Nashville Sweetheart

Nashville Sweetheart
By Rachel Hauck

About the book:


What do you do when the past you’ve been dodging shows up at your door with cameras rolling?

Aubrey James ruled the charts as the queen of country for over a decade. She’d rocketed to fame in the shadow of her parents’ death—both of them pioneers in gospel music. But while her public life—high-profile romances and fights with Music Row execs—made for juicy tabloid headlines, the real and private Aubrey has remained a media mystery.

When a former band member betrays Aubrey’s trust and sells an “exclusive” to a tabloid, the star knows she must go public with her story. But Aubrey’s private world is rocked when the Inside NashVegas interviewer is someone from her past—someone she’d hoped to forget.

All the moxie in the world won’t let this diva run any longer.

My thoughts:

"Nashville Sweetheart" follows Aubrey James a country music star that appears to have it all but longs for the simple thing she has lost, her family.

A former band member sells the story if parts of her life she tried to keep the most private and Aubrey must face the truth. Will she reconcile with the brother she loves of will he cut her out of his life forever?

Rachel Hauck always has such well developed characters but this one felt a little lacking. Maybe because its an older book or hers or maybe because the story was simply hard to follow. All and all, Nashville sweetheart is a good book.


*i received this book free for review from BookLook Bloggers*

Rating: 4 carats

I've Never Been to Vegas but My Luggage Has

I've Never Been to Vegas But My Luggae Has
By Mandy Hale

About the book:
Wrong turns, humiliating flops, painful heartbreaks—and happiness? Yes, believe it or not, they can go hand in hand.
Blogger and author Mandy Hale, affectionately known as “The Single Woman” to her half-million social-media followers, is living an adventurous life that proves even our lowest lows and messiest mess-ups can point us toward our joy-filled destiny as single women.
In I’ve Never Been To Vegas, But My Luggage Has, Mandy delivers heart-to-heart, often hilarious stories from a life filled with love and loss, glamour and goose bumps, faith and friendship, big dreams and battle scars. She shares the bittersweet euphoria of her high-school romance, the panic-stricken cluelessness of her first day on a stressful job, and the foot-in-mouth horror of her red-carpet interview with a music legend.
Along the way, Mandy dollops personal anecdotes with encouraging insights. From thrilling first kisses to crushing break-ups, from soaring career milestones to promising flights that never quite got off the ground, she unfolds in often uproarious detail the zigzags along the path toward a pinnacle moment: sharing a table and a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming conversation with her lifelong hero.
In the end, Mandy turns Sin City’s infamous marketing slogan on its head: What happens in her life doesn’t stay in her life. She shares even her darkest moments in witty, winsome ways that make us not only feel her pain, but also laugh with her and apply her hard-won nuggets of inspiration to our own lives.

My thoughts:

"I've never been to Vegas, but my Luggage has" took me a while to get into but when I did it was good. This is Mandy Hale's biography and how she came to creat her brand "The Single Woman".

At first, I didn't really relate to her, it seemed like she was taking us through her job day to day telling is how great it us or when she did silly things. After a while, I started to see a bigger story and deeper struggles than just making a fool of yourself at work unfold. Through it all we see where she got the advice she now gives on her blog and how she learn to live the strong and independent of what other people think.

Mandy is really candid and open about her experiences, sometime surprisingly so. It's refreshing to see be honest about times the struggled with their faith or made a bad decision.

"I've never been to Vegas...." Is ultimately of story of hope and faith that people truly can change and when you allow God to guide you, He will take you places you never imagined.

*i received this book free for review from BookLook Bloggers*

Rating: 4 carats

Growing Up Duggar

Growing Up Duggar
By Jana, Jessa, Jill, and Jinger Duggar

About the book:

With a backdrop of the key relationships in their lives—relationship with self, parents, siblings, friends, boys, and God—the four Duggar girls open up about their own personal faith and convictions, boys, dating, manners, living in a large family, politics, and much more. You’ll learn how the family navigates the difficult years between twelve and sixteen and what the girls look for in a man, all in a frank and fun book that will inspire teens and adults alike. Including lighthearted stories about the younger kids’ antics, Growing Up Duggar is a wise and entertaining trip into a family like no other.

