The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

Book Description

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

My Review

Jane Kirkpatrick is by far one of my all time favorite authors. She just has this way about writing that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. My first book (series) from her was Emma of Aurora and I read the entire series in such a ridiculous short amount of time. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to read Memory Weaver. 

I didn't get quite as drawn in to this book as I did Emma of Aurora but not because of her writing! For me the story was not really my cup of tea but Jane Kirkpatrick's writing still kept my attention (that's how you know you have a good writer!) So even though this book was not my cup of tea perhaps others of you out there will  enjoy it and be captivated by it. I say give it try!

I give this book a 3 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Revell Review program.

With This Ring by K.W, M.C, R.J, & M.J

Book Description

Humorous Historical Romance Novella
Collection Offers Love and Laughs
Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

My Review

With this Ring?

Mary Connealy, Karen Witemyer, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears come together with a collection of novellas, mixing humor and romance with a dash of adventure. Is there any less to be expected by these four famous authors?

The Husband Maneuver

In this short story we revisit two characters from Karen Witemeyer’s book “A Worthy pursuit”. Daniel Barret, Or Dead-eye Dan affectionately known to those who have read the book, is ready to build his own place and his own business, but Marietta isn’t ready for him to go, at least not without her as his wife.

Fear and love push Marietta into action. Trying to maneuver the quiet Daniel into a marriage proposal.

Most men will probably going  “Aha” right about now, but trust me when I saw that Marietta loved Daniel, and if you thought you’d lose someone forever you might be willing to do the same thing yourself.

It was a great pleasure to see these two beloved characters once again, and to see how their story ended. I also enjoyed reading experts from the last Dead-eye Dan book at the beginning of each chapter, what a fun treat!

Her Dearly Unintended

This story is a coming of age story for our two characters Josiah Huckabee and Katie Ellen Watson. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleased to find Regina Jennings in her element, as always.  Josiah, a fearless young man, wants to woo Katie Ellen, but she will have nothing to do with him. A logical, crafty, young woman Katie Ellen holds onto two years of pain caused by one small moment in time with Josiah, using it as a shield against Josiah. But things don’t quite go as any of them expected, with an old man taking residence in Katie Ellen’s home, and her only source of protection from the stranger is Josiah’s.

I enjoyed seeing the barriers come down around Katie’s heart, and that it taught me that the little details shouldn’t be stressed over so much, not when it comes to the ones you love.

Runaway Bride

I have no clue how many of Mary Connealy’s books are connected in this one little short story, but by the amount of names I feel I should know in here I am guessing a lot. Carrie Halsey, sister to Audra Halsey, is on the run from the fate her father forced upon her older sibling. As in most of Mary Connealy’s books there are twists of romance, action, and suspense even in this short story. I won’t spoil this story, but for all those Connealy fans out there I am sure they will love this quick stop on there way to the next novel.

Engaging the Competition

Now, Melissa Jagears story I was a little weary of, after learning about her book “A Bride in Store” from my sister. I did expect much from this story. Gladly I was very wrong about this one.

You would never expect rivals to make a good couple, Harrison Gray thought the same. He and Charlotte used to be the best of friends, until their competiveness got in the way. Because of his impaired sight and the need to wear glasses Harrison felt he couldn’t match up to Charlotte, and even the one time he felt he could best her he realized he was trying to publicly humiliate a woman. He did not want to be known as that type of man. With their friendship over Harrison didn’t think he would have to deal with her again. God had other plans.

Charlotte ends up breaking his glasses, and to make up for it she helps him teach his school class.

An interesting and sweet story that will have you captivated from the first few pages.

The book was a joy to read, and though I found the lack of faith a little odd, I still would recommended it for many readers.  With laughter, struggle, and love abound many will find themselves lost for an hour or two in one of these novellas.

I give this book a 4 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

Together with You by Victoria Bylin

Book Description

When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

My Review

This was a wonderful story! Reading it I felt like I was reading a modern day Christian version of the Sound of Music. Come to find out that was quite intentional which just made my love for her writing grow even more! No, it was not based off of anything from the sound of music, but it held the same spirit.

