NEW BOOK REVIEW

Blind Faith - Love is Patient … By Kristen and Kevin Collier

When a friend arranges a blind date for young artist, Wesley O'Connell, he discovers Morgan Fürst, his date, truly cannot see. This insightful love story asks the question, do we walk by faith and not by sight? Is seeing believing, or is believing truly seeing?

“...not your every day, love story. The story looks at love from the inside out and helps the reader see the unseen. Highly recommended.” - Jack Foster, Book Illustrator

“I just love the characters! They ring true. Well-written, the authors have created a romance story that will be hard to put down!” - Sean Elliot Russell, Author of “The Jesus Boy”

“...a wonderful story with vivid characters. The writers show the story so well, I can picture everything as I read. I love Morgan and Wes.”
-Award-winning Author, Deb Allard


OUR REVIEW

A lovely romance told in a family friendly setting. The characters make you feel like you're included in a faith based home, where morals are taught and lived.

An easy clean read where love blooms despite handicaps that might make a difference to some, and where long distance relationships might or might not hold up!

A great introduction to the romance genre for middle school readers as well as us adults!


                             Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

Taking God to Work: The Keys to Ultimate Success … By Steve Reynolds and David L. Winters



Taking God to Work challenges believers to break down the barriers between their spiritual life and their vocation. Using rock-solid Biblical advice, Christians are challenged to love others through their work. By combining faith and a heart of service, learn how to rise to new heights of success and freedom in your job. This book shows tangible ways to use your knowledge, skills and ability to co-labor with God each day. Help Him fulfill His plan to reach out to a desperately hurting world. Learn how to deal with troublesome co-workers, using wisdom and kindness to move to the next level in relationships. Watch your goals move from mere self-advancement to doing the most good in service to God.




OUR REVIEW
 Just how amazing is God?  Steve Reynolds and David L. Winters, authors of Taking God To Work, combined their anecdotes and biblical strategies in an easy to understand and everyday "guide book" of ways to maintain your sanity as you interact with various situations and diverse people.

Don't be fooled by the title, as this book is useful for those of us that are no longer in the work force but still have to deal with the wild and somewhat dysfunctional friends that are in our lives.

So how do we do that? The authors remind us that God is our CEO, our daily manager, our friend and best of all …"His office door is open." I enjoyed the stories of the Spotlight Features  along with the study questions to help personally drive home the importance of how God's teachings can be applied to us. 

Having trouble with:

Cursing, anger, lying, overeating, stress, fear, debt, anxiety … just a few in a huge list of trouble spots that bombard us and place us in "sticky" situations. Do you want to be free from living paycheck to paycheck … is that really possible?

Taking God To Work came into my life while studying the book of Daniel, and I found it so compatible with my studies that I couldn't stop reading it, as it enhanced the magnitude of the power God has given us to break the bonds that others put on us, if we will accept His word and love. 



                                   Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

        Dancing in the Rain ... By Eileen Rife and Jennifer Slattery

Loni Parker, a music major struggling to find employment, seeks refuge at Camp Hope only to encounter the man who took her sight.

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles, her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains. Unbeknown to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more. Though she doesn’t expect to fall for the guy. Still, her need for independence and dream of teaching win out, taking her far away from her beloved Camp Hope . . . and a certain director.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Lonie instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.



OUR REVIEW

"A name he no longer used-one that sickened him to his core." Doesn't this certainly make you want to find out why? Dancing in the Rain by Eileen Rife and Jennifer Slattery was a surprising change of pace from the typical Christian romances I have on my book shelf. An unusual setting mixed together with a blind  girl and a "hunky" but possible dangerous guy sets this story on a brisk pace.

I had to keep reading to see if Loni would finish her commitment to an adventure she signed up for and find her inner faith and strength to deal with the added disadvantages that were thrown at her. No family to help, no guide dog to maneuver her through the woods and plenty of camp activities to push her out of her comfort zone.

I enjoyed this novel not only because it was a clean read, but also it introduced me to the world of blindness. Would Lonie be able to deal with the life God gave her and the man who changed her life, and can Michael really find what he is looking for? Take a chance on this read and you'll be surprised.

                           Amazon Review
                        

NEW BOOK REVIEW

 

 

                                    Healing Love ... By Jennifer Slattery

 

A news anchor intern has it all planned out, and love isn't on the agenda.

