House of Mercy by Erin Healy

Beth wants to become a vet to help their family run their cattle ranch. But one foolish decision threatens to destroy everything her family has worked for over several generations. While Beth tries to do everything she can to fix her mistake, things only seem to get more complicated. Beth feels that her only hope is to go find the grandfather she never met. But she must journey across the mountains on horseback, guided by a wild wolf. Will she find the answers she is looking for? Will her grandfather help her reunite her family?

I had a hard time getting into this book. It seemed too slow for me at the beginning. But I was in the midst of a move when I was reading it, so that didn't help things. I do look forward to going back and reading Healy's previous book, The Baker's Wife, before making any judgments.

I give this book 3.5 stars. I received this book from the B&B Media Group for the purpose of this review.

The Romanov Conspiracy by Glenn Meade

The Romanov Royal Family

What really happened on that night in July 1918 when the Romanov royal family was executed. Did they all die that night, or did Princess Anastasia and her brother escape? Dr. Laura Pavlov, an American forensic archaeologist, and an international team are digging in the outskirts of Ekaterinburg, Russia where the Royal family was executed. In one of the mine shafts, Pavlov and her team find a perfectly preserved body. Laura then leaves Russia in search of answers because of what was found on the body. She finds a clue that takes her to Ireland to understand what happened in the days leading up to the Romanov family execution.

I've learned about the history of Russia first taking a Russian literature class in high school and then visiting Belarus as a freshman in college. So when i saw this book was available for a blog tour, I had to get it! I was a little taken aback by the length (over 500 pages), but I as I read it, I was hooked from the beginning. It was a little slow going just trying to concentrate on all that was happening and keeping all the characters straight. I found myself having to reread a page or two when I got distracted so I could keep up with the story. I planned on reading just one part a day, figuring the book would take me all week, but I finished it in just over 3 days. I did not want to put the book down! The story line of the Romanov family intrigued me. The author put in twists and turns that I would have never figured out. I'd love to sit down and read this book again!

I give this book 4.5 stars. I received The Romanov Conspiracy from Howard for the purpose of this review.

Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman

This is definitely a book that should be read after reading the first book in the series, For Time and Eternity, as this book picks up right where the first book ends. In this second book, Camilla Fox is rescued from the near fatal snow storm after having left the Mormon faith desiring to return to her parents home. In the care of Colonel Charles Brandon, Fox must first recover after the snow storm before trying to make her way to her childhood home. Camilla desperately desires to have a home of her own in which she can care for her two girls. But before they can be with her, she will have to return to Salt Lake City to fight for them.

I read both book one and two within 3 days. Once I started book one, I didn't want to stop. Sadly, when I did finish book one, I didn't have book two with me, so I had to wait a few agonizing hours before being able to start the next book. These books make me feel sorry for those who get caught up in the lies of Mormonism and feel they have no way out, once they see the truth. Camilla found love from Nathan, but when her parents objected to the relationship, she felt it was simply because he was a Mormon. Camilla didn't understand what her parents saw, and they weren't able to articulate it to her. If that were different, Camilla might have made a different choice.

I give this book 5 stars. I loved it! I can't wait to read what Allison Pittman writes next!

Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Almost Amish  Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)  by  Kathryn Cushman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but all her life she knew that she wanted to write a novel “some day”. For her, “some day” came in 2003, when she started writing and never looked back.


Her first two manuscripts remain firmly ensconced in the back of her closet (the dust bunnies tell her they really are terrific!). Her third attempt became her first published novel.

A Promise to Remember and Leaving Yesterday were both finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.

On the homefront, she has been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for nearly twenty-five years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of high school and college.

They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for over twenty years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feel blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!)

When she's not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find her trying her best to keep up with her daughters in their various theater, softball, dance, and filled-with-activity lives.  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Proving the Simple Life Isn't So Simple After All


Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications...and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Almost Amish, go HERE.


My Review:

I loved this book! I have read too many of the typical Amish books that i am generally bored with anything Amish, but this book had such a great twist, that I just loved it. The book was about one extended family learning to live like the Amish for a reality TV show. It reminded me of watching shows like PBS' The 1900 House in which a family from England in 2000, spent three months living in a restored house with all the technology of 1900. All of the characters developed and grew throughout the book. They each had personal victories and overcame some of their flaws.

