The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

 

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family series is out.  Book 5, The Wonder of You, was released back at the beginning of the summer in June 2015, and is the story of Amelia Christiansen.

Amelia came back from Prague with "her tail between her legs" so to speak.  She had met a dashing, handsome stranger overseas that had turned her world upside down.  But as quickly as it had started, it seemed to end, and Amelia came back to the safety of her hometown. 
Just when she thought she could put the past behind her, out of the blue, Roark St. John shows up at her doorstep asking for a second chance.  But before she can make any kind of decision, Amelia's brothers run him out of town...or so they think, but Roark isn't so quick to give up.  On the other hand, hometown, high school sweetheart, Seth Turnquist is determined that he and Amelia should start back up where they left off before she took her adventurous trip to Prague.  Amelia must determine where her heart lies and choose between two men who both profess to love her.

I have loved reading this series.  Susan May Warren has written another winner with a story that will draw you in and make you root for the underdog.  The story is so engaging that I had a hard time putting this book down!  Each book has been great and this one continues the Christiansen family story beautifully.  Her story weaves in a beautiful picture of the forgiveness of God and reiterates that we are not alone on this journey of life, but that God walks right beside us.  Amelia and Roark both have a lot to learn throughout this story.  They have both tried to do life in their own strength and must learn that life is lived best when trusting Jesus.  This story will both provide not only good, clean entertainment, but also encourage your heart in the Lord.
If you are looking for a fun series, I would HIGHLY recommend Susan May Warren's Family Christiansen series.  

***I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin has a new series out, Waves of Freedom. Her first book, Through Waters Deep has just released and is one you won't want to miss!  So, take a minute and read about this exciting new series.

From the Back Cover:
War is Coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that life ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.  Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.
When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

My Review:
I absolutely loved this book!  The story was mysterious, intriguing, and hard to put down!  I thought that the characters were well developed throughout the story too.  The main character, Mary Stirling, has quite a transformation as she learns to conqueror an old fear from her childhood.  The historical aspect is always an interesting one especially concerning the WWII era.  It's crazy to even think that several boats were sunk or damaged before the Pearl Harbor incident that propelled us into the war.
If you love the WWII era and are looking for a new series to start, then make sure to pick up this book.  I am really looking forward to the next book in the series coming out summer of 2016.

***I received this free book from Revell Books in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat

Susan Anne Mason has released her first historical fiction novel called Irish Meadows which is the first book in the Courage to Dream series.  This was a new author for me and this novel was a joy to read.  Make sure to take time and read about this fun new book below and enter the Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

 About the book:

Irish Meadows (Bethany House, July 2015)

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry---as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My Review:

What a fun historical novel!!  It was such a pleasure to read and hard to put down!  Susan Anne Mason did a wonderful job with bringing her characters to life and creating an unforgettable story.  Brianna and Colleen each have their own struggles that they must overcome.  I enjoyed "watching" them grow in their character as the story progressed.  It's always fun to read about history in a novel.  That's why historical fiction is my favorite genre.  Of course, this novel appealed to me especially because of my Irish heritage.  As far as the religious aspect of this book, it is Catholic in nature mentioning priests, and nuns.  

This story was well written and I look forward to reading the next book in this series, A Worthy Heart.  Here is the description of the book from Susan Anne Mason's website:

Book 2 - A Worthy Heart will be available in 2016.  Adam O'Leary, newly released from prison, searches to make a new life for himself  in New York. The feisty Maggie Montgomery, visiting from Ireland, makes him wish he was a better man - worthy of her heart!

  

Head over to the blog tour page and find out what others thought of this book by clicking here!

You can purchase a copy of this book through the link below.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS

About the author:

Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Find Susan online: website, Facebook, Twitter

 

Giveaway Information:

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

***I received this free book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest opinion.  All opinions are my own.

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones by Jan and Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears have a new Storybook Bible out for little ones.  The age range stated for this book on Amazon.com is 4-8 years.  But I would say this book is appropriate for kids ages 3-5 years old.  This book has 8 different Bible stories included: Creation (Genesis 1), Noah (Genesis 6), David and Goliath (I Samuel 17), Daniel in the Lions' Den (Daniel 6), The Birth of Jesus (Luke 1), The Good Neighbor (Luke 10), Jesus in Jerusalem, (Matthew 20), and He is Risen (Matthew 28).

