It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #129

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I was so happy to finish both of these this week since I was working everyday and Saturday was non-stop busyness! Though in all fairness the busyness of Saturday did include a lot of driving time that I was able to read during! I absolutely loved both of these books! So amazing!

What I am currently reading:

I'm almost done with Jupiter Winds and I'm loving it! No progress on the other two yet!

What I hope to read this week:

I cannot wait to read these two! Though I'm not as sure I'll be able to get them done since I'll be working, babysitting, and celebrating my dad's b-day and the 4th!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #128
Top Ten Book Cover Elements I Love
Waiting on Wednesday #118: When I Fall In Love
Hope At Dawn by Stacy Henrie

Friday Memes 6/27

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!

Friday Memes 6/27

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you follow a lot of blogs but rarely read them or do you follow a few you read regularly?

My Answer:

I follow a lot of blogs but there are only a few that I read regularly.

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."

Passengers jockeyed for position along the steamboat Louisiana's railings, waving and calling merry farewells to the crowds lining the levee. Darius Thornton stalked determinedly across the deck in the opposite direction. 
Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

My Thoughts
Fun beginning! You can definitely tell, just by these lines, that Darius is not as happy to be on the boat as the others!

Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie

About the Book
IN A TIME OF WAR, LOVE IS THE INSPIRATION.
With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family. Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm. But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home-and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love . . .

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace. But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town. As tragedy-and dark secrets from the past-threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right . . . and one chance to fight for their love.

My Thoughts
I loved this book! WWI stories seem to be few and far between so I'm always ecstatic when they are as good as I had hoped! I loved that the story was set in a German-American town, giving us a great glimpse all the prejudice and other things they had to live with. It makes me so mad when people judge based on heritage rather than on who they are as individuals. I think the author did an fantastic job of portraying the hatred and distrust that people felt for the German-Americans, sad as it was!
Friedrick and Livy were amazing characters! I greatly admired how Friedrick cared so much for his family, filtering practically all of his actions through the mindset of how it would affect them. Even taking the farm deferment so he could care for them rather than fighting for his country like he wanted. And I loved how Livy didn't let the fact that her students and Friedrick were German American stop her from opening her heart to them. She treated them as equals like she should despite the fact that it wasn't a popular thing to do.
Their romance was very sweet. It wasn't that fast and passionate kind of falling in love but more of a slow and meaningful relationship that grew from friendship to love, it it was beautiful!

I loved every minute of this book and I hated having to put it down for trivial things like sleep and work! I was already excited for the second book in this series but after reading who and what it's about I absolutely cannot wait! This author is definitely one to watch!

Meet the Author
Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. While she had a goal to write and publish a book one day, she turned her attentions first to graduating with a bachelor's degree in public relations. Not long after, she switched from writing press releases and newsletters to writing inspirational historical romances as a stay-at-home mom. Stacy loves reading, interior decorating, romantic movies, and most of all, laughing with her husband and three kids. She appreciates the chance to live out history through her characters, while enjoying all the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #118: When I Fall In Love

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"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:

When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren
Tyndale House-July 1, 2014

About the Book

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Why I Want It

Susan May Warren's name on the cover is all I need to make me want to read this book but add to that the fact that this story sounds awesome and I already really like both of the characters from the previous book and I absolutely cannot wait!

Top Ten Book Cover Elements I Like

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

#1. Pretty Dresses

#2. Seeing Only Hands/Feet

#3. Men in Uniform (Especially WWII)

#4. Silhouettes 

#5. Couple Smiling At/With Each Other

#6. Girl in the Foreground and Guy in the Background

#7. Water

#8. Amusing Scenes

#9. Girl Facing Away From You

#10. Wedding Dresses

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #128

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I finally had a good reading week! After temping for the previous four weeks I loved this chance to read and read some more! I pretty much loved all of these and I don't think I could pick a fav!

What I am currently reading:

I'm really enjoying Hope at Dawn and once again made no progress on these other two! Once I finally catch up on all of my review books (almost there) maybe I'll actually get them done!

What I hope to read this week:

Since I am once again temping this week I'll be surprised if I actually manage to get one of these done but that's not going to stop me from trying!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #127
Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett
Top Ten Books on My TBR List
Waiting on Wednesday #117: In Perfect Time
Four Weddings and a Kiss Novella Collection

Friday Memes 6/20
Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green
A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

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!

