"Guarded"

by

Angela Correll

Description 

Former New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is adjusting to farm life when her grandmother threatens to tear down the old stone house, unable to finance a restoration after the summer fire. Annie’s boyfriend Jake has severed his corporate life in Cincinnati and is jumping headlong into sustainable farming on the land next door. Their new relationship is wonderful--but can it last? As they take steps forward, a paralyzing fear of abandonment threatens to destroy her trust in Jake. As Annie works to save the old stone house she finds letters written during World War II that reveal a family mystery and an Italian connection. Her grandmother is hesitant to uncover the secret, afraid of what it might mean to her family’s name if the truth is laid bare. Comments from a nosy neighbor solidify Annie’s fears about herself and when Beulah agrees for Annie to travel to Italy to search out the family mystery, Annie is happy for the time away to sort out all her feelings. In the meantime, Beulah is left with an unexpected Italian-Catholic house guest who wreaks havoc with Beulah’s Baptist ways and country routine. As the family mystery in Italy unfolds, Annie is forced to face her own past. She is ultimately faced with a choice: will she let history sabotage the future? (Angela Correll) 

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

Angela Correll lives on a farm in Central Kentucky with her husband and an assortment of grass-fed cattle, horses, goats and chickens. Correll owns a retail shop and is co-owner of a farm-to-table restaurant. Her debut novel, Grounded, was an Amazon bestseller.

Visit the author's website at: www.angelacorrell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.c.correll?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~ 

Guarded is a wonderful novel of family dynamics, including extended family and a search for information regarding Annie's ancestors. The old stone house on her grandmother's property holds a key to Annie's past, and her future. A connection with a brilliant, elderly black woman unlocked many of the keys to both of their families and an unsuspected history they share. 

I was so connected to this book that I had a lot of trouble putting it aside. Annie is a sweet but insecure young woman who is searching for pieces of her past and rekindling a relationship with the young man she grew up with. There is no predicting where this story is going. It's a witty and poignant adventure through a small farming community and beyond.

Characters vary from Annie's straight-laced baptist grandmother to her neighbor who is a sophisticated lady and mother to Annie's heartthrob. The neighborhood gossip can weasel a story from the most tight lipped individual, and numerous other colorful and believable characters fill in the gaps. I was so comfortable with each of the characters, they could have been my neighbors. 

Descriptive and tenderly written, there are layers to the story that are interwoven, leading to some very heartwarming and endearing encounters. I'm very impressed with this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more of her novels. Don't miss out on a wonderful journey through a closely knit community and blended relationships that will warm your heart.

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.
 

"Sedahlia"

by

Cynthia D. Toliver

WARNING: PG RATING (Contains adult themes)

Description

After fleeing post-Civil War Georgia, John Masters, Sr., his wife Virginia Masters, and their rebellious servant Jessie Lindsey have built new lives in Texas ranch country. Now their offspring, Johnny Masters and Rachel Lindsey, are in love. On the isolated, sprawling Sedahlia ranch, their youthful dalliances are largely overlooked until Rachel becomes pregnant, forcing Rachel to leave Texas for a freedman’s school in Georgia. From the insulated Sedahlia ranch to the Jim Crow south, the rails both separate and unite - parting lovers, reuniting family, pushing out the old, bringing in the new. It is in these settings that the Masters and Lindseys live and love, and their personal needs and mores collide. The repercussions rumble through this family and the surrounding community, tearing them asunder and bringing them together as only love and tragedy will.

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

About the author

 

I am a 1980 graduate of Rice University and a native Texan. I have enjoyed a varied career as a chemical engineer, environmental consultant, educator and author.
Writing is something I’ve always done. I love the creative process, from beginning to end. As a writer I become invested in the characters and their stories. If I've crafted them well, my readers will do the same.

I also host a Christian blog, Back to Eden at cynthiatoliver.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and my website at www.cynthiatoliver.net.



My Thoughts ~ 

Three generations and two very different families inhabit a ranch called Sedahlia in post Civil War Texas. The war might have been over, but a person's skin color is still a pertinent factor in the social mores. Lines are clearly drawn, and white Americans refuse to allow the crossing of those lines. As servant Jessie Lindsey's daughter and ranch owner John Master's son become impassioned with one another, the birth of a child results.

Relationships, family dynamics and physical attraction are strong aspects in this very well written novel of the lives of those beyond the days of war over slavery. Two very different families are connected through numerous and varied relationships. These families work together, share their lives, losses and love with a respect that connects them far beyond the differences in the color of their skin. 

Passion escalates as lovers connect, and tempers flare over thievery and deception. This edgy novel is realistic and earthy, honest and tempestuous, with human desire and violence a realistic aspect of life. In choosing this novel from the For Readers Only program through The Book Club Network I knew the novel contained some sexual intimacy and physical violence, and with that said, I can honestly say that those factors are an honest representation of the real story. This is life in all of its layers, love and life, disagreement and war, living and dying. 

