"The Story Keeper"

by Lisa Wingate

 Intriguing & Emotive!

Description

When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen?s suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains . . . and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.

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About the author

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of over twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LisaWingateAuthorPage?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Shortly after beginning her career with a new publishing house, Jen discovers a mysterious, old, partial manuscript on the corner of her desk that defies explanation. After reading these first chapters she is determined to find the elusive author in order to publish the book in its entirety. The owner of Vida House Publishing makes arrangements for her to travel to the community where the suspected enigmatic author resides. Her past converges with the present as she discovers herself in the Appalachian community where she grew up.

"The Story Keeper" is a mystifying, poignant story within a story that evokes numerous emotions as the story of the protagonist's childhood unravels, and the events described in an old manuscript take her on a journey that is esoteric and compelling. The intertwining of the stories interwoven in this masterful novel are intriguing and revealing. The descriptive elements are picturesque, descriptive to the point that visions of the Appalachian mountains and the glory contained within come alive with the beauty of the terrain, waterfalls and streams. The characters presented are colorful, diverse and distinctive. 

This story moves at a pace that leaves no room for boredom. I discovered emotional connections throughout this story, told with depth and sensitivity. Lisa Wingate has once again created a deeply moving and entertaining story filled with mystery, intrigue and ethereal qualities. I highly recommend "The Story Keeper!" I was completely engrossed in this creative story within a story.

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.

"The Matchmaker"

The Amish Classics Book 2

by Sarah Price

Review & GIVEAWAY!

 Emma's Consequences!

Description

When Emma’s interference in her friends’

lives backfires, will the consequences

be more than she bargained for?

Emma Weaver is twenty-one years old and has found a passion for playing

matchmaker with her friends.  Her neighbor, Gideon King, warns her about

interfering in people’s lives, but she disregards his advice and plans to set up

Paul, the son of the bishop, with her friend Hannah.
 

But when Paul misinterprets Emma’s attention, believing she has feelings

for him, he begins asking her to ride in his buggy after Sunday singings and

shows up at her house for Friday evening visits.  As she tries to repair the

damage that’s been done and mend the hearts that have been broken, she

finds herself in trouble with the community.  Will she learn her lesson and

stop meddling in the affairs of others?  Will she find a love of her own?

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

The author of over 25 novels, Sarah Price brings her Anabaptist roots and over 25 years experience with the Amish to her books, many of which have been Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers (Plain Fame, Plain Change, Amish Faith, & others). 

Initially, she published as an Indie author, but now publishes Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall Press, an imprint of Brilliance Publishing. Her first book for Realms, First Impressions: An Amish Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was released in May 2014 and debuted in the ECPA Christian Fiction Top 25 Bestseller List in June 2014.

Visit the author's website and blog at http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com. 
Like her Facebook page at http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Follow her on Twitter @SarahPriceAmish and Instagram @SarahPriceAuthor.

My Thoughts ~

Emma's idea of helping others is a rare gift to the elderly Amish women she visits weekly, and she is highly praised for her godly and generous spirit. Devoted to her aging father, Emma decided that marriage is not for her, but her penchant for matchmaking is meddlesome if not calamitous. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Emma's zest for life and her positive outlook. There were moments when I'd like to have given her the evil eye, but I perceived Emma as an energetic, enthusiastic young woman whose motives are admirable, for the most part. As for the other situations she creates for herself and others...... well, let's leave it at that.

Set in rural Pennsylvania Amish country, Sarah Price paints a clear and vivid portrait of the Amish community, and the close-knit relationships that the Amish share. Not all is painted as perfect, as the Amish are human and struggle with many of the issues we all share. Very familiar with the Northern Indiana Amish communities, I was easily transported to this Pennsylvania Amish setting, and felt right at home with the author's extensive knowledge regarding the Amish culture. 