Brooke Endress is on the cusp of her lifelong dream when her younger sister persuades her to chaperone a mission trip to El Salvador. Packing enough hand sanitizer and bug spray to single-handedly wipe out malaria, she embarks on what she hopes will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But Brooke is blindsided by the desperation for hope and love she sees in the eyes of the orphans she encounters. And no less by the connection she feels with her handsome translator. As newfound passion blooms, Brooke wrestles with its implications for her career dreams.

Ubaldo Chavez, teacher and translator, knows the struggle that comes with generational poverty. But he found the way out – education – and is determined to help his students rise above.

When he agrees to translate for a mission team from the United States he expects to encounter a bunch of "missional tourists" full of empty promises. Yet an American news anchor defies his expectations, and he finds himself falling in love. But what does he have to offer someone with everything?

 

 

OUR REVIEW

 

Brook Endress was in search for fresh ideas to set her apart at the news station, but all her efforts were set aside as God stepped in with His own plan. Healing Love by Jennifer Slattery weaves a few different story lines in such a way that doesn't let you put this novel down.

 

Two countries that are extremely different hosted the events of several lives, which kept me wondering what could God make of all this? Slattery dug deep with my emotions of the unique cultural differences that I was not familiar with, but admire those who step forth in God's direction even though there could be a painful outcome. The lives of children and the depth of love makes this novel a must read.

 

                                   Amazon Review

 

 

NEW BOOK REVIEW

The Logos Life: (Missionary Stories) ... By Natalie Vellacot

Natalie Vellacott took a two-year break from her job with Sussex Police and joined the Logos Hope Christian missionary ship. The ship, staffed by volunteers from sixty-five different countries, was sailing the waters of Asia. Natalie began by serving visitors in the mayhem of the International Café before moving to the isolated recesses of the ship’s dangerous freezers as store-keeper. Having fallen in love with a group of street teens addicted to solvents in the Philippines, she ended her commitment as administrator of the largest floating book-fair in the world. Join Natalie on her often hilarious adventures amidst an inevitable multitude of cultural catastrophes as she attempts to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people she encounters along the way.


OUR REVIEW

The Logos Life by Natalie Vellacott was a pouring out of  heart and soul of her incredible stint on a Christian missionary ship, Logos Hope. The ship was already filled with dedicated workers, but God opened a door for her to serve and work doing a multitude of tasks.

Getting prepared for this work was not easy, as Vellacott had to take a total of nine injections which made her incredibly sick, but still pressing on and facing many hardships she encountered an almost humorous reaction amongst friends that serving on this kind of ship was some kind of luxury cruise. Not the case!

While reading this book, I highlighted many passages that jumped out at me or seemed quite amazing but decided to read this story as a journal that could have been sent to me by a friend, detailing the many adventures, mishaps, happiness and sadness that had befallen her.

Thankfully, Vellacott had a two person cabin due to her age and background in Police work while having her being selected to have a "family" to be connected with ... "we are one body made up of many parts, each and every one is important and dependent upon the other." Cor. 12:12-31

After intensive training, the group was off and as prepared as possible, with so many interesting interactions amongst staff and visitors. Fighting off a scary sickness possibly from some kind of bit was only one of many incidents that I found almost too much for one person to bare. The wrap up of this adventure was very touching and heartfelt, as I'm sure it will be in Vellacott's memory forever.

An enjoyable read that you can put down and take up again, not missing a beat as a young woman's dedication to make a difference in the lives of others, really DOES make a difference with God directing her path.


               Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                   Destitutio Quod Remissio ... By Brett Armstrong


For decades, Roman Senator Marcus Servius labored to become a wealthy and admired patrician man. But now, his world is shattered. After he is exposed as a Christian during a time of intense persecution, his home, wealth, and prestige are stripped from him. The most painful loss of all is that of his beloved wife, Cassandra. Destitute and wary, Marcus prays he will be delivered from his enemies' hands as he struggles to realize a new path.

In desperate need of help, Marcus disguises himself and embarks on a dangerous journey to find Benjamin Truvias, the leader of a hidden church and the man responsible for Marcus's conversion. After Benjamin offers aid, Marcus's life finally finds needed direction. Yet, the more he helps the church through persecutions, the closer he comes to finding who betrayed him. Caught in a maelstrom of intrigue and deception, should Marcus discover the awful truth of who caused his fall, he must choose between vengeance and forgiveness--a decision that will affect the fate of all the believers in Rome.

