Christmas Comes To Little Hickman Creek 

by Sharlene MacLaren

5.0 out of 5 stars Warmhearted visit with friends from the past

Description

Two years ago this Christmas, Sadie Bennett's beloved husband was killed in a tragic accident at the local sawmill. What was once her favorite time of year now haunts her, with its cheerful trappings a cruel reminder of the love she lost. The young widow would like nothing more than to hibernate until the festivities are over. When she finds herself assigned to the committee tasked with picking a Christmas tree for the town square of Little Hickman Creek, she begrudgingly agrees but determines to fulfill her duties to the bare minimum. As the search for a suitable tree gets under way, Sadie is dismayed to learn that one of her fellow committee members is a man she's worked hard to avoid. Reed Harris owns the local livery, and while he's friendly enough, good-looking, too, Sadie isn't ready to invest in another relationship. In fact, she may never be ready, unless a Christmas miracle manages to thaw her frozen heart.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University, earning a degree in elementary teaching. In 1975, she married one of her childhood friends, and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired from 31 years of teaching,"Shar" enjoys reading, singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandchildren. Her novels include:
Three contemporary romance novels, Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow
Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane; Sarah, My Beloved; and Courting Emma) 
The Daughters of Jacob Kane series (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann) 
River of Hope series (Livvie's Song, Ellie's Haven, and Sofia's Secret)
Tennessee Dreams series (Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, Gift of Grace)

Shar and her husband live in Spring Lake, Michigan. They share their home with their white collie Peyton and their very spoiled Ragdoll cat named Blue.

Sharlene can be located at: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/groups/SharMacLaren/

My Review ~

A visit back in time to the novels of the Little Hickman Creek series reminds me of the friendships developed with the characters throughout that series. Sadie is a young widow whose newlywed husband died in a tragic accident two years prior. Through her grief she has isolated herself from the community by continuing to mourn her loss. Christmas was her favorite time of year, but now it is only a sad reminder of what could have been. Church friends coerce Sadie into helping find a Christmas tree for the community, and becoming involved with the children's Christmas program. Maybe this is just what she needs to overcome her restraint in the form of any social commitments.

Sharlene MacLaren has been a favorite author for several years. I discovered her books in the library, and was soon hooked on her beautiful stories of inspiration and romance. The Little Hickman Creek series was beautifully written, and this short visit back in time to the community has piqued my interest in reading that series again. Sharlene writes with a beautifully inspirational style that lends credibility to her characters and their way of life. Little Hickman Creek is a small community that is described in a quaint style, with the residents of the community an assorted array of characters, just like those in our own lives. Colorful, realistic and with a touch of romance, this is a warm, cozy Christmas story that I would read at any time of year!

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

"Evergreen"

A Christiansen Winter Novella

by Susan May Warren

4.0 out of 5 stars Empty Nest

Description

An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she’ll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris? Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts. 

As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Susan May Warren Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories, that I hope inspire and entertain! 

To learn more connect with Susan here:

http://www.susanmaywarren.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/SusanMayWarrenFiction

My Review ~

Northern Minnesota is the setting and the holidays are approaching. Since they are recent empty nesters John Christiansen sees it as the perfect opportunity to take his wife to Europe. Unfortunately Ingrid doesn't agree with that idea. To top it off, the family dog needs surgery amounting to an all-expense paid trip to Europe! Ingrid gets involved in church Christmas plans, and one thing leads to another.

This is the first book I've read from this series. I think it stands alone, but I would love to have had the opportunity to read the rest of the series first in order to understand the background of the Christiansen family. I am very impressed with the author's creativity and realistic portrayal of the characters in this story. A strong message of faith and family is interwoven throughout a variety of incidents that occur in this moving account of sensitive moments in the lives of the Christiansens. I highly recommend this very poignant novella, and look forward to reading more of Susan May Warren's books in the future!

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 opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Somehow, Christmas Will Come"

by Peggy Blann Phifer

4.0 out of 5 stars Can this broken family find wellness?

Description

When Molly Dugan’s best friend gets married and leaves St. Paul, Minnesota, to live in Georgia, Molly feels alone and plans a visit to her brother, Patrick, in Las Vegas. Molly had been worried about him ever since his wife died in a tragic boating accident. Grieving she could understand, but she sensed something deeper going on. And she was concerned about Patrick’s six-year-old daughter, Bethany.  So she sets aside her life in St. Paul to spend an indeterminate time in Vegas. When Molly gets there, she finds more than she bargained on. And in the lead-up to Christmas, the situation only gets worse…. 6 year-old Bethany loses her last anchor. How does Molly convince her that somehow, Christmas will come.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Biography

Peggy Blann Phifer is an author and columnist, book reviewer and author interviewer, whose work has appeared on various Web sites and writer periodicals both in print and online. She is also an avid reader who loves to escape by diving between the covers of a good book. Peg enjoys handcrafts of all kinds and her home shows off some of her work, though most end up as gifts for friends and family. A retired executive assistant, Peg now makes her home in southern Nevada with husband of 25 years, Jim.

http://peggyblannphifer.com/

https://www.facebook.com

My Review ~

Once Molly Dugan's best friend is married she leaves her foster family to visit her brother in Las Vegas. She is concerned about him due to the accidental and tragic death of his wife. Upon meeting her 6-year-old niece, Molly is in love! Throughout this book numerous family relationships are examined. Tragedy has a profound effect on everyone in this heart wrenching story.

