"Oh My Soul"

by Jaleesa Cox

Description

Collections from a modern-day Psalmist, Oh My Soul presents a new age approach to devotion with a poetical twist. Have you ever been in love with Him? Have you ever felt like His love left? Desire. Hope. Deliverance. In Oh My Soul, author Jaleesa Cox expresses the love of God, our love toward Him, and the trying times in between.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.deepershopping.com (best price)

Biography

Jaleesa Cox is a 4K teacher. She is an active member in her church, helping with children's ministry and serving as needed. When not working, she enjoys listening to classical music and instrumental jazz. Jaleesa Also enjoys attending theatrical productions with family and friends.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jaleesa-R-Cox/1587508944870977?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Jaleesa Cox has composed her own version of the biblical version of Psalms in modern day poetic prose. Based on her own experiences and her relationship with God she has put pen to paper and created a refreshing modern devotional book. Each of her psalms is titled and listed in a table of contents so that topics that may be pertinent to the reader can easily be found. A daily devotion and prayer book all in one for modern day readers, I found this little book to be well written and original. Well done!

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

"Sailing in Style"

(Love by Design, #2)

by Dana Mentink

Description

  

Fledgling decorator Cy Franco has an impossible mission; to turn the water damaged reception room of an historic inn into a showplace fit for the spectacular private wedding of a celebrity actor couple. The sticky wicket? The work must be done without disturbing any of the guests and the River King Inn happens to be a paddle wheel steamboat. For Cy it’s a golden opportunity to support Dollars and Sense, a decorating company owned by Cy and his sister Rosa. And really, he can’t exactly refuse the work, since he was the one who caused the damage in the first place when he caught site of a woman from his past, Piper Brindle, the lady who stole his heart (and his pickup truck.)

Missing jewelry and jilted lovers? Slipcovers and celebrities? Paintbrushes and painful pasts? It’s going to be a tumultuous journey on this river boat cruise.

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

Biography

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two teen girls (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.
Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and a two time ACFW Carol Award winner. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, Harlequin Heartwarming, and Harvest House Publishers. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Website: http://www.danamentink.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.mentink?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

Aboard the steamboat River King Inn we are introduced to several quirky characters, some with questionable backgrounds and motives and others who'll warm your heart. I was immediately fond of Cy, a work driven, tender hearted, lonely young man who carries a load  of heartache that refuses to let him go. His past love, Piper, is a frustrating young woman who is goal driven to become an actress at the expense of the one who loves her most.

The setting is charming, and easily envisioned as a grand old relic of the past, with a possible resplendent future. Events throughout this story are fast paced and filled with mystery and intrigue. There are characters who warmed my heart, and others who are as irritating as a nasty fly! The balance of characters and events was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I found humor between the lines and was touched by the warmth generated by the author's approach to some very special family members. This is a wonderful weekend read filled with mysterious events and romance, a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and captivated throughout!

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

"Heaven's Symphony"

by Steve Swanson

Description

Worship is more than music… it is your invitation to a divine encounter!

When you worship, more is going on than meets the eye. You take your place among a heavenly symphony that has been offering up praise since the dawn of time.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Steve Swanson travels throughout the world leading worship, teaching, and speaking.  Steve carries the anointing that brings the atmosphere of heaven to earth, bringing worshipers into a place of God’s glory and life-changing presence.

Since 1997, Steve has overseen Friends of the Bridegroom Worship Ministries and has released 25 worship CDs.

Website: http://fobworshipmin.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.swanson.33

My Thoughts ~

In this revelation, Steve Swanson gives testimony to the many facets of his relationship with God, and offers his experiences so that others can attain closeness with God. He describes the sounds of heaven through the sounds of the simplest things in life, and transcribes those sounds into music, Heaven's Symphony....

Also discussed are the steps used to effectively speak to God through thanksgiving, praise and worship. As the author states, "obedience is the key to staying in God's presence....   placing more faith in God's provision, goodness and wisdom...."