My thoughts:
I don't know exactly what to say about "Growing Up Duggar" except that it's very Duggar. If you watch the show you know exactly what you are getting in reading this book.

The Duggar's show great strength in their ability to hold to their convictions and not let others opinions take them. The four oldest Duggar girls Jana, Jessa, Jill, and Jinger explain in depth how they view and navigate relationships in their daily lives and give advice and answers to questions they are asked frequently in emails or speaking at events.

*I received this book free for review from Howard Books through netgalley.com*

Rating: 4 carats

A March Bride

A March Bride
By Rachel Hauck

About the book:
A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own—right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

My Thoughts:

This modern-day fairytale has a theme that runs deep. Suzanna is on her way to marrying Prince Nathanial but the country expects one thing of her, that she gives up her American citizenship. Feeling as if they are tearing away a part of her she has to decide if holding into all she knows is more important than a step of faith.

How I envision Susanna:



*i received this book free for review from Zondervan Publishers through netgalley.com*

Rating: 4 carats

A January Bride

A January Bride
By Deborah Raney

About the book:
A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.
What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser's 'pen pal' friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?
Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper---but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner---a man who's likely many years her senior---and who she's never even met.
Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she's far from being a prospective date---even if he were ready to date again, which he's not.
When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another's identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.

My thoughts:

A January Bride is a quick, light read a sweet and somewhat predictable read. Maddie is an author in need of a place to write. Art is a widower who owns a Bed and Breakfast. A pretty typical romance set up. While predictable, how events came about were sometimes surprising and a little bit sweet.

Sierra Jensen Collection, volume 1

Sierra Jensen, Volume 1
By Robin Jones Gunn
About the book:
The Europe mission trip brought Sierra Jensen the best gift possible: two new friends, Katie and Christy. But now Sierra is headed home, and she can’t help but wonder will her friendships last? And what about her new home? Her family moved while she was gone, and that means facing a new high school. And the biggest question of all: Will she ever find love? Then a chance meeting in a London airport answers that question. Paul makes her heart leap. But she’ll never see him again! Or will she?


My thoughts:

Volume 1 is a collection of the first three books in the Sierra Jensen series, repackaged from its original printing of the 1980’s. It amazes me that a book written over 20 years ago is still relevant and interesting today.

Sierra Jensen has just finished a great summer on a European mission’s trip and is starting fresh, anew in Portland, Oregon.  She's not happy to be there and struggles to make peace with starting over. Along the way Sierra learns a lot about herself and what she believes.

My favorite part of the entire book is the tremendous amount of spunk Sierra has.

Favorite Quote:
"Have you ever felt like you were caught between two lives? The one you're living and the one you wish you were living?"


*I received this book free for review from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers *

Rating: 4 carats

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Hello, Hollywood

Hello Hollywood
By Janice Thompson
About the book:
Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?


With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.


My thoughts:

“Hello, Hollywood” is the second installment in Janice Thompson’s “Backstage Pass” series ( see the first one here )and is a lighthearted escape into the life of a TV sitcom writer's life.

“Hello, Hollywood” has an upbeat setting, is quirky with great characters, and is a lot of fun. The first line on the back cover sums it up best “When it comes to love, one thing is for sure - it doesn’t follow a script.”

To top off a great story, the book guides readers through 12 steps to writing a good story plot, mentions of old TV shows, and a dog you can’t help but fall in love with!

Favorite Quote:

“There are moments in life you wish you could just dive under the covers and hide.”

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


Come back Friday for an interview with Janice Thompson
Rating: 4 carats

Visit Janice Thompson's website
 Buy the book

Shades of Blue

Shades of Blue
By Karen Kingsbury

About the book:
Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him.

Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends. Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption.

Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.

My Thoughts:
Karen Kingsbury is an extremely prolific writer and I have enjoyed most of her books but with this one I have mixed feelings.




As is with all of Karen Kingsbury’s books, this one is deep and emotional. Karen Kingsbury is not afraid to embark on difficult topics nor show consequences of misguided choices. "Shades of Blue" is no exception.



