Friday, May 29, 2015

Friday Memes 5/29

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Can you read in a room with noise or do you have to have total quiet? 

My Answer:
Growing up with 8 siblings quiet wasn't easy to find so I quickly learned to block out noise and focus on my book! I do prefer reading when it's quiet but it's not necessary!


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 distant flash of lightning crisscrossed the darkening skies of the west, followed by the call of a nearby loon. "I don't think you should set out." Caroline Taylor clutched her shawl tighter against the cool gust that wrestled with it. "The storm's coming fast."
Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts
I love the wording used and it definitely makes you want to find out what happens next!

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Falcon by Ronie Kendig

About the Book
Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

My Thoughts
Ahh the amazingness that is Ronie Kendig! I honestly don't think Ronie can write anything that isn't mind-blowingly awesome! Every time I pick up one of her novels I know that I am in for an adventure that will have me on the edge of my seat and reading every spare second that I have! And Falcon was definitely no different!
This book literally started with a bang and the action never stopped! There was so much going on and I could barely make myself put it down for even a minute!
Sal was always a bit of an enigma so it was great to get inside his head and see what had shaped him into the soldier he is. And Cassie was an interesting character as well. The two had a rather complex history and it was intriguing to see their relationship play out.  I also enjoyed the bit of Titanis's story we got since I've enjoyed his character.
The author did a brilliant job of writing everything in such a way that I honestly didn't know who or what to trust. She fed us just enough to keep the story going while at the same time keeping her readers as in the dark as the team was! I guessed a couple of things but there were so many more shockers that I never even saw coming!
In short I adored every second of this book and honestly can't recommend it enough! I would advise reading the series in order but the previous two books are just as amazing so you won't be sorry!

Meet the Author
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, Vvolt N629. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim.
Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction), Twitter (@roniekendig), and GoodReads.

I received a free copy of this book as part of the author's influencer team.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

About the Book
Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

Romance readers will love this warm and witty story of mistaken identity and second chances from bestselling author Amanda Cabot.

My Thoughts
This author has always been a little hit or miss as to whether or not I enjoy her books and sadly this one was a bit of a miss.
The biggest problem for me was that I just didn't really like Marisa at all. Her character rubbed me the wrong way from the start and that didn't change much over the course of the book. I especially didn't enjoy the way that she overreacted when she discovered Blake's secret and the way she harbored bitterness toward her father. Blake on the other hand was a great character. I liked how he threw himself into the small town life, willing to help out whenever needed. I was also impressed by the way he fought for Marisa even after she freaked out at him.
It was fun to once again visit with all the other interesting characters and I loved watching Lauren find happiness and seeing how Greg and Kate's relationship was going.

And while I didn't love this book it was still enjoyable and I'm sure that others will love it!

Meet the Author
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, and At Bluebonnet Lake. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.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.

Waiting on Wednesday #163: A Worthy Pusuit

"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 Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House-June 6, 2012

About the Book
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? 

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Why I Want It
Karen Witemeyer's books are always amazing and I'm sure this one will be no different!

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Art of Losing Yourself
WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)
by
Katie Ganshert


MY THOUGHTS:
I have loved every one of Katie's books and so even though this one didn't sound like a book I'd normally enjoy I knew that I had to give it a shot. And I am glad I did!
The author dealt with a lot of tough issues in this book, miscarriages, alcoholism, dementia, and others, and she handled them all beautifully. Watching Carmen struggle through her many miscarriages was the hardest part for me since I personally know women who have miscarried and reading Carmen's pain just made my heart ache for them all over again. I was glad that Katie brought attention to this though since it can sometimes be easy for us to forget about these precious little ones and I know that for their parents that pain is there every day and we need to remember them.
I liked how we got both Carmen and Gracie's points of view and I was impressed by how seamlessly the author switched between them without ever confusing me. Both of the stories were amazingly written though I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy Gracie's a little more. She was so closed off to any form of affection and I loved how Elias ignored those barriers and kept being a friend to her even when Gracie claimed she didn't want anything to do with him. Carmen and Ben's story, while a little harder to read it was still sweet watching them overcome the problems in their relationship and I loved the flashbacks to when they first met and fell in love!
Overall this was a heartrendingly beautiful story that I absolutely recommend!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning 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 family. When she’s not busy penning novels or spending time with her people, she enjoys drinking coffee with friends, reading great literature, and eating copious amounts of dark chocolate.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Just like in my dream, I was drowning and nobody even noticed.

