Christmas in Apple Ridge ~ Book Review

Christmas in Apple Ridge
by Cindy Woodsmall
ISBN:  978-0307730992
$14.53 (paperback)
$  7.99 (kindle)

About the book:

Join Old Order Amish Beth, Mattie, and Sadie as the warmth of Christmas beckons them to let go of past heartaches, set right past wrongs, and help them to trust in a fresh future.

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.

My thoughts:

This 3 in one collection has 3 books that are part of a trilogy. I tend to get caught up in the stories I read and if I like the first one I'm going to always check to see if there is a sequel. I liked how the books are not set in the "ritual" of being Amish but actually let you see each character in a "real life" manner. You still have the rules of being Amish - but you also see the humanity and personality of each character standing on their own. I really liked that.

My favorite of the 3 books was the very first story. Beth Hertzler is out on a buying trip for her aunt's shop and comes across a intricate carving that shows the beauty of Amish children playing in the snow. The carving draws her attention and captures her heart and she sets out to see if the town bishop will allow her to sell these carvings in her shop. The love story comes when she meets the artist and and they must both let go of their past hurts and learn to love each other.

Books 2 & 3 introduce characters we read about in book 1 and in turn we get to meet and get to know each of them and watch them fall in love and struggle to get through issues each of them have in their own lives - or with each other. All 3 stories are beautiful detailed and capture your imagination and heart making them a wonderful classic to pull out each year to read again.

This would make a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, "just because" gift or even a great addition to your own library. 

Disclaimer: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading GivingNSharing!

Anita Higman’s “Winter in Full Bloom” Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party! {8/29}

Winter in Full Bloom
by Anita Higman
ISBN: 978-0802405807
$8.99 (paperback)
$2.99 (kindle)

About the book:
Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her---a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades---Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies. Without looking back, Lily---with her fear of flying---boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

My thoughts:
This humorous book is a fun book to read. Oh, it's a look at a heartbreak (a romance has to have a few of those) and it's easy to sympathize with our heroine and our hero each of whom have their issues. One is dealing with the death of her spouse and his infidelity toward their marriage and the other is dealing with survivor's guilt somewhat after he falls asleep behind the wheel and accidentally kills his sister. Worse yet, his parents have cut off contact with him and he ends up packing his bags and leaving the country to heal on his own. At this point our 2 main characters end up meeting and the story takes off from there.

If you know someone that loves to curl up with a good romance that funny and enjoyable to read Winter In Full Bloom should be right up their alley. I found myself laughing out loud as I read and it's unusual for me to do that right at the beginning of the book. This book is an enjoyable read from open to close and as usual Anita Higman has a winner. (BTW, I love the cover of this book too!)

You can purchase the book in paperback or Kindle and if you'd like to learn more about the author check out her Blog, Facebook and Twitter pages....

Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just released. She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.

 
  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD
• Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

*** This Giveaway Has Ended ***

So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book to read and review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to have a positive review and no $$ exchanged hands. Please note: changes in price of a title may change at anytime. Be sure to verify price before ordering. Thanks for reading!

On Distant Shores

On Distant Shores

by Sarah Sundin

ISBN: 978-0800720827

$ 11.48 (paperback)

$ 9.99 (kindle)

About the book:

Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie's cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson. 

Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they've made?

 

With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.

 

My thoughts:

On Distant Shores carries on with another of the members of the World War II Flight Nurse Group. This time it's the story of Georgie and Hutch both of whom are already engaged to other people and trying to stay true to their loved ones. Both of their fiance's are not supportive - Georgie is being guilted into returning home where she can be pampered and babied and told that she cannot make decisions and as a result her self esteem has taken a beating making her believe that she can't do what other stronger women have done for their country. She is an officer in the army - and not supposed to fraternize with the enlisted - namely Hutch.

