Saturday

~Brides of Bonneterre Trilogy~



This review is for "Brides of Bonneterre Trilogy" by Kaye Dacus.

This book contains all three novels in the series. "Stand-In Groom, Menu For Romance, A Case For Love".

I have to say that I am a huge fan of Kaye's books and I cannot wait to see if there are anymore books set in Bonneterre.

This book is over 1000 pages and it kept me highly entertained and devouring pages like a favorite piece of cheesecake!


~~~~~~~~~~

In Stand-In Groom, Anne Hawthorne is a highly successful wedding planner running her own business. Her mettle, however, is tested when she finds herself falling for the man she thinks is the groom of a wedding she is planning. What she doesn't know is that George is only a stand in groom for his very famous employer.
George is attracted to her as well and isn't quite sure how to handle the lying that he is forced to do to her.
When Anne finds out the truth about George, will she be able to forgive him and let love shine through the deceit?

Loved loved loved this book!

~~~~~~~~~~

In Menu For Romance Meredith Guidry has gotten tired of never having any privacy from her enormous family and has slowly started to pull away and try to establish a least a semblance of boundaries. She has bought an old fixer upper house, that no one approved of, and is finding solace in restoring it herself.
Having been in love with a family friend, Major, for many years but doing nothing about it has been an awful secret for Meredith. As she fights her feelings for one man, another enters her life when she least expects it. Will he just fix Meredith's broken down house or will he fix her heart too?

Major has long held feelings for Meredith but has never even so much as alluded to them as he has a huge secret that is constantly looming over him and any relationship he could ever hope to have with her.
Will Major eventually trust enough to let people in on his problems or will the contractor win Meredith in the end?

Once again LOVED!

~~~~~~~~~~~

In A Case For Love Alaine Delacroix finds herself attracted to her friend Meredith's cousin Forbes Guidry, who is a prominent attorney. He is a longtime bachelor and she herself is known as an eligible bachelorette.
Just as one thinks sparks might fly between the two, Alaine finds out that her parents and brother are about to not only lose their businesses, but their homes as well thanks to the large corporation that Forbes family owns. Alaine is determined to keep Forbes at harms length and expose, what she is sure is wrong doing on the part of the Guidry's. I mean, how can you date the man whose parents you want to expose for corruption on the evening news?!?
When no other lawyer wants to take on her case against such a prominent family, however, perhaps the one person she can turn to for help is the very person she has been trying to avoid.


I cannot say enough good things about this Trilogy. I absolutely loved it and am eagerly anticipating reading more books by Kaye! She has a way of drawing you into whatever story she is reading and before you know it you are halfway through without putting the book down! Thumbs up, Kaye!


Hope your new year gets off to a blessed start!
Jenny






*Note* I received this book for free from Barbour Publishing in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

First Date


This book review is for the novel "First Date" by Krista McGee.


I wasn't sure at first how I felt about this book. While it wasn't my favorite read ever, I did still enjoy it.


~~~~~~~~~~

Addy Davidson is concentrated on one major thing...excelling in school and getting into an Ivy league college. That comes to a screeching halt when her principal calls her into the office to tell her she has been selected to appear on a reality show called Book Of Love. She will be competing with 99 other girls for the chance to be the President's sons prom date.

However, the last thing Addy wants is to be thrown into what she deems the lions den. She has no desire for television fame and fights tooth and nail to not have to go on this show but against her very wishes she feels like God is leading her to do this.

Grudgingly, she does what she feels she should but still struggles with her attitude once she gets there.

Will Addy let go and let God work it all out for her good? Will she be obedient and bendable to God's will?



I liked the fact that this was loosely based on the book of Esther and that Addy still had struggles just like a normal human.


Happy New Year All!!!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Love Love Love~Before The Season Ends~



This review is for the novel "Before The Season Ends" by Linore Rose Burkard.

This first book is A Regency Inspirational Romance. There appears to be at least one more book in this series and I am super excited to read it!

I cannot say enough good things about this book! When they say for the Jane Austen Soul they are not exaggerating. If you have been reading my blog you know I loveeeee Jane Austen and always get excited when I find books that are reminiscent of her writing and style.
Linore definitely captures it!

I don't remember ever reading anything by Linore before but you can be assured I will now be looking for more things by her after reading this book.

And Linore if you read this..I commend you on superior writing and such great names for your characters! Love it!!

~~~~~~~~~

Ariana Forsythe finds herself shipped off to London to a wealthy aunt for her first season, after setting her cap at a man her parents find most unsuitable...he is old enough to be her father.

Ariana is all young beauty, promise, faith filled, wonderstruck girl, who marvels at the excess of her aunt and the society that makes up London's Ton.

The things she sees in London is unlike anything she has seen in her short nineteen years.

When a scandal rocks her world, she cannot believe the cruelty of people and finds herself thrown  together with the man known as the "Paragon".

He is notorious for his sharp tongue and steady disapproval of all young girls, Ariana included. Not only is he known to be rude, he is mostly known for his riches and his more than confirmed bachelorhood. At thirty everyone has given up on any young women ever "catching" the darkly handsome Mr. Phillip Mornay.

However, the scandal that is spread from house to house like a sickness, involves on Mr. Mornay and our young Ariana, throwing them together in the post unpredictable of circumstances.

Perhaps what was meant for evil will turn out for good and blessings.

Now if only Mornay shared our beautiful Ariana's faith and actually wanted to get married to someone....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once again cannot say enough good things about this book! Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to all!


Happy happy week my friends!
Jenny


*Note* I received this book for free from Harvest House in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

A Kiss For Cade will keep you turning pages!



This book review is for the novel "A Kiss For Cade" by Lori Copeland.

I have long been a fan of Lori's books and was glad to get the opportunity to read this one as well and will look for more books by her in the future! This particular title is a part of The Western Sky Series.

While I wasn't the biggest fan of the cover for the book it does fairly well help represent the story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoe Bradshaw would rather eat dirt than clap eyes on Cade Colby, the bounty hunter, ever again.

However, when her best friend, Cade's sister, passes away along with her husband from a mysterious fever, she is left with one last wish from her...contact Cade and have him decide her children's fate.

Zoe doesn't understand this request when she would just as soon give everything she has, which is barely anything, to be able to keep the children who are like her own. In spite of her anger toward Cade she respects this last request and sends a letter to him informing him of their passing and that he needs to get his butt back to town.

Little does Zoe know just how much of an upset Cade is going to cause. Not only with her own angry and fragile emotions but with the children and their quick attatchment to their Uncle Cade.

Can he redeem the awful that he has done to Zoe, embrace fatherhood by raising his neices and nephews and settle down??? If you asked Cade the answer would be a resounding NO! He has made far to many enemies in the last 15 years and to much time has passed to every call this town home again. As soon as he decides what to do with the children he will be out of there as fast as his horse can fly through town.

But maybe God has plans that Cade refuses to see or imagine.