A story filled with mistakes, bad decisions, growing pains, hope, love and forgiveness.


Carley, a preachers daughter who left her home to get away from a mistake she made comes to find herself as a nanny for a little girl with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) after reuniting her with her all too severe and unsmiling, yet handsome, father in the mall toy store where she worked.

Ryan has a list he wants to accomplish with his family over the summer while his ex-wife is on vacation with her new husband, but things aren't going well when he loses his daughter in the mall. Thankfully, she is returned safe and sound with Carley. When he finds she is familiar with FASD, after having just lost his last nanny, asks to hire her on the spot!

One of the things I loved about this book was reading from Penny's point of view. Rarely do I get to read and see how that character perceives and processes's the world they live in. It pulled on my heart and helped me to understand what Penny was going through then if I had just read it from Ryan or Carley.

I also loved that the story wasn't just about Ryan and Carley falling in love, it was about the whole family! Ryan's two sons played a fairly big role in this story. Carley connects with them and even and helps bring them together as a family and as individuals.

There was so much more to this book than I can put in a single review, but I couldn't put this book down when I read it and so I highly recommend it.

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Book Description

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

My Review

And what an exciting ride it was! I've never read any of Melody Carlson's Christmas stories before, but now I think I am going to make it an annual tradition! Christmas Joy Ride was full of the Christmas spirit. I wish Joy Jorgensen was my neighbor. I would have been Miranda, making sure she wasn't crazy for doing this, but in the end thanking God the ride. 

As the adventures goes, Miranda heads off with Joy down Route 66 to bring the spirit of Christmas to residents in a nursing home, a diner owner and her daughter, a rehab center for young adults, a hair salon, foster parents and their kids, and a young girl, and her widowed father, who lost her mother, at Christmastime years before. 

All of the stories touched my heart and was filled with laughter, but the message in them all that reached me, was, "No matter what, joy is just around the bend. Especially, if you take the time to let it in your heart and then go to those around you." {Romans 15:32}

I give this book a 5 out of 5!

"Well, I have more to say to you, but I don't want to say it in a letter. For I hope to visit you soon and talk to you face to face. Then our joy will be complete." {2 John 1:12}

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Revel Review program.

It's December!

It's that time of year again. Jack Frost is nipping at our noses, decorations and holly are up, and Christmas is only... 20 days, 21 hours and 35 minutes away! Ha ha!

I know I have been absent the last few months. I sincerely apologize for just dropping off the face of the earth. I was going through some stuff--don't worry, nothing serious or bad, just needed to spend some time with Jesus. I'll share some of the things I've been learning in my time away. Because of the holidays it sadly won't be until after the New Year. But I can't wait.

If you will, pray for me. I love blogging and I have so many idea's and thoughts I want to share, I just need more energy to stay ahead and keep up these days. I appreciate all of you who read my blog regularly and those of you who only pass by it.

I'll be working on some posts in the coming months, including an update on what's been going on in my life the last few months. A lot of good things, I can't wait to share them.

Until then, stay safe, stay warm and

MERRY CHRISTMAS! JESUS LOVES YOU!

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

Book Description

As a boy Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself working undercover for God. His was a mission filled with danger, financed by faith and supported by miracles. 

In this expanded edition, Brother Andrew's electrifying real-life story of smuggling Bibles into the most dangerous places on earth will grip readers all over again and inspire a new generation to step out on their own journeys of faith. Plus, a brand-new interview with Brother Andrew reveals behind-the-scenes information and fascinating insights into current events that are riveting the world.

Now includes photos and a new epilogue from Brother Andrew on 60 years of ministry


My Review

Miraculous only begins to describe the wonder of God shown through the life of Brother Andrew in this stunning and thrilling recount of his life and ministry. From a boy dreaming of adventure to adulthood living the adventure of a lifetime working for God behind the iron curtain.

                

I have never read a book like this, and by that I mean I was so enthralled I stayed up most nights reading it into the wee morning hours and picking up every chance a had in between. I wanted to know more, see what happened next, experience the joy, wonder, and thrill of seeing God in action.