Destitutio Quod Remissio is the timeless epic tale of a man's struggle to rebuild his life amid ancient Rome after he loses everything he loves and his faith is tested in ways he never imagined.


OUR REVIEW

"Incapable of moving. Incapable of speaking. Incapable of perceiving the destruction wrought upon him, in full." Let's face it, readers by now will know they are in for a complete enthralling mystery. Destitio Quod Remissio by Brett Armstrong has done his research of Christian pain and suffering in Roman times.

The detailed descriptions of the building profiles with their angular bases, ornate inscribed reliefs, and creamy stone columns puts us right at home in this setting and ready to walk along side the characters. The opulence of the wealthy magnifies the slavery of the lower class, as well as the danger and possibility of death of being a Christian.

The main character is Marcus, who has lost his beloved wife in a treacherous fire and now on the run to find particular people that could answer many of the questions of betrayal. Each character is brought to life, making me really feel their intense stress of each situation Marcus puts himself in.

Without giving away any spoilers, I have to say I didn't see the twists that came during his search, and a credit to the author that I did get angry at a couple of characters for the parts they played. My reaction was...seriously, how could you did that?!

Strength of overcoming the fear of being found out to be a Christian was sheer terror and how the characters in the novel handled this was very diverse and interesting.


                                          Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

 Coming Out Of Egypt (The Egypt Series Book 1) ... By Angela Joseph


When Marva accidentally kills her father while trying to protect her younger sister June from him, she anticipates a new beginning far from "Egypt" where they once lived. But her new life is fraught with fear and anxiety. She has become the detective's chief suspect, her teenage sister is too beautiful for her own good, and her supervisor wants to teach her more than her job requires. In addition, she has to sort out her mixed feelings for her childhood sweetheart. It's enough to drive a girl to drink - which she does - until Cicely, Marva's former teacher intervenes. She patiently mentors the girls and leads them to Christ.
But Cicely has problems of her own, and as Marva watches her deal with and overcome heartbreak, she begins to understand the true meaning of love, forgiveness and faith in a God who can bring her "out of Egypt." But the noose still hangs over her head. Will Marva be punished for her crime, or will she find compassion and understanding? The dark matter covered in this book is offset by the exotic setting and the rich, cultural references of Trinidad and Tobago.


OUR REVIEW

Coming Out of Egypt (The Egypt Series Book 1) by Angela Joseph is not your typical mystery, romance Christian novel. The main content was very painful and I believe after reading the author's notes, based on gathered facts from Joseph.

The story is centered around two sisters that endured a horrific childhood, and the consequences that happened. The subject matter was intense and very sad for me to read, and I will refrain from giving out any spoilers. Be aware that this is an adult book with a lot of emotional and spiritual turmoil.

I did like the questions at the end of the book to use as guidelines for open discussions about forgiveness and deliverance, but I felt the writing could have been a little more polished and needed to flow a bit more evenly.

 

 

                                     Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

Blessed Are the Contrarians: Diary of a Journey Through Interesting Times ... By S.R. Piccoli

Blessed are the contrarians, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. But they must be very, very careful in these Interesting Times! Contrarians are those who go against the current (as the dictionary states), who take opposing stands from the majority: in the stock markets they buy when others sell and vice-versa; in religious matters, if they are Christians, they continue to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, in spite of the Zeitgeist, and if they are not they have the utmost respect for what Christianity is all about and for its contribution to civilization. In matters of culture, education and lifestyles, they are “old-fashioned” while the rest of the world seems to be hell bent on transmuting order into chaos. This book is a kind of diary of a journey through our time—politics, culture, lifestyles, worldviews, etc.—and back home again, where “home” stands for a sense of belonging to something stronger than the spirit of our times. In other words what this book represents is a sort of explanation—though not a systematic one—of why the Author disagrees with certain mainstream views in several domains. And this from a conservative and Christian point of view, that is to say the perspectives that come under severe attack from secular and progressive ideologies, the over-influential schools of thought of our time.


OUR REVIEW

Blessed Are the Contrarians: Diary of a Journey Through Interesting Times by S.R. Piccoli was quite the eye opener for me. It revived old memories of past events, some that I could relate to and some new enlightening facts. After reading the dedication I knew this was going to be a most unusual read for me.

