Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Walk it Out by Tricia Goyer

I just finished reading Tricia Goyer's latest book.  It's a great way to get back into living the way we should.  It's advice, suggestions, and guides on how to improve our lives and pick ourselves up when life isn't going our way, which can be often.

It's a book that reminds us to ground ourselves in our faith.  I think the advice given is good for Christians of any denomination.  The doctrines taught are universal and will fit into the lives of any person believing in Christ.

None us of comes with instructions, so we all have to learn through trial and error, sometimes the errors win and we need to regroup, sometimes needing help from others, either family and friends or professional.  But we should always keep trying to make the connections that will bring us back onto the right track.

This book will uplift your spirit and teach you principles for a happier and more fulfilled life.  By sharing your talents and giving of yourself and time, you will find life will be much better both for those you help and yourself.

I really enjoyed this book and hope to incorporate many of the suggestions that I read about.  It's well worth your time reading.  You will be touched be the beautiful Christian Spirit that it conveys.

You can pre-order your copy here!


Monday, August 28, 2017

Learning to Love Saul's Story by J.E.B. Spredemann

This book by J.E.B. Spredemann was an Amish romance.  I am so glad that I was able to read this very sweet romance.  It was a story about human nature.  And the feelings that happen when our lives are not turning out exactly as planned or anything like we had planned.   Learning to forgive yourself and others is an important theme of this book.  And showing caring and kindness to others is also a thread that runs through the story.

Through it all, you can see that things may not always seem to be going in our planned directions, yet God still cares for us if we allow him in to help in the situations we find ourselves in.

Great read.  Lots of good things to think about.


Saturday, August 26, 2017

A Simple Wish by Charlotte Hubbard

I'm always happy to read a book by Charlotte Hubbard.  I love her Amish romance titles and have enjoyed each one that I have read.  This was another great book by this author.  It was part 2 in a 2 book series.  But I have to admit, as I was reading the last pages, it seemed as though there were hints of perhaps another book that might appear.

I enjoyed how the characters from the previous book entered and took part in the book.  It was a comfortable feeling to be able to recognize them and the author reminds you of what parts they portrayed in the previous book.  So I think even if you haven't read the previous book, you would still be able to enjoy this one very much.

It this book there was also a down-to-earth feel as the characters, although in a religious position did not always maintain their religious principles and made them subject to human failings. You were able to see the good and the not so good.

I highly recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and those who have not read Amish books in the past, you will really like this one.

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for my honest review which I have given.  I received no monetary compensation.  All thoughts are my own.

Friday, August 18, 2017

The Rebels of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke Audible Version



I have to admit, I am starting to get spoiled with all the great books that can be found on Audible.com.  I love the fact that you can plug-in the headset and listen without turning pages or holding a book.  It's wonderful!  I was so excited to get this copy of The Rebels of Cordovia by Linda Weaver Clarke.  It's a great read and the narrator, Carolyn Kashner has a very pleasant voice, with plenty of expression and great vocal changes to help identify the characters.

I so enjoyed this fun book!  It has adventure, romance, a little mystery, history and action.  No boring moments here.  Linda Weaver Clarke's Audible book is really entertaining and enjoyable. And it has a great ending! Which I won't tell you about because you really need to get this book. 

Rebels for the cause of the people, Robin and her rebels have to decide whether or not to join forces to protect the rights of the people. Placed back in the days of wicked and oppressive kings, the rebels work together for the freedoms of the common people.  Will they succeed against the governing forces? 

The romance is sweet and the action is plenty.  I highly recommend this entertaining book!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given.

Here is where you can get your own copy at Audible.com





















Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Cardiac Event by Dr. Richard L. Mabry

Another great mystery from Dr. Mabry.  His mysteries (those I've read) always include some medical incidents, a topic in which he is well versed.

Loved the fast paced action and I hope he keeps writing as mystery is one of my favorite genres.

The characters were well described and the action kept my interest throughout.

If you love a great mystery, this one is just that!  The mystery keeps you thinking about the events and who the "culprit" is.  Never a dull moment in this action packed book.

I received a copy from the author for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own.

You can find out more about Dr. Mabry at this link.
Click here to grab your own copy!

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Our Amish Values Who We Are and What We Believe by Lester Beachy

This book was gifted to me.  It was written by an Amish tour guide in Holmes County, Pennsylvania.  It is a well illustrated book on Amish life.  It shares the feelings the Amish have regarding various topics that are important to them.

Although not a long book, it shared values that I think everyone can implement into their lives.  Very nice and openly shared values that are basics to Christian living.

I felt a nice peaceful feeling browsing through the photos and reading this very nice book.


Monday, August 7, 2017

Guest Interview with Linda Weaver Clarke and Ebook Giveaway!