Peggy Blann Phifer has utilized some experiences from her own life throughout this very emotional story. Many issues are explored with a positive approach. Relationships throughout this book are poignant and believable. Love, faith and realism are strong points, and strong family ties are relevant throughout, particularly in difficult circumstances. There were moments in this story that literally brought me to tears, and other times laughter. The author has blended numerous difficult topics into a heartrending story that is unforgettable. I would like to have seen the book even more deeply developed and cultivated into a full-length novel, but for a story of this length it is my opinion that the author presented a very emotional and healing narrative. I highly recommend this book for any time of the year. Only a small portion of the story revolves around Christmas.

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 opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Love Unexpected"

Beacons of Hope # 1

by Jody Hedlund

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful suspense and deception!

Description

1859
Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she’s left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He’s just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other’s dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife’s death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

“Romance, an almost Hitchcockian mystery, and a tale of repentance make a fine mixture in Hedlund’s captivating and suspenseful inspirational novel.” -Booklist

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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.

Jody may be contacted at the following locations;

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

My Review ~

The first in the Beacons of Hope series, Love Unexpected was much more than I expected from the book's description. The light keeper's wife suffered an untimely death, leaving Patrick with no means to care for his 2-year-old son and manage the lighthouse on Presque Isle. Steamboat passengers Emma and her brother Ryan, are victims of pirates overtaking their boat not far from the shore of Presque Isle. Rescued and destitute, Ryan secures a job in the local fishing industry, but Emma has no hope of a future until a marriage of convenience is arranged in order that she raise the lighthouse keeper's young son. Delighted at her good fortune in securing a home for herself, a life of untold secrets and deception threaten her future. 

The events throughout this book kept me wrapped up in this fast-paced, suspenseful drama filled with deception and untold secrets. Brimming with intrigue, tragedy and dread this book kept me riveted to my seat. Unexpected situations lurked around every corner, threatening Emma's safety and reputation. Jody Hedlund has a gift for creating a setting and relationships that are unforgettable. She portrays the lighthouse and the area surrounding it on Presque Isle with accuracy and beauty. Her research is impeccable. Her description of the eastern coast of Michigan and Lake Huron, as well as historic events are commendable. Her characters are also based on individuals who lived on Presque Isle as light keepers in the past. In her Author's Note at the end of her book the author relays information regarding the importance and significance of lighthouses along the shores of Michigan. Historically correct and written with a gift for realism, both in suspense and romance, I highly recommend this inspirational book!

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

"Murder Tightly Knit"

An Amish Village Mystery #2

by Vannetta Chapman

Review & GIVEAWAY!

5 Stars!

Description

In a town where Amish and Englisch Mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . and before he strikes again?

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Discussion questions included.

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Biography

Vannetta Chapman writes fiction full of GRACE. She has published over 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 first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband. 

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

My Review ~

"Murder Tightly Knit" takes place in Middlebury, Indiana, a small community of Amish and Englisch who coexist peacefully. The Amish Village is the local tourist attraction in the area, comprised of several quaint shops, an inn and conference center and local restaurant, surrounded by acres of grassy fields, a pond, and immaculately tended gardens. A winding creek flows through the property connected by a covered bridge. It's a quaint tourist village where local Amish and Englisch run the shops, the village managed by Amber Bowman, Her staff members are important to her, and she maintains a close working relationship with them. 

The Pumpkinvine Trail is a local walking and biking trail through the beautiful Amish countryside which many of the staff members use to get to and from the Amish Village. A peaceful, countryside pathway is the stage for the murder of a young Amish man, the victim of a crossbow arrow through the heart. No witnesses to the event, the question of who wanted young Owen Esch dead becomes the source of much speculation. As the police question all potential suspects, Amber and Hannah, a young Amish woman who runs the coffee shop at the Village share pieces of questionable and suspicious information that has them taking the law into their own hands!

Vannetta Chapman is a very talented novelist of both  Amish fiction and suspense novels. She has penned a fast-paced, suspense-filled, nail-biting murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing regarding "whodunit!" Her attention to detail regarding the geographical location and the residents of the community is impressive. Vannetta does her homework, and does it thoroughly. The characters described in this book are varied and colorful, people we can relate to, aside possibly from a potential murderer! As this story progresses the suspense builds to moments where I had to put the book down to recover from bouts of hyperventilation! There is no guessing in this complicated plot of the mysterious murder and the "person" responsible. Pick up a copy of this highly suspenseful book and take a ride in the fast lane! Be forewarned, you won't want to put this book down until the very last word! I highly recommend all of Vannetta's books, this one included!

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

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

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Monday, January 19, 2015.

"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.

BUY NOW!

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:

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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.