The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman 

by Carole Brown

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful!

Description

Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter at the hands of a radical religious cult---The Children of Righteous Cain. So when her husband, a founding member of the cult, suffers a massive heart attack, Caralynne allows her husband to die. 

Caralynne's secret seems safe until Dayne MacFarland returns, determined to learn the truth about the cult. His investigation and his rekindled love for Caralynne lead the pair toward a confrontation with the group's elders. 

Can Dayne's love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne's deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption? 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

Carole Brown's debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, was a semi-finalist in the Genesis contest. Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, she enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband have ministered and counseled across the country. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

I'd love to connect with readers at: 
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

My Review ~

A child's repressed anguish remains buried deep in her subconscious mind. As an abused adult, hatred surfaces for the self-righteous men in her religious cult. The beliefs taught are based on lies, not biblical principles. Women are trained to be wholly submissive, oftentimes being "broken in" for their wifely duties at a very early age, as young as thirteen. When her abusive husband dies from a heart attack, Caralynne Hayman is finally free of his vile and odious treatment, but the nightmares of her eleven-year-old daughter's abuse and death at the hands of a deranged, demonic cult leader only intensify her fears for her two younger daughters. 

The elders hire a former member of the community as their new preacher. Hopeful that Dayne MacFarland will continue to promote the rituals and sinister activities that the head elder has augmented, Elder Simmons finds Dayne's sermons on love and hope in Christ not what he coveted. The elder's plans are thwarted by Dayne's fresh approach and aspirations to teach the cult members about salvation and redemption. His attraction toward Caralynne intensifies the elder's anger and designs to rebuke and discipline her for defiance and rebellion. 

In this debut novel, Carole Brown has written a powerfully convincing account of cult activities that exist in our society. She has created characters that are diverse, authentic and credible. The creation of an assemblage of ominous, dark and depraved individuals who know no propriety is powerful. Heinous, inhumane and diabolical activities and corruption throughout this novel evoke intense and powerful emotions. This novel is written with intensity, integrity and candor, a page-turner of epic proportions where redemption is the ultimate objective. I highly recommend this book for those interested in the revelation of cult activities. This book is not for the fainthearted.

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.

Easter GIVEAWAY #2

For Preschool - Age 7

Easter Giveaway Opportunity

Easter is coming! Are you looking for meaningful gifts instead of the traditional basket full of candy? I can help! I have an age-appropriate prize pack for preschoolers through age 7 that includes a Bible or storybook Bible and 2 books to inspire and engage readers while encouraging them in their walk with God.

Preschool through age 7

*The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg (illustrated by Richard Cowdrey) 9780310735458

*The Berenstain Bears Keep the Faith, by Mike Berenstain 9780310734772

*101 Bible Stories from Creation to Revelation (illustrated by Dan Andreasen) 9780310740643

Description

This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Egg renews the wonder and charm of the original timeless tale that explores the meaning behind Easter eggs and the Easter story itself. Written by Lori Walburg with vibrant artwork from Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic comes to life for a new generation.

Lori Walburg VandenBosch 
Lori Walburg is a freelance editor, a writer for the NIrV Kid's Devotional Bible, and the author of The Legend of the Easter Egg. She lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Richard Cowdrey 
Richard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the things that reflect the awesomeness of God and His creation. From vast landscapes to the littlest bug on a leaf, Richard marvels at the beauty in the details. Richard's bestselling children's books include Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas.

My Review ~

This beautiful over-sized hardcover book is an inspirational telling of a favored Easter tradition. The story explains the tradition of the Easter egg. Thomas and Lucy gathered eggs, pretending to hunt for Easter eggs. That night Lucy became very sick with scarlet fever, and Thomas was taken to stay with the Sonneman's at their candy store while Lucy recuperated. During his stay with the Sonneman's he learned about the tradition of the Easter egg and the story of Easter. 