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

About the Book
Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

My Thoughts
A Broken Kind of Beautiful was the absolute perfect title for this book! That is exactly what this story and Ivy were, broken but beautiful. It is really hard to describe Ivy and my feelings about her. The front she put on for people made me greatly dislike her yet we got to see the deep pain she lived with which made you understand why she acted the way she did and made your heart break for her. I can't imagine living the life she grew up with, a checked out mother, a father who acted like she didn't exist, an uncle/agent who only cared for her as long as she was able to make him money, and hundreds of people who looked only at her outward beauty. It is no wonder she ended up the way she did! I greatly admired the way Davis didn't just fall at her feet like every other guy, but instead saw through the show she put on, to the person underneath. And I loved the way he tried to help her see it too. I felt so bad for the guilt he bore, that was partly justified, yet was doing no one any good.
This novel was filled with pain and brokenness and I loved watching the characters be redeemed from that to the beautiful life God had planned for them!

Meet the Author
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she's not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. Visit her website at katieganshert.com

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Yankee in Atlanta River North(June 1, 2014) by Jocelyn Green
MY THOUGHTS:
Once again Jocelyn has written a poignant and powerful novel of which I loved every minute! It boggles my mind how she is able to connect so many people in so many places without it ever seeming far-fetched. I love how many historical facts she packs in her book! She weaves it into her characters lives it in such a way that you hardly even notice that you are getting a thorough history lesson, and that is awesome!
Caitlyn and Noah were great characters. Their romance wasn't a typical one and they were actually rarely together throughout the book. It was more of a deep admiration that grew into love even as they were separated and only able to communicate through letters. But despite that, their connection felt very real and plausible. I was very impressed with Caitlyn's resourcefulness, sacrifice, and patience as she ran Noah's house in his absence, a lesser woman would have crumbled! And I think the author did a fantastic job in capturing the emotions in Noah that I'm sure a lot of men faced; being a southerner and feeling the need to fight for the south while at the same time not fully agreeing with what they were fighting for. That would be such a hard decision to make.
I was so happy that we got to see more of Ruby's story! Her and Edward's romance was so sweet! There were some rough patches along the way but I loved how it all worked out.
There was so much packed into this book and it was all beautiful! If you enjoy civil war era stories I definitely recommend this series!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

Id you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.

Friday Memes 6/20

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you prefer Nook, Kindle, other reader, or paper book?

My Answer:

I am definitely a paper book girl! You just can't beat the feel of a book in your hands! Though out of the ereaders I do prefer 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."

The girl with the haunted eyes reentered his life on the other side of a lowering casket, humidity and the shrill song of cicadas tangling together in the South Carolina heat.
A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

My Thoughts
This is a very unique and beautifully written beginning!

Four Weddings and a Kiss Novella Collection

About the Book
Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West. Get lost in Four Weddings & a Kiss today.

Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy
About the Novella
Maizy Place is an unruly tomboy. When she causes an accident, injuring neighbor Rylan Carstens, she becomes his unlikely caregiver. Rylan has never noticed how pretty his infuriating neighbor is, and he never expected to fall in love.

My Thoughts
This was a fun, light-hearted, quick read! I always enjoy Mary's stories and this one was no different! The story was very fast-paced and it almost felt like I blinked and it was over, but that didn't stop it from being good! I found Maizy and Rylan's romance (if it can be called that) rather amusing and I was glad that not only had they liked each other secretly for quite some time but also a decent amount of time passed
during the course of the book, thus removing the insta-love factor. I did occasionally want to smack Rylan when he spoke without thinking but it all turned out well in the end!

Meet the Author
Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy

Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher
About the Novella
Molly Everton is the outspoken daughter of the town newspaper's owner. When her father brings in an outsider to be editor, she tries to drive him out of town. But Jack Ludgrove is not intimidated. He's resolved to change Molly's mind about him---as an editor and as a man.

My Thoughts
I have to say that I feel like the synopsis of this story was a bit misleading. After reading it I expected Jack to be trying to woo Molly while she did various things to make him want to leave, but instead they both kinda realized the the fact that they liked each other around the same time, and Molly didn't do much, if anything, to drive him away. That's not to say that I didn't like the way everything played out, I did, it just wasn't what I was expecting. It was interesting to read a historical story with characters that were in their mid to late 30's
who'd never been married since so often in the west people married much younger than that.  I liked both Jack and Molly's characters and enjoyed watching their story play out!

