"The Restoration"

(Prairie State Friends, #3)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Description

#1 ECPA Bestseller and Publisher’s Weekly Fiction Bestseller!
Dive into an Amish country love triangle in this third book of the Prairie State Friends series. Priscilla Herschberger finds herself pursued by Elam, a childhood friend from her community, and David, an outsider raised in the modern world. Elam would do almost anything to convince Priscilla that David would never fit into the Amish way. Will flames of jealousy rage out of control and ruin lives? Can forgiveness allow love and trust to grow?

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

 

Biography

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com 

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

My thoughts ~

The third in the Prairie State Friends series, The Restoration is the culmination of the relationships and activities from the previous books in this series. Complications arise from all sides in this unpredictable novel. Things aren't always as they seem, and deception is no basis for a relationship. Friendships are a very strong element in this novel.

Characters are diverse, some very dear and a few who typically cause trouble that can be costly to others. Family plays an important role, and support is an important aspect throughout this book. Events from the past are revealed through challenges where the truth could affect a number of individuals. This author weaves a strong story together using relationships and situations that could lead in any direction.

I enjoyed this series as much as I've enjoyed other series written by Wanda E. Brunstetter. She has a strong history and knowledge of the Amish, and her wisdom is evidenced by the traditions she represents in her novels. If you love Amish fiction, this is a wonderful and sensitive series that I highly recommend. Happy Reading!

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

"An Amish Market"

Four Novellas 

by

Amy Clipston

Kathleen Fuller

Kelly Irvin &

Vannetta Chapman

Description

All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!


Love Birds by Amy Clipston

While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?


A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller

Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?


Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin

Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.


Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman

Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.


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

Meet the authors:

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and best-selling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple best-seller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online atwww.amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Wordand Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

Kelly Irvin is the author of The Beekeeper’s Son, the critically acclaimed first novel of the Amish of Bee County series. Kelly is also the author of several Amish series including the Bliss Creek Amish series, the New Hope Amish series, and the Amish of Bee County series. She has also penned two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine. The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter, mostly in Texas-Mexico border towns. She has worked in public relations for the City of San Antonio for twenty years. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-seven years. They have two young adult children, two cats, and a tank full of fish. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors. Website: kellyirvin.com, Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin, Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author.

Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta's website: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

My thoughts ~

An Amish Market is a very entertaining collection of Amish novellas, written by four talented authors. Each novella stands on its own merits and is well written with authentic characters who represent believable situations. I enjoyed each of these novellas and recommend them, particularly to those who love reading Amish fiction. These are excellent representations of the Amish faith and lifestyle.  

Amy Clipston's novella portrays two young Amish adults who find an attraction to each other, but an age difference may stand in their way. This is a very sensitive and lovely story of the challenges of young love. I found myself wrapped in this story, and before I realized it the story was complete.

Kathleen Fuller's Amish tale is poignant and filled with misunderstandings that lead to frustration and disappointment. A quilt plays a very important role in this story, and the story of the quilt is very touching. This sentimental story was a wonderful journey through the trials of young adults searching for happiness. I was thoroughly enraptured in the story of the quilt, and wished the story could continue.

Kelly Irvin's novella features a young Amish man and young woman, both at crossroads in their lives. Fearful of what the future held they chose their paths only to discover that their choices would affect their future lives. This novella is an excellent example of choices and their consequences. I wasn't sure which direction the story would go, but as the words flowed I found a lovely outcome. 

Vannetta Chapman's characters in this warmhearted novella are charming, and for the most part, likable. Detailing regarding the Market is realistic and descriptive of a typical Amish community. Ms. Chapman does her homework and does it well! Mysterious events begin altering the atmosphere of the community, igniting both fear and anxiety. As with Ms. Chapman's other books, this one is filled with charm and mystique. Her approach to Amish fiction has a different twist from that of other authors, and I love that refreshing approach!

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

 
 
 

"The Feathered Bone"

by Julie Cantrell

Description

“Feathers—no matter what size or shape or color—are all the same, if you think about them. They’re soft. Delicate. But the secret thing about feathers is . . . they are very strong.”

In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth-grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace.