This is a timeless story with beautiful, colorful and vivid illustrations that represent a time many years ago. The focus of scarlet fever also leads one to the conclusion that this story is based in the past. It's a sweet and poignant story of a little boy's journey to understanding some confusing and concerning issues. Told with a simple message the story of Easter is rich in representing Christ and the resurrection. 

Description

Brother and Sister love science. But when their friend Ferdy Factual shares his questions about God creating the universe, the cubs are confused. A trip to see Preacher Brown helps them understand the meaning of faith.

Mike Berenstain

Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too.

My Review ~

"The Berenstain Bears Keep The Faith" is from the Living Lights Berenstain Bear books published by Zonderkidz. These books help children learn how God wants them to live every day. "Keep The Faith" is a high quality paperback book, colorful and much the same as the original Berenstain Bears collections. This particular book is intended for children ages 4-8, and is appropriate for that age group. The illustrations are very well done, giving children a wonderful visualization of the story.

"The Berenstain Bears Keep The Faith" book is well written and well illustrated, and an excellent tool for teaching early elementary school aged children about God. The lesson is directly from the bible, and is easy for children of that age to understand. 

Description

Creation to Revelation: 101 Bible Stories is a collection of well-known and beloved Bible stories written for young independent readers and includes delightful illustrations.

Dan Andreasen 

Dan Andreasen lives in Medina, Ohio, with his wife and three children. Dan began his career as a professional sculptor for American Greetings Corp. Now a children's book illustrator and graphic designer, he has illustrated more than thirty picture books.

My Review ~

101 well-known and popular Bible stories are featured in this Bible intended for early elementary age children. Parents will need to read these stories to younger children, but older children who are independent readers will enjoy reading these stories on their own. Each story is based on a well-known scripture, and with characters that are or will become familiar to the child. The Bible story is on one page and a beautifully illustrated picture on the facing page. It is just enough reading for a child to learn a lesson from the Bible without becoming overwhelmed with too much information.

This is one of the best children's Bibles I've come across. Each of the stories is focused and told with a refreshing and positive approach. I enjoyed reading through this Bible myself, and I'm sure that families of young children will find this to be a wonderful tool in teaching the Old and New Testaments to their children. I highly recommend 101 Bible Stories from Creation to Revelation!

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. 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 Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Easter GIVEAWAY #1

For Toddlers

Easter Giveaway Opportunity

Easter is coming! Are you looking for meaningful gifts instead of the traditional basket full of candy? I can help! I have a toddler, age-appropriate prize pack that includes a storybook Bible and 2 books to inspire and engage readers while encouraging them in their walk with God.

Toddlers:

*An Easter Gift for Me by Crystal Bowman (Board Book) 9780310738275

*Goodnight Angels by Melody Carlson (Board Book) 9780310744474

*The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers by LJ Sattgast (Padded Board Book) 9780310730163

Description

An Easter Gift for Me, written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Claudine Gevry, celebrates the life, death, resurrection, and hope of Jesus Christ in twelve beautifully rhymed couplets.

Crystal Bowman 

Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. 'But the most important part,' she says, 'is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much.'

My Review ~

This is a well-made board book about Jesus, told in poetic style with colorful illustrations. It is very simply told by a mother to her daughter, very basic points in Jesus life and death. I was pleasantly surprised that the death of Jesus was not a frightening aspect of this book, neither in verse or illustration, which to me is refreshing. 

Description

Goodnight Angels, written by Melody Carlson and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp, follows a child, heading to bed, saying goodnight to everyone and everything along the way.

Biography

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller."

My Review ~
Goodnight, Angel is a precious story to be read to toddlers at bedtime. It's a wonderful way for a child to say goodnight to all of the things he might encounter at the end of the day. Also included is a brief prayer of thanks to God, helpful in instilling a bedtime prayer habit. Melody Carlson has done a wonderful job of reaching toddlers in ways they can relate to and understand. The illustrations are sweet and colorful. I highly recommend this delightful book, well written and meaningful.