That wasn’t all I learned from this book. The more countries he visited the more I saw the lives affected after he brought and gave away bibles. People thirsty for God’s word and to know they were not alone. There were more brothers and sisters in Christ in the world facing the same things. 

“Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  {1 Peter 5:9} 

That strategies used for persecution aren’t always so straightforward and blunt.

“Under persecution a man looks at his faith to see if it is worth fighting for, and this is the scrutiny Christianity can always withstand. The real dangers comes with an indirect attack, where a person is lured away from the Church before he has a chance to become strong.” ~Wilkhelmi

And just because we can’t always go to other countries doesn’t mean we can’t minister to our own brothers and sisters right here, right now.

“Don’t complain to yourself that you can’t go to the mission field! Thank God for bringing the mission field to you!” ~Andrew 

Brother Andrew shares his moments of testing and each one made me cry. From the beginning before he became a believer to the day he wrote this book. Showing courage and faith, showing God's light through his life touched my own soul. I even cried quite a few times seeing those God "ah-ha" moments.

There is so much I loved about this book I could talk about it all day. I STRONGLY encourage anyone who see's this book to pick it up. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down. Share it with a friend if you've already read it. I know I what I'm getting my friends for gifts this year. In this new expanded edition, you get the pleasure of reading a new interview with Brother Andrew that I personally am glad I got to read. Questions and updates on events both from the book and other books he's written since. 

Not setting out to become an international missionary, Andrew merely saw a need and felt called to fill that need. None of it would have been possible without the God guiding him every step of the way. And that is magnificently shown in this inspiring novel. 

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Chosen Book Bloggers program.

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

Book Description

Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.

Today. With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiancé threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.

June 1942. After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kája Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kája has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kája finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.

Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kája will fight to protect all they hold dear.

My Review

From the author that brought us the first captivating Hidden Masterpiece novel "the Butterfly and the Violin", Kristy Cambron has done it again with her sequel "A Sparrow in Terezin". From the moment I finished her first book and saw there was to be a second novel, I couldn't wait to read it! I waited 9 months and I was not the least bit disappointed.

Kristy Cambron brings to the life two women with incredible tales.

Sera James Hanover who is scared to death that her newly wed husband will have to spend a decade in prison for something she believes he did not do. But the Hanover's are keeping a secret from her. No one, including William, will tell her why his father left them all those years ago. Their afraid to talk about it. But it might be the only thing that could save William from serving from a crime he didn't commit.

Kája Makovsky after leaving Prague and her family, finds herself as an assistant at the The Daily Telegraph in England where she meets the strange but handsome reporter Liam Marshal. Just as their love began to blossom, before it had really even had the chance, London was bombed and the world of London changed. But that didn't seem to stop them from falling in love, in fact, I think it made them realize how much they loved each other from the very moment they met!

Both woman travel to the ends of the earth to help the ones they love. Connected beyond years, these two stories are woven with amazing hope and love.

"I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you where you go." ~Joshua 1:9 NLT

When I first started reading this book, I was so engrossed with Kája and Liam all I wanted to do was skip right past Sera's chapters to see what happened next. But my sister advised against that and I'm glad she did because as the chapters went on I began to see the connection between the two. Like the Butterfly and the Violin, a special piece of memory passed down from 1942 would be a key puzzle piece. So you don't want to miss a single page of this book! It's filled with depth of story and character all the way through. And I love how Sophie is connected in both books. It's woven in so perfectly.

I absolutely love this book! I have no idea if there is to be any more sequels at this moment, but I truly hope there is. If not, I'd read just about anything Kristy Cambron writes. She is an amazing author. Especially when it comes to historical fiction, I could read that from her all day. History has always intrigued me as some of you might already know, but it does take a well writing author to make Historical Fiction worth reading. Kirsty Cambron not only brings the characters to life, but you can't help but fall in love with them and want to be apart of their lives long after you've closed the book.

I also have to add that I really love Penny! I was so glad more story was added for her!

When I finished this book I cried. I couldn't even pick up another fiction book for days because I wasn't ready to leave that world with the sparrows.

I highly recommend buying it and if you haven't read the first Hidden Masterpiece the Butterfly and the Violin then I highly recommend you get on that ASAP!

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of BookLook Bloggers program.