We spend so much time running from one project or activity to another that we forget to slow down and enjoy life. Julie found out that while the Amish life was harder, everything they did had a purpose. Food was made because the family needed to eat, laundry was done to have clean clothing. Gardens were tended so the family would have food to eat. I loved the line toward the end that really made me think, "Instead of being intentional about my day, I end up reacting to the urgent." 

I give this book 4.5 stars. I received Almost Amish from CFBA

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Deposit Slip  Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)

 by  Todd M. Johnson  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years,
specializing as a trial lawyer.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota
Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of
International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis,
Minnesota, with his wife Cathy, and children Ian and Libby.




ABOUT THE BOOK

$10,000,000 Is Missing.


Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Deposit Slip, go HERE.



My Review:

Erin Larson is going through her father's belongings after his death and finds a deposit slip for over 10 million dollars. However the bank claims to have no record of the deposit from three years earlier. Larson's only option to find the truth is a lawsuit. But when there are people trying to intimidate her and threaten her, even smashing the windows on her car, will she be able to follow through with the lawsuit?

Jared Neaton is tired of the shady ethics of the big law firm and decides to start his own firm. But he is getting final bill notices and is unable to keep up with other bills. He can't risk another loss of a case. But when the Larson case is presented to him, there is something about it that makes him risk it all to take the case.

I saw this book on Amazon before it came out, and I was really interested in it. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and read it. I was not disappointed! I loved the mystery of it and trying to figure out what really happened. Was the deposit slip real? Where did the money go? Who was trying to cover it all up? Where had the money come from originally? This book kept me wondering and trying to figure things up right up to the very last page. I give this book 4.5 stars. I received this book from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (CFBA) for the purpose of this review.

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Libby loves historical homes, and she loves restoring them. So when she inherits an old hotel, its a dream come true. But the twists don't stop there. Her best friend is kidnapped, she finds out she has a family she never knew about, and she meets a very handsome man in the Coast Guard. But things don't get easier for her. While she tries to find her friend, her new family doesn't accept her until they find out the whole truth. Almost everyone on Hope Island thinks she is responsible for the kidnapping, and Libby has to come face to face with her own past.

I found this to be a very fun read. I loved the character of Libby and wanted to see the book through to know how it ended. All the people of Hope Island were interesting characters. The book was a quick read, I finished it in under a day. I give this book 4.5 stars.

I received this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of this review.

Cottage By The Sea by Robin Jones Gunn

Erin Bryce has just opened a wedding planning business, The Happiest Day, with her friend, Sharlene. When she gets the news that her father has some serious health issues, she travels from her home in Southern California up to the Oregon coast to spend time with him and his second wife, the brusque and very odd, Delores.

Erin is about to be overwhelmed with the new business, her own son's wedding to Sierra Jenson, and spending time caring for her ailing father. Will she be able to keep her sanity and her focus during this chaotic time?

Robin Jones Gunn has been one of my favorite authors since I was in late elementary school and this book did not disappoint! I enjoyed reading about Sierra's wedding, but what I enjoyed even more was Erin's devotion to her father. While Erin and her husband were trying to move him to a nursing home near their California home, Erin stayed in Oregon to take care of her father. And while spending time on the Oregon coast, Erin falls in love with the Cottage by the Sea.

I give this book 4.5 stars.

I received this book from Howard for the purpose of this review.

Bees In The Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang

Meg Davenport has spent her life at an exclusive boarding school. She has all of her needs provided for her, but what she wants most is to have a relationship with her father, who, she thinks, doesn't love her. But when her father dies, she finds out the truth about his life and his love for her. Her father, John Davenport, was not the wealthy businessman she thought he was. Instead, he is one of the Gilded Ages most talented thieves.

His apprentice, Ian Maguire, is charged to watch over Meg after her father's death. While he knows John would never want Meg to follow in his footsteps, Meg is trying to get to know her father by rebelling from everything she has known.

This was a very different historical book and for that, I loved it. It did not have the typical historical book setting. At the same time, i wasn't sure how the book was going to end, even down to the last few pages. I love that about a book! Also, this book was one I was interested in reading just based on the cover alone. It is a book that, when in the store,  I would definitely pick up and take a look at.

I give this book 4.5 stars.