Unable to cope with her guilt, Amanda’s daughter sinks into depression. And Amanda’s husband turns destructive as he watches his family succumb to grief. Before long, Amanda’s whole world has collapsed.

Amanda knows she has to save herself before it’s too late. As she continues to search for Sarah, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking hope and purpose in the wake of so much tragedy and loss.

Set amidst the murky parishes of rural Louisiana and told through the eyes of two women who confront the darkest corners of humanity with quiet and unbreakable faith, The Feathered Bone is Julie Cantrell’s master portrait of love in a fallen world.


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

Biography

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, Julie Cantrell was the editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review. She has been a freelance writer for a decade and has contributed to more than a dozen books.

Julie's debut novel, Into the Free (David C Cook), earned a rare starred review by Publishers Weekly, became an international bestseller, and received two Christy Awards and the Mississippi Library Association Fiction Award. It spent three weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, made the USA TODAY Top 150, and was listed as a top read of the year by USA TODAY and LifeWay Christian Stores.

The sequel, When Mountains Move, received the ACFW Carol Award for Historical Fiction and was again named a top read of the year by both USA TODAY and LifeWay Christian Stores.

A speech-language pathologist and literacy advocate, Julie was honored to receive the 2012 Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. Her third novel, The Feathered Bone, will release January 26, 2016 (Harper Collins Christian). It is set in Louisiana where Julie spent her childhood.

Julie and her family now live in Oxford, Mississippi where they operate Valley House Farm.

Learn more:
Website: www.juliecantrell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliecantrellauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieCantrell



My thoughts ~

I'm captivated by Julie Cantrell's writing, and didn't want any prior information about this book, so I preordered The Feathered Bone with no knowledge of what the book would reveal. Very difficult topics are broached throughout the book, with a depth of reality that is heart wrenching, emotional, and disturbing.

The first four chapters of the book made me extremely uneasy as a classroom of children touring some of the highlights of New Orleans sent my anxiety level skyrocketing. I immediately sensed the presence of evil, and the Mardi Gras atmosphere sent chills down my spine. A garish, clown-like atmosphere of illusions and bizarre activities came to mind.
  
Descriptive within tactful parameters of very difficult topics, those revelations are balanced by a strong message of faith and hope. This book is an experience in the hard core realities of life at its bottom line. Profound and powerful themes are strong features of The Feathered Bone.

Characters are believable and well developed, and events represented are authentic. My impression of Ms. Cantrell's most recent book is one of strength and immense compassion for humanity. I highly recommend this book. In lieu of revealing spoilers or information that may take away from your reading experience I will not go into further details.

"Where Treasure Hides"

by Johnnie Alexander

Description

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Johnnie Alexander, author and freelance editor, writes stories that linger in the heart. The first of three contemporary romances, Where She Belongs, releases in January 2016 (Misty Willow Series, Revell). Her debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale, 2013), won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011 Historical Fiction). "Beneath the Christmas Star," her first short story, appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer--Tales of Joy and Wonder for the Holidays (2013).

Johnnie also has won the Best Novel award at the 2010 Florida Christian Writers Conference and both the Best Novel and Writer of the Year awards at the 2009 FCWC. She is a 2012 Bronze Medalist in the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest.

A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She experiences farm life in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who treed a raccoon.

Website: http://johnnie-alexander.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnieAlexanderDonley/?fref=ts


My thoughts ~

Johnette Alexander is a new author to me, and I'm impressed! Her first novel, Where Treasure Hides is a strong and unpredictable novel! Taking place in WWII her facts are well researched and her characters believable. Portions of this book are so beautifully descriptive that they are poetic.

This momentous time in our world's history affected the art collections of the world's masters. Alison Schuyler assisted in the Dutch Underground activities to find safe havens for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art. The activities surrounding Alison, her family and their famous art gallery in Rotterdam are informational as well as interesting.

I will be following this author in the future. I'd like to discover what else she has written. Where Treasure Hides being her first novel, I'm looking forward to reading more of her works. WWII fans will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend it!