The author's experiences and wisdom are very intense and passionate, and resonate with the notes of sounds we hear every day. 

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

"The Final Reveille"

A Living History Museum Mystery

by Amanda Flower

Description

As the director of Barton Farm, a living history museum, Kelsey Cambridge is underpaid and under appreciated, but she loves every minute of it. Determined to keep the struggling museum open, she plans to impress Barton Farm's wealthy benefactress, Cynthia Cherry, with a Civil War reenactment on the farm's grounds.
Unfortunately, the first shot in the battle isn't from a period soldier. It's from Cynthia's greedy nephew, Maxwell, who fires a threat at Kelsey to cut the museum's funding. The next morning, things go from bad to worse when Kelsey discovers Maxwell dead. Now Kelsey is the number one suspect, and she must start her own investigation to save Barton Farm . . . and herself.

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

Biography

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she'd found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel and her children's mystery, Andi Unexpected, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best Children's/YA Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She also writes mysteries as Isabella Alan. 

Visit her at www.amandaflower.com 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authoramandaflower


My Thoughts ~

A living history museum director organizes an attempt to relive the Civil War with a four-day re-enactment of a time in our history that divided our nation. In the hope of seeking continued support of Barton Farm, Kelsey Cambridge discovers more than her share of surprises throughout this event. 

Having been to Civil War re-enactments in the past I'm impressed with the knowledge that the author imparts in this whirlwind of sinister activities. Kelsey is one of those characters who is relatable and very likable. Her life hasn't been easy, but her love of her job is apparent throughout this maze of mysterious events, including her sleuthing skills while attempting to unearth a murderer.

As with other Amanda Flower's books I've enjoyed, I found this book to be a cozy mystery with some unexpected events that I wasn't suspecting. The characters throughout this book are interesting, quirky, and some not so likable! I enjoyed reading this book as it captured my attention and kept it until the end. This is a great weekend read that will certainly keep you entertained!

" Andi Under Pressure"

(An Andi Boggs Novel)

by Amanda Flower

5 stars

2014 Agatha Award Nominee
Best Children's/YA Mystery

ANDI AND COLIN ARE BACK!

Twelve-year-old Andora ‘Andi’ Boggs and her new best friend Colin Carter couldn’t be more excited to attend the prestigious science camp at the local university in Killdeer, Ohio. Unfortunately, Discovery Camp’s curriculum appears to include much more than just chemistry and biology. From day one, the university is plagued by a series of pranks---missing markers, loose crickets, and stolen scales. Campus security blames the mysterious janitor Polk, but even though Andi agrees he’s acting suspicious, she can’t believe the gentle old man would do anything illegal. Then one prank goes too far and their chemistry professor is injured by an explosion in the lab, upping the stakes of the investigation. Andi and Colin must unravel the secrets behind the chemistry department and Polk’s dark past before danger closes the camp for good.  

Purchase this book at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

 

Biography:

   

Amanda Flower, a three-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

Website:  http://amandaflower.com

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

My Thoughts ~

Andi and Colin are attending a summer science camp held at the local college. Amateur sleuths, they're about to delve into mysterious events surrounding the science department. Andi and Colin's capers bring to mind stories of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys from my childhood.

Amanda Flower uses many innovative elements in her stories concerning Andi and her best friend, Colin. The sweet innocence portrayed in these short novels is exemplary. Childhood is presented as it should be, filled with creativity, exploration and imagination. All is not rosy in the lives of these youngsters, but the author uses difficult issues to create a portrait of reality through fiction. 

Andi's capers are intriguing, enchanting and humorous.  I found Andi Under Pressure to be a sweet and very enjoyable read, and I look forward to future stories about Andi and her friends. I highly recommend this book for children ages 9-14 and older. Adults will find these stories delightful as well!

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

 

"Five Brides"

by 

Eva Marie Everson

5 stars!

Description

One dress, five women, a lifetime of memories.