Every morning, Carmen Hart pastes on her made-for-TV smile and broadcasts the weather. She’s the Florida panhandle’s favorite meteorologist, married to everyone’s favorite high school football coach. They’re the perfect-looking couple, live in a nice house, and attend church on Sundays. From the outside, she’s a woman who has it all together.  But on the inside, Carmen Hart struggles with doubt. She wonders if she made a mistake when she married her husband. She wonders if God is as powerful as she once believed. Sometimes she wonders if He exists at all. After years of secret losses and empty arms, she’s not so sure anymore.

Until Carmen’s sister—seventeen year old runaway, Gracie Fisher—steps in and changes everything. Gracie is caught squatting at a boarded-up motel that belongs to Carmen’s aunt, and their mother is off on another one of her benders, which means Carmen has no other option but to take Gracie in. Is it possible for God to use a broken teenager and an abandoned motel to bring a woman’s faith and marriage back to life? Can two half-sisters make each other whole?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Art of Losing Yourself, go HERE.

Top Ten Books That Make Great Beach Reads

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

For me the best beach reads are light fun reads and that usually means YA books! I've probably mentioned these books a time or two but oh well! These aren't in any particular order, and sorry for the lack of pictures I just didn't feel like finding them all right now!

The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

A Katie Parker Production Series by Jenny B. Jones

The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter

On the Runway Series by Melody Carlson

Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson

Fairy Tale Retellings by Melanie Dickerson

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Doon Series by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

Notes From A Spinning Planet Series by Melody Carlson

Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #175

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Sorry I forgot to post this yesterday!

Here is what I finished last week:
Love this book SO much!

What I am currently reading:
Enjoying both of these!

What I hope to read this week:
I couldn't remember exactly which review books were on the docket next so I picked two that I did remember but I'm excited to read them and After a Fashion!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #174 & Bout of Books 13: Wrap-Up
Top Ten Book Titles That Get Songs Stuck in My Head
Waiting on Wednesday #162: Now & Forever
Hawk by Ronie Kendig

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, May 22, 2015

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

About the Book
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.
When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.
Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

My Thoughts
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this novel because I absolutely could not wait to read Jake's story! I had insanely high expectations, but thankfully this book met them and I loved every minute! In the previous books Jake was brooding closed off man who was basically a mystery and I loved getting inside his head. After what he had experienced it really was no wonder he was the way he was but it was wonderful to watch Lyndie break through his barriers! She was like a ray of sunshine to his storm cloud and they were absolutely perfect for each other! I loved that they had been best friends growing up and it added another layer of adorable to their relationship. Jake's fierce protectiveness of Lyndie was so sweet even if it was occasionally a little too much. And I loved how Lyndie just seemed to get Jake and could usually see his good heart and motives through his gruffness.
It was great to hang out with the other Porters again as well as see Amber find a great guy! This book was wonderful from start to finish and I definitely recommend this series! I can't wait for the next book!

Meet the Author
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.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.


Fall in love with Becky Wade's new book, A Love Like Ours, a story of healing, romance, and cowboys. A glimmer of the hope Jake thought he’d lost returns when Lyndie lands back in Texas, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

To celebrate the release of her new book, Becky is giving away a $100 cash card and a book-inspired prize pack!

lovelikeours-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 cash card
  • A copy of A Love Like Ours
  • A copy of the Secretariat DVD
  • A scarf
  • A dog-tag/cross keychain
  • A pair of earrings
  • A Scarf
  • A Texas-shaped cutting board
  • A Jake Porter mug
love like ours - prize pack 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Becky's site.

lovelikeours-enterbanner

Friday Memes 5/22

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Why would you stop reading a book? Too long, wrong genre, bad language, not what you expected, or something totally different? 