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

Interview with Jody Hedlund,

Author of "A Daring Sacrifice"

 Biography

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund/?fref=ts

Description

In a reverse twist on the Robin Hood story, a young medieval maiden stands up for the rights of the mistreated, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. All the while, she fights against her cruel uncle who has taken over the land that is rightfully hers. Forced to live in the woods and hide with the poor people she's grown to love, she works to save and protect them, but she never anticipates falling in love with the wealthy knight who represents all she's come to despise.

 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  

http://www.christianbook.com

                      

Welcome to my blog, Jody! Thank you for sharing your time answering some questions about yourself and your newest release, A Daring Sacrifice!

You’ve based A Daring Sacrifice a little bit on the Robin Hood story. What drew you to this medieval tale?
 

I've always loved tales about underdogs rising up against injustice. The story of Robin Hood encompasses such an element, where the poor are unfairly cast from their homes, forced into hiding, and must rely upon their fearless leader to fight for their rights.
 

Instead of a nobleman leading and fighting for the needs of the underdogs, I decided to add a twist and have my heroine, a displaced noblewoman, be the leader of a band of poor outcasts. As a skilled archer, she's gained a reputation as the "Cloaked Bandit" doing her best to protect and provide for the people she's grown to love.

How do you keep a faith focus in A Daring Sacrifice without becoming "preachy"? 

It’s definitely tricky to keep a faith focus without becoming preachy. 

One of things I try to do is intertwine the characters’ emotional and spiritual arcs, so that they are closely related. I start off by giving my characters flaws or weaknesses that they must work through as the story progresses. As they wrestle through issues, they don’t end up perfect. But by the end I try to bring about some emotional and spiritual growth with their story flaw.

What did you have the most fun with when you were writing the book?

Of course, since this is a series involving knights, I had to have those knights engaged in various battles. So I had a lot of fun writing the sword-wielding, arrow-shooting, death-defying scenes. In addition, I always have fun figuring out how my heroine can help save the day (because while I like having the knight come to the rescue, I also like being able to have the heroine do some rescuing too!).

A Daring Sacrifice ends with one of the knights in mortal danger, a cliff hanger for the next book in the series. Can you tell us a little bit more about the third book?

For Love and Honor is the third book in the series and gives the final knight his happily-ever-after. However, as you know from the cliff-hanger at the end of A Daring Sacrifice, he has to work extremely hard to gain his true love as well as save his life and those of the people he loves. 

I had a lot of fun writing the heroine of the third book. She’s a little quirky and not quite as beautiful (aka more normal!) as the ladies in the first two books. She’s also hiding a secret, a “blemish” on her skin that could brand her as a witch if anyone ever sees it. During the Middle Ages, the time of the Inquisition and extreme religious intolerance, even the slightest mole, birth defect, or blemish could easily lead to accusations of witchcraft. The times were dangerous, and of course, I just love putting my characters right into the middle of the worst possible danger. Cue: evil cackle.

You have five children, so you must have plenty of interruptions when you’re writing. How do you handle the interruptions?

Yes, I DO have MANY interruptions each time I sit down to write. If I waited for perfect conditions, however, I’d never write. I’ve simply made up my mind to work under the circumstances I’ve been given, even if they’re less than ideal at times.

One thing that helps is that I give myself daily word count goals. I block in work time as best I can every day, and then I stick to it. I also let my family know my schedule. And while I try to minimize the interruptions, I’ve learned that I just need to attend to whatever the need is (whether it’s a child needing a snack or the dog getting into the garbage, etc.) and then get back to my writing as soon as possible. In other words, I don’t let the interruptions paralyze me.

What is your favorite season of the year and why?

I actually love all the seasons! Since I was born and lived most of my life in the Midwest, I love each season in its own time. I savor every single second of summer. But by the time it's is done, I'm ready for the glory of fall. And then when we get our first snowfall and bitterly cold weather, I'm eager for the beauty of winter. But of course, by the time spring rolls around, I'm anxious for the first glimpses of green and warmer weather.

What two jobs have you had that would surprise people? Do tell!

When I was in high school I worked at Dairy Queen and I loved getting to taste the "mistakes." It was a nice job perk!
 

In college, I worked as a nurse’s aid in a nursing home with Alzheimer and dementia patients. It was an incredibly challenging job that makes me appreciate anyone who works in a nursing home.

Out of all the sounds in the world which are your favorite?