 

You can see where this story is going. Hutch, being in pharmacy, is not considered officer material unless he goes about it the hard way. Doctor's were allowed to use their degrees to get ahead in the military but even though the pharmacy profession requires a degree Hutch is put down and considered less than a Doctor. He struggles with staying positive and not getting discouraged and that affects his relationship with Georgie especially as they are not allowed to be friends (at least not in a visual way). I found it really interesting to learn how the army treated men (and women) in a demeaning way. Hutch's struggle to be respected and valued is harder as other enlisted men and/or officers receive 3 months of training to do the basics of his job. Even though he has many years and actual experience and can create medications by compounding and providing medications that are hard to obtain he is treated poorly.

One of the things I really enjoy about this series of books is the sheer amount of history and research that is involved in providing accurate scenes and information in each story. I do find the writing itself a little hard to follow but do enjoy the story in the long run. Each of the stories shows a different character in the nurses corp as they grow and learn to lean on God. It shows their relationships and strengths and weaknesses. The scripture in the books are perfect for the story and the situations that each character (male & female) go through as well.

If you have a friend who enjoys history or military type stories they may enjoy this series. The scriptural content is wonderful and would be a great way to witness to a friend as well. If you still aren't sure if the books would be a good match check them out from the library and see what you think. =D

About the author:
Sarah Sundin is the author of "With Every Letter" and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A "Memory Between Us" was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Disclaimer: I was offered a copy of On Distant Shores in exchange for a book review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to have a positive review and no money exchanged hands. Thanks for reading GivingNSharing!

A Faith & Fiction Bible Study ~ learn more...

 

Yesterday I received my copy of Her Restless Heart which is the 2nd book in the new Faith &  Fiction Bible Study series. I'm rather excited about this series which uses Christian fiction as a backdrop to explore biblical themes. Through the characters and their stories you learn how to rest in God's great love freeing us to experience His joy & peace.


This Bible study would be ideal for small groups, sunday school groups, women's book clubs and probably even mother/daughter teams that would like to read and learn through the Bible Study and the accompanying book.

You can order the bible study on Amazon for $11.69 (participants guide), $11.04 (leaders guide) and the Videos $30.39 and the fiction book is available for $10.98 (paperback) or $9.99 (Kindle).

I think I'm going to get a copy of the book on Kindle and work through the workbook while reading it. Will let you all know my thoughts....


Press Release 

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska

 
Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska
by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
ISBN: 978-1609365691
$7.85 (paperback)


About the book:
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests—her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town’s colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA’s pressures. In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children’s governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover—as Ellie did—that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

My thoughts:
Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska is about making choices, forgiving the past and taking that step into the future without knowing what that future holds. Ginny grew up in the foster care system learning how to NOT rely on others and NOT allow others close enough to see her pain at not belonging to anyone or anywhere. Yes, that's hard but Ginny has taken it one step further and RUNS whenever someone tries to get close to her whether it's family, friends or marriage.

What I really liked about this book was the letters. It almost felt like there were 2 completely different stories here (which there was) and I found myself connecting with Ellie w/ her historical drama more so then the contemporary drama of Ellie's life. I'm not really sure why - maybe the adventure of setting out, not knowing the outcome and the stronger faith of the characters in the early 1900's. The situations of both girls (Ellie in the early 1900's and Ginny in the early 2000's) was very different Ellie's outcome was not at all what I expected - maybe that's why I liked it and the fact that it kept me guessing. Yep, that was it! 

(Btw, Would you like a chance to WIN this wonderful book & a box of chocolates? click the picture right above this sentence)

A Collage of Memories (make sure the music is on - it really adds to the atmosphere & tension as you watch - link is along the bottom 3rd icon in from the left)

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay - flash slideshow maker

Click Here to Order

About the writing & authors:
This book is coauthored by 2 very successful authors ~ Tricia Goyer (The Memory Jar, Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough, etc) and Ocieanna Fleiss (Lonesome Prairie Montana and Victory Heights) who is also an editor. Tricia and Ocieanna have cowritten 3 books so far and this is how that came to be:

"About twelve years ago, I met Tricia at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. On the way home, in the airport, she handed me her manuscript--like authors do at conferences. I did a little editing there in the terminal. She liked it so we exchanged e-mail addresses. That manuscript was for her first published book, From Dust and Ashes. Once she got the contract, she continued sending me chapters and our friendship began! I edited about eight of her books and then we decided to write one together. We had such fun, we wrote two more." 

