Thursday, February 28, 2013

Take Control of Your TBR Pile-March 2013



Rules
*Link-up! This is open to everyone. If you do not have a blog then link your Facebook or Goodreads account. 
*Beginning March 1st, 2013 and ending March 31, 2013 at midnight read books from your TBR pile ALL books must have been published before March 2013. 
*Post a review to Goodreads, your blog or Facebook then link it to the Rafflecopter for an entry. 
*Rafflecopter will close on April 2, 2013 at midnight and a winner will be chosen. Open internationally as long as Book Depository or Barnes and Noble ship to you. Prize: New 2013 release. I will do pre-orders as well.  

My Goal
So I have a pretty large TBR and I was already toying with making March a month of trying to lower it so I knew when I saw this that it'd be perfect. My goal is rather large and out there but I'm going for it anyway. I did this same goal last June and actually completed it so I'm trying again. What is it? To read one book everyday! So that would be 31 books in March! Think I'm crazy? Well I am but I'm gonna try anyway!

The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Return of Cassandra Todd
Realms (February 5, 2013)
by
Darrel Nelson

MY THOUGHTS:
After reading and loving The Anniversary Waltz last year I was quite happy to find out that the author was releasing a second book. However when I found out it wasn't going to be a historical my excitement dimmed slightly, but I needn't have worried since I enjoyed this one even with the different setting!
The hero, Turner, was definitely my favorite character! I loved how he didn't let the fact that he was bullied in school affect his attitude or actions but rather let the experience turn him in to a pretty awesome caring and resourceful adult. I really appreciated how he wasn't made out to be superman but rather he had extremely practical skills that he was able to use to his advantage. I enjoyed Cassandra and her son as well!
I have to say for the plot I was a little worried how it would all turn out but the author worked it out and ended it superbly! I highly recommend this book!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.

ABOUT THE BOOK
When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.
Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #51: Once Upon A Prince

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck
Zondervan-May 7, 2013

About the Book
Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love. Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation. It's the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own? Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale. Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon's Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love. Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.

Why I Want It
It sounds good and looks pretty what other reasons are needed?!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Top Ten Authors on My Auto-Buy List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. Susan May Warren
#2. Jenny B. Jones
#3. Mary Connealy
#4. Ronie Kendig
#5. Irene Hannon
#6. Dee Henderson
#7. Cathy Marie Hake
#8. Karen Witemeyer
#9. Kaye Dacus
#10. Dani Pettrey

Monday, February 25, 2013

The Difference Between Night and Day by Melissa Turner Lee

About the Book

~A Christian Paranormal Romance~
Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from "dark times." That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the Light is hidden, not gone.

My Thoughts
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book since the description didn't give me too much to go on but when I was offered a copy for review I figured, "Why not?". So I started in. I will be the first to admit that I was rather shocked by how well this book was written, the characters, the plot, the romance, and the action were all beautifully formed. And I loved how well the author wove the Christian aspects of the story into the plot without making it seemed forced. I don't want to give too much away of the story so this review is going to be rather short but I will say that it is a great book that lovers of the paranormal genre are sure to enjoy.

About the Author

I'm a stay-at-home mom of three of the CRAZIEST boys ever. And I love them to bits. I'm also a wife to a wonderful man I met when I was 17.
I have a degree in Journalism and Marketing which I have never used because I've been home with my boys. Then one day my man sent me to the local book store for a day to myself. I picked up Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and my life changed. I remembered being 17. I remembered falling in love. But most of all I remembered ME. I'd become "Mommy" and forgotten all about Melissa, the girl who dreamed of being a writer, but suddenly I remembered and the writing started. And It hasn't stopped.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #59

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
Four of these were 1/2 done and one was 1/4 done but regardless of that it was still a pretty great reading week for me. I enjoyed all of them but my favorite was Don't Look Back!