Description

The fun-time, anytime read-aloud Bible rhyme! Boys and girls love the soothing rhyme in L.J. Sattagast's bestseller The Rhyme Bible. Now toddlers have a Bible rhyme book designed just for them! From the story of creation ('In the beginning God made the light. The light was for day. The dark was for night.') to the resurrection of Jesus ('All his friends were happy then. Jesus was alive again!'), this is the perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their toddlers to the Word of God. Joyful illustrations and classic stories told in vivid verse make this a sure favorite that will entertain your young ones and teach them biblical lessons that last a lifetime.

Linda Sattgast considers writing her joy. She is the author of 25 children's books and has received both the Gold Medallion and C.S. Lewis Honor awards. Linda also runs an online business and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Charlie.

Laurence Cleyet-Merle grew up in a green countryside near Switzerland where she always enjoyed drawing. She is a graduate of the School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg. Laurence uses acrylic, collage and gouache in her colorful illustrations. She currently lives in the sunny town of Marseilles, France with her family. 

My Review ~

This well-constructed board book has a padded cover. There are ten classic and age appropriate Bible stories written to appeal to toddlers. From the story of Creation through other well-known Bible stories the book ends with the resurrection of Jesus. Colorful and well done illustrations will keep a child's attention in the telling of these excellent and favored stories from the Bible. There are a couple of phrases that I felt were somewhat harsh for a toddler's point of view, but basically this is a sound and accurate portrayal of Bible stories children will enjoy.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends. 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 Wednesday, April 2, 2014. 

Summer of Joy

Ann H. Gabhart

 Return to Hollyhill!

Description

For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.

This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends, Summer of Joy will delight Gabhart's fans.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

http://www.deepershopping.com/

Biography

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She's published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. 

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com.

My Review ~

Jocie Brooke is a freshman in high school, her older sister a new mom, and her father is smitten by a younger woman who appears to share his feelings. David is ready to ask Leigh to marry him, but embarrassed about the small size of his mother's diamond. Leigh wasn't worrying over a diamond. She was more concerned about David's feelings about being older than she. Other challenges are about to veil the size of the diamond. Shadows from the past and a newcomer to town become the clouds of the future. 

This is the third book in a series set back in the 1960s in a small town called Hollyhill. The Brooke family is the focus of these stories, and the activities in small town America are typical of the time period. Prejudices still remain and gossip is a common activity. The setting is quaint and the characters are varied and colorful. The development of the characters throughout this series and in this concluding book is commendable. Ann Gabhart has a wonderful talent for creating a great cast of characters and making the reader a part of Hollyhill and sharing all of the activities therein. 

If you're looking for an engaging, satisfying and unpredictable story of family and love, mystery and intrigue, wit and comedic events, Summer of Joy will satisfy your quest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and felt very much a part of the story as I traveled back in time to my own high school years along with Jocie. Grab a copy of this book and relax with a pot of tea. You're in for some great surprises once again. Ann Gabhart is a specialist at creating a warm and sensitive novel.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Whatever You Grow Up To Be

by Karen Kingsbury

Illustrated by Valeria Docampo

 Beautifully Written & Illustrated!

Description

Karen Kingsbury's new children's book, Whatever You Grow Up To Be, is sure to be a delight for both parents and their children.

"Ten little toes right from the start
Make footprints on your mommy's heart!"

The timeless journey of a mother and son is poignantly captured in the story of a boy's growth from childhood to fatherhood. From birth to football games to college graduation, a mother reminds her son that life is filled with possibilities and that God has a plan for him---whatever he grows up to be! 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.zondervan.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

Click here to watch the video trailer:
http://www.zondervan.com/whatever-you-grow-up-to-be.html

Biography

Karen Kingsbury is America’s favorite inspirational novelist. There are more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen’s recent dozen titles have all debuted at or near the top of the New York Times Bestseller’s list. She is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen lives and works outside Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, Don, and their five sons, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. Also living nearby is their only daughter, Kelsey, an actress in inspirational films and married to Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky. 

Contact the Author Here:

For more information visit www.karenkingsbury.com. Karen is also on Facebook and Twitter, where she regularly interacts with nearly half a million reader friends.