About Tricia Goyer:
Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of four, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. Find Tricia @ www.triciagoyer.com, @triciagoyer and on Facebook

About Ocieanna Fleiss:
Ocieanna is a wife and mom of four. Discover ongoing insights from her mom adventures on her Mommy-Oblog as well as at MOPS.org. As for writing, fiction is her first love. She is blessed to express this passion in two novels co-authored with Tricia Goyer, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington. She enjoys nonfiction as well. Her work in progress at the moment is a book about her cardiac arrest called, Loving Your Kids Like There's No Tomorrow. She also has edited both fiction and nonfiction for WinePress Publishers for over eight years. Follow here @ocieanna, on Facebook, and on her website @ www.ocieanna.com

Check out what other readers thought about this very interesting new book! Disclaimer: I received Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska as part of the Tricia Goyer Fiction Launch Team. I was not required to write a positive review and no money exchanged hands.

 

Announcing: Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska

Recently I was accepted into a special promotion group for Tricia Goyer's 2013 Christian Romance releases. =D What a thrill! So in the next year I & GivingNSharing will be participating in some new experiences, helping with the promotions (along with BUNCH of other ladies) and lots more (including some FUN giveaways).

The first book coming out January 2013 is Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska. It was cowritten by Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss and it's scheduled to be released on January 1, 2013 - watch for the link to Pre-Order it later in the post. =D

Description:
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams--a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests-her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA's pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

Still need a Gift?  
Do you need 1 more gift for that special someone who LOVES to Read? With Winter coming up they will definitely appreciate this book - PREORDER it NOW and it will come as soon as it's released - add a coffee mug or a tea mug along with a nice selection of coffees or teas and the receipt for this book and you are set!

    On Sale ~ $8.62 on Amazon! (Will be $12.99!) Disclaimer: I am participating as part of Tricia Goyer 2013 Fiction Launch Team. I received one or more of the products mentioned for the purpose of promotion on GivingNSharing. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Song of My Heart ~ Blog Tour

 

Review & Blog Tour

Song of My Heart

by Kim Vogel Sawyer

ISBN: 978-0764207860

$10.19 (paperback)

$8.99 (kindle)

About the book:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. 

After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

My thoughts:

Kim has created another winner!  Song of My Heart  is about love - love for family, love for others and fear - fear of doing the wrong thing and not knowing how to fix it.


With characters like Shelva & Melva (that takes imagination!) who add some comedy, Sadie who is innocent and naive, Thad the Sheriff with dreams of becoming a minister (he's a little "strait-laced" & was hired to investigate signs of bootlegging) and Sid. Sid is the "bad-boy" - the one who helps Sadie find a job and then starts acting strangely. 


I usually have problems reading books like this, particularly christian fiction because they end up "sappy" or too sweet and naive. But I didn't find Song of My Heart to be like this at all. I enjoyed reading a book that I almost felt a part of - I got to know the characters and it felt like the story was unfolding right in front of me. The story flows from one scene to the next seamlessly and kept me "hooked" from start to finish. I recommend this book for families. It's a great book for mother/daughter reading and book clubs too. 


Kim has this verse at the bottom of her website and when I read it I thought that this could of been the theme verse for the book. One that the lead character, Sadie, could have used to lead and guide her instead of not trusting God to help her with decisions and going down the wrong path as she does. Things would of been a lot less stressful for her in the long run. It would for all of us "characters" - real and fictional.