What I am currently reading:
So excited to finally have Grave Consequences and so far it's as good as I was expecting! I have barely begun gods at war but it looks like it will be a very interesting read!

What I hope to read this week:
Looking forward to both of these! I'm hoping to get more than just these two but I'm not sure what will be next on my list!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #58
Top Ten Heroes in Romantic Suspense
Waiting on Wednesday #50: A Bride For All Seasons
Friday Memes 2/22
Stacking the Shelves #22
Know Me Better 2/24


Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Know Me Better 2/24

Every week Kathy from I Am A Reader Not A Writer posts five questions from her author interview lists and asks us to answer them.


If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I'm pretty content here in western PA!

Favorite Literary Characters?
I'm assuming by literary we are referring to classics so I'd say: Aragorn, Samwise Gamgee, Eomer, Merry, Pippen, Peter Pevensie Prince Caspian, and the March sisters.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
As I'm not a writer I don't exactly dream of such things but if I have to pick I'd pick Jenny B. Jones just cause she'd be such a hoot to work with!

Things that bring a smile to your face?
Jesus, books, my Best Friend, my niece, talking about books, Doctor Who, unexpected gifts, and many more things!

Do you have a favorite saying?
Not really at least not that I can think of! I quote movies/TV shows a lot though!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #22

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
 
Books to Review
Grave Consequences by Lisa T. Bergren
Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell
gods at war by Kyle Idleman

Books I Was Given
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
Firebird by Kathy Tyers

Books I Won
Finding Marie by Susan Page Davis (Melissa@5020genesis)
Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter (Kav@Best Reads)

Books I Bought
Black Hills Blessing by Mary Connealy
Protection For Hire by Camy Tang
Merciless by Robin Parrish
A Delirious Summer by Ray Blackston
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klaven
New York Debut by Melody Carlson
Spring Breakdown by Melody Carlson
Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson
It Had to Be You by Janice Thompson

Kindle Books
You Can Memorize All The U.S. Presidents by R.E. Skibiski
Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
Blood Sisters by Melody Carlson
A Lady in Defiance by Heather Blanton
Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller
Open by Eoin McCabe
High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner
The 4th Floor Lounge by Amanda Hamm
Kate's Kisses by Mary Manners
Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington
Branded by K.L. Hawker
A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant
Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant
The Way of Grace by Cathy Bryant
The Delusion by Laura Gallier
Nighthawk by Michael James Alexander
Cafenova by S. Jane Scheyder
Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus
The Difference Between Night and Day by Melissa Turner Lee
The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Memes 2/22



The Question:
Which do you prefer most: a printed book or an ebook?

My Answer:
Definitely a printed one! I love the covers, being able to read the back and look easily at previous sections, and just the general feel of them. I also love seeing them lined up on my shelf! That being said I do appreciate the ease and portability of ebooks and enjoy reading on my kindle!


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Isle of Shadows by Tracy L. Higley
"In the deceitful calm of the days preceding disaster, while Rhodes still glittered like a white jewel in the Aegean, Tessa of Delos planned to open her wrists."

My Thoughts
This is a beautifully written opening line and it immediately has you picturing a beautiful Grecian landscape. It also peaks your curiosity as  to what the disaster is and why this character wants to end her life.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #50: A Bride For All Seasons

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Bride for All Seasons by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton,  Mary Connealy, & Robin Lee Hatcher
Thomas Nelson-June 18, 2013

About the Book
“And Then Came Spring”—Margaret Brownley
When mail order bride Mary-Jo Parker arrives in town she receives the shock of her life; not only is her fiancé dead, he left behind an eight-year-old son he neglected to mention. But the biggest challenge of all is the boy’s way-too-handsome uncle.

“An Ever-After Summer”—Debra Clopton
Widower Matt McConnell wrote his ad with no room for misunderstanding—Bible believers need not apply. But then Bible-thumping Ellie shows up on his doorstep. Matt’s so desperate for her help that he accepts.