Five single, fiercely independent women live together in a Chicago apartment in the early 1950s but rarely see one another. One Saturday afternoon, as they are serendipitously together downtown, they spy a wedding dress in a storefront window at the famous Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. After trying it on—much to the dismay of the salesclerk and without a single boyfriend or date between the five of them—they decide to pool their money to purchase it. Can one dress forever connect five women who live together only a short time before taking their own journeys to love and whatever comes happily ever after?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

I was born and reared just outside of Savannah, Georgia. Yeah, I have a southern accent. It gets a little more southern every time I cross the Florida/Georgia state line. I'm an ex-nurse and a seminary graduate. I hated nursing but love God with a passion and can hardly get through a conversation without talking about our relationship! I think the Old Testament is totally FUN to read (I mean, HOW much stuff can one clan of people get in to?) and the New Testament draws me closer to Heaven. Yeah! 
I'm married even though my hubby had to have his wedding band cut off due to an infected spider bite. The nurse said either that or the finger would fall off. I was going for the second option, but was alone in that. :) Now he wears it on his right hand. I can live with that. We have kids and grandkids and two absolutely adorable dogs, Hope and Poodar.

I'm rarely still and I sleep very little.

Life is good.

http://www.evamarieeverson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CedarKeyNovels?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

I loved this book! The five women portrayed in Five Brides are significantly different from one another, but as women, shared many of the same needs and desires. Each character is represented with strength and definition. I felt as if I actually had formed a relationship with each of them. This author developed her characters in a way that although each depended upon another, they were distinct individuals with diverse goals and unique responses to their respective circumstances.

I highly recommend this novel for the originality and depth of character portrayed throughout. My attention to the stories of these five women was captured and never wavered. If you're looking for a great novel to take on vacation or just for the pleasure of relaxing for several hours, this is one you don't want to miss!

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

"Unmasked Heart"

A Regency Challenge of the Soul Series

by Vanessa Riley

Description

Shy, nearsighted caregiver, Gaia Telfair always wondered why her father treated her a little differently from her siblings, but she never guessed she couldn't claim his love because of a family secret, her illicit birth. With everything she knows to be true evaporating before her spectacles, can the mulatto passing for white survive being exposed and shunned by a powerful duke who has taken an interest in her?
 
Ex-warrior, William St. Landon, the Duke of Cheshire, will do anything to protect his mute daughter from his late wife's scandals. With a blackmailer at large, hiding in a small village near the cliffs of Devonshire seems the best option, particularly since he can gain help from the talented Miss Telfair, who has the ability to help children speak. If only he could do a better job at shielding his heart from the young lady, whose honest hazel eyes see through his jests as her tender lips challenge his desire to remain a single man.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

http://www.booksamillion.com

Biography

Even as she pursued engineering degrees, Vanessa Riley's love of 19th century history yielded a hunger to take as many Western Civilization credits as possible (two classes shy of a minor). Vanessa adores Regency times with its conflicts between Church and State, the clash of the classes, and the sweeping romances. Her mission is to have the world fall in love with powerful Regency heroes and heroines who battle for peace with a flintlock and a prayer. Vanessa writes from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey or Cinnamon Spice. 

Website: http://vanessariley.com/

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

My Thoughts ~

Set in the early 19th century this regency novel is unlike any other I have read to date. The author has broached a topic that many regency authors would shy from, mixed race. Gaia knew she was different but when confronted with the fact that her biological father was a black man Gaia's world crumbled around her.
 

Steeped in mystery, deception and intrigue with a strong Christian influence, this story of faith, forgiveness, love and lack thereof, captured my attention immediately. As the story developed I grew to love Gaia and William, even as I became frustrated with each of them for their hesitation in committing to one another. Both characters lived with scandalous family secrets. Their attraction was undeniable, but the past stood in the way of a future relationship. 

The author presents a well developed plot, with strong characters of widely differing socioeconomic status, composed with personalities from opposite ends of the spectrum, honorable and respectable versus evil and despicable. Unpredictable and well written, I enjoyed the varied characters throughout this interesting and captivating book. Additional editing could improve the book, but this did not affect my enjoyment of the story.

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