 I have been enjoying all of Linda Weaver Clarke's books, especially her Rebel of Cordovia Series.  And I am just thrilled to have her on my blog today!  Linda is a very talented author and lives in my home state!

Glad to have you join me today, Linda!

Bio: Linda Weaver Clarke is the author of 22 books: historical romances, period romances, a romantic cozy mystery series, a mystery suspense series, a children’s book, and non-fiction. She has also traveled throughout the United States giving lectures on writing techniques. All her books are family friendly. She lives in Color Country, which is located in southern Utah among all the red mountains. 

 Welcome to my blog. Where did you get your inspiration for The Rebel Series?

All three books in this series are love stories set in the late 1700s. The Rebel Series was inspired by the stories of the American patriots who fought to be free from the dictatorship and tyranny of a king. It’s a theme that is dear to me. Liberty is something that I cherish. It’s a precious gift given to us by those who fought so valiantly. When I read the stories of the American Revolution, my heart swells with gratitude for those loyal patriots. When I look at our flag and pledge allegiance to it, tears well up in my eyes. When I listen to The Star Spangled Banner or God Bless the U.S.A., I get choked up. Especially when it’s sung by a choir.

How would you describe The Rebel Series?

The Rebel Series is a mixture of romance and adventure. I absolutely love stories that are page-turners, which have some mystery and suspense. I love a romance where the man and woman know they are meant for one another and have a strong belief in God. Even though there are trials along the way, they never give up on the other. I also like strong women characters in a story.

Had the idea for this series been on your mind for a while?

I had the idea of a country that had to fight for its liberty and the idea stayed in my mind for a long time. I had read stories of how America got its freedom and how determined we were. I was touched with each incident that I read. We fought for our freedom from 1775 – 1783. The miracles that happened during that war made me realize that God was watching over us.

Please give us a description of book one: The Rebels of Cordovia.

There was a time when swashbuckling men and brave women engaged in daring and romantic adventures, those who fought with bravery and valor. In this battle for freedom, a love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

Now tell us about book two: The Highwayman of Cordovia.

Centuries ago, valiant men and courageous women engaged in daring adventures as they helped their fellow man. In the country of Cordovia, the people enjoy their new-found liberty, but all is not well. A group of powerful men plan to take over the small country and replace the leader with a king.

With the help of a bold highwayman and a pastor’s daughter, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman. If she finds out his trade, what will her reaction be? As a pastor’s daughter, will love override her values?

The Fox of Cordovia is the third book, which will be released Aug 21st. What is it about?

In this swashbuckling romance, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.

What kind of research did you do for this series?

When I did some research about the “waltz,” I was surprised by what I found. The peasants were the first to dance the waltz. It was such fun that bored noblemen would sneak out and go to the country-dances. The Oxford English Dictionary back then called the waltz “riotous and indecent.”

In a 1771 German novel, someone complains about the “newly-introduced waltz” among the aristocrats. He wrote: “When he put his arm around her, pressed her to his breast, cavorted with her in the shameless, indecent whirling-dance of the Germans and engaged in a familiarity that broke all the bounds of good breeding—then my silent misery turned into burning rage.” Haha. It finally became fashionable in Great Britain when the wife of a Russian ambassador endorsed it.

I learned some interesting facts about lamplighters. The city is careful about who they hire because lamplighters also act as night watchmen and need to be trustworthy. I learned that the job is usually handed down from father to son and kept within the family. I love doing research.

Where is your website so my readers can check out your recent and past books that you have written?

To read a sample chapter from each of my books in The Rebel Series, go to http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/historicalromance.html and click on the title of the book that you want to read.

Here are two book trailers for your readers to watch, so they can understand what these books are about.

The Rebels of Cordovia


The Highwayman of Cordovia



The Author: Linda Weaver Clarke

Friday, August 4, 2017

Naomi's Hope by Jan Drexler

I really enjoyed this historical Amish fiction by Jan Drexler.  It's a well written and very interesting book.  I  enjoy the characters, even the ones that aren't so nice.  Those are the characters that add the color to the story.

I really enjoy historical Amish fiction.  It puts things in a totally different setting and it's amazing to see the challenges that were faced in those times.  Great book, great job!  I will be reading much more from this author!

I received an e-book copy from NetGalley without expection of a review.  All thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean and Richelle Brunstetter

This was a really nice Amish 3 part book written by Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean and her granddaughter Richelle, three generations of women writing about 3 generations of Amish women.  The three stories blend together and revolve around a special quilt which is passed through the women.

The story develops showing good times and not such good times.  But as they remain faithful, life has a way of renewing.

The stories were very enjoyable and I highly recommend them to fans of Amish fiction.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.  All thoughts are my own.