However, Shades of Blue is a little difficult to follow at times. Not only does the writer switch points of views but within those points of views she switches years. Readers can easily identify which character’s eyes we are seeing through but not so easily identify which period of life the characters are in, teenage or adult. Without knowing this at the onset of a scene made the reading a challenge to keep up with.



The characters were deep and well developed; readers can easily sense the pain and joy. As a whole, "Shades of Blue" is a good story, even powerful at times.

*I received this book free for review from Zondervan Publishers*


Rating:4 carats

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To Die For

To Die For
By Sandra Byrd

About the book:
To Die For, is the story of Meg Wyatt, pledged forever as the best friend to Anne Boleyn since their childhoods on neighboring manors in Kent. When Anne’s star begins to ascend, of course she takes her best friend Meg along for the ride. Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling at first, but as Anne’s favor rises and falls, so does Meg’s. And though she’s pledged her loyalty to Anne no matter what the test, Meg just might lose her greatest love—and her own life—because of it.


Meg's childhood flirtation with a boy on a neighboring estate turns to true love early on. When he is called to follow the Lord and be a priest she turns her back on both the man and his God. Slowly, though, both woo her back through the heady times of the English reformation. In the midst of it, Meg finds her place in history, her own calling to the Lord that she must follow, too, with consequences of her own. Each character in the book is tested to figure out what love really means, and what, in this life, is worth dying for.



Though much of Meg’s story is fictionalized, it is drawn from known facts. The Wyatt family and the Boleyn family were neighbors and friends, and perhaps even distant cousins. Meg’s brother, Thomas Wyatt, wooed Anne Boleyn and ultimately came very close to the axe blade for it. Two Wyatt sisters attended Anne at her death, and at her death, she gave one of them her jeweled prayer book—Meg.

My Thoughts:

 

“To Die For” is a fictional look at the Anne Boylen-era but through the eyes of her best friend Meg Wyatt, which makes “To Die For” unique from other Tudor-era novels. The story follows them from the time they are teenagers to after both are married.



This book is filled with rich descriptions which was my favorite thing. Sandra Byrd has obviously done quite a bit of research and it shows. I haven’t been one to read historical fiction in the past so this took a little concentration for me, yet simply reading about the regal clothes and jewelry was worth the read!



The personal friendship between Anne Boleyn and Meg Wyatt is pretty incredible. They stood by one another and, as you will see, Meg sacrificed a lot of be by Anne’s side



Anyone who loves historical fiction or the Tudor-era will absolutely love this book.



Favorite Quote:

“A sweet voice, a deep voice, a voice that made me wish for all things that could be and mayhap a willingness to throw away all things that must be in order to gain them - to die for.”

 
Rating: 4 carats

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Enemies of the Heart

Enemies of the Heart

By Andy Stanley

About the book:
In this compelling and helpful book, previously published as It Came From Within!, pastor and author Andy Stanley wrestles with what he calls "four invaders of the heart"--guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. One or another of these caustic emotions sabotages lives on a daily basis and destroys relationships. But Stanley assures readers that there is hope. In his trademark style--smart, engaging, and popular--he examines where these powerful forces come from and reveals effective strategies for overcoming them and moving toward healing and maturity.


My Thoughts:
  “Enemies of the Heart” is a convicting read about the health of one’s heart, not the literal heart but the state of one’s heart before the Lord. Andy Stanley presents four destructive emotions that can take hold in our heart: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. The first section of the book is about diagnosing these emotions and the second part of the book addresses how to fix them.




This is a good book. The author is very straight forward and has easy-to-grasp concepts which when applied can be very useful in our lives. Andy Stanley quotes a lot of scripture to explain his points, all of which are very applicable to life.



Being “Enemies of the Heart” is so straight forward in concepts and application; I think it would make for a great Bible Study.



I listened to the audio version of this book and at first I thought the narrator was very dull. As the book went on he became easier to listen to and his voice seemed to match the subject matters he was speaking about.



Favorite Quote;

“When our embarrassment level has exceeded our desperation level, we are a candidate for God’s grace.”