Sedahlia is a beautifully penned story of the connections of life at the ground level. There is no glossing over of the realities of life. I respect the author for her sensitivity in presenting difficult scenarios with openness and realism through a story that needs to be told.

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

  

Dangerous Tidings

(Pacific Coast Private Eyes)

by Dana Mentink

Description

SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH 

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Brent Mitchell wants only one gift for Christmas: to find his sister. When he discovers that her disappearance is tangled with the death of private eye Bruce Gallagher, he joins forces with Bruce's daughter Donna to investigate. Grieving Donna is as tough as the determined military man…and both will stop at nothing to find the truth. But the duo soon discovers that a murdered father and a missing sister merely top a looming pyramid of secrets on Coronado Island. Deadly secrets. These unlikely partners have vowed to stick together until their most important case is closed—but they may pay with their lives.

Purchase at these locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
 http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com



 



Biography

Dana is an award winning author of Christian fiction. Her novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, won a 2010 Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, and she was pleased to win the 2013 Carol Award for Lost Legacy and a Holt Medallion Merit Award. She's authored more than twelve novels to date for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line. Dana loves feedback from her readers. 

Contact her at www.danamentink.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dana-Mentinks-Reader-Page-340390520776/
Dana Mentink has published or released items in the following series...

1. Love Inspired Large Print Suspense
2. Love Inspired Suspense

My Thoughts ~

I must say that I haven't read a book authored by Dana Mentink that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! I'm a slow reader, but once I start one of Dana's suspense novels I'm hooked and can't seem to read fast enough! Dangerous Tidings is another big hit in my estimation. 

Even with a fairly large cast of characters I didn't miss a thing. Each character is so clearly defined that I was able to relate to each one, feeling that I knew some of them personally. 

Dangerous Tidings is not only about suspense. Heartbreak, loss, family relationships as well as discord result, but family is the key word. The importance of family is paramount, and relationships throughout this mystery are strong.

If you enjoy a suspense story with a great deal of action, chills, thrills and interesting relationships, don't miss this most recent Love Inspired Suspense novel by Dana Mentink. Christmas takes on a whole new realm through this spirited adventure, and faith is ever present!

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. 

 

"An Endless Christmas"

by

Cynthia Ruchti

GIVEAWAY of 2 hardcover copies!

Description 

On the way to Christmas with his family, Micah asks Katie to marry him. She says no, but there is no getting out of Christmas now. The Binder family celebrates every Christmas as if it were their last. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it's Christmas.


This book can be purchased here:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com





It was my good fortune to receive 3 copies of this book, one an advanced review copy, and 2 hardcover copies that I wish to share with readers of my blog. Merry Christmas from Worthy Publishing, Cynthia Ruchti and me!

Biography

Cynthia Ruchti is the author of the critically acclaimed Where the Morning Glory Blooms and They Almost Always Come Home. After 33-years as writer/producer of the daily 15-minute radio broadcast, The Heartbeat of the Home, Cynthia served a two-year term as president of American Christian Fiction Writers and currently serves as ACFW's Professional Relations Liaison. In addition t+o writing novels, devotionals, and magazine articles, she speaks for women's events and writers' conferences. Cynthia and her plot-tweaking husband live in Central Wisconsin, where she creates stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark. Find Cynthia on the web at CynthiaRuchti.com. 


My Thoughts ~

Christmas with the Binder family is what most families dream of. The family and extended family members all gather at their grandparents' cottage for a week of celebration. Living quarters are cramped and tempers "could" flare, but there is so much love shared amongst these characters that cramped quarters and chaos are the norm, and laughter abounds.

I loved this story of a Binder family Christmas. Love and respect are highlights throughout this warm and cozy novella. This is not to say the story reveals the perfect family, but the caring, love and forgiveness expressed are so refreshing. This family owns its share of troubles as any family does, but how they deal with these issues is inspiring. 

Katie finds that not all families are broken and dysfunctional. A journey from her childhood of brokenness, heartbreak and loneliness to eye-opening awe as the Binder family embraces her is a healing balm. Their love and respect surround her in the hope for new beginnings.

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.

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, December 4, 2015.  


 

"A Dream for Love"

(Possible Dreams #1)

by

Lisa Belcastro

Description

DARE TO DREAM  

A single mom with a secret past. A Hollywood star who's life is anything but hidden. Will they dare to dream a dream for love?

"Sold!" 

When the gavel hit the wooden block at the Possible Dreams Auction, Laurel Simmons sat in stunned silence. Her sister had lost her mind, purchasing a week's vacation stay for two at actor Ryan Crandall's beach house on Martha's Vineyard. And then Tammy announced that she was giving the "dream" to Laurel as an early birthday present. 