“Autumn’s Angel”—Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena Abbott's privileged childhood didn’t prepare her for the hardship she now faces as an adult, especially when it comes to being the guardian of her nieces and nephew. Marriage seems the only answer to her dilemma. Clay Birch hopes to change the hurdy-gurdy house he won in a poker game into the finest opera house in the Northwest, but he'll need help to do it. Could this unlikely couple actually be the perfect match?

“Winter Wedding Bells”—Mary Connealy
David Laramie is looking for a woman to care for his children. In exchange he’ll make her financially comfortable for life. But no woman wants to marry a dying man. Then Megan responds to his ad. It seems his “edited” letter contained no mention of him dying.

Why I Want It
Well first off I have enjoyed books by all of these authors and Mary Connealy is one of my favorites. And secondly they all just sound like really good stories!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Top Ten Heroes in Romantic Suspense

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

So I kinda switch mine up again! Instead of just my favorite characters in a certain genre I decided to just do heroes simply for the reason that it would have been next to impossible for me to pick just ten characters!

Marcus O'Malley from The Guardian by Dee Henderson

Jack O'Malley from The Protector by Dee Henderson

Roman Novik from Sands of Time by Susan May Warren

Will Masterson from Escape to Morning by Susan May Warren

Heath Daniels from Trinity by Ronie Kendig

 Canyon Metcalfe from Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

 Nick Bradley from In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

Mitch Morgan from Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

Landon Grainger from Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Dakota Richards from Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason 

Monday, February 18, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #58

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
These books were all pretty good but Shattered was by far my favorite!

What I am currently reading:
Yeah I have been doing a lot of reading lately! In addition to starting and finishing the three books I also read half of each of these fiction books and a quarter of The Well which added up to just over 1700 pages read this week!

What I hope to read this week:
In addition to finishing all my current reads I hope to at least start these two review books! I enjoyed both of the author's first books so I'm hoping these will be just as good!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #57
Wake Up, Generation by Paige Omartian
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd
Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley
Top Ten Romances in Books
Bon Appetit by Sandra Byrd
Waiting on Wednesday #49: Jungle Fire
Piece de Resistance by Sandra Byrd
God's Love For Us
Friday Memes 2/15
Know Me Better 2/17

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!
Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Know Me Better 2/17

Every week Kathy from I Am A Reader Not A Writer posts five questions from her author interview lists and asks us to answer them.


Pieces of Advice you have for aspiring writers?
As a reader I have three major things that will immediately close a book for me and they are: Head-hopping (when you switch POV without any clear break), too much description (if you spend three paragraphs describing a room I'm going to get bored), and lastly, not using the proper balance of a person's name and the pronoun (i.e. Meg loved reading it was Meg's favorite thing to do. If Meg could pick one thing to do for the rest of her life, Meg would pick reading.). So my advice would be to not do those!

Favorite TV show when you were younger?
We didn't actually watch too much TV when I was younger but my favorite was Veggie Tales. I still love them and get excited when a new one releases. I also quote them like crazy and know pretty much all the words to all the songs!

What would we find if we looked under your bed?
I have what is called a "Captain's Bed" which means it has storage underneath. Mine has four drawers and a cupboard and I have clothes, notebooks/puzzle books, presents, shoe, and my finished journals.

Book Store or Library?
Book store. Our library has a pitiful selection of Christian books and I'd prefer to own the books anyway!

Heads or Tails?
Heads-I don't know why but I almost always pick heads!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Friday Memes 2/15

The Book Blogger Hop is back with a new host! I'm really happy since I enjoyed this meme a lot! That being said I'm also really liking my new found Friday meme, Book Beginnings. So I decided to do both and just put them in one post entitled Friday Memes!


The Question:
What upcoming book in 2013 are you most looking forward to reading?

My Answer:
Duchess by Susan May Warren


Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley
"Vultures signaled trouble ahead. "Whoa boy." Reverend Justin Wells tugged on the reins of his horse, bringing his brown gelding to a standstill."