~~~~~~~~~~

Join in this charming small town story! It kept me turning pages late into the night and I will be reading more of this series!



Happy Saturday to you all! Everyone finished Christmas shopping??
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free from Harvest House in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Monday

the glory of green



This book review is for the novel "the glory of green" by Judy Christie.

I will admit to loving the "Green" series. I have previously reviewed the first book  Gone to Green and the second book Goodness Gracious Green in this awesome series.

The third book is no exception to the greatness of the series and I cannot wait to read and review the next two!

Lois Barker has created her perfect wedding and can't wait to walk down the aisle to her own handsome catch. The only bothersome thing so far is his extensive collection of stuffed, ceramic and all kinds of materials, catfish collection. In addition to the wedding she is plotting how to rid him of all these before he moves them and himself into her house....wait, wait...their house, or at least it will be after this amazing wedding.

What starts as an amazing wedding ends in a whirlwind....a REAL whirlwind. Forget the cake! It just flew past on tornadic winds. Only to Louis Barker would a tornado interrupt the perfect wedding.

What comes next is weeks and weeks of destruction and pain while Lois and her new husband try to pick up the pieces of Green and rebuild the community into something better than it was before.

Can they work together and pick up the pieces or will strife and differences cause Green to never recover this tragedy and be wiped off the map for good?

Lois didn't bargain for being a newlywed and barely seeing her husband on top of losing her home and having to set up married life in a motel. Will Chris and Lois be able to overcome their rough start and enjoy being married and having at least a somewhat less hectic life? Read along and see!

Hope you guys liked all my posts today!

:)
Jenny


*Note* I received this book for free from Abingdon Press in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Southern Fried Sushi



This review is for the novel "Southern Fried Sushi" by Jennifer Rogers Spinola.

To start off with, the cover of this book is genius! It immediately makes you want to laugh and pick up a copy. The red cowboy boots make me want to own a pair and I'm loving the kimono!
Between the title and the cover I would have picked it up off the shelf for sure!

Shiloh Jacobs is 24 years old, has a prestigious job at the Associated Press in Tokyo and is engaged to an incredibly handsome and well to do man.

She has carried with her like a much loved purse and incredible amount of hurt and anger from her past and doesn't want to let God in. She refuses to acknowledge the fact that He is really in charge. She takes credit for any success that she has and has locked her heart down.

Receiving the unexpected news that her estranged mother has passed away, rocks Shiloh's carefully constructed existence. Furthering throwing her off balance is the fact that she needs to go to her mother's funeral in a quirky unknown southern town and deal with the house and belongings that have been left to her.

Shiloh heads for Virginia, angry, alone, without any family to really speak of and blocked off from any real emotion expect anger.

One thing after another begins to happen to her until she feels like every good thing in her life has been lost and stripped from her.

But just maybe it's all being removed so that God can put something even better together for her.

I love all the quirky characters that Jennifer brought to this novel. It was easy to go along with her vision for this book and feel like you had been dropped into a crazy seeming place right along with Shiloh.


Hope you are reading! Any suggestions for my book list?
Jenny


*Note* I received this book for free from Barbour Books in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

*His Steadfast Love*



This book review is for "His Steadfast Love" by Golden Keyes Parsons.

I love the cover on this book and appreciate all the research that I'm sure went into this novel.

This book is set in the spring of 1861 right before the Civil War breaks out.

Amanda Belle is ironically enough a Southern Belle from Texas. She meets a dashing Captain in the Union army at a church social before the war breaks out. Her father is the interim pastor of their towns congregation until a new one can be found. So far it has lasted two years.

Captain Kent Littlefield is quite taken with Amanda the moment he lays eyes on her at the social. However, before he can really take pursuit of her, the country is plunged into war and his unit recalled back to Virginia in preparation. Her father refuses permission for him to write to her. Being on opposite sides of the war has earned him a black mark it seems.

What God wants together will not be kept apart and Kent and Amanda find themselves thrown together again as the war is taken hold of the country. It is but altogether to brief an encounter for their wishes and not under the best of circumstances but it is enough time for them to admit their feelings and promise to wait for each other.

Amanda is caught between two worlds. Confederate and Union, brother and the man she loves, family obligation or desire of her heart.  Will the war manage to rip the family apart for good or will they work through the tragedies that the Civil War wrought?

Really liked this book and read through it in one night :)

Happy reading my friends!
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

~Never the Bride~



This book review is for the novel "Never the Bride" by Cheryl Mckay & Rene Gutterridge.

Hold onto your hats for this review because this is truly one of the most unique and amazing books that I have EVER read!

This novel was a screenplay that was turned into a book. There will actually be a movie coming out next year for this which I am super excited to see!!


Jessie Stone has spent her life writing into hundreds of journals her dream proposal and how her dream man should be. Her purple feather pen is her lifeline for these books and you better be prepared to lose a finger if you want to so much as touch it. Her purple pen is what she writes her very dreams and hopes with. She has the very idea of what she wants in a man, the way he should propose and her dream house planned.
 The only thing missing is...the man to fulfill the plan she has come up with.

The one she thought would be the ONE, cheated on her with a blonde and crushed her to bits. The only other man who she could see herself with happens to be her very best friend, Blake, who seems to be blind to what she is sure are her many many charms.

Approaching her 35th birthday and just having made ten years at her very steady job with only her pen and journals to keep her warm at night....Jessie has something happen to her that makes her question her very sanity... God shows up. In the flesh, looking like a very handsome man and requesting of her the one thing she doesn't want to give. Control.