My Answer:
I used to try to finish every book I started but now I have way too many books to read to waste time on ones that I'm not loving. Some of the biggest turn-offs for me are: language, head-hopping, unlikable main characters, too much telling instead of showing, and just generally bad writing! 


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 gale nearly knocked Elizabeth Benjamin flat. In all of her sixteen years, she'd never experienced such terrible winds, and Key West enjoyed it's share of storms.
Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson

My Thoughts
Great beginning!

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Hawk by Ronie Kendig

About the Book
Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an “other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

My Thoughts
Another amazing book from Ronie Kendig! As is always the case with her novels, as soon as I started reading I was sucked in and did not want to put it down!
I loved Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe! He was an amazing hero and I loved his determination to get the job done no matter the cost. He could be rash at times but it was cool to watch him work on controlling himself more. One of my favorite things about Brian was the fact that he was a man of his word, once he made a promise he kept it no matter what!
Fekiria took me a bit to warm up to but once I did I loved her too! She had a lot of anger and hate built up and it was amazing to watch the walls come down as she was exposed to God's love. I admired how strong she was, how she fought for what she believed in and to protect those she cared about.
This wasn't a typical romantic suspense since for about two-thirds of the book Fekiria pretty much hated Brian and wanted nothing to do with him. But as she saw him for who he really was instead of just seeing his uniform their relationship began to blossom and I can't wait to see how it plays out. I also really enjoyed Mitchell “Harrier” Black's side story/romance! It was really cute!
I cannot wait until the Raptor team finally tracks down these terrorists because they are really ticking me off! It's cool how Ronie also gives us a glimpse into their thoughts and what makes them tick, but I am looking forward to their defeat. After the way this book ended I am very glad that I have Falcon on hand to start immediately!

Meet the Author
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, Vvolt N629. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.
Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim.
Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction), Twitter (@roniekendig), and GoodReads.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #162: Now & Forever

"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:

Now & Forever by Mary Connealy
Bethany House-June 2, 2015

About the Book
Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!
Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

Why I Want It
Mary Connealy's books are always so much fun and I love them!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Top Ten Book Titles That Get Songs Stuck in My Head

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

So right before I realized that this week was Freebie week I had been discussing with my sister the fact that some book titles got various songs stuck in my head. And when I saw that it was Freebie week I thought it would make a fun topic! So here are ten book titles and the songs that they get stuck in my head!

Book: Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones
Song: Just Between You and Me by DC Talk

Book: The Art of Losing Yourself  by Katie Ganshert
Song: If I Lose Myself by OneRepublic

Book: When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason
Song: Heart Stops by David Dunn

Book: Take A Chance On Me by Susan May Warren
Song: Take A Chance On Me by ABBA

Book: It Had to be You by Susan May Warren
Song: It Had to Be You by Frank Sinatra

Book: A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
Song: Ours by Taylor Swift

Book: Catch a Falling Star by Janice Thompson
Song: Catch a Falling Star by Perry Como

Book: Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Song: Fools Rush In by Elvis Presley

Book: A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert
Song: Broken and Beautiful by Mark Schultz

Book: After a Fashion by Jen Turano
Song: Always True to You Darling in My Fashion from Kiss Me Kate

Monday, May 18, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #174 & Bout of Books 13: Wrap-Up

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Bout of Books


Here is what I finished last week:
I had a pretty great week of reading during this read-a-thon! I didn't make my ultimate goal but I did make my secondary goal of finishing my 8 review books! My favorite was Falcon!

What I am currently reading:
So excited to finally read Always on My Mind! And AHA is my new non-fiction read and I am looking forward to it!