The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut 31:8 (NIV)


Thanks Kim for a very enjoyable story!

 About the author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information. 

Please Tweet:

#Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer & RSVP for the "Song of My Heart" FB Party {3/29}! http://tiny.cc/ABff2b @litfuse @familyliteracy 

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

A Nook Tablet

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Sixty Acres and a Bride

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway Notes

 

Sixty Acres and a Bride

by Regina Jennings

ISBN: 978-0764209901

$10.19 (paperback)

$6.29 (kindle)

She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention.

Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/9sK2C.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! Rosa is a young bride whose husband and father in law dies in a mining accident. Her husband's family introduced her to the Lord while they were still in Mexico and helped her grow in her faith. After her family threw her out of the house because she chooses to become a Christian and not follow the family religion they take her in as a daughter and she ends up marrying their son not for love but because he had taken her in and was protecting her.


Rosa and her Mother in Law return to Texas to the family farm and find out that the taxes have not been paid for several years and they are in danger of losing their home if $160 is not paid within 3 months (can you imagine?). Between planting a garden, sewing/embroidery, raising chickens and keeping sheep that a family member has given them they hope they will have the money and be able to stay. Of course, men from town have noticed Rosa who is beautiful and single, a nasty neighbor starts stalking her and Rosa turns to Weston (her deceased husband's cousin) for help with protection and the farm.


The story takes place in the 1800's and you see some discrimination against Rosa who is Hispanic & a Mexican Indian. You also see her struggle as she learns American customs and the language (although her English is impeccable), her fear of the neighbor and her struggle with another loveless marriage and her pride in paying her debt and not relying on Weston beyond what he has done for her family. 


The author does a wonderful job showing the difference in the Mexican and Texan customs and the story is very well told. The situation with the neighbor is tastefully done and while there is a section at the end of the book that's a bit scary there are no graphic scenes. It will be a good opportunity for you moms to discuss safety and trusting their feelings about others with your daughters. I look forward to reading more of Regina Jennings books!

About the author:

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. Meet Regina here.

Learn more about Regina by visiting her website: www.reginajennings.com.

Be sure to visit the Blog Tour to read other blogger's reviews 

and find other blogs you LUV as much as GivingNSharing! 

Please Tweet:

#Win a Kindle Fire @ReginaJennings w/ the 60 Acres & a Bride Giveaway! RSVP 4 #Facebook Party 3/27 http://tiny.cc/Qnaf2b #ChristianFiction




Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!



One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12. Winner will be announced at Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more!  She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!

So grab your copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride and join Regina and friends on the evening of March 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Sweeter Than Birdsong ~ Book Review

While you're visiting - if you liked us would you consider following on

Linky Followers (right sidebar). Do leave a comment so I can follow back!

~ Book Review

Sweeter Than Birdsong
by Rosslyn Elliott
ISBN: 978-1595547866
$10.98 (Paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)


About the Book:
Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles . . . but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing—and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage—and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

My Thoughts:

I reviewed Rosslyn Elliott's first book Fairer than Morning (click here) in September and loved that book. I don't read a lot of historical fiction anymore so it was very nice to see strong characters and to see how a parent can teach their young child about faith and how leaning on God will help us get through hard times.


Sweeter Than Birdsong is the 2nd book in The Saddler's Legacy series. The story continues with the historical events of the Slave Trade and those who attempt (and some succeed) to escape and those who help them. Kate is a very shy young woman when the story opens. She is in the final years of her university education and one of the requirements to graduate is getting in front of a group of her peers and giving a speech - for someone as shy as Kate is that is a daunting task that she can't complete. It doesn't help that her mother is overbearing, puts her down and Kate as an adult is still afraid of her.


One of the interesting connections in the book is Kate's friendship with the Hanby family. Ben Hanby was a teacher at the college that Kate attended and his focus was to include Kate in a musical that he was producing - helping her to complete the requirement of being in front of her peers. He also helped runaway slaves (fugitives) escape and it was through this friendship Kate learns that others have worse problems then she does and life is much more difficult than dealing with an ambitious mother and debilitating shyness.