Will she hand over her very feathery purple pen to Him, will she surrender, will she trust Him and let Him write her long awaited love story. No matter how long it takes or however crazy what is asked of her seems to be. Will she trust? Will she stop fighting, stop asking why and just trust Him. Will she obey and will she surrender?

I LOVE this book. It is so touching, so poignant and so thought provoking. God is the ultimate love story. He can make happen for any of us things so much better and so much more amazing than we can ever dream for ourselves if we trust and surrender to Him.

Please pick up a copy of this book. I think it will touch you and inspire you in ways you never thought. I think it will make you see a little bit of how I think God sees us and wants us to see Him. As our passionate love story.

Still loving this book,
Jenny


"For I know the plans I have for you,declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

P.S. If you have read or do read this book please share your comments and thoughts with me. I would love to read them!

Also be sure to rank what you thought of my review and how I did on it. When you do, you are entered to win a copy of the book for yourself!







*Note* I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Tuesday

~In Prince Edward Island~


This book review is for the novel Love Finds You "In Prince Edward Island Canada" by Susan Page Davis.

First off I just have to commend whomever picked the cover art for this book. I honestly think it is one of the prettiest book covers I have ever seen. There is something so refreshingly romantic about this picture. The softness and the beauty of the island. The amazing dress the girl is wearing helps sweep you into the timing of this novel with ease. The picture alone would make me pick this book up!

Susan opens up a world set in 1860 with artfully flowing characters and an engaging story line. I cannot even imagine what it must have been like that long ago. Prince Edward Island has long held a fascination for me. Every since I saw and read Anne of Green Gables it has been on my list of places to see and explore. I loved getting a peek into it in this book.

Molly Orland's father owns quite a large farm and she spends her days keeping house with her mother and helping around the farm. But after an accident lays up her father from being able to help her Grandpa and brothers with all of the farm work, Molly is called upon to try and get employment at Government House as a server or housekeeper.
She worries that she will be looked down upon for seeking employment but does it regardless in order to help her family.

With Prince Edward of the royal family coming for a visit to the island, Government House is in a tizzy and is looking to hire on extra staff just for his visit.

Peter Stark is along as an under steward for the royal party on this tour and unbeknownst to him will run across Molly in her work at Government House. He is attracted at first glance but she assumes him to be of higher class than her own with his clothing and manner. He, however, is just as much a servant as she is. He also works for the very man that her family needs to see. A long buried secret will soon be brought to light and retribution is being sought after. This turn of events will affect Peter and Molly more than he ever thought. Will history repeat itself or will healing be brought to this family?

Love, Love, Love this book! Huge thumbs up to Susan! I will be eagerly reading more of her work!
Highly recommend this novel! Just beautiful from the front cover to back cover :o)

Hope you are having an amazing week!
Jenny

Coming Attractions~ A Katie Weldon Novel



This book review is for the novel "Coming Attractions" by Robin Jones Gunn. It is the third book in the Katie Weldon series.

I have long read the novels of Robin Jones Gunn and they have long had an honored place on my bookcase.
I love her books! And always greet the news of a new one coming with much anticipation and excitement!
My excitement for this third book and the new fourth book in this series was no less and once again, Robin, did not disappoint.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With graduation swiftly approaching, Katie Weldon, is caught up with the roller coaster that is her final weeks in college. Fighting a horrible cold and never getting to see her boyfriend, Rick, adds to her inner turmoil.

Katie has waited on Rick and dreamed of him and a what a relationship with him would be like since they attended high school together.

With her dream finally realised and them as a couple on what they consider a correct path, what could go wrong? They have done everything they can, to do the right thing and have already decided to let the relationship remain in their relaxed mode until after Katie graduates. Graduation looms as that mark of things to come, milestones to encounter and possibly a long term lifetime commitment for the two of them.

As Katie travels this rolling road, small road signs and then much larger ones seem to be pointing her in a direction that leads directly away from Rick and that commitment that she wants but doesn't.

Will Katie trust God to lead her where she needs to be and to WHOM she needs to be with? Dive into book three and find out!

Happy week to you all!
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

A Lasting Impression~Tamera Alexander~Blog Tour



This book review is for the novel "A Lasting Impression" by Tamera Alexander.

This novel held special appeal for me as it is set in Nashville.

I relished it's length and could easily imagine that beauty that is Belmont.
Anyone who appreciates a colorful tale and a book that will suck you in and keep you turning pages until the very end will fall in love with this book!

Claire Laurent is an accomplished artist. Not exactly in her own right but in the style of someone else. Her father has convinced her of the need to carry on her mother's work. That of forging famous paintings which he then sales.

What Claire longs for is to be signing her own name on her own genuine work of art but she sees it as an impossible dream.

Through dire circumstances Claire finds herself employed by a woman of great means and a love for art that is seemingly almost unparalleled.

The mistress of Belmont has an attorney on staff named Sutton and Claire's greatest fear yet deepest desire is for them all to know the truth of what she was. Forger is no longer the cloak she wishes to wear but until she reveals the truth she is swaddled in the cloak of deceit.


Stunning imagery and story. Cannot recommend it enough!

Hope your weeks are all amazing and that Thanksgiving was tasty! ;)
Jenny




ABOUT TAMERA:
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.




For more information please visit http://www.tameraalexander.com/


*Note* I received this book for free in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Remembering You~Tricia Goyer~ Blog Tour



This book review is for the novel Remembering You by Tricia Goyer.

Tricia's novel leaps off the page and wraps you in the telling of a beautiful story. She weaves all the ends together seamlessly and beautifully.

Ava Ellington finds herself, quite unexpectedly, the not so reluctant travel companion for her Grandfather as he goes on a final tour of Europe. Meeting up with all his friends from the war they are doing a final tour of all the World War II battle sites that they fought on as young men.

Ava sees this as a chance to redeem herself at her job as a producer. She has long been struggling to captivate audiences, as she once did, with great stories. Everything she throws out is garbage.

Her grandfather sees this as perhaps his last hurrah and isn't thrilled with the thought of a camera being shoved in his and his friends faces as they relieve what can be painful memories of their youth.

Add to this the tension of a fight that has not been resolved and you have the making of an interesting journey.

Ava has been battling the pain of a failed relationship and what she seems to singularly view as failing at her life thus far.

Everything for her is up in the air and this Europe trip was like a life line to a drowning person.