My children's laughter and the percolating coffee pot.

"Miranda Warning"

(A Murder in the Mountains Novel)

by Heather Day Gilbert

Description

 

Child of the Appalachian mountains, Tess Spencer has experienced more than her share of heartache. The Glock-wielding, knife-carrying housewife knows how to survive whatever life throws at her.

But when an anonymous warning note shows up in her best friend Miranda’s mailbox—a note written in a dead woman’s handwriting—Tess quickly discovers that ghosts are alive and well in Buckneck, West Virginia. Hot on a cold trail, she must use limited clues and her keen insight into human nature to unmask the killer...or the next victim might be Tess herself.

Tinged with the supernatural and overshadowed by the mountains' lush, protective presence, this twisting psychological mystery is the first in A Murder in the Mountains series.

 

This novel is written from a Christian worldview.

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in which Heather grew up.

Heather's Viking historical novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon Norse Bestseller. She is also the author of the bestselling A Murder in the Mountains mystery series, and the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher.

Sign up for Heather's newsletter updates on her upcoming releases here: http://eepurl.com/Q6w6X

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/heatherdaygilbert/?fref=ts



My thoughts ~

Set in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Tess Spencer follows her instincts when her senses go on alert. A couple of mysterious notes written to Miranda, an elderly friend of Tess, have set her on edge. Could they be from a ghost of the past or random pranks? Journal entries of a long dead woman reveal secrets that lead to questions and possible danger.

Written with great detail, the setting and characters are captivating. I love the Spencer family and their close relationships. This family could represent any American family, skeletons in the closet and a rambunctious dog included. 

Suspense is a strong point throughout this book. The journal entries that begin each chapter are an important and mysterious aspect. Numerous strange incidents occurred unexpectedly and raised the hair on the back of my neck! This is a difficult book to put down. There's a surprise at the turn of a page. I look forward to more from this author, and I highly recommend this series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a contest sponsored by the author with no expectations for a review; however, I have chosen to give my honest opinion regarding this book.

"Not by Sight"

by Kate Breslin

5 stars!
GIVEAWAY!

Description

In the spring of 1917, all of Britain's attention is on the WWI war front and the thousands of young men serving their country on the front lines. Jack Benningham, dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, is young and able-bodied but refuses to enlist despite the contempt of his peers.

A wealthy young suffragette, Grace Mabry will do anything to assist her country's cause. Men like Jack infuriate her when she thinks of her own brother fighting in the trenches of France, so she has no reservations about handing him a white feather of cowardice at a posh masquerade ball.

But Grace could not anticipate the danger and betrayal set into motion by her actions, and soon she and Jack are forced to learn the true meaning of courage when the war raging overseas suddenly strikes much closer to home and their fervent beliefs become a matter of life and death.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 
http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. 

Find her online at www.katebreslin.com. 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor

Please click my BOOKS page if you'd like to download an excerpt. And I hope you'll visit me on Pinterest to see images I chose that reflect my vision for Grace and Jack's story!

My Thoughts ~

This detailed account of England's part in WWI is educational as well as exciting. The differing viewpoints between those who are for, and those against the war become the strength that holds this compelling story together. While Jack Benningham appears to take the stand of a conscientious objector, Grace Mabry is appalled that any Englishman would not support his country in the war effort. Her relationship with him is tenuous at best.

A varied portrayal of colorful characters are depicted throughout this story. As secrets unfold Grace and her coworkers bond together in their cause for the war effort, and become personal and emotional supports for one another. The relationship between Jack and Grace is testy and somewhat gritty. Much of the time they are at odds, but tolerate one another out of necessity. 

I appreciate the fact that this story is not rushed. There are numerous situations that need resolution, and I enjoyed the various journeys throughout this very interesting novel. Descriptive and poetic, the layers of this story are blended with expertise and lead to very interesting and intriguing developments. The premise for this story brought to mind both Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera, a well developed and pleasurable storybook quality that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend this deeply moving novel!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher 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 about my review, 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 Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

"Behold A Rainbow"

(Sequel to "The Sandpiper")

by Susan Lovell

Description

A must-read for women’s book clubs, this is the story of good people facing hard challenges. Breast cancer. Alcoholism. Infertility. This sequel to the prize-winning novel The Sandpiper tells the story of the three Cameron women waging their individual battles with both fear and courage. Despair and hope. Tears and laughter. Readers will walk the tough walks with them rooting for them from page one to the end.