Rosslyn Elliott is a wonderful author to add to your family library. You can purchase  Sweeter Than Birdsong  &  Fairer than Morning  on Amazon - keep in mind if you purchase $25 in most books that you can usually get FREE shipping - and many of their books and other products are discounted so you can afford to create that perfect family library. =D

About the Author:

Rosslyn Elliott is the award-winning author of Fairer than Morning, the first in the Saddler's Legacy series. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in English from Emory University. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue writing fiction. Elliott lives in Albuquerque, where she homeschools her daughter and works in children's ministry.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: http://rosslynelliott.com

Read an excerpt from Sweeter Than Birdsong and follow along on the blog tour!

Parties & Giveaways:

In this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events. With Ben Hanby, a genius composer, Kate Winter, one of the first female college graduates in America, and John Parker, an ex-slave who risked his life time and again to help fugitive slaves, Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us. "I hope readers will find a renewed sense of strength in their own lives," says Elliott, "knowing that change is possible, and our efforts matter. I want them to remember these unique, brave people in history who left us a shining example of what it means to live out one's beliefs with passion and commitment."

So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
• Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
• Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, season 1 of DowntownAbbey, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)

So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me as a review copy. I was not required to provide a positive review and no money exchanged hands. At the time of this post these prices were accurate and may have already changed, please keep that in mind.

The Keeper Blog Tour ~ Book Review

The Keeper

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

ISBN: 978-0800719876

320 pages, Christian fiction

$10.19 on Amazon

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now 21, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding - again - she knows who is to blame. perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

My Thoughts:

This is the 2nd book of Suzanne Woods Fisher that I have read so I was excited when I was offered a review of The Keeper during her Book Tour that starts up today. I'm not a big fan of Amish books but this one I found very enjoyable and I will definitely be first in line for the book tour.

The Keeper is Book 1 in a new series called Stoney Ridge Seasons by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Opening with Julia dreaming about her fiance Paul and his telling her that he wants to postpone their wedding for the second time. Julia of course is devastated and feels like it is all her fault while Paul is immature and unable to commit to a marriage and the responsibility that comes with it. It doesn't help that Paul's mother is catty, sharp-tongued and let's Julia know that she isn't good enough for her "little boy". Then Roman arrives along with the rumors that he is the instigator of broken engagements and a ladies man.

In the meantime the Lapp family lives with family troubles in the form of heart failure and losing their father. You'll find that Suzanne did a lot of medical research for heart disease, transplants and more along with the usual research into Amish living. The Keeper is fast moving, inspiring and filled with enough angst and emotion to keep you reading page after page and ending with probably the best ending I've read in a romance of any kind in a very long time.

Be sure to watch for the next 2 books in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series: The Haven (book 2) coming in August 2012 and The Lesson (book 3) coming in January 2013. You can learn more about Suzanne Woods Fisher is very knowledgeable about Amish life and has written several books in series and a non-fiction book called Amish Values for Your Family.

         

 

FREE e-Copies of The Keeper by Suzanne Fisher Woods are Available TODAY only @ Kindle: http://tiny.cc/6kxiq or Nook: http://tiny.cc/pvmrp

Divine Appointments ~ Stocking Stuffer Idea!

 

Divine Appointments is book 2 of a 3 book series and for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I really liked the main characters of the book - Josie, Lyle, Barb and Marsha and their story was easy to read and follow.  Marsha has a "twist" to her story that I personally felt could be left out of the book and I skipped those parts when I got to them and to be honest I wish the book hadn't closed with her as I felt kind of unsettled when I read it.  Maybe it's a "cliff-hanger" to encourage reading the final book?

Part of the reason I choose this book was that Josie is close to my age and I've been feeling some of the same things mentioned on the back of the book.  It's not often that an author writes a story about a woman who is nearing the middle of her life and starting to notice "changes" so I was looking forward to reading about Josie's experience.