The Gifted by Ann H. Gabhart

Jessamine Brady has lived as a Shaker for half of her life, being brought there after her grandmother passed away. While she struggles  to live like a Shaker, constantly needing to ask forgiveness, she is content there. That is, until one day she is in the woods to find berries and comes across a stranger in need of help. When she brings the stranger back to the Shaker village, her life is turned upside down. Will she stay with the Shakers or find a new life out in the world?

I chose this book because I live near where the first Shakers settled in New York. I knew they had existed, but I did not know much about them. Gabhart's book gave me a glimpse into the Shaker world. However, the book was slow and predictable. Halfway through the book I had most everything figured out. The book was quite long, over 400 pages, and just progressed slowly. It was a good book, but not my favorite. I give this book 4 stars. I received this from Revell for the purpose of this review.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

It's Christmas in Hope Springs, NC, and the Sanders clan is getting together, but just before Christmas, Pastor Jim Dillon, dies. The Sanders family and Pastor Dillon's family are next door neighboors, and all the children grew up next to each other. So while both families are dealing with the funeral plans and very supportive of each other, there is one uniqueness. The Dillons are white, and the Sanders are black. There are two churches in Hope Springs, the church that Pastor Dillon pastored, and the church that the Sanders go to, and they are the white church and the black church. While they are not segregated, it is what it always has been and traditions die hard.

The book focuses specifically on 3 women, Janelle, Becca, and Stephanie. For Janelle, this is her first visit back to Hope Springs  after her husbands death a couple years earlier. Becca, is so focused on her own ministry, but her husband feels called back to Hope Springs, permanently. Stephanie finds herself at a crossroads, wondering what is coming next. Her husband is about leave for a mission trip, leaving her home alone for a month. But when Janelle volunteers to stay and help care for their grandmother, Stephanie agrees to help while her husband is away, a decision that will change the course of her life. As these women share their lives and struggles, they begin to find hope and healing with God and each other. After this season in their lives, Hope Springs will never be the same again!

I really enjoyed this book. This is only my second book that I have read by Tate, and she has quickly become a favorite author. I am excited to see what other books she will be writing in the future! She is definitely an author to follow! The characters all were very real to me, and I could see much of the story playing out in real life. I give this book 4.5 stars. I received this book from Litfuse tours for the purpose of this review.

Celebrate the release of Hope Springs with Kim Cash Tate by coming to her Author Chat Party on Facebook. Find out what readers are saying here. Grab your copy of Hope Springs and join me for an Author Chat Party on July 10th at 8:00 PM EST (that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! During the evening Kim will be sharing the story behind her new book, posting book club questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and (I'm so excited about this) - a Kindle Fire! But, wait there's more – she’ll also be giving you a sneak peak of her next book too! RSVP today and then come back on the 10th ... and bring your friends!

Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson

Lucy Tucker has lived an interesting and quite varied life. Growing up during the dust bowl, and living as a migrant worker with her family when she was a teenager, serves as a unique background to marrying a carny and living traveling from amusement park to amusement part with her husband for several years. But much of Lucy's adult life has been spent on the streets. The book jumps between Lucy's present life, in which is she living on the streets or in the Manna House shelter, and her younger years, starting in the 1940s with her family, until the two story lines meet.

I found myself wanting the earlier story line to progress faster so I could understand more of where Lucy had come from and why she was the way she was when you see her on the streets or in the shelter, while the present day story line made me think about the life and hardships of those who live on the streets. This book has some connections to some of the Jackson's other books, being set in the same area of Chicago for part of it. I have enjoyed reading other books by Dave and Neta Jackson, but this book was not a favorite for me. I give this book 3.5 stars. I received this book from Litfuse for the purpose of my review.

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson

In book three of the Backstage Pass series, Tia Morales is a control freak who is used to calling all the shots, especially on the set of Stars Collide, a popular sitcom. But it seems that the set is the only thing that she really has control over, and even that isn't under her control, especially when her sister gets hired as a make up artist, and Tia starts falling for Jason, the cameraman. Teaching a control freak how to relax seems to be an impossible task, but will Jason be able to show Tia how to relax enough that he can pursue a relationship with her?

Sadly this book just bored me. I had higher hopes for it, but I couldn't really get into the book and enjoy it. Sure, parts of it were interesting, but I just couldn't enjoy it. I did love that all the chapter titles were different tv shows from over the years, many of which I knew, but some were ones I had never heard of.