My Thoughts
Not the most amazing start but a good one nonetheless!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

God's Love For Us

Valentine's Day is usually just another normal day for me. We usually have a family dinner with conversation hearts but otherwise it just goes by. But this year I decided to take this day that is all about love and focus on the love that God has showered on me. So often I take His love for granted, but it is the most amazing thing ever. The Maker of the Universe loves me so much that He died so that He could have a relationship with me. This baffles me constantly! So this Valentine's I am just resting in the beauty of the Father's love for me, and I decided to share some of my favorite songs about this Love!

One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture

His Kind of Love by Group 1 Crew

Someone Worth Dying For by MIKESCHAIR

Your Love is Better Than Life by Fee


You Love Me Anyway by Sidewalk Prophets


You Are Being Loved by Steven Curtis Chapman

And as a bonus because I just had to share
Hide Your Love Away by Anthem Lights!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Piece de Resistance by Sandra Byrd

This book is on sale for $.99 through February 14! Get your copy HERE

About the Book 
Having earned her chef’s hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship outside of Paris and returns to her hometown of Seattle, Washington. There, she finds life unexpectedly complicated.
She’s put in charge of a high-end catering bakery called Bijoux, which should be her dream job, but there’s a catch: She has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months, which will require more than her ability to make an amazing wedding cake. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi isn’t sure what the recipe for success needs to be.
Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau Philippe and his daughter, Celine, then add a dash of romance with down-to-earth lawyer Dan, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle.
With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase “piece of cake” has never been more daunting. Lexi learns that she must trust the dreams in her heart as well as the God who put them there.

My Thoughts
I read this book in practically one sitting. Granted it was partially because our internet was down, but it was also due to the fact that I just really wanted to see how Lexi's story would end. I really loved how this series was easy to read but they weren't just fluff pieces. Sometimes you could guess what was coming but there was just enough to make you doubt a tiny bit so that it still felt like almost a surprise. I would have totally freaked out if I was in the position Lexi was, with so many decisions, choices, responsibilities, and problems. But instead of hiding (like I would have) Lexi faced them head on and even when the going was tough she didn't give in. I really admired that. I also thoroughly enjoyed watching all the different relationships grow. I can't say too much more without giving stuff away so I'm just going to say that it was a happy satisfying conclusion to a really fun series!


About the Author
Sandra Byrd is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Friends for a Season series for teens, and the bestselling Girls Like You and Secret Sisters series for young girls. She is a regular contributor to national Christian publications. Before she began writing full time, Sandra worked in marketing, sales, and acquisitions for an educational publisher. She and her husband have two children, and make their home in Seattle, Washington.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #49: Jungle Fire

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink
River North-July 1, 2013

About the Book
The deadliest animal in the jungle is the two legged kind.
Nina Truman is a missionary nurse, serving in a tiny Guatemalan town not far from the Mexican border.  It's a fulfilling life, tending to the village poor, a way to serve in the country from which she was adopted. The day she leaves on furlough, is the day her life falls apart. Her bus is ambushed and she must flee from forces who inexplicably wish her dead. Trapped between a ruthless drug lord and his assassins, a corrupt police chief, and colleagues with ulterior motives, her friends may prove just as deadly as her enemies as she uncovers a plot tangled deep in the roots of her own past.
Nina's only hope of survival lies in the hands of Shaw Wilder, a man who despises missionaries and the God they serve.  His skill is in handling a landmine detection dog, not helping a woman he blames for the death of his sister. When the lethal drug kingpin El Escorpion seeks to capture Nina, and the local police are no help, Shaw has to choose: flee into the Guatemalan jungle with a naive woman who has vowed never to take a life or follow his own spiritual demons and walk away. His choice may leave them both imprisoned in a jungle from which neither will escape.