  The Berenstain Bear books have been some of our favorites throughout the years, and I was excited to be able to review this new board book for little ones.  It is a nice sturdy board book with a padded cover.  The pages are filled with great colors that are good for capturing little ones' attentions while you are reading the story.  The stories are very simplistic intended to help small children understand on their level.  They did leave out the message of the cross, just stating that Jesus died.  I thought that was interesting.  In the story of Noah, I wasn't too thrilled with the wording.  The author says, "So God made a plan.  He went to his friend Noah for help."  God doesn't need us.  He is our Creator.  We need Him.  Noah was called to obey, and he obeyed.  So, other than those two things, the rest of the book was pretty good.  Overall, not a bad book, but I wasn't truly that impressed.

***I received this free book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest opinion. 

Sarah Sundin’s ‘Through Waters Deep’ and Anchors Aweigh Giveaway

Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

My Review:
I absolutely loved this book!  The story was mysterious, intriguing, and hard to put down!  I thought that the characters were well developed throughout the story too.  The main character, Mary Stirling, has quite a transformation as she learns to conqueror an old fear from her childhood.  The historical aspect is always an interesting one especially concerning the WWII era.  It's crazy to even think that several boats were sunk or damaged before the Pearl Harbor incident that propelled us into the war.
If you love the WWII era and are looking for a new series to start, then make sure to pick up this book.  I am really looking forward to the next book in the series coming out summer of 2016.

Now make sure to visit the blog tour page by clicking here and don't forget to enter the giveaway by clicking on the icon at the end of this page!!!   Contest ends tomorrow!

Check out this video of how they made the cover of this book.


Giveaway:
Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

***I received this free book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Get Access to Every ‘Adventures in Odyssey’ Episode Ever!

 It's August, which means it's nearly time for your kids to pack up their pencils, zip up their backpacks, and hop on the school bus. Aside from prepping them for their new teachers, new classes, or maybe even a new school, it's important to prep their faith. Sign your whole family up for Adventures in Odyssey's Odyssey Adventure Club for a special price of $9.99/month. The club is an essential tool to teach your children to share their faith at school, to be bold, and to grow in their relationship with God.

 

Join during the month of August for $9.99/month, and you'll receive these benefits for being a member:

• Unlimited streaming of Adventures in Odyssey library (800 episodes) retail value over $1,500 USD
• New monthly exclusive episodes
• Monthly Web Quests
• Monthly Clubhouse magazine subscription (U.S. Residents Only)
• Daily devotions based on Adventures in Odyssey episodes
• OAC monthly member newsletter
• OAC exclusive video stories
• Animated Odyssey videos, Last Chance Detectives, and more!

Spend the last few weeks of summer vacation with your kids listening to Adventures in Odyssey episodes and build their faith!

Ready to join? Head over to the website and sign up today!

‘Among the Fair Magnolias’ Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway

Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Find out about each of the 4 stories below and what I thought of the book.  Then find out how to enter a great giveaway for a Kindle Fire and your own copy of this book!

From the Back Cover:
During the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women--their destinies forged by birth and heritage--face nearly impossible choices on their journeys in life...and in love.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home.  So when the new owner Aidan Bedford seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancee, Savannah jumps at the opportunity.  But can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed?  And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front--the time, a battle of the heart.
An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
Seven years ago Russell Champion was betrayed by the two most important women in his life.  Now Russell returns home, but is it too late to make amends with his mother and find closure with his true love?
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail Clayton hopes to reconcile with Dr. Wade Bennett and become his wife.  But her father insists she marry her distant cousin Charles Kittridge so the plantation of the two families will be joined.  With her wedding looming, Abby must choose between duty to her family and the yearnings of her own heart.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily Derracott loves her childhood friend Thomas McGinnis, but she cannot marry a man who doesn't share her strong convictions about the freedmen.  Besides, she harbors a secret love for someone else.  But the prospect of becoming his wife is not only improbable--it is completely impossible.