The diaries are compilations of his past blogs of actual current events at the time of writing these blogs, infused with his point of view.  "The "diary" entries are not arranged in any chronological order, but in accordance to subject pertinence."

Piccoli is an extraordinary writer and sometimes a bit over my head as I am not a very detailed related reader, but these blogs where brimmed with various opinions and facts and a few stood out for me. Loved the blog about the Monks (who will replace them), the Shroud of Turin, and the Saudi Women's sexy eyes.

A few thoughts were given on Obama, Rubio and Romney and human cloning...nicely done.

I recommend Blessed Are the Contrarians: Diary of a Journey Through Interesting Times by S.R. Piccoli for readers who enjoy bits and pieces of current history presented in a casual format.


                    Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                            The Golden Locket ... By Aurora Manderville





Rose and her brother Ferdinand receive scholarships to the most prestigious college in the whole country, only to find themselves caught in a strange turn of events.







OUR REVIEW

I was in for a real surprise while reading The Golden Locket by Aurora Manderville. The adventure started out giving me a feeling that I already felt comfortable with the setting of this story without author Manderville  even describing it yet. Loved the simple descriptions of the main characters...Rose with her dark chocolate curls, Ferdinand being "stubborn" as a mule, and best of all Maria, a strong mother determined to see her children make the best of their lives.

As Rose and  Ferdinand accept their letters of entrance to prestigious Tolken University, the tone of the story blossomed before me...it was a different genre then what I was expecting!

As I found out the meaning of the title, the story zipped along in a fast pace, enjoying the flow of the adventure.

A simple, sweet, and clean read book, I could recommend this to middle school level and up. Love to have a sequel to see what happens to the main characters.

                   Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                                Sparrow on a House ... By Billie Houston


In 1943 Sara Carson leaves her farm home and goes to Orange, Texas to work in the ship yards. There she meets and falls in love with soldier Kent Holden. Three days later they are married. Less than a week after that he ships out to North Africa. Sara moves back to the farm to help her mother with her ailing grandmother and her father who is losing his hold on reality.

Now it is 1945. Germany has surrendered and Kent is coming home. Sara comes to grips with the realization that she has married a stranger. She loves her husband, but she doesn't know him. She has married in haste. Is she condemned to repent at leisure?



OUR REIVEW

Sparrow on a Housetop by Billie Houston took me by complete surprise! Houston depicted the time period accurately without dragging out any unnecessary details to bog the story down, following through with character growth and development. I must say I enjoyed the references to a few books that I recognized!

The horrendous harshness of battles that the soldiers faced, effected the outcome of their homecoming and the start of new lives. Sara faced the unknown of what life would be with a husband that she only knew a few days before going off to war. To the surprise and shock of her family, Kent is somewhat welcomed into an eclectic array of family members...on both sides of the family.

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I have to say, my feelings for Kent were not favorable at first, as Houston used her skill of writing to make my emotions doubt his sincerity about his love for Sara and then building suspicion of what his character was really about.

Throughout the story, faith may or may not touch and heal lives as we can easily recognize the life altering events that happen... possible the same occurrences that  have touched our own lives. 

Yes, of course I cried at the end a little bit, but remembering that we don't always understand the ways of God, He is always in control!
       


Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                                 Theodora's Children ... by Rick Nau

Gretchen is her name. She's the heroine of the story. Some people call her Gretch the Wretch. Not a very nice thing to say about someone, especially if they suffer from a loneliness so intense it could blow the roof off the sky. Certainly she's not the only person in the world who's felt this way. You might have felt this way yourself. Or you might feel this way at this very moment, just as Gretchen felt at the beginning of her story. This isn't to say she's not a wonderful person. If you get to know her, you'll find out how wonderful she is. If you don't, you'll never know. 


           

This book is for anyone who loves:

• Stories with a solid Christian Theme
• Stories that are Bigger than Life
• Stories about Courage
• Stories about Overcoming Fear
• Stories about Friendship
• Christmas

OUR REVIEW

Theodoria's Children by Rick Nau is delightful story told by a loving great grandfather to his two rambunctious great grandchildren. The story captivates the children with amazing over the top embellishments of a little lonely girl which entices them to ask questions and add their opinions.