I give this book only 3 stars because I just couldn't get into it enough to enjoy it. It was a book I could easily put down and didn't want to pick up. I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

Darkroom by Joshua Graham

Xandra Carrick travels to her mother's homeland of Vietnam with her father to scatter her mother's ashes. Having spent her life seeking her father's approval, Xandra became a photographer like her father. When processing the photos from Vietnam, she begins to have visions that entangle her in a 40 year old conspiracy that started during the Vietnam war. Her only hope is to uncover the truth. But in doing so, she finds herself and those around her in danger.

Darkroom was a book I wasn't sure about when I got it as I just started reading suspense books in the last few months, but this book blew me out of the water. The first almost 100 pages were a little slow as the book was just laying out the different story lines, but once they began to intersect with each other, I didn't want to put the book down.

I give this book 4.75 stars. I received this book from Howard Books for the purpose of this review.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Sophia, a teacher in New York expects to be engaged Congressman Rexford Montgomery any day now. But when he announces his engagement to her close friend, Sophia takes the first opportunity to change her life, by signing up with the Board of Foreign Missions. While she signed up, intending to go to China, she agrees to take the first posting possible, which in her case means moving out west to teach the Ponca Indians. When Sophia arrives, she knows she can teach, but she is overwhelmed with the new culture, her own responsibilities and expectations of being a missionary. She finds a friend and an ally in the agency carpenter, Will, whose own faith helps to challenge and grow Sophia. But as she falls in love with the Ponca Indians, they ignite a joy and passion in her that leads her to do everything she can to help them. But when the government intervenes and decrees that the Ponca must be uprooted from her land, will Sophia and Will be able to continue to fight for their cause together?

This is a book that made me fall in love with the Ponca Indians almost as much as the main characters did. I got frustrated with the government leaders when they tried to force the Poncas onto new reservations, and I rejoiced with Sophia as the children learned to read and count money and thrived in school. This book did a justice to the time period and the historical events that took place over and over with the various Indian tribes.

I received this book from Booksneeze for the purpose of this review. I give this book 4 stars.

Love In Disguise by Carol Cox

Ellie Moore finds herself jobless in Chicago, but when she overhears some men talking about needing a woman for a job with the Pinkerton Detective Agency.  Ellie believes that her background in theater will give her a unique advantage as a detective, however the Pinkerton Detective Agency doesn't see it the same way, at least at first. But when Ellie comes back dressed as Lavinia Steward, a middle-aged widow, the agency has a change of heart and sends her to Arizona for her first assignment. Because Ellie was supposed to go with a seasoned detective whose change of plans won't allow her to go, Ellie has to create a second character, Lavinia's niece, Jessie Monroe to help get information out of the townspeople. When she arrives in Arizona, Steven Pierce, a local mine owner, is the first to really give Ellie a picture of what is going on with the silver robberies.

Will Ellie acting as Lavinia and Jessie be able to solve the mystery and discover who is behind the silver robberies?

This is a book that I was looking forward to reading just based on the front cover and I was not disappointed. I loved the mystery and the disguises. But  it was the last 100 pages or so that had me so focused I didn't want to put the book down until I finished reading it.

This book is filled with mystery, a bit of crime, some romance, and a town full of interesting people. I give this book 4.5 stars.

I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review.

Waiting For Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson

Patsy Milstrap hasn't lived the life she expected. Patsy is sent away from her family for her own protection, though she doesn't understand that. As Patsy grows up, she seems to live a normal life, marrying a local war hero, raising a family, but her past still haunts her. Her husband is trying to do everything to help Patsy, but nothing seems to work, until they take a vacation to Cedar Key where Patsy must face the truth.

After reading the first Cedar Key novel, Chasing Sunsets, which greatly disappointed me, I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Waiting For Sunrise. While I didn't find it to be a favorite book, I did enjoy reading it much more than Chasing Sunsets. In reading Chasing Sunsets, the character of Patsy had been introduced and some of her story had been told. I figured that enough of it was told that there wasn't going to be much new in this book, but boy was I wrong. Everson took a small story line and made it into a full length novel that I enjoyed reading.

I give this book 4 stars.