What she doesn't realize until after she has set foot on the beautiful European soil, is that her FIRST love is also accompanying his Grandfather on this tour.

Journey along with Ava as she not only discovers what helped her Grandfather become the man he is today, but perhaps discover a few things about herself along this journey.


Blessings,
Jenny


ABOUT TRICIA GOYER

Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling mom of four (two graduated!) and an acclaimed and prolific writer, publishing hundreds of articles in national magazines. She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia's written numerous novels inspired by World War II veterans, including her new release Remembering You. Tricia has a weekly radio show Living Inspired and loves to share inspiring, true stories. The Goyer family live in Arkansas.




For more information please visit http://www.triciagoyer.com/

 Remembering You Giveaway, Facebook Party & LIVE Author Chat!


Tricia is celebrating the release of her novel with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party! First she'll be chatting on Facebook, then everyone will head over to Tricia's website for a Live Chat where readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.



Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!



*Note* I received this book for free in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Sunday

Just a quick update!

Hi everyone!
I apologize profusely for the lack of posts lately! I recently moved and am without Internet on my computer for the moment. This update comes via typing on my phone ;)
Please be assured that I am starting to catch up on my reading and will have several new book reviews posted up for you this week! Thanks for understanding my lack of posts and I am really looking forward to sharing more reviews with you guys ASAP!

Hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving!!

Jenny

Love For "Love On The Line"



This review is for the novel "Love on the Line" by Deeanne Gist.

This is a historical fiction novel and it is great!
I highly recommend you check it out asap!

I normally love the books Deeanne writes and was super excited to be able to be a part of the blog tour for this particular novel.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is learning some things about how telephones and the lines worked back in the day.  It was very interesting to read just for that alone. The story is also great!
There was plenty of action while still having romance entwined throughout it. The book will keep you wondering and intrigued.

Georgie is a super independent switchboard operator in a rural county. She has her own house and a loyal love for birds. Her garden has been made into an oasis for the creatures. She is as fiercely protective of them as she is of her own independence. That makes the appearance of Luke Palmer in "her" town and "her" telephone business even more disturbing and annoying. She doesn't need this man telling her how to run this business!

Luke Palmer, better known as Lucious Landrum, isn't sure how he is going to work being a telephone repairmen. He knows nothing about doing it, but is determined to succeed if that's what it takes to catch the train robbers he is after.
What he didn't happen to bargain on was a spitfire by the name of Georgie.

She is as fascinating to him as she is frustrating. Neither knows what to make of the other but they are forced to work together. Sparks will fly but they might not be the romantic kind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pick up a copy Love On The Line! Or better yet enter to win one or an Ipad below!
DG iPad Campaign 

Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee --has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success.

She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends

Have an amazing week!
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Thursday

Baby It's Cold Outside~Blog Tour~ Susan May Warren



This book review is for the novel "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Susan May Warren.

A full listing of Susan's titles can be found @ http://www.susanmaywarren.com/


It took me a little while reading this novel but it was a great book! I am a fan of the cover art as it makes you want to snuggle up in front of a fire with a hot cup of coffee. It brings happy Christmas memories to mind.

This was my first Summerside Press book to read as well and I must say if all their titles are as good as this one I look forward to reading many more.

I will also be looking into what else Susan has published. She writes very expressively and it is easy to see the picture that she is trying to paint. The depth of emotions portrayed are very believable and she portrayed the era of time, this novel is set in, quite well.

I liked the fact that she kept me guessing until the end. There were several twists and turns and I enjoyed the strong female roles portrayed.

Truly the underlying theme of this book seems to be grace. Grace extended from one to another and God's grace for all sinners. Whether it has been given or has yet to be given, it's there.

The grief of a mother that has lost her son and the grief of a man who lost the boy who could have been his son. Very moving. Must say the ending brought tears to my eyes.

I particularly liked Violet's character. I liked picturing her serving her country and being able to rebuild engines with the best of them. Every character in this book is interesting and engaging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dottie Morgan has long since shunned Christmas and anything to do with it or other people. She has played the part of bitter widow and grieving woman to the hilt. No one dares get close and that is the way she likes it. The day her son, Nelson, died is the day she stopped believing that God loved her. Really that anyone loved her at all.

Violet is Dottie's fellow librarian and makes the decision to head for Dottie's house one fateful night to retrieve something for the town.

What seems a most unfortunate circumstance that lands four almost strangers on Dottie's doorstep in the middle of a terrible storm, might be just the opposite.

Dottie has lived in grief and darkness for so long that she doesn't seem to recognize a blessing when it practically smacks her in the face.

Read along as four very different lives intersect in ways they never imagined possible and could have only dreamed about.
Some smiles, some rooting for things to just be out in the open already and yes some tears is what accompanies this book. I give it a big thumbs up!


Hope your week is going amazingly!
Jenny


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia , Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota ’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.


Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder ofwww.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota , where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)



You can follow this link to purchase the book for yourself!  Baby It's Cold Outside

Also be sure to check out their contest! Susan is hosting a party on Facebook and will be giving away a Kindle Fire!

Enter 10/14-10/26!
Coroy FB Party 




*Note* I received this book for free in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Friday

~Surrender the Night~



This book review is for the novel "Surrender the Night" by MaryLu Tyndall. This is the second book in the Surrender To Destiny series.

Once again, MaryLu has crafted a stunningly beautiful historical novel. You really feel like you are in a vital piece of history as you read her books.

I can imagine the period pieces of clothing and the unrest that the wars must have caused among the people of our fledgling nation.

The book is set during the war of 1812 and is a brilliant follow-up to the first novel in this series, which I also previously reviewed. ~Surrender the Heart~ Be sure to check this review out as well and read all the books!

I am chomping at the bit to read the next one and are eagerly anticipating what happens next.

Miss Rose McGuire has had a hard life, especially for one that is so young. She has deeply buried scars and resentments toward anything British. And when she becomes the unwitting victim of a British Lieutenant, her life is turned upside down. Whether for the better or the worse is to be determined.
What brings the enemy to her doorstep is also what might help open her eyes to the unforgiveness that she harbours. And possibly shed some light into her somewhat darkened soul. She believes in God but she lives in fear. The things that have tainted her past have continued to color her future.