 
 
*I received this audiobook free for review from Christianaudio.com*
 
Rating: 4 carats
 

Buy the audiobook

Story Engineering

Story Engineering

By Larry Brooks

About the book:

From story concept to character development to scene construction and beyond, this blueprint for dynamic storytelling makes putting together a strong novel, memoir, or screenplay easier than ever. Beginning writers in all genres?from fiction writers to nonfiction writers to screenplay writers will learn how to wrap their heads around the big picture of storytelling at a professional level through a new approach that shows how to combine six core competencies: the four elemental competencies of concept, character, theme, and story structure (plot); and the two executional competencies of scene construction and writing voice. You'll discover how to achieve the greatest potential in your story through mastering the way these six factors combine and empower each other on the page.

My Thoughts:
Story Engineering sets out to show that there is a basic model that any story can be built upon. This is not a how to book but a book on writing that shows six core concepts to writing a great story.




This book was hard to read, most of it was analogy after analogy. It tooks three chapters of basically repeating himself before you ever find out what his supposed “six core competencies” are and nearly 150 page before he gets to explaining how to execute them.



If the author cut down on all his babble this book would probably be half the size it is and much more effective. That being said, once he finally got to the point he had a lot of valuable advice for anyone interested in writing a great story.

*I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*

Favorite Quote:

“We can work hard or we can work smart. Hopefully both. A killer story development model doesn’t take the hard work out of writing, but in any case it infuses the process with a heavy dose of smart.”

Rating: 4 carats

Visit Larry Brook's website Buy the book

Area 51

Area 51

By Annie Jacobsen

About the book:

It is the most famous military installation in the world. And it doesn't exist. Located a mere seventy-five miles outside of Las Vegas in Nevada's desert, the base has never been acknowledged by the U.S. government-but Area 51 has captivated imaginations for decades.

Myths and hypotheses about Area 51 have long abounded, thanks to the intense secrecy enveloping it. Some claim it is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems, and nuclear facilities. Others believe that the lunar landing itself was filmed there. The prevalence of these rumors stems from the fact that no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside the base. Until now.



Annie Jacobsen had exclusive access to nineteen men who served the base proudly and secretly for decades and are now aged 75-92, and unprecedented access to fifty-five additional military and intelligence personnel, scientists, pilots, and engineers linked to the secret base, thirty-two of whom lived and worked there for extended periods. In Area 51, Jacobsen shows us what has really gone on in the Nevada desert, from testing nuclear weapons to building super-secret, supersonic jets to pursuing the War on Terror.



This is the first book based on interviews with eye witnesses to Area 51 history, which makes it the seminal work on the subject. Filled with formerly classified information that has never been accurately decoded for the public, Area 51 weaves the mysterious activities of the top-secret base into a gripping narrative, showing that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make.

My Thoughts:

There is an old saying ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ and, if the information and statements in this book which are claimed to be true and factual actually are true and factual, well then truth really is stranger than fiction. At least it is for the ‘Normal Joe’ most of us Americans are.

I believe the majority of US citizens have an unspoken understanding that our government participates in many activities purposely kept secret from the general public in the name of national security. Is it necessary? Do the ends justify the means? The answers to such questions are as varied and opinionated as there are individuals.



The book is not a whimsical light read but requires a certain amount of focus and attention to detail in order to maintain a fluid understanding of the events and claims shared. Much of the information can be verified and is therefore factual. Others may be left to a more personal interpretation.



All in all this book could prove to have an almost cult following from those individuals who thrive on the knowledge of espionage and the secret activities taken by our government to ensure our beliefs in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is full of many interesting details that had never previously crossed my mind but intrigued me.



Favorite Quote:

Winston Churchill famously said of Russia, “It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” The same can be said about Area 51.

*I received this book free for review from Hachette Book Group*

Rating: 4 carats

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Double Take

Double Take

By Melody Carlson

About the book:

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could switch your life with someone else for just one day? Readers will live the one-week experiences of a bored Amish girl and stressed out socialite when they decide to switch places in Double Take.

Spring break has arrived. It’s her senior year, and Madison VanBuren is fed up with her surroundings and the pressures of life. Stressed out over choosing an Ivy League school that will please her parents, their marital problems, and her boyfriend's pressure, Madison gets in her car and drives west.


Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love.


Madison and Anna stumble into each other in a small town. Realizing their looks are uncannily similar, they both think their lives are boring. Thinking the grass is greener on the other side, they make a decision that will transform them forever and switch lives for one week.


Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse and understanding of these two very different worlds. They may find themselves happy to be just who they are, and where they are


My Thoughts:
  I was really excited to read this book; there is a lot of Amish fiction out there and a lot of contemporary fiction but none combining both settings.




Madison Van Buren is a wealthy teenager is New York City is on Spring Break and frustrated with her life. She longs for peace but doesn’t know how to find it.



Anna Fischer is a sweet Amish girl deciding whether she wants to fully commit herself to Amish ways.



In a chance meeting the girls realize they look enough a like to switch places and explore the other side of life. Seeing as they both want out of they have it’s a win-win, or is it?



Melody Carlson does a great job of showing the surprises of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes and what it can teach you. Some of my favorite scenes where when the girls were learned something about the other culture and how it made them view their own lives.



Favorite Quote:

“But Madison felt certain that God appreciated simplicity. Because that was where she found him and that was where she was determined to remain”

 
 
*Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*
Rating: 4 carats

 
 
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Leaving

Leaving
By Karen Kingsbury

About the book:
The Bailey Flanigan Series begins with Leaving. Bailey leaves Bloomington, Indiana for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City.




Bailey is determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.


My Thoughts:
“Leaving” continues to follow the Baxter family and this time focuses on Bailey Flannigen as she tries to figure out what to do with her life. Does she take the opportunity to move to New York City and be on Broadway or stay in Bloomington, Indiana with her family?




“Leaving” illustrates how we may leave everything that is familiar to us but God will never leave us.



This book flows right along with all of Karen Kingsbury other books. It is very emotional and life is always challenging and changing these characters.



Come back Friday for an interview with Karen Kingsbury

*I received this book free for review from Zondervan Publishers*

Rating: 4 carats

Visit Karen's website Buy the book

Save the Date

Save the Date
BY Jenny B Jones
About the book:
Former NFL star Alex Sinclair is a man who has it all–except the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress.


Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancee in return for the money she desperately needs.

Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems, Lucy will find her heart on the line–and maybe even her life.

When God asks Alex and Lucy to scrap their playbook and follow his rules, will they finally say, “I do”?

My Thoughts:

I liked this book as it was both sweet and funny. The characters were unique, and I was always surprised by what happened next. The characters were engaging and fun.



The main character, Lucy, is filled with spunk and passion. She loves her job at a girls homes and is willing to do almost anything to save it from closing down, even faking an engagement to Alex Sinclair, a former football player now running for congress in need of votes.



Lucy thinks she has Alex all figured out from the tabloid reports of him but quickly learns he's more complex than she ever imagined.



A great book to read anytime.



Favorite line:

"She didn't have a face that would sell the latest parisian perfume. Nor did she possess the confident air that ladies in his world wore like a necessary undergarment. But if he peeled back her hostility and the years of the bratty youth, Lucy Wiltshire was still a traffic stopper."



Rating: 4 carats

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Life Promises For Success

Life Promises for Success
By Jim Tressel

About the book:
Everyone wants to succeed—at work, at home, in relationships, and in life. But sometimes the road to success can be difficult, and even the most seasoned leaders can find themselves in need of some motivation.


In Life Promises for Success, NYT bestselling author and Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel shares a collection of inspiring readings and Bible promises designed to encourage those seeking to succeed in every area of life.

Filled with easily applicable Bible verses, motivational quotes, and engaging and inspiring readings, Life Promises for Success is the perfect daily reader for anyone looking to reach their highest goals, achieve greatness, and inspire others to do the same.


My Thoughts:


Everyone wishes to be a success and each person has his/her own definition of what success is. With so many definitions who could ever really know what success is? We can know by understanding God’s view on what success is.



Jim Tressel does a good job in compiling an encouraging devotional filled with promises from God’s word, personal experience and inspiring quotes. This book would be a wonderful resource tool for anyone mentoring others.



Favorite Line:

“Success is a journey that we all take, and it affects every phase of our lives.”