My Review ~

"Whatever You Grow Up to Be" is a beautiful book written in rhyme, a mother talking to her son from the time of his birth throughout his growing seasons, ultimately concluding as her son becomes a father. The poetry begins with the mother's joy from the moment her son is born, and proceeds through the milestones of her son's life, and her love and support at every stage. As she tells him about those milestones she encourages and cheers her son forward, and shows acceptance for whatever her son decides to be, explaining that God has plans for him. Each segment throughout the book contains a well-chosen scriptural reading appropriate to the sentiments involved, enhancing the spiritual aspects of this wonderful book. 

The is an over-sized hardcover book that is beautifully written and illustrated! Not only that, it is spiritually enriching and encouraging. Although poignant, as time passes by so swiftly through "the son's" life, the reading is positive and superbly written. As I read through this book I felt strong emotions at every stage of the boy's life, and the support and encouragement that is revealed as "the mother" talks to her child. I will be giving this book to my daughter who is expecting twin boys in a couple of months. This is a book that should be in the libraries of all mothers of sons!

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

Gabriel's Bride

A Clover Ridge Novel

by Amy Lillard
Review & GIVEAWAY!

For Convenience Sake!

Description

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.

As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.

Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?

Buy your copy at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.christianbook.com/

Biography

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances. 

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Contact Amy:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Lillard-Author/177732292332322

http://amywritesromance.com/

My Review ~

Gabriel Fisher has been widowed for six years, and has his hands full with five sons and a large farm to manage. His daughter recently left home during her rumspringa in order to continue her education, and his sister is planning for her upcoming wedding. With no alternative, his only option was to hire someone to manage his household and monitor the children. 

Sadly, Rachel Yoder's aunt passed away leaving her homeless and alone, aside from distant cousins in Ohio. In order to remain in her Amish community in Oklahoma she takes the job as housekeeper for Gabriel in lieu of moving to Ohio to live with relative strangers. Gabriel agreed to allow her to bring her goats to his farm, an option that she was not allowed if she were to move to Ohio. Not considering the repercussions involved in the Amish community, Gabriel agreed for Rachel to live in his daughter's vacant room at the farm. The bishop of their district has other ideas when he discovers that Gabriel has an unmarried housekeeper living in his home. 

A quick marriage arrangement takes place out of convenience for both Gabriel and Rachel. Gabriel's children don't take kindly to the idea as they still hold their mother close in their hearts, and the new housekeeper turned wife becomes easily distracted from her chores and has a penchant for burning nearly everything she cooks! Six-year-old Samuel is the exception to the rule. A Down syndrome child with learning disabilities, Samuel loves everything about Rachel, and becomes very attached to her. Rachel loves his sweet and affectionate nature and can't imagine her life without him. So begins a journey of joy and sadness, fun and games, mishaps and adventures, disappointment and desolation. 

Returning to Clover Ridge, Oklahoma in the third installment of this series is pure delight, with moments of hilarity and occasions of emotional upheaval and heartbreak. Amy Lillard has written another wonderful Amish novel of love, tenderness, humor and despair, all rolled into a wonderful and emotional read. Amy is very talented in painting a pictorial representation of the locale, the Amish farms and surrounding area. I was impressed by that quality from "Saving Gideon" as well, the first book in this series. The characters throughout this book are very personalized and colorful, with traits that make you love them, and in some cases, dislike them, but in getting to know them personally this is a very enjoyable part of the story. I highly recommend Gabriel's Bride. This is a far different viewpoint from many Amish fiction stories, one that I particularly enjoyed. The books in this series can also be read as stand alone stories, but I recommend the entire series for your reading pleasure!

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

CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:

Please leave comment regarding my review, and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spam. Share this review with your friends, and if you win this contest please consider leaving a review at websites such as Deeper Shopping and Amazon once you have read the book. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. 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 Saturday, 3-29-14.

Thank you to Amy Lillard for providing this copy of Gabriel's Bride!