From tragedy, to intrigue, to danger, lies, tested faith, blackmail, unwanted suitors and just perhaps a budding romance, Surrender the Night takes you on an amazing ride of fiction.  I highly recommend it!

Pick up a copy and have a happy, enjoyable weekend!
Jenny


*Note* I received this book from Barbour in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

When All My Dreams Come True



This review is for the novel "When All My Dreams Come True" by Janelle Mowery.

I really liked Janelle's use of different types of characters. Bobby is a one of a kind character and I like how interesting she is. Some of the book keeps you wondering about her. She has faced hurts because of her differences just like a lot of people which makes her a relatable character.

Bobby was raised without a mother, on a ranch, surrounded by men. Because of this and being an only child to her father, she grew up like a boy. She can ride, wrangle and shoot better than most men combined. Her dream is to run her own ranch and she fully intends to make that dream a reality.
However, her new boss, Jace Kincaid, might end up being the thing that is standing in the way of her dreams or he could be everything she didn't know she wanted.

I liked this book and recommend you pick up a copy for yourself.

Happy weekend!
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

A Necessary Deception~Blog Tour~




This review is for the novel "A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes.
The Daughters of BainBridge House novel.

First off the cover of this novel immediately caught my attention. The book is an intrigue and that is exactly what the cover captures. The girl on the front looks like she is hiding a secret behind her mask and half a smile.
Big thumbs up on the cover choice!

This is the first novel I have read by Laurie and after reading this one I know I will be keeping a lookout for her novels now! I loved how she had one main storyline going but had all these others woven throughout it so that you literally never had a bored moment reading this book.
A lot of novels have predictable endings where you already have figured out who is the bad guy etc before the first chapter even ends, but not so with A Necessary Deception.

It kept me turning pages and trying to figure what the heck was going on and who was who. Exactly what a novel that is part mystery, part romance, part intriguing Jane Austin type of literary fiction should be!

A small recap of the novel for you without revealing to much:

Lady Lydia Gale is a headstrong widow who finds herself called upon to repay an old debt for someone she doesn't know. What she doesn't realize is that she is about to be entangled in the most twisted web of lies and deceit than she has ever known in her short lifetime. Enter a quarreling family of mostly women, a gruff seemingly unfeeling father and the all the tizzy of the London Season along with midnight garden meetings and everyone behind a mask in one way or another and you have an incredible read!

I loved Lydia's character. She has a quiet strength to her but also a stubborn streak against anything resembling someone controlling her, which also included trust in God.

Laurie did a superb job in touching on all different facets of a persons emotion and personal struggle not only in a relations with Christ but also with ones self and ones family.

This book will hold a place on my bookshelf to be read again! I look forward to the next book in this series!

Read this book!
Jenny


*Note* I received this book for free from Revell in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Monday

Walker's Wedding



This review is for the novel "Walker's Wedding" by Lori Copeland.

I like the fact that Lori has such diverse characters throughout this novel. Never a boring moment with all of them helping keep the story flowing at a good pace.

Walker McKay thought he had all the time in the world to produce an heir for his ranch, and all that goes with it. That is, until a furious bull gets a hold of him. Now he needs a wife and fast. No one he knows will do for the job, however, for she is strictly going to be a wife to produce his heir. No love required or wanted.

Sarah Livingston is a very rich railroad heiress and the incredibly spoiled only child of her indulgent father.

Her heart is set on marriage and children of her own. When one of her escapades lands her in hot water with her father, she takes matters into her own hands and strikes out on her own.

What comes next can only be described as two world colliding and one persons dream realized while the other ones worst fear might have just landed on the doorstep.

The question is, will either party survive the ending of this story?

I was entertained and invested in the story while reading it. You can't help but root for Sarah to just do the right thing already!

You guys will just have to read the book for yourself to see what happens in the end. Well worth it :)

More reviews coming soon!
Jenny


*Note* I received this book for free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Saturday

Ciao (Which is the perfect name for this novel)




This review is for the novel "Ciao" by Melody Carlson.

This is the last book in the On The Runway series.

I always think that the last book in the series is a little bittersweet and have to wonder if the author of the books feels this way too? I was very excited to get the book and see what happens in the end after reading all of them. Melody does not disappoint but the book did leave me wanting more of the Forrester sisters story. It didn't seem like we were done with them yet and the story of their lives is far from over in my opinion. I am really hoping there will be more novels about these two.

In the last novel we see Paige trying to pick through the rubble of the disaster that was their Bahamas trip. I could never tell if her and Dylan were officially over or not. She still had and was wearing the ring so I was guessing not. Poor Paige cannot seem to figure out at first whether to trust Dylan or not.

Goodbye Dylan or Hello Again??? 

Melody did a very good job on keeping you guessing about Dylan and whether he is sincere or villainous. I wasn't sure myself how I felt about him for awhile.

I like that Erin always seems to finding herself and coming into her own. In this book we get to see a familiar face pop up that might have some positive changes coming about for Erin.

However, not only is she struggling with how to help her sister and what to say and not say, she has to deal with her feelings for Blake and decide what sort of feelings she has for him. Friends, more than friends?

All in all I loooooved this series and WISH there were MORE books! Hint, hint, Ms. Carlson! ;)

I reviewed all 6 books in the series in order. You can see the other five below:

Premiere

Catwalk

Rendezvous

Spotlight

Glamour


Happy Weekend! Hope you all got to read at least some :)

Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Thursday

Be on the lookout for these Upcoming Reviews!

Just wanted to give a quick update on which book reviews you should be on the lookout for! I have some really great looking books in my to be read pile and I am excited to read them and let you guys know what I thought! There will be other upcoming reviews as well as these but these should be next. They will not necessarily be in this order. Also look for an upcoming fun giveaway!!!

Monday

A River To Cross



This book review is for the novel "A River to Cross" by Yvonne Harris.

I loved the cover of this book as there is a horse on it and I LOVE horses, so that was a good start right off the back. I guess you could say I am biased at least in that respect :)

Elizabeth Evans is with her brother at an important council meeting when he is murdered and she is kidnapped by a rouge Mexican General.

Enter Texas Ranger Jake Nelson who is charged with finding and returning Elizabeth, who is a Senators daughter.
Even with a Texas Ranger on the scene this violent band of trouble makers aren't about to give up easily.
They want Elizabeth and they want her now, Jake or no Jake!