The characters depicted in "The Matchmaker" are colorful, realistic and very well described. The events throughout this highly enjoyable novel provide a myriad of emotions! I thoroughly enjoyed this unpredictable tale created as an Amish version of Jane Austen's "Emma." A word of warning for those of you about to read this amusing and entertaining book, don't waste your time attempting to sleep. I simply couldn't put the book down! I was thoroughly engrossed until the very last page! Pick up a copy and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Friday, 2-13-2015.

"The Advocate"

by Randy Singer

 Powerful!

Description

At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths—Roman crucifixion.

When he returns to Rome, Theophilus must prove himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He endures the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials and the attempts of a cruel tyrant to control the woman he loves. But his struggle for revenge leaves a stain on both the empire and his own troubled soul.

Ultimately, he will face the most notorious Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?

The Advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

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Parable

Biography

Randy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned nine legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel "Directed Verdict." In addition to his law practice and writing, Randy serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He calls it his "Jekyll and Hyde thing"--part lawyer, part pastor. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Virginia Beach. They have two grown children. Visit his Web site at www.randysinger.net or meet him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/randydsinger?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

My Thoughts ~

"He defied an emperor and inspired a faith." The Advocate is historical fiction, the story of Theophilus, a character about whom very little is known. As a fourteen-year-old Theophilus suffers crucifixion at the hands of his peers, leading to his education continuing in Greece. Through his association with Pontias Pilate he was instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a decision he later regrets and spends the rest of his life in remorse and atonement. Political and legalistic protocol from that time in history is the focus throughout this well researched book. 

Incorporating historical fact with fiction Randy Singer has created a powerful novel that is unforgettable. This book is not for the faint of heart. There is graphic detailing of violence and bloodshed, an open and realistic portrayal of the life and times. Detailing and historical accuracy reveal the author's in-depth research in order to bring this book to fruition. Details in legalism and the customs from this period in history are compelling. This is a tough book to digest, with much to absorb, but well worth the time to read and ponder the events from that period of time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through 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.

"Murder Tightly Knit"

An Amish Village Mystery #2

by Vannetta Chapman

Review & GIVEAWAY!

5 Stars!

Good news! The publisher sent me an extra copy of "Murder Tightly Knit!" That's great news for those of you who follow my blog! We're doing another GIVEAWAY! Please read the Contest Guidelines & Optional chances to add to your chances of winning! Good luck!

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 Thoughts ~

"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 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 Friday, February 6, 2015.

"Amy Lillard's Blog Relay and Amish Giveaway"

Welcome to LEG #2 of the Courting Emily blog tour. If this is your first stop, it’s probably best to follow the link below and go back to the first stop so you don’t miss anything. Remember: one lucky winner will receive a purple-themed basket filled with some of James Riehl’s favorite things.

Now on to the next segment…

(To go back to the beginning--  http://www.amywritesromance.com/blog/

After Elam had left school, he’d had to settle himself with the occasional chance meeting in town or perhaps the off-Sunday volleyball game. Other than that, he hardly saw her. Their four year age difference put them in different youth groups. Like it would have mattered. Luke had captured her heart long ago.

Then for Elam to come into his own house and see the pity in her eyes…

It was almost more than he could bear.

He slapped his gloves against his leg and slipped the multi-use pliers into his back pocket. He’d been out walking the fence all morning, after chasing down two heifers that had somehow gotten out of the pasture. He found the hole and patched it, but the incident put him behind for the day. He had two more acres of alfalfa to bale before the cold hit. If the talk around the co-op was right, they were in for a long winter this year.

Before he could get to the hay, he had an apology to make. 

Of course it was the hottest day on record for early October, and he had to humble himself before Emily Ebersol. He swiped one sleeve across his forehead.

This is the spot in the book where Elam told me that he had been in love with Emily for as long as she had been in love with Luke. Some characters just don’t turn loose of their secrets easily. 

Ready for more? Join me over at Diana Montgomery’s blog.

But first, don’t forget to leave a comment here to be eligible for the drawing. Don’t know what to say? Tell me your high school team colors. (Mine were purple and gold.) Or just say “hey!”