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.booksamillion.com  

Biography

University of Michigan grad/undergrad. Author of four non-fiction histories. Founder of a weekly newspaper in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Consultant to The Wege Foundation. Owner of the real "sandpiper" on Lake Michigan where this sequel to The Sanpdiper also takes place. 

Website: http://authorsusanlovell.com/

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

My thoughts ~

Behold A Rainbow is the continuing story of the Cameron women from the first book in the series, The Sandpiper. Haunting memories of their dearly departed friend, Nina Judd, bestow beautiful shadows from the past. This book could be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading The Sandpiper first as it creates the background for the characters depicted in Behold A Rainbow, and is a powerful book in its own right.

I fell in love with the characters introduced in the first book of this series, and my sentiments for each of them only grew throughout this sequel. Each of the characters is so well defined that I feel as if I know them personally. Their relationships with one another are authentic and credible. Each of the Cameron women deals with her own brittle issues that could potentially destruct any one of them. Very distressing issues are broached in this series with honesty and resourcefulness. 

The location for this series is majestic! A year-round cottage set on Lake Michigan in West Michigan is a breathtaking setting! Beautifully described in picturesque and vivid detail I felt right at home in this familiar place. I've spent a great deal of time in this alluring community, and the author brings the area to life. I highly recommend this book for its candor, impressive description and honest approach to difficult topics. Be sure to read both The Sandpiper and Behold A Rainbow! I will be reading this series again!

"Love's Sure Dawn"

(An Eagle Harbor Novel #3)

by Naomi Rawlings

Description

The bestselling Eagle Harbor Series continues with Book 3, Love’s Sure Dawn.

No matter how hard she tries to help, Rebekah Cummings always ends up causing more problems than she solves. This time, though, things will be different. She'll find a way to pay her family's debts, even if doing so requires leaving Eagle Harbor. Maybe then they'll start treating her as a capable woman who makes her own choices.

Gilbert Sinclair is going to marry an heiress. With his latest business venture sunk at the bottom of Lake Superior, he needs money to replace the steamship he lost, so he heads to Chicago where his father's business connections should land him a suitable wife. Like most things in his meticulously planned life, everything goes as expected—until he discovers Rebekah Cummings working as the new cook on his ship.

Rebekah well remembers the pain she endured the last time she tried trusting Gilbert, and Gilbert can't afford to pursue the love of a working class woman. But they can't stop the forgotten feelings swirling between them—or ignore the sacrifices they'd both have to make for a future together.

"More than just a satisfying love story." Melissa Jagears, award winning Christian author

“This is the best book series that I have found in several years.” Amazon Reviewer

If you like inspirational stories of love, courage, and drama, then get your copy of the latest book in the memorable Eagle Harbor Series. 


Purchase this book here: http://www.amazon.com 

Biography

Naomi Rawlings is the author of seven historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.

Website: http://naomirawlings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.naomirawlings/?fref=ts


My thoughts ~

In the third book in the Eagle Harbor Novel series, Love's Sure Dawn, the author develops the characters of Rebekah Cummings and Gilbert Sinclair. Gilbert is in search of an heiress to finance his follies. Gilbert's biggest interest is money, and he'll use anything and anyone to obtain the amount of money necessary to replace a sunken steamship and the crane he has invented and built.  

Rebekah seeks a way to help her family, struggling to make ends meet. Ms. Rawlings has created an unpredictable and compelling story of Gilbert and Rebekah. These characters are as different as night and day. Rebekah is developing into a strong and compassionate woman as Gilbert portrays a selfish, money driven man.

Settings of Eagle Harbor and Chicago are well described, and life aboard ship on Lake Superior is depicted with both splendor and the perils of a well known killer lake. As the series develops I become more intrigued and involved in the stories of the inhabitants of Eagle Harbor, and the beauty and difficult times that are portrayed. A fast paced and deeply poignant story has once again left me wanting more. Don't miss any of the books in this series. The development of characters and events is impressive.