I did like this novel but I wasn't a huge fan of how quickly the romance comes about with our main characters. It seemed to me like they literally just met and all the sudden they have all these very strong feelings for each other. It just seemed a little bit to rushed to me. The writing is good, however, and I like that there are several different stories going on instead of just the one. So I do recommend the book and will read other books by her.

What are you guys reading this week? Anything really good?

~Jenny~



*Note* I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Saturday

Glamour~On The Runway



This review is for the fifth book in the 'On The Runway' series, "Glamour" by Melody Carlson.

Melody is a bestselling author as advertised on the front of the book and I can easily see why she is by reading her novels.  I love the way this series takes you somewhat inside the fashion world but also has several other stories going on in the same book. You have so many diverse personalities and things happening that you never get bored.  I find that I read these books within a day of picking them up. I love that because I'm eager to find out what happens but hate it cause they are ending so quickly!

I like the way that Melody continues to address what could be delicate subject matter with a practical point of view. For instance, Paige has her fiance stay for the week in their apartment and Erin is less than thrilled and lets her sister know it. While her sister views it as okay since they are engaged, Erin has a different set of standards by which she lives her life.

We saw Paige get engaged to Dylan Marceau, the clothing designer in the last book and this one continues with that story. Their engagement has shocked the fashion world and Ben, Paige's previous boyfriend, didn't take it so great either. One has to wonder, however, if Paige and Dylan are in it for the right reasons.

Meanwhile Erin is struggling on where she stands with Blake. Could you have broken up when you aren't really together in the first place? And why is he so standoffish?


I am a fan of the fact that Erin has so much going on for her. She isn't just stuck in boy mode. She has work, helping a friend through something awful, a pregnant best friend etc...

There is a good balance when you put Erin with Paige. Paige is more flighty and irrational and Erin just has a good head on her shoulders. Don't get me wrong I can see where she stumbles and loses herself sometimes but she always picks herself back up and keeps right on going.

I am really looking forward to reading the final book in this series and sharing my opinions with you guys!

Hope your weekend is amazing!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Wednesday

Beautiful Book! ~The girl in the gatehouse~



This review is for "The Girl In The Gatehouse" by Julie Klassen.

This novel is phenomenal! I read the blurb on it and loved the cover..it just looked so mysterious and interesting. I couldn't wait to get the book in the mail and started reading it right away.

The back of the book says that the author loves all things Jane, from Jane Eyre to Jane Austin. And reading the book you can definitely tell. I am a huge fan of Jane Austin and this book greatly reminded me of her books which is another reason I loved it so much!

It was really interesting the details that go into the book from the way quill pens were made to the huge scandals things back then could become. Julie has woven a classic Regency-set novel with just the right touch of mystery and intrigue. It is one of those books you can't wait to get to the end just to find out what happens but at the same time you don't want it to end because it is so good! I also love the way that Mariah, our main character, is a writer and she weaves the scenes of what happened with Mariah through her book that she is writing. So instead of a weird flashback scene, we get to read scenes from her novel, which is actually written from what happened to herself. I thought it was a great way to let you know what happened and why she ends up in the gatehouse without having to do flashbacks.


Our main lady, Mariah Aubrey has been banished from the only home she has ever known. She has but one loyal servant who goes with her and lives on the good graces of her Aunt in a somewhat rundown gatehouse on the extensive property her Aunt resides on. Although shamed and mostly alone in the world, Mariah's days soon become filled with many interested people including children from across the road that live the local poorhouse. Add to that a 'crazy' man who walks along the poorhouse roof, a servant with a missing hand, an old maid companion and a handsome Captain who leases the estate and Mariah has her hands full.


I have nothing but lovely things to say about this novel and eagerly anticipate reading more by this author. It has a fully engaging, colorful, interesting cast of characters and enough mysteries to it to keep you guessing. I also love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.
Love, love, love it!!!! Huge thumbs up to Julie Klassen!



I hope you are all enjoying this week!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Tuesday

Sweet Sanctuary



This review is for the novel, "Sweet Sanctuary" by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book when I picked it up. I did like it somewhat but the ending kind of felt rushed and like it wasn't really resolved. The whole book focuses on past hurts from something that happened at a family reunion many years before. At the end of the book, however, when the family is finally addressing the issues that have torn them apart, for so many years something urgent crops up and stops the discussion in its tracks. It is never picked up again from there in the way that I think it would have, so I felt like it was just left hanging. Like everything was just automatically fixed without the discussion being finished. There were also unfinished questions regarding Wren and Charlie as well as various other characters. I'm not sure if there is a sequel or not but it just seemed unfinished with the entire book really stemming from this one event in time.

It was an interesting read, however, and it is well written.

Wren and her son Charlie live in a tiny Maine village on the families old summer property. Charlie's father is not in the picture and hasn't been since he was a few months old. Wren has never recovered from a horrible summer the family spent at the very property she now lives and goes about life like she is in a safe little bubble with just she and Charlie. Enter her Grandmother, out of the blue, who suddenly wants the whole family back together when they hardly even speak anymore. But Charlie has been praying for his mother and thinks all of this could be the answer to his prayers.

You will just have to read for yourself to see what the mystery is and how it all turns out.


Hope you all have a great weekend!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program in exchange for writing a review about it. I am not required to write a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Sunday

Spotlight~This series shines brightly!



This review is for the book "Spotlight" by Melody Carlson.

I am in total love with this series. I seriously read this book in less than a day. I always eagerly wait for the next installment to make it's way to me! My mail person is probably tired of having to come to the door with my book packages and my mail eagerness. Who looks forward to the time of day your mail runs? Surely it can't just be me??? Anyway back to the fabulous book I just finished.

In the fourth book, the sisters show, On the Runway, has become a global phenomenon. Paige, as well as Erin are starting to become recognized when they go out and about.

Paige eats it up of course but Erin is less than thrilled about the attention they are receiving, especially when Paige starts hanging out with her controversial old boyfriend just to get more press.

I feel like Paige really slid backward in her personality for awhile in this book. She had started improving and she and Erin were getting a closer relationship but the minute her solo "spotlight" is challenged she is willing to throw Erin to the side. Not so much sisterly love going on there for a minute.