I was also looking forward to reading a Christian fiction book and wanted to see how the author handled situations like pending layoffs, death, marriage and other themes from a Christian perspective.  If you are looking for a story with a strong Christian background you won't find it in this book.  I don't believe that the Bible was ever really quoted and other than Barb who was known for "praying and encouraging" there wasn't much else that encouraged a strong Christian belief system.  I personally would of liked to see more scripture and seeing Josie come to lean on her faith in God as her Savior and Stronghold.  (There is one section where Josie's father marries a woman who is strong in her faith but doesn't expect him to have the same faith.)

I am giving Divine Appointments 3 1/2 stars out of 5.  There is no sexual content or language in this book.  There are discussion questions in the back of the book that you can use to encourage talking about our faith and dating/marriage as Christians or if you are in a book club. I think you'll enjoy the story as Charlene is a very good writer and will definitely keep you turning pages.

Be sure to check out the other 2 books in this series. If you click here and here you'll find them on Amazon and can read the reviews on those. You can also click the pictures of the books at the top and go to their pages. Thanks!

Would you please rank my review? Thanks so much!


 

The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman (Book Tour)

Tweet

The Wonder of Your Love
by Beth Wiseman
ISBN: 978-1595548863
$10.87 Amazon (paperback)
$9.99 Amazon (Kindle)


About the Book:
Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At 40, she is widowed and raising her first child. Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised 6 children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself. When Eli meets Katie Ann there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plas they made for themselves are in line with God's plans. Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?


My Thoughts:
I gotta admit I hesitated to do an Amish book just because there just seems to be so many of them and I wasn't sure if there could be another take on the Amish theme but Beth Wiseman has definitely taken another spin with the Amish genre and succeeded.


The Wonder of Your Love is very well written and this time it's a book in another generation (not the teens or 20's). The characters are in the 40's (gasp), well rounded, mature adults who know who they are and what they believe (or think they do). It was nice to read a book about characters my own age who have many of the same thoughts and moral values that I do. 


I was a little surprised to find a story of infidelity (on the part of Katie's deceased spouse) and the mention of one of the main characters becoming a believer in one of the other books. I've never read anything by Beth Wiseman and didn't really expect there to be a message about salvation and belief in Christ in an Amish book (that gives you an idea why I steer clear from Amish fiction as my Christian faith isn't 'rule based' but based on Christ being our 'high priest' not a bishop or priest who dictates behavior and consequences). 


The theme of infidelity, childlessness and repentance is very well handled throughout the book and I liked the way the book ended - without jumping straight to the marriage alter. The characters are normal (read not wimpy), flawed and yet gracious and caring. I will definitely be back for another one or 10 of Beth Wiseman's books!



Beth Wiseman is hailed as a top voice in Amish fiction. She is a Carol-award winner and author of numerous bestsellers including the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. She and her family live in Texas. Connect with her on Twitter @bethwiseman, Facebook, her website, www.bethwiseman.com, and on Amish Living.

"Writing about the Amish lifestyle within fictional love stories has been a wonderful experience." Beth says. "The Amish and Mennonite contacts I have established in Pennsylvania and Colorado help me to keep the books authentic. An often misunderstood sect of people, it has been a privilege to learn about their ways."

 Tweet

Beth is celebrating the release of Book 2 in the Land of Canaan series with a Fabulous Facebook Party on November 1st. She'll be giving away one of her OWN paintings, several mini prize packs and a sneak peak at the next book in this heartwarming series.

Click the button above to RSVP for the party, then join us on November 1st for a book chat, Amish themed trivia contest, and more!

Blog Tour schedule:

(Be sure to follow the other blogs & see what they think 

about this great book)

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13433387

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of The wonder of your love to review on GivingNSharing. No positive review was required and I wasn't paid any $ for my opinion. Thanks!