A month later, Laurel and her four-year-old daughter Gracie arrive at the luxurious house on Squibnocket Beach ready to swim, play, picnic and enjoy the peace and solitude together. 

Laurel's dream vacation quickly turns into a nightmare when Hollywood bad boy Ryan Crandall shows up to escape his latest tabloid headlines. Ryan wants the woman and her child gone. Laurel wants him gone. Fate will bring them together for reasons neither one of them expected, but fate will also drive them apart. 

Laurel has a past she needs to keep hidden. Her life and Gracie's depend on it. Ryan has a past, and present, that's been food for public consumption for over a decade. Will the past deprive them of a future? Or will they dare to dream a dream for love?

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha's Vineyard. She loves time with her family and friends, running, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, chocolate, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat, Ben, who keeps her company while she creates fictional lives for the numerous characters living inside her head.

Lisa runs as an ambassador for TEAM 413 (www.team413.org), and has completed a marathon (26.2 miles) in all fifty states.

Lisa's stories are set on the Vineyard amidst the magnificence of the ocean, the beauty of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and ancient cliffs, as well as the people and events that make the Island so very unique.  

Website:   http://lisabelcastro.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/belcastrolisa/?fref=ts


My Thoughts ~

Laurel, Gracie and Ryan represent much more than the eye beholds. Laurel and Ryan each own dark secrets from the past. Neither is interested in a relationship, and steer clear of each other. Princess Gracie finds Prince Ryan enchanting! A four-year-old treated like a princess becomes a princess, and her mother is entranced by the relationship. 

A beautiful, developing romance that may go nowhere, is enhanced by the closeness and tenderness that Ryan exhibits with Gracie. Ryan's good points seem to be extracted by a sweet, loving, adorable child. As he dotes on her, Laurel is cautiously aware that her little girl has fallen for a "fallen" prince. 

This is one of the sweetest and heartwarming stories I've read in a while. The interaction between Prince Ryan and Princess Gracie is priceless! To me, that is one of the high points in this story, along with the budding romantic feelings that Ryan and Laurel begin to feel for each other. There is some darkness in this seemingly heartwarming tale, and life is tested to the limit. 

You'll need to pick up a copy of this wonderful book to find out all the details involved! I highly recommend "A Dream for Love!" You'll find happy times where it seems there could be none.

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.

 

"Claiming Your Inheritance"

(Unlimited Access to the Voice of God)

by Cherrie Kaylor
GIVEAWAY

Description

Living Under an Open Heaven

How do I hear God’s voice?

As a child of God, hearing the Father’s voice is your spiritual inheritance. The good news is that your Heavenly Father is always talking! In fact, He has a lot to say about your divine purpose in His Kingdom. For over 40 years, God has used Cherrie Kaylor in both church and corporate settings to help people discover the simplicity and joy of hearing from Heaven. In Claiming Your Inheritance, Cherrie teaches you the powerful, yet simple keys she has learned to hearing God’s voice and putting His Word to work.

Don’t just read the Bible as a book of information… experience the living word of God as life-changing revelation! As you open its pages, you will step under an open heaven and receive prophetic guidance from the Holy Spirit for supernatural living, empowerment to face your everyday struggles, and wisdom to decipher Heaven’s language through dream interpretation.

Tune in to hear the sounds of Heaven and start living out your divine destiny… right now!




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

Cherrie Kaylor and Michael Kaylor have been in international and pastoral ministry for over 40 years. Cherrie is also a certified executive coach. She has consulted for Fortune 500 companies as well as being a model and winner in national beauty pageants. Her passion for transformation lead to the creation of Hope Makes A Difference, an international humanitarian ministry. Her prophetic and revelatory gifting is evident as she continues to develop avenues to release the supernatural power of the Kingdom.  

Website:  http://kaylorministries.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Cherrie-Kaylor-337451926347685/?fref=ts



My Thoughts ~ 

"Claiming Your Inheritance" is a guide to learning how to listen for God's voice. By delving into the Bible and learning scripture much can be gleaned, making it possible to fully communicate with God. 

Memorizing scripture, making your own unique scripture book with handwritten entries creates a stillness in which to communicate with God. He not only wants to hear you speak to him. He wants to speak to you.

I found some wonderful principles in this little book that are very useful in developing a very strong personal relationship with God. 

Disclaimer: Thank you to the publisher and Book Fun For Readers Only I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions 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 Tuesday, 11-17-2015.

  

"The Road to Terminus"

by

Catherine Leggitt

Description 

The paths of three strangers collide on a desperate road trip along Route 66. One is running away, one is racing the clock, and the child who binds them merely hopes to survive.
 