Diana’s Blog: http://dianasbookit.blogspot.com/

This contest runs January 29, 2015--February 5, 2015. Any comments left after midnight EST will not be eligible for the drawing. 

"The Song"

by Chris Fabry

4.0 out of 5 stars Song of Songs

Description

Jed King's life has been shaped and scarred by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Jed's dreams of a successful music career seem out of reach . . . until he meets Rose.

Inspired by his love for the vineyard owner's daughter, Jed pens a new song—a song with such emotional power and longing that it catapults him into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago and now threatens to unravel his marriage.

The pull of "The Song" takes Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with failure, the pain of loss, and the desire to be who God created them to be. Together they will test the limits of the promise that love is the power that heals.

Lyrical and deeply honest, The Song asks hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men is a fool for love, can true love persevere?

Based on the motion picture screenplay by Richard L. Ramsey.

Purchase at the following locations:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Christian Book Distributors, Deeper Shopping and Parable Christian Books.

Biography

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, and his latest release, Every Waking Moment, have won three Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.

He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.

He can be found at http://chrisfabry.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Fabry/148580635211003

My Thoughts ~

"The Song" is a biblically based fictional story inspired by King Solomon's "Song of Songs." 

Jed King is an aspiring musician who wants more from his life than his father personified. He longs to compose music with heart and soul, and his dream is to send a message of hope and Christian love through his songs. Rose needs a last-minute musician for their annual fall festival held at her father's vineyard, and as luck would have it Jed was available. Rose becomes the inspiration for Jed's music, poetic, passionate and inspired by God. Thus begins the love story between Jed and Rose.

Chris Fabry has written a passionate, inspiring story that is unforgettable. The creativity and poetry that spoke through this book is outstanding, and filled with emotion. As I began to read "The Song" I discovered it to be a beautiful revelation of new love and the resultant passion that comes from a strong sense of emotional bonding between two people. 

The characters are very well defined and represent realistic and humanistic traits. Rose's father is a very strong character who is presented with a very gruff exterior but an inner gentility is revealed. Rose and Jed represent a credible portrait of 21st century young adults, their dreams and their failures. 

Unfortunately the book was predictable which isn't unusual, but the reading became very difficult for me. My instincts affected how I reacted to the story, and although the writing was exceptional my personal reactions dampened my enthusiasm. This is my personal opinion, which is the sole reason for reviewing books. Read it for the beauty contained within. Don't base your opinion on mine. The writing itself is passionate and memorable!

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

"Hidden Agenda"

Southern Crimes #3

by Lisa Harris
Review & GIVEAWAY!

4.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced suspense!

Description

Michael Hunt is alive--and on the run. Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment he's been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

This nonstop chase from taut suspense writer Lisa Harris will leave readers breathless as they race to connect the dots before it's too late.

Order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

Biography

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women's group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." (Proverbs 31:8)

When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org & facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/lisaharriswrites?fref=ts

My Review ~

Michael Hunt was presumed dead after a bomb exploded and there were no identifiable remains aside from his DNA. For eight months his family has mourned him, while he is secretly working an undercover assignment with the cartel. Rescued from the cartel his life is on the line. Both the cartel and the Atlanta police department are hunting him down. Betrayed by corruption in the police department and the drug lord who wants him dead, Michael is on the run. Olivia Hamilton and her brother attempt to help, only involving themselves in the deadly chase.

A fast-paced suspense kept me turning the pages of this very messy scenario. Characters run the gamut throughout this deadly pursuit for one man's life, involving a young woman and her deaf brother who are in as deep as the main character. No matter where they turn danger lurks around every corner, and there is no end to the number of hitmen seeking to kill them. As romance develops it also complicates matters. The main character is in over his head. The author has done her homework well. Police procedurals are well researched and utilized throughout this book, and the evils of the drug cartel are well represented. There is a lot to absorb throughout this thriller. If you don't mind sitting on the edge of your seat you'll love "Hidden Agenda!"

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.

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 26, 2015.