Why I Want It 
I had never heard of this author before but I saw this book in a post about new books coming out and was intrigued so I looked it up. As soon as I read the description I knew I wanted to read this book really bad! Doesn't it just sound amazing?!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Bon Appetit by Sandra Byrd

This book is on sale for $.99 through February 14! Get your copy HERE

About the Book 
Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and could be boyfriend Dan, Lexi embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her life dream of becoming a pastry chef.
As she settles into her new home in the village of Presque le Chateau to study and work in a local bakery, her twenty-something optimism meets resistance in the seemingly crusty nature of the people and culture around her. Determined to gain her footing, she finds a church, meets a new friend, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine–as well as Celine’s attractive, widowed father, Philippe. Even Patricia, the gruff pastry cook, shows a softer side as she mentors Lexi in the art of baking.
As Lexi lives her dream, the only thing she has to do is choose from the array in life’s patisserie display window: her familiar home, friends, and family in Seattle or her new life in France. Lexi discovers that as she trusts herself and leans more on God the choices become a little clearer– and making them, well, c’est la vie!
Special bonus - ebook only! Twenty-Four Little French Dinners and How to Cook and Serve Them by Cora Moore

My Thoughts
As I finished book one in this series I really was looking forward to getting to experience Paris! I have never been that crazy of a Paris/French fan but I still enjoyed “walking” the ancient streets and “seeing” the famous sites with Lexi. I loved when she would think about the history of different places and put them in a whole new perspective for me.
With the new setting came a host of new characters. Some of them I loved, some were gruff but still likable, and others annoyed me, but together they made the perfect cast.
I really liked how much Lexi grew in her relationship with God in this book and the little insights she discovered that were easily applied to everyday life. This was a great sequel and  as soon as I was done I was ready to pick up book three and see how the story would end!


About the Author
Sandra Byrd is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Friends for a Season series for teens, and the bestselling Girls Like You and Secret Sisters series for young girls. She is a regular contributor to national Christian publications. Before she began writing full time, Sandra worked in marketing, sales, and acquisitions for an educational publisher. She and her husband have two children, and make their home in Seattle, Washington.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Top Ten Romances in Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This topic made me think a bit. I'm used to picking my favorite books but this time I had to look at the actual romances so here are ten of my favorite romances! I had a bunch of options so in the end I decided to pick the ten that when I look at them or think of them the first thing that pops into my head is the romance! They aren't in any order!

Luca&Lia 
from The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

Guthrie&Rosie
from Baroness by Susan May Warren

Adam&Elizabeth
from the Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson

Jack&Cassie
from The Protector by Dee Henderson

Sean&Charlotte
from Sean Donovan by Lori Wick

Alex&Marcail
from Donovan's Daughter by Lori Wick

Beau&Charity 
from The Drifter by Lori Copeland

Red&Cassie
from Montana Rose by Mary Connealy

Clark&Marty and Willie&Missie
from the Love Comes Softly Series

Mitch&Alison
from Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

About the Book
If Molly Hatfield's purple attire doesn't blind you, her dazzling smile will.  She doesn't just sing to the cattle, she puts on a whole show. If only she wasn't so stubborn about her brother's care.  Or so distrustful of a certain handsome doctor...
There is nothing Molly wouldn't do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.
If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She's resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother's well-being.
However, Molly didn't bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town's handsome and charismatic young doctor, whose backfiring automobilie almost gets him killed when Molly thinks she's being shot at and fires back.
But it's how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he's putting unrealistic ideas into her brother's head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she's worked for, even her brother's future happiness.   It'll take an act of congress to convince her otherwise--and maybe even a little help from above.