I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrell Nelson

Set in 1946 and briefly in 2006, The Anniversary Waltz tells the story of Adam Carlson and his wife Elizabeth. The book opens at the Carlson's 60th anniversary party, and Adam is asking his wife to waltz with him, like they have for every anniversary prior. Then they sit down and share the story of how they met, dated, and married. Theirs is a story of true love, courage, and overcoming adversity in many areas. In 1946, Adam has just come home from the war and has returned to his family's farm in Montana. A few days after returning home a town festival, Adam meets a young woman, Elizabeth, who is going steady with Nathan Roberts, Adam's high school rival and now an influential banker.  After Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz together, it seems their future is sealed. It was love at first dance, but things are never that easy.

This story made me laugh and cry with the characters. While I knew Adam and Elizabeth had to have gotten married, their journey was filled with obstacles they had to overcome. I wondered how they would be able to do it, when all seemed to be lost. Some parts of the book were predictable, but other parts took me by surprise and kept me turning the pages. In fact, about halfway through the book, I figured I would stop and go to bed and then finish the book in the morning, but I couldn't stop reading, I had to finish the book that night, and about three hours after starting it, I finished reading it.

I give this book 5 stars. It was a great read, and I loved it!

I received this book from Glass Road Media for the purpose of this review.

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren (and GIVEAWAY!)

Over one hundred years ago, it was not just common, it was expected that young men and women of high society in America would go on the "Grand Tour" of Europe. The Kensington's were just such young people. They were about to embark on a grand tour of England, France, and Italy for the summer.

But Cora Diehl, a young woman who just finished another year at school to become a teacher didn't expect to ever be one of those traveling to Europe for the Grand Tour. But when her father suffers a stroke, her mother reveals a family secret, and a strange man shows up on their doorstep, Cora finds herself in a strange, new environment with a new family and about to go on the Grand Tour.

Growing up, part of me wished I had been born 100 years ago and was able to go on the Grand Tour. But traveling to Europe for mission trips in college helped fulfill this desire. I loved the descriptions in this book of the places they traveled to, the parties they attended. It is a well written, intriguing book that made me want to go to Europe all over again. Glamorous Illusions is the first book in The Grand Tours Trilogy. The other books Grave Consequences and Glittering Promises come out Spring 2013 and Fall 2013.
I give this book 4.5 stars.
I received this book from Litfuse for the purpose of this review.


GIVEAWAY!!!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of this book please leave a comment below with your email address, answering the following question:
What places would you like to see on your own Grand Tour?

For a second entry, let me know that you already are or just started following my blog.
The giveaway will end at midnight on June 13th. I will pick a winner the following day.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Kate Donovan is tired of her job and her life in Dallas. So when her grandmother asks her to help restore the family home in Redbud, PA, Kate jumps at the chance to have a change of pace. When she gets to PA, she meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Matt is good looking, but carries around the pain of losing his wife and then walking away from his career after her death. It has been several years since Matt's wife died, but everyone is still walking around on pins and needles around Matt. Will Kate's stubbornness be what breaks through to Matt and helps him see the light?

I enjoyed reading this book. The issues each of the characters faced and their reactions to them were very honest. The secondary characters were unique and fun. i really was rooting for some of them.

I give this book 4.5 stars.

I received this book from the author through Bethany House for the purpose of this review.

5 Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

On July 3, 1968, Charles Caldwell died, leaving his estate to his family for 50 years before it is tuned over to the city. 44 years later, Caldwell's granddaughters live in the house. Darlene has married and raised her family there, Carlene grew up there before moving to NYC, but returns for her 50th birthday. Magnolia, or Nolie as she is known, is ten years younger than her twin sisters, and when Carlene was getting all the attention for her voice before moving to NYC to study at Julliard and work on Broadway, and Darlene got married and became a mother, Nolie almost seems like she was forgotten about. Now she is trying to make her own way and prove herself.

Each girl has their own secrets and stubbling blocks that make them put up walls with each other. Will they be able to get past those and find their place together again?

I've read several others of Angela Hunt's books and thought this book would be really good. But sadly I was disappointed. I had a hard time getting into it, and it was a book I could easily put down. While I still wanted to know what happened, it just didn't capture my attention like I hoped it would. While I liked it better in the end than I thought I would after I got into it, it still wasn't a favorite book. I give this book 3.5 stars.

I received this book from Howard Books for the purpose of this review.