What I hope to read this week:
My next review book and a book that I can't wait to read!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #173
Bout of Books 13: Day 1 Challenge
Top Ten Authors I REALLY Want to Meet
Bout of Books 13: Day 1 Update
Waiting on Wednesday #161: In Firefly Valley
Bout of Books 13: Day 2 Update & Day 3 Challenge
The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton
Bout of Books 13: Day 3 Update & Day 4 Challenge
No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason
Friday Memes 5/15
Bout of Books 13: Day 4 Update & Day 5 Challenge
Bout of Books 13: Day 5 Update & Day 6 Challenge
Bout of Books 13: Day 6 Update

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, May 17, 2015

Bout of Books 13: Day 6 Update

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
Together With You by Victoria Bylin (14 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
Pages Read Today: 14
Total Books Finished: 7
Total Pages Read: 2,232

My Thoughts on Today
Well I kinda figured this would be the case! I did have a small window in which I could have/should have read but I got distracted by replying to blog comments! I'm hoping that today I can at least finish this book!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Bout of Books 13: Day 5 Update & Day 6 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot (345 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot
Pages Read Today: 345
Total Books Finished: 7
Total Pages Read: 2,218

My Thoughts on Today
Well today was my lowest page count so far but with the day I had I was happy to get that much read! Saturday is guaranteed to be worse since I'll be working at my second job.

Favorite Read Photo Challenge
Hosted by: Once Upon a Chapter

"My challenge is fairly simple: take a photo of your favorite read so far in Bout of Books 13 and share that link with me" 

I've read some great books this week but my favorite was definitely Falcon by Ronie Kendig!



Friday, May 15, 2015

Bout of Books 13: Day 4 Update & Day 5 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
Hawk by Ronie Kendig (202 pages)
Falcon by Ronie Kendig (350 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
Hawk by Ronie Kendig

Falcon by Ronie Kendig 
Pages Read Today: 552
Total Books Finished: 6
Total Pages Read: 1,873

My Thoughts on Today
Well I fell only 12 pages short of my daily goal so I would say that today was a pretty great reading day! I loved these two books so much!

Cover Color Challenge
Hosted by: Wishful Endings
Pick a color.  Find four books with covers almost completely in that color/those colors (they need to be at least 2/3 similar - basically they need to match or be the same color - i.e. all green's, all yellow's, or match like black and purple).



Friday Memes 5/15

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
If you see a book you like but see it is 400 or 500+ pages, will you still read it? 

My Answer:
Yup! I'm a pretty fast reader so page count doesn't scare me!


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."

It wasn't the homecoming of her dreams. When she'd pictured this moment, Marisa St. George had imagined herself riding in a shiny new Lexus. She'd be wearing a designer dress and sporting an impressive diamond on her left hand, while her tall, dark, and handsome husband smiled at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. 
In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

My Thoughts
Sounds like a pretty nice dream and I'm interested to see what happened to prevent it from coming true!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

About the Book
It's not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she's not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

Lynette Eason throws readers right into the action from page one, propelling them along a dangerous road and asking the provocative question of how far we'd be willing to go if we were up against a wall.

My Thoughts
Every time I pick up a Lynette Eason novel I know that I'm in for a thrilling ride and this book was no different! From page one I was sucked into the story and kept reading wanting to see what was going to happen next. The aspect of having the main characters being on the run from both the bad guys and law enforcement made for quite the adventure!
I loved how Jackie and Ian had known each other when they were younger so that the bit of a whirlwind romance was a lot more believable! They were both great characters and I was very impressed by their determination to do what was right no matter what the cost.
The only problem I had was that there were too many points of view and I got confused a couple of times. Other than that though I loved this book and would definitely recommend it! It is in a series but the books can also be read on their own!



Meet the Author
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.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.