My Review:
I had a great time reading through these four southern stories.  I was excited to get this book since I have enjoyed reading Tamera Alexander's books in the past.  Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love and Elizabeth Musser were all new authors for me and I enjoyed their works as well.   Each of these stories contain a good deal of history since they take place in the South after the Civil War.  Elizabeth Musser's story had me guessing through most of the beginning chapters as to what direction the author would take her character, Emily Derracott.  It was nice to be surprised!  I loved that Tamera Alexander included a character from her book To Win Her Favor from the Belle Meade Plantation series.  It was fun to see a familiar character and find out about Savannah Darby's story.  Dorothy Love also includes a couple of familiar characters in her story.  Charlotte from Carolina Gold and Celia Browning from The Bracelet.  Since Dorothy Love was a new author for me, I may have to pick up these books!  If you're looking for a fun set of stories to read, pick up this newest book, Among the Fair Magnolias.

***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

Join Odyssey Adventure Club for a Summer Challenge

 

Summer . . . a time that kids pine for during the school year and parents may anticipate with something akin to dread. Fearing refrains of “I’m bored” or hours spent on the couch playing video games can make moms and dads nervous about the long, hot months stretching before their family. Focus on the Family’s Odyssey Adventure Club offers an answer, encouraging parents and kids to embrace faith and fun with the Take the Plunge Adventures in Odyssey Clubhouse magazine’s Summer Challenge.

Take the Plunge

The Take the Plunge challenge features:

• Master Mind Monday — commit God’s Word to memory
• Ways to Play Wednesday — spend active time with your family
• Faith Sharing Friday — share God’s love with others

The Take the Plunge challenge helps families memorize at least five verses, engage in five activities together and share their faith with five people before the school doors swing open again. Those who sign up will receive an 11-week plan with suggested verses to memorize, activity ideas (such as visiting a war memorial) and ways to witness (such as passing out popsicles at the park with an invitation to your church), making this challenge the perfect tool for parents who want summer to be a time of spiritual and social stimulation for their kids.

"Research tells us that the more senses we involve when teaching children a principle, the more likely it is to stick,” Plugged In editor and Adventures in Odyssey podcast host Bob Smithouser says. “Bible memorization by itself is great, but it becomes even more powerful when put into action. Know it. Share it. Live it.”

Families who sign up to take part in the challenge at www.whitsend.org/summer will have access to weekly verses to memorize, ideas for family fun and suggestions for service projects that allow a family to share their faith. Additionally, anyone who signs up to participate in the Take the Plunge challenge will receive a free scene from the latest Adventures in Odyssey album, as well as a free story from the book Strange Journey Back.

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund, Beacons of Hope Series, Book 2

Hearts Made Whole is the second book in Jody Hedlund's Beacon of Hope series.  The stories in this series all take place at different Michigan Lighthouses.  I have always loved the lighthouses here in our great state of Michigan, so this series definitely piqued my interest.

From the Back Cover:
1865 Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse.  But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle.  He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing.  He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light.  When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help.  Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Review:
I love Lighthouses!  There is something about them that is just beautiful sitting next to our glorious Great Lakes!  Like I said above, just the fact that the story took place at one of my Michigan Lighthouses intrigued me enough to pick up this novel.  The story was well written and fun to read.   I thought that the story was filled with great historical information and I really appreciated the fact that the main character was loosely based on a real person.  So, if you're looking for a new series to start, consider this one by Jody Hedlund.  The first book in this series is called, Love Unexpected, but there is a novella that begins the series called Out of the Storm that is a free e-book that you can get by clicking here.  Book #3 is coming out January 5, 2016 and is called Undaunted Hope.  You can find out more about Jody and her books at her website by clicking here.

I received this free book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.