I have to say again that I like that Melody touches on tough subjects without glamorizing or dramatizing them. You really feel like you are watching the sisters grow as they go through the good and the bad. Fame isn't all it's cracked up to be and Paige soon realizes that when nasty rumors start being spread about her in the tabloids.

I am eager to read the next installment as there are only two more books in the series and a rather interesting and big development happens in the end of this book. Pick up a copy and see for yourself!

Excellent series which I highly recommend for teenagers and women alike :)

Hope your weekends are going fantastic and that you have time to read at least a little!


Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.


Friday

Fairer Than Morning~Rosslyn Elliott~Blog Tour

This book review is for the novel "Fairer Than Morning". Which is the debut novel by Rosslyn Elliott.

What a novel to debut with! I read it for a blog tour and although the book is somewhat long at 387 pages she writes with an almost poetic feel to the novel. The imagery that her novel produces is beautiful. She paints pictures with her words in this moving novel.

The book is actually a work of fiction that is inspired by a real family that lived in American history, the Hanby Family.

Ann Miller is a young lady with a large mind who loves to read the classics and discuss books with her suitor Eli. Her mother died in childbirth many years ago and she has been left to be a surrogate mother to her two young sisters. Their father, who is a saddle maker by trade, tends to the business and occasional rides off the farm as a traveling preacher. He can't make a decent living at the preaching, therefore he continues with the saddle making. He is considered a master saddler and has a prominent family from Pittsburgh who have him come from Ohio to build their saddles.
On one such trip, Ann and her sisters accompany him to Pittsburgh and she meets Will Hanby, who is the apprentice of another saddle maker. His master is unbelievably cruel and beats him nearly to death.
Will has almost given up hope in life after the awful death of his parents and the torture of working under his master. Meeting Ann even for a fleeting few moments and seeing her kindness and light shine through give him hope for a brighter future.

Everything in this novel culminates toward a suspenseful end. The issue of slavery and murder are touched on several times in this novel. Deep seated emotions are richly portrayed throughout the entire book.

Here are my two favorite lines from the novel by far.

"The intense feeling of presence subsided, as if someone standing next to him had just moved away but remained in the room." This takes place when Will is praying.

"Tell me what you wish me to do. I want to be certain, like the others. In an instant, the night sky became more vast, the vault of heaven opened to limitlessness. Will felt himself minuscule in the sight of something that was everywhere and moving through him, as if he broke apart and mingled with it.His breath came in short, staggered puffs. Who was he, to have asked for an audience with Eternity? At the same time, he felt acceptance such as he had never known, as if these fragments that made him were revealed in all their brokenness and inadequacy...and he was fully loved. He would never be alone."

I have to say again just a beautiful, moving book! Big thumbs up to Rosslyn!


Rossyln has a fun giveaway coming up that you should definitly check out!

Win a custom made period dress ... and a KINDLE from Rosslyn Elliott!
Enter 9/1-9/20!


After entering the contest be sure and check out Rosslyn's website http://rosslynelliott.com/where you can find out more about this new author!

You can read an excerpt of this wonderful book here: http://www.rosslynelliott.com/books.php just scroll down to read the excerpt.

You can purchase the book for yourself, here: Own Fairer Than Morning For Yourself

I highly recommend you picking up this novel and diving into it! I love discovering great new authors for my collection!

Happy week and reading all!
Jenny


*Note* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Thursday

Surrender the Heart



This book review is for the stunning novel by MaryLu Tyndall, "Surrender the Heart".
It is the first book in the 'Surrender to Destiny' series.

You can check out MaryLu's website and more of her titles here: MaryLu Tyndall

The link for Barbour Books is Barbour Books

I have to say that MaryLu's writing just jumps off the page. You can feel the emotions rolling toward you almost as if you are standing in the same room with her vibrant cast. I am really looking forward to reading more books by her. This one kept me engrossed and really interested up until the last page.

Surrender the Heart is set in Baltimore during the War of 1812. Against everything inside of herself, Marianne has agreed to marry Noah Brenin, who she grew up with. Both of them detest the other and their parents set up the match between them. Noah has agreed to please his parents and Marianne agreed only so that she can unlock her inheritance and perhaps save her mothers life. Quite against both parties wishes they end up finding themselves entangled in the war when Noah's ship is taken and they are impressed in the Royal Navy.

I appreciated all the emotions that go into MaryLu's writing. You can easily imagine the period clothing and feel the emotional struggles as they carry out their stories. Noah, bearing unbelievable scars and pain, trusting in what he believes is a trustworthy nation that really cannot be trusted at all. All of this including his engagement to someone he doesn't love in his attempt at pleasing a father who has never forgiven him for the past. And Marianne desperately seeking the help that she needs for her mother, dealing with the loss of a loved one and her own gaping feelings of inadequacy and loss. I think at some point we have all been in one of the two places. Trusting something that can't be trusted or feeling inadequate in whatever area that bothers each person. This story is not only a story of redemption and belonging, it is one of healing, hope and attaining the faith and forgiveness needed to move forward. Another running thread throughout this book is trust, learning to trust each other and more importantly learning to trust our Creator.

Pick up a copy of this book! I do not think that you will be disappointed.



I hope you are all doing amazing this week!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book from Barbour in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Monday

Ransome's Quest



This review is for the novel "Ransome's Quest". It is the third book in The Ransome Trilogy.

I have previously read and reviewed the first book, "Ransome's Honor", which you can read here..Ransome's Honor~ Truly Amazing Book!
and the second book Ransome's Crossing which you can read here.. Ransome's Crossing


I am excited to post the last review on this series because I now know what happens but sad at the same time because there are no more!
This trilogy is one of those series that you just do not want to put down. Once you start you have to find out what happens in the very end! Be prepared for some late nights once you pick up the first book :)

Kaye Dacus has managed to make pirates, Caribbean life and adventure come to life on the pages of these novels! Swashbuckling adventure at its best. This last book brings everything into an explosive satisfying conclusion! I applaud this series!

I could not be more pleased that I had the opportunity and pleasure to review these books. Please check out Kaye's website here... kayedacus.com
I have visited her website and am super excited to see how many more books of hers there are still left to read. She also has a novel in progress tracker on her site so you can see where she is at in the writing process for her newest novel! Very original and neat to see!