My Thoughts
This was a really good book. I read the first book in this series last year so as soon as I heard about this one I added it to my wish list.
Molly was a great heroine. I loved her devotion to her little brother and greatly admired her for all that she did to both protect and provide for him. It was also cool how she stuck it out at the ranch, even though it was difficult, because she knew it was the best chance for them to have a home. Caleb was probably my favorite character. He was very well written with just the right blend of gentle, kind, funny, and strong. I also loved Bertha (his horseless carriage) and Magic (his dog). I especially loved the relationship between Magic and Orbit the blind foal-it was so cute.
It was also fun to revisit Cactus Patch and the Last Chance Ranch and all the quirky characters there!

About the Author
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this--except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."
So that's what Margaret did. She's now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book "Grieving God's Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing" has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her "Brides of Last Chance Ranch series."
Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd

Don't forget this book is free on kindle through February 14th! Get your copy HERE


About the Book

Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends.
When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!
So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Ssomething inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and her God with her future–très bon!

My Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I first came across the title when looking for a book for my little sister's 14th birthday last year (it's her 15th today!) I immediately knew they'd be books she'd like since she loves all things Paris and dreams of owning a cafe someday. But since it was adult fiction by an author I'd never read before I didn't want to give it to her without knowing the content so instead I bought her one of Sandra's other books that were geared for a younger age and filed this series away in my mind. So when I found out about this blog tour I jumped at the chance to finally read this books. And I have to say they are better than I thought they'd be!
Lexi is a really great character that you can't help cheering for and I loved all of the quirky people in her life. The cafe setting was also really fun (though it is a really bad idea to read these books when hungry, speaking from experience) and added a really great element to the story. I liked how the author didn't make her a baking genius but rather had her be a great baker who still made a few mistakes. Another thing that was well done was the mixing in of French words. Sometimes when authors add another language it can get annoying and or confusing but Sandra did it quite well. This was a fun quick read and left me ready to immediately pick up book two!


About the Author
Sandra Byrd is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Friends for a Season series for teens, and the bestselling Girls Like You and Secret Sisters series for young girls. She is a regular contributor to national Christian publications. Before she began writing full time, Sandra worked in marketing, sales, and acquisitions for an educational publisher. She and her husband have two children, and make their home in Seattle, Washington.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Wake Up, Generation by Paige Omartian

About the Book
What if you never find out your life's true purpose?
Does this question scare you? If so, you're not alone Almost everyone in our generation struggles with these questions:

  • What is my purpose?
  • Who was I created to be?
  • What can I possibly do to make a difference in this world?
A growing epidemic of apathy has caused many to sleepwalk through life, not realizing that their dreams, mission, and identity are at stake. Join me as I share how my life-threatening battle with cancer challenged me not to waste my life. Prepare to be radically transformed of a revolutionary journey to, break the chains of apathy, ignite your passion, discover your God given purpose, and see how precious your life really is.
If you're still breathing...there's a reason you're here. This generation has been asleep for too long. It's time to wake up.
Paige (from the back cover)

My Thoughts
When I saw this book available for review I was intrigued by the description and requested my copy. I was not sorry. This book is an amazing wake up call for an apathetic generation. Paige starts by sharing her journey through cancer and how it led her to realize how precious life really is and how she couldn't afford to waste another minute. From there she goes on to clearly explain how to discover your passion and mission. This isn't a magic recipe that tells you how to live the rest of your life but Paige walks you through figuring out the little things that make you who you are and with a few questions has you thinking about your life in ways you never have before I know this isn't the greatest review but honestly it's just hard to find the right words. All I can say is that I HIGHLY recommend every teenager (and even 20 somethings) find a way to get this book and read it. You won't regret it!

About the Author
Paige Omartian is a speaker and recording artist whose battle with cancer as a child led her on a remarkable journey inspiring others to grasp the preciousness of life and live out their purpose. She has traveled the country sharing her music and story and was featured on Bath and Body Work's 2005 Christmas CD supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Paige was interviewed on the Today Show and was the speaker and TV host for the ministry iShine. She released her debut rock album, Wake Up, in 2009.

I received this book free Glass Road blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.