any guy trips since his parents divorced and he went to live with his mom. So he’s less than happy when his mother tells him that he won a contest to spend Christmas in West Monroe, Louisiana, with a family named the Robertsons. For some reason, they’re supposed to be a big deal. How did he win a contest he didn't enter? Besides, he’s never heard of them and sure doesn't want to spend Christmas in a swamp with a bunch of strangers.

Korie Robertson is excited to open her heart and home to Hunter and show him what the Christmas season looks like for the Robertson family. And like it or not, Hunter experiences it firsthand. From duck-hunting disasters with the bearded guys, to learning to cook with Miss Kay, Hunter quickly discovers what it’s like to live with this boisterous, yet loving family. Putting on his headphones and ignoring them is not an option. Before long, Hunter begins to let his guard down. But with Christmas and the end of his trip fast approaching, will it be too little, too late? Or will Hunter be open to the greatest gift of all?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Kay Robertson, also known as Miss Kay, is an American television personality, best known for her appearances on the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty.

Biography

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter. He has been writing since he was in the third grade. His writing is known for its honestly, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives in Chicago with his wife and three daughters. Learn more about Thrasher as www.travisthrasher.com.

My Review ~

I must say that I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I chose to read A Robertson Family Christmas. I haven't followed their television program, aside from watching a couple of episodes. This book changed the way I originally perceived this family and their somewhat "atypical" lifestyle. 

Contrary to my first impressions this book enlightened me. I found the Robertson family to be the most loving, compassionate, godly family, generous in sharing of themselves and their good fortune. This fictional book is a pretty realistic portrayal of the Robertsons, and how they live their lives. They are unassuming, faith-filled and represent a closeness that many families will never experience. 

Miss Kay and Travis Thrasher did a remarkable job of weaving this tale of taking in a teen aged boy from a broken home to experience a Robertson family Christmas. The faith and unassuming acceptance that they offered this young man is commendable. Emotions rolled over me as I read this book, shedding a tear here and there, and laughing out loud at some of the antics of the Robertson men! I highly recommend this warmhearted Christmas book. I'm passing my copy on to one of my daughters who is a huge fan of the Robertsons, but I'm going to ask to borrow it back at Christmas next year to enjoy the experience all over again.

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

Christmas Treasures

A Collection of Christmas Short Stories

by authors:

Patty Wysong, Linda S. Glaz, Christina Rich, Karen Wingate, Karen Campbell Prough, Karla Akins, Donna Hubbard Scofield, Elaine Stock, Karlene Jacobsen, Joanne Sher, Kathleen Rouser, April Strauch, Anne Garboczi Evans, Susan F. Craft.

4.0 out of 5 stars Warmhearted Christmas Tales

Description

Heartwarming stories of Christmas that will become favorites to read year after year. Join us for stroll through America, yesterday and today, where hearts are joined at Christmas time.

Purchase at:

http://www.amazon.com/

My Review ~

Christmas Treasures is a compilation of numerous short Christmas stories written by a wide variety of authors. The topics vary as much as the authors, and there is something for everyone in this collection of brief reads. This is a sweet ebook to have available on your electronic reader for those times when you're relaxing with a cup of your favorite beverage. During this hectic season of gatherings and planning, shopping and wrapping, it's a nice little break to sit down and read a tale or two from this Christmas collection.

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

Wanda E Brunstetter's 

"The Simple Life Devotional," Devotional Thoughts from Amish Country

5.0 out of 5 stars A very special book

Description

There are lessons to be learned in Amish country, if we’ll only take the time to hear them. Come along for a look at The Simple Life, with 60 true-to-life Amish stories, and 60 delicious Amish recipes.A hard-backed version with color photos.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

https://www.facebook.com/WandaBrunstetterFans

My Review ~ 

Wanda E. Brunstetter has an abundance of knowledge regarding the Amish culture, beliefs and customs. She and her husband, Richard, share numerous Amish friendships throughout the Amish communities around the country. This devotional is beautifully crafted. Each entry begins with scripture and a daily lesson gleaned from an Amish friend, followed by "Food for Thought," an Amish recipe to enjoy. These lessons are intended to assist in slowing down our lives in order to enjoy the simpler way of life. 

This book also features beautiful photography of the Amish countryside all across the country. These photographs were taken by Wanda's husband, Richard, who possesses a wonderful penchant for the beauty throughout these Amish communities. This very special devotional would make a lovely gift for a family member or friend. The contents are filled with enjoyable lessons about Amish life, and mouth-watering recipes you're sure to enjoy. 

Also included on the back cover of this book is a lovely bookmark to be used with this devotional or any book you happen to be reading. I cherish this book, and highly recommend it!

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