Meet the Author
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher

A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton
About the Novella
Katie Pearl is uninterested in men and love. But she needs help on her ranch and hires Treb Rayburn, a wandering cowboy looking to make a buck. Will Treb change Katie's mind?

My Thoughts
This was a cute story! I felt so bad for all that Katie had gone through and for the fear that she had to live with. I loved how Treb never pushed her but was always there for her and helped nudge her in the direction of overcoming her fears. I especially loved the storm scene! It was funny how they were both determined that they would never fall in love and get married, yet they ended up finding their perfect match in the person they least expected to, at least at first!

Meet the Author
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra's first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley
About the Novella
Grace Davenport is either the unluckiest woman alive---or a killer. When her third husband is found dead, Grace is arrested. Attorney Brock Daniels isn't interested in the case---until he meets Grace. Only a miracle will prove her innocence, but the joining of two lonely hearts may be their saving grace.

My Thoughts
I loved the premise of this story! It was very unique and the author executed it well! I think my favorite part was the relationship between Brock and Jesse. I loved the way Brock treated Jesse almost as an equal and how in return Jesse looked up to and practically idolized Brock. I did also enjoy Grace and Brock's relationship though I didn't feel like we got a good enough look at it. In most of their scenes together the main focus was the trial, and afterward time passed quickly without too many details. That's not to say I didn't like
it, I just wish we could have seen more of their romance. All in all though it was a cute, enjoyable read!

Meet the Author
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Purchase a copy:  http://bit.ly/1qTiFK2
Tour Landing Page: HERE

Four best-­selling romance novelists bring tales of feisty heroines, stubborn heroes, and unlikely love in the Wild West in Four Weddings and a Kiss. Don't miss the latest from the Western Brides Collection from Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton.

The authors are celebrating with a "Sweet on Love" iPad Mini Giveaway and rip-roarin' Facebook party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Bride for All Seasons and Four Weddings and a Kiss 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the Four Weddings and a Kiss Facebook Author Chat Party. Connect with Western Brides Collection authors Margaret Brownley, Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, and Debra Clopton for an evening of fun book chat, western-themed trivia, and prizes. The authors will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the collection!

So grab your copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss and join the authors on the evening of July 8th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Waiting on Wednesday #117: In Perfect Time

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"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:

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin
Revell-August 5, 2014

About the Book

Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don't want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

Why I Want It

I want to read this book for so many reasons! 

1. Sarah is an amazing author and the last paragraph above perfectly describes her books!

2. I have loved every book this author has written and I'm sure I'll love this one too!

3. I can't wait to read Kay's story! She's such a fun character!

4. WWII is my favorite time period!

5. This story sounds so fun!

Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

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

Stuck Together by Mary Connealy
Rebels by Jill Williamson
Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund
Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer
A Match of Wits by Jen Turano
Deluge by Lisa T. Bergen
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren
Mindwar by Andrew Klavan 
Revolutionary by Krista McGee
In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

About the Book
Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.
While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.
As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/xlcaD

 My Thoughts
After hearing several things about this author's debut I jumped at the chance to read this book! Thankfully it didn't disappoint and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it!
Abby and Robert were both strong characters and I liked them both. I feel like the lessons they had to learn about God were ones that a lot of people struggle with and the author handled them both very well.
I really enjoyed all the historical aspects from the San Francisco earthquake to the early studies of radiation to fight cancer. I think the author did a great job of blending fact with fiction.
I'm sorry this review is so short but I can't think of much else to say beyond that fact that this book captured my attention and I kept wanting to know what would happen next!


Meet the Author
Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats.

Karen can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

TOUR  LANDING PAGE

Don't miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett's new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.

Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #127

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I loved both of these!

What I am currently reading:

Again no progress on the first two but I am enjoying Out of the Ruins!

What I hope to read this week:

These are my next three review books and I'm hoping to at least get them done if not a few more! I really need to get caught up!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #126
Top Ten Books I've Read So Far This Year
Waiting on Wednesday #116: A Hero in the Making

Friday Memes 6/13
The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter
A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino
The Sunflower Blog Award
Happy to be Alive, Because by Chelsea Jacobs

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!