This novel is a spiritual journey, full of hidden meanings and symbolic imagery about finding faith in God. At first I thought it

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would be a great read for younger children, but the story of Gretchen took so many turns that I got confused as to where the tale was going and what the symbolisms were representing.

All came together in the end, paving the way for the next in the series. If you love allegories, this is the book for you!



                     Amazon Review



 

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                            Eden on the Frontier by Cheryle Williams

A time of new beginnings brings out the best and worst in any family.

Spring 1772 on the colonial Pennsylvania frontier. Eden Anna Blair, age seventeen, travels with her family of Scots-Irish pioneers via packhorses to search for land near the Forks of the Ohio. A ten-day walk in a long caravan of farmers and traders can test anyone’s mettle.

During the trek, Eden finds friendship with three impressive young men. Daniel and Donovan Briggs are brothers who labor as tree cutters and proudly push a cart of their own tools. Solomon Redding, educated but poor, is headed to a plantation where he’ll tutor a rich family’s sons.

It will be at least a year before Eden is free to marry anyone. As oldest daughter, her family needs her help while they buy land and build a cabin. Eden is confident she can face any hardship but the heady experience of falling in love.



OUR REVIEW

As I was reading Eden on the Frontier by Cheryle Williams I was so thankful that I live in this day and age. Just so there is no misunderstanding about what I'm going to say, I gave this book a whopping 5 star review!

Author Cheryle Williams story line was complete with just enough detail to immerse me into the time period of the 1770's, but still keep it fresh as a young adult book, with main character Eden Anna Blair struggling to help support her working class family.

Linda    

Family loyalty was of the utmost importance, even making this relationship a pivotal point of survival. After extreme decisions were made, family disputes kept arising to hinder the marriage match that was decided upon by the head of the family.

The women of those days were treated as the lower class, but Eden was strong and her faithfulness and work ethics stood out as a shining star, but working class families and rich families knew their places in the order of life which lead to difficulties in getting along and trusting one another. Still, love blooms but at what cost? A wonderful novel that makes you fully understand hardships that we take for granted now days.


                           Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

Christmas Love and Mercy (Christmas Hotel Book 5) ... By Saundra Staats McLemore


Chris Wright, the youngest child of Christopher and Jerilyn, is now thirty-two years old. He's prayed many years for a Godly woman to marry and join him in carrying on the mission of Christmas Hotel. All his siblings are married with children and one with a grandchild. He wonders what's wrong with him. Although his life is full with the management of Christmas Hotel; he's lonely. His only constant companion is his dog Fritz.

He reacquaints with lovely Lori Anna Stanley; someone he has known all her nineteen years. She sweeps into his life like a breath of fresh air. Is it possible Chris will have the wife and family of his dreams? An idyllic union exists until Chris has reason to question God and his faith. Unforeseen difficulties spiral out of control. Only a miracle can save them. Others have found their miracle at Christmas Hotel, but can they?


OUR REVIEW

Do miracles really happen at the quaint and cozy Christmas Hotel all year long? In Christmas Love & Mercy by Saundra Staats McLemore, the prologue sets the tone of this love story ... will the characters re-meet later in life and does misfortune reek havoc in a ripple event, effecting many lives?

Linda    

A lovely story revolves around the history of the Christmas Hotel, and a special room brings comfort and joy to one of the main characters. Does an angel guide a young mother in the right direction or is it God's will that certain events happen to a couple who hopes to find a love that they have been waiting for.

McLemore reveals painful pasts that help move the story along. Life is not perfect, but it's how we handle the situations that stand in our way. Chris and Lori Anna go through tough times and we are hoping that they can resolve issues that fall before them, but can they? Does God have a different ending that they are planning on?

Christmas Love & Mercy will twist your heart, showing us that God is still in control.


                         Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW ... JULY BOOK RELEASE

JULY RELEASE



                                      Healing Love ... by Jennifer Slattery




OUR REVIEW

Healing Love by Jennifer Slattery meshes two completely different lives and lifestyles together as this story tells how God's divine intervention is brought to light.

Slattery takes extreme poverty and a reasonably comfortable life and entwines them into a remarkable Christian romance.

It was almost like reading two different stories, jumping from America to El Salvador ... but soon it all made sense how and why  things would come together. In fact, there is also a sub plot so well described, that it will make your heart ache until the final end.