The heroism continues in this book, as both Ransome ladies are kidnapped by pirates. One pirate being more "kindhearted" than the other one. But both women are still in a somewhat perilous positions though as each kidnapping takes place.

Having first his sister kidnapped, William goes after her with a vengeance, determined to get her back immediately. This leaves, his wife, Julia alone on the sugar plantation with their workers, who William believes can be trusted.

It's not much longer after leaving her there in their protection that William gets the news that the blackest hearted pirate Shaw has taken his beloved Julia. With stories of Shaw's cruelty swirling through the Caribbean, William is heartsick at the thought.

Now he has the unthinkable position of having to decide who to pursue first... his little sister or his wife?

His previous First Lieutenant, Ned Cochrane steps up to the plate and offers to go after Charlotte himself which frees up William to go after Julia. Knowing for certain that Ned will do everything in his power to find Charlotte and bring her home swiftly.

With the Navy's assets at their disposal they both fly into action. Each of them going after their respective woman with steely determination and alot of prayers.
You will not believe the outcome of this novel. There is more action and suspense in this novel than in the whole series. Out of the three books this was my favorite! There are definitely shocking revelations in this book and it is a must read! You do not see them coming in the first two books.
Do not walk away without reading this whole series! Huge thumbs up to Kaye Dacus and I cannot wait to read more novels by her! Do yourself a favor and pick all three of them up!


Happy reading my friends!
Jenny




P.S. Let me know what you guys thought of these when you read them!



*Note* I received this book for free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for posting a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.


Thursday

Rendezvous!



This book review is for the novel "Rendezvous" by Melody Carlson. It is the third book in the 'On The Runway' series. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books, Premiere and Catwalk and I always eagerly dive into the next book when I get it. I have truly been loving this series!

First off I have to say that I absolutely love the title of the book! Whenever I read it, I hear this deliciously sounding french accented word. Brings to mind the warm smell of fresh baked scones and french roast coffee..a scarf about the neck as one delights in these things at a sidewalk cafe and gazes at the beautiful Eiffel Tower. Before you even crack the book open you are flooded with delightful images just from the title alone.
I don't know about you but it cranks my Parisian longings up a notch! ;o)

In these book we get to follow the Forrester sisters to Paris to visit such designers as Hermes and Christian Dior etc...  to film for their TV show. Just reading all the labels is bringing to mind beautiful shoes and handbags! Read on to watch both sisters grow in the way they communicate with each other as well as different people they deal with. They both still have a lot of growing up to do but international travel and fame is helping them do it.

Seeing Erin come into her own as a beautiful young woman is nice. She isn't just falling into Paige's shadow as much and she is learning to stand up for herself sometimes. And Paige is learning to slow down, consider, and not throw temper tantrums.
Throw in a handsome French guy as well as a few surprise visitors from back home and well....you'll have to read to see! I know, I know, but I can't give it all away right!?!

I like the way that Melody tackles some tough issues without being to in your face about it. I am highly anticipating reading the fourth book, "Spotlight". Look for my upcoming review on it as well!

Have a great weekend! Any interesting plans?
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Wednesday

Goodness Gracious Green!!!



This book review is for the novel "Goodness Gracious Green" by Judy Christie.

It is the second novel in her series. I previously reviewed the first book "Gone to Green" which you can read here... Gone To Green.

The second novel picks up where the first left off. Lois has just decided to stay in Green and keep the newspaper. It is new years day and she gets the surprise of a lifetime when the Big Boys show up on her doorstep bright and early to try and force her to sale 'The Green News Item' back to them. Lucky for her Mayor Eva shows up right after them and breaks up the uncomfortable situation. But keep in mind the Big Boys will not be put off. They want the newspaper back and they want it back right now.

Not so lucky for Lois, however, is that Eva's little bitty dog decides to bite her right on the face. Nothing like starting out the new year with a visit from enemies, a dog bite and a trip to the doctor right away for stitches.

Big changes are coming to Lois's life in the way of a best friend moving forward, which leaves her slightly sad, a man friend (who she can't quite determine if he means more to her than just a man friend) and a lot of fires at the newspaper and her home.

The book is quite intriguing and I liked diving right back into Green and what was going on. Since she picked up where the last book left off you didn't feel like you had missed anything. I liked the mystery of the fires and watching Lois grow as a grownup and in her faith. There is a little bit of everything, mystery, romance, faith, personal growth. Lots of going on in this book and I am eagerly anticipating reading the third book, "The Glory Of Green".

Happy Wednesday to you all!
Jenny



*Note* I received this book for free from Abingdon Press in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Tuesday

A Most Unsuitable Match



This book review is for the novel "A Most Unsuitable Match" by Stephanie Grace Whitson. Be sure to check out Stephanie's website here... stephaniewhitson.com

I requested this book because I have taken a liking lately to historical fiction. It had a cool looking cover and an adventurous sounding blurb. It started out a little bit sad with our heroin at her parents graveside so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at first as I don't like sad things. But I am so glad I kept going and dove into the story!

I am going to try to get something by this author again asap!

Miss Fannie Rousseau if all alone in this world except for her faithful maid Hannah, who raised her from a child. And her best friend Minnette, who is blind and engaged to a gentleman of business.

After her mother's death it seems that her world is falling apart. Things that she never understood about her mother and the coldness that she felt growing up, will now never be understood as her mother is gone.

She is left with a big old house and more questions than answers. Her fathers advisor is pushing her toward an unsuitable match to try and save herself from practical destitution and she is overwhelmed with the responsibility of it all weighing down on her.

Through a series of unforeseen events, Fannie goes rifling through her late mother's dressing table and ends up uncovering a much hidden family secret. Perhaps things are not as lonely and sad as they would first seem?

What she finds, prompts her to seek passage on a steamboat with a captain famous for his quick runs up the river, as well as his temper.

She and Hannah embark on a crazy adventure for Montana where they encounter many, many interesting characters.  You will just have to read this novel for yourself to find out what the secret is and what Miss Fannie is searching for. There is adventure, romance, a little sadness, people growing in their faith and lots of page turning without setting the book down!

Loved it and highly recommend this book! Thought for the author...don't know if there is one planned but I would love to see a separate book all about Minette!

Happy Week To You All!
Jenny




*Note* I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.