Bout of Books 13: Day 3 Update & Day 4 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade (255 pages)
Hawk by Ronie Kendig (161 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade
Pages Read Today: 416
Total Books Finished: 4
Total Pages Read: 1,321

My Thoughts on Today
I was so exhausted today that even though I had a lot of reading time I was reading slower than normal which meant I didn't get as much done! I once again didn't make my daily page goal so I'm pretty sure I'm not going to make my ten book goal, but I'm okay with that.

Modern to Classic Challenge
Hosted by: Ranty Runt of a Reader

THE CHALLENGE Share one book that you believe will be considered a classic in 100 years time. Simple? I do have a few caveats, the book must have been published in or after 2005 and you need to provide two reasons for why this book will be a classic.

As I thought this over there were some obvious books that popped into my head like The Hunger Games, but that was a bit too easy and the one that I kept coming back to was pretty much my all time favorite series The O'Conner Family Saga by Julie Lessman. As for my reasons: First of all her writing is brilliant and timeless. Secondly I feel like this family just captures your heart from the moment you meet them and I think people are going to love them for a very long time!
*I know hoping a Christian book will become a classic is a little bit of a fantasy but I think this series could be the exception!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Wood's Edge
WaterBrook Press (April 21, 2015)
by
Lori Benton



MY THOUGHTS:
After hearing rave reviews for this author's debut I jumped at the chance to read her sophomore novel which I loved. So it was a no-brainer for me to request this book for review. I was already pretty excited to read it but my anticipation went through the roof after one of my favorite authors declared that this made it onto her all time favorites list. So with all that build up I dove in and thankfully I loved it! I love how Lori pays attention to every detail crafting stories that transport you to another time and place. I love the Revolutionary War time period and it was cool to see a bit of what it was like leading up to that, especially from the Indian's point of view.
The story took place over about two decades but the author did such a beautiful job of weaving it all together that it never felt disjointed. I loved watching all the characters grow up over time and see how their lives played out in the wake of what happened at Fort William Henry. Usually when reading a novel you meet the characters and then get brief glimpses at what made them who they are but in this one you actually got to experience all of the things that shaped them into the adults they were at the end. I loved how despite the things that both Anna and Two Hawks had to endure they kept themselves from becoming bitter through surrendering themselves to God. Their relationship was so sweet and it was fun to watch them go from friends to something more.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and I can't wait until the next in the series comes out!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Benton spent her late teens and early twenties pursuing a career as a wildlife artist, attending the Maryland College of Art & Design before she began painting professionally. When not writing or researching, Lori can be found exploring the mountains of southern Oregon with her husband, Brian. Lori's first novel, Burning Sky was nominated as an ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award Finalist and also received double nominations for 2014 Christy Awards. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is her second novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Wood's Edge, go HERE.

Boout of Books 13: Day 2 Update & Day 3 Challenge

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton (388 pages)
A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade (97 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton
Pages Read Today: 485
Total Books Finished: 3
Total Pages Read: 905

My Thoughts on Today
Well I read more than I did yesterday but again did not reach my daily goal. Though for the busyness of my day I'm pretty happy with what I did get read!

Book Haiku 
Hosted by: Kristina Horner

Write a haiku about whatever book you’re reading right now.

Tall, dark, and brooding
Gentle, happy, and hopeful
Made for each other

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Waiting on Wednesday #161: In Firefly Valley

"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 Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot
Revell-May 19, 2015

About the Book
Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

Romance readers will love this warm and witty story of mistaken identity and second chances from bestselling author Amanda Cabot.

Why I Want It
I've enjoyed some of this author's previous novels and this one sounds cute!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Bout of Books 13: Day 1 Update

Bout of Books
Books I Read Today:
No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason (119 pages)
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert (301 pages)
Books I Finished Today:
No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert
Pages Read Today: 420
Total Books Finished: 2
Total Pages Read: 420

My Thoughts on Today
While I didn't quite read as much as I was hoping to but it was still a pretty good day reading wise and I enjoyed both of the books!