*I received this book free for review from Tyndale House Publishers*

Rating: 4 carats

View Jim Tressel's website Buy the book

The Perfect Blend

The Perfect Blend
By Trish Perry

About the book:

Steph Vandergrift left everything to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, who then stood her up at the altar. Too embarrassed to return home, Steph hopes to earn enough to get by until she can decide what to do next. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel hires her and appreciates the extra help at the tea shop.




Also appreciative of Steph is Kendall James, one of the kindest, most eligible bachelors in the area. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her run-away fiance returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always blended so well.



Christie Burnham, the frank-talking equestrian from whom Steph rents a room, and her frillier sister Liz become fast friends and confidantes to Steph. Between the two sisters, there isn't much any man is going to pull over on Middleburg's newest bachelorette and tea shop employee.

My thoughts:

“The Perfect Blend” is truly a perfect blend of sweetness, laughter, and kind people reaching out to a woman who thought she was eloping but instead was left at the altar and was too embarrassed to go home.



All of the characters of the book were genuine. The book setting seemed to come so much to life one could almost smell the baked goods and coffee.



Favorite Line:

“ But she also knew, like a vapor in the midst of her dread, that everything would work out alright.”


*I received this book free for review from Harvest House Publishers *

Rating: 4 carats

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The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood
By Jerry Jenkins

About the book:
Boone Drake follows all the rules - as a cop, husband and father. But when everything in his personal life is destroyed, he buries himself in guilt. His faith is rocked when he questions why God would allow this to happen to him. When it appears that it can't get any worse, he's accused of police brutality and suddenly his career is at risk. The possibility of being promoted to the Organized Crime Division is slipping from his hands. His life is spiraling out of control. But while protecting the leader of a Chicago gang, Boone comes to realize that God can change the hardest heart...and forgive the worst of crimes.




My thoughts:

The Brotherhood is a gritty police thriller that ultimately asks "Why does God allow tragedy?"




Jerry Jenkins does not shy away from questions stemming from a man having a crisis of faith and searching for the meaning of his life all in the context of a fast paced story.



I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator seemed strong and perfect for this story, very cop-like.



Rating: 4 carats


*I received this audio book free for review from christianaudio.com*

Rating : 4 carats

Visit Jerry Jenkin's website
Buy the audiobook

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

By Robin Jones Gunn

About the book:
A multi-tasking mama, Summer has found ways to handle whatever life throws at her with grace and a grin...until now. An abnormal medical test result sends her into a tailspin and prompts her to fulfill a life-long dream of "meeting" her best friend and pen pal since fourth grade for the first time. During their blissful week together in the Netherlands, Summer and Noelle float down a canal in Amsterdam, visit Corrie Ten Boom's Hiding Place, sip decadent Dutch cocoa in Delft, and bob merrily along through a sea of brilliant, spring-fresh tulips. The two friends find they both needed to be together more than either of them realized. Could it be this adventure was tucked away in God's imagination long before Summer bought her ticket to fly to the land of merry tulips and kalomping wooden shoes?


My Thoughts:



Noelle and Summer have a strong and beautiful friendship though they live on different continents. Summer steps across the pond to visit her lifelong pen pal while trying to escape some possibly devastating news. Their friendship grows as they tour the countryside and discover things about themselves they never knew.






Robin weaves in nuances of authentic Dutch culture making a fun and educational read!


Robin Gun has such a warm writing style with these sweet stories. This is an all round warm book!






Favorite Line:


“Go make your own adventures, and come home often to tell us about them.” He smiled. “I’d say it’s time for you to do the same. Go make your own adventure, honey. When you come home, I’ll want to hear about it.”






*I received this book free for review from Waterbrook- Multnomah Press*
Favorite Line:


Rating: 4 carats

Visit Robin Jones Gunn's website Buy the book

Jesus, the only way to God

Jesus, the only way to God
By John Piper
About the book:
If the evangelical church at large was ever too confrontational in its evangelism, those days are gone. In our shrinking, pluralistic world, the belief that Jesus is the only way of salvation is increasingly called arrogant and even hateful. In the face of this criticism, many shrink back from affirming the global necessity of knowing and believing in