A passionate story with the love of God overcoming and shining through any struggle that befalls the characters, Slattery has certainly portrayed God's Healing Love.


                           Amazon Review in July

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                 Not All Of Me Is Dust ... By Frances Maureen Richardson





Ever since their mother died, life for the Engles has been tinged with sorrow. As young adults, their search for meaning and identity leads them to pursue different paths: Stephen joins the Jesuits, Kathleen marries a promising young attorney, and Clare enters the convent.






OUR REVIEW

Even though Frances Maureen Richardson author of Not All Of Me Is Dust credits the heart of this novel to Clare, one of the three  Engle children, I thought Stephen was the soulful center of this epic inspirational novel.

Told in more of a narrative flow, I watched this family evolve after the death of their mother. If Richardson hadn't said in the

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acknowledgements that this book grew out of an awareness, a kind of waking dream, I would have thought she was reminiscing about her past as this story was so detailed and realistic.

Life, death, love and rejection fills this story and twisted my heart with each event that took place as the children followed the path that God set before them, and as we know as Christians it's not always an easy going. Each one of them faced their own struggle.

What a delight to have Richardson incorporate snippets from well know figures of literature, as well as sprinkling bible versus throughout. I learned a lot about the Jesuit life, and the servitude of being a nun. An excellent read as the last chapter will not let you put the book down.                     


                                                                                                                  Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

In His Eyes: A Civil War Romance ... by Stephenia H. McGee


Her heart sought shelter. Her soul found home.

Ella Whitaker rescues a newborn from the dying arms of a woman of ill repute and at long last she has someone to love. In need of a wet nurse, she arrives at Belmont Plantation just as Federal soldiers demand to speak to the owner. Thinking quickly, Ella masquerades as a Yankee officer's widow in order to have a roof over her head and a home for the child.

Major Westley Remington has dedicated his life to serving his country. The Civil War has divided his family, torn his thoughts of glory, and left him with a wound that may never heal. Westley returns home on medical furlough to settle his father’s estate at Belmont Plantation, only to find his home is being run by a fiery and independent woman—one many believe to be his wife. Now he is faced with a conflict he’s never been trained to fight, and one she has yet to conquer.


OUR REVIEW

"My little dragon. Will we ever tame the fire on your tongue?" What an amazing romantic fire Stephenia H. McGee author of In His Eyes unravels before us. Ella Whitaker takes desperate and daring measures to insure a safe and secure life for herself and the newborn that she has saved from a life without love, but at what cost?

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McGee has uniquely  blended two lives, two stories in a very unusual and charming way. The style of writing had a wonderful crossover from character to character, building emotional bonds that continued to reveal the depth and the strength that each one possessed.

The story also presented the possibility of something a bit mysterious going on in the background with freedmen Sibby and Basil, as McGee quietly weaves events around this intense and passionate love story.

I must say, the way that God is portrayed in the Ella's life is quite fascinating, and written in an extraordinary fashion.


                         Amazon Review

NEW BOOK REVIEW

                                                           Alice's Notions ... by Tamera Lynn Kraft


In this quaint mountain town, things aren't always what they seem.

World War II widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn't know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons

Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn't know who she can trust.




OUR REVIEW

I was in for a huge surprise when I read Alice's Notions by Tamera Lynn Kraft. Expecting a sweet romance set in a quaint little town turned into a deliciously, mysterious story involving characters with diverse personalities and backgrounds.

Linda      

It takes place in 1946 as Alice, the main young character has lost her husband to the war and is trying to make it on her own with a quilting and notions shop. She is young and beautiful and it seems like men are taken with her strong and determined ways. She knows the town and the people but who would ever suspect that your neighbors and life long friends might not turn out to be who you thought they were. Just why are people acting so strange in peace time, but with the war still fresh on their minds?

Kraft pulls out all the stops in this story, events I didn't see coming, one right after another. She addresses how people of that era felt about the Germans and all the immigrants, and I loved all the references she made for that time period. She really did her research as I recognized the Akron Quaker Oats Company as it's not too far from me and that old wonderful store Woolworths. Songs and movie stars were given their due nod, and the slang she used put you right in the mood of things.

The pace picked up so fast towards the end, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. A wonderful strong main character, but still "weak at the knees" when it came to handsome men.


                  Amazon Review