Middle-aged widow Mabel Crowley hasn’t felt needed in years. But when a homeless child named Stryker shows up at church one Sunday, Mabel’s life takes a drastic turn.

George Stanton is not who he seems. Running from the law in his brand new 1955 Lincoln Continental, he’s planning a mad dash to Mexico to leave his past behind. He can’t let an old woman and a sick kid get in his way.

Eleven-year-old Stryker has never eaten with utensils and doesn’t know how to read, but she can identify the make, year, and model of every car on the road. She won’t reveal the identity of her mother or why she’s been told to never let her tattered stuffed monkey out of her sight.

Mabel races against time to save Stryker’s life. George only wants to save his own skin. Soon their destinies become irrevocably entwined, and the road they choose could change their lives forever. 

This book may be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Exploring God's mysteries through fiction. Catherine Leggitt is author of the cozy mystery series, the Christine Sterling Mysteries and the stand alone novel, The Road to Terminus. She is also an inspirational speaker presently residing in northern California.

Catherine offers one free book to a book club that reads one of her novels. She is available for discussion via phone, or in person if the club is based in Northern California. 

Website:  http://www.catherineleggitt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Catherine-Leggitt-Author-Inspirational-Speaker-120348341329061/timeline

My Thoughts ~

Three very distinctive individuals traveling entirely different paths, are seeking resolution to their individual predicaments. Three personal stories are woven into an intricate design through the paths these individuals have chosen to travel. These characters are so uniquely different that it seems unlikely they could possibly join together to reach their personal destinies. Ms. Leggitt does a commendable job at creating strong characters whose stories couldn't be more different. You'll recognize these people as you turn the pages, a progressively independent businessman, a middle-aged widow, and a homeless child who'll tug at your heartstrings. What transpires between them is unforeseen.

This is a book that I found very difficult to put down. There is continuous action with circumstances that appear from the least suspected places. Personalities are detailed to the point that I found my emotions reaching all ends of the spectrum. Stryker was quite a "character" in so many ways, so wise for her youth, but still an extremely vulnerable child. I loved her and her mannerisms. 

Personalities rear their ugly heads, but the tapestry that is woven throughout the lives of these three people in dire circumstances can induce anger and disgust, bring you to tears, and warm your heart. I highly recommend The Road to Terminus! It's quite a ride!

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.

"My Brother's Crown"

(Cousins of the Dove #1)

by

Mindy Starns Clark

& Leslie Gould

Description

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

From the authors of the Christy Award–winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery, standing for what she believes in, and finding love in unexpected places.





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

Biography

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction, including A Penny for Your Thoughts, Whispers of the Bayou, and the #1-ranked The Amish Midwife. She has received numerous honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Club Magazine's Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters.

http://www.mindystarnsclark.com/
 

Biography

Leslie Gould is the award-winning author of fifteen novels, including the #1 bestseller The Amish Midwife (CBA and ECPA), co-written with Mindy Starns Clark. The novel, the first in The Women of Lancaster County series, was a 2012 Christy Award winner. The Amish Nanny and The Amish Bride, the second and third novels in the series, also hit the bestseller list.

One of Leslie’s stand-alone novels, Beyond the Blue, won of the Romantic Times Book Club Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Inspirational Novel in 2006.

Leslie received her master of fine arts in creative writing from Portland State University in 2009 and has taught fiction as an adjunct professor at Multnomah University. She also teaches workshops at public and private schools and at writers’ conferences.

A varied work history, from curating a historical museum to editing a bridal magazine, preceded her fiction-writing career. She is also an Army Reserve wife who has supported her husband, Peter, through many years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan as the commander of a field hospital. Leslie and her husband live in Oregon with their four children.

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

http://www.lesliegould.com/

https://twitter.com/#!/lesliejeangould


My Thoughts ~  

Told from two points of view separated by three centuries, cousins are connected by an encoded publication from 17th century France to modern-day Virginia. These two perspectives are interwoven seamlessly, although written by two separate authors. I was unable to detect where one author left off and the other began. The story flowed effortlessly. 

I learned much about 17th century France and the Huguenots who worshiped apart from the Roman Catholic Church, and the dragoons who sought them out to persecute them. Catherine's story is told as she lives through those extremely difficult days, with dangers looming at every turn, detailing rich and well researched.

Renee lives in present day Virginia, and is the direct descendant of Catherine who originally possessed and protected the priceless document. Catherine kept a very informative journal which Renee was able to interpret, and discovered a code from Catherine's writing. This code appeared in the only lasting document of its kind which is to be presented to the Smithsonian Institute for preservation. 

This is a very different genre than I normally read, but the history and struggles in 17th century France were very interesting, and I enjoyed both time frames that were represented in this very educational book. I highly recommend reading My Brother's Crown. It's an excellent depiction of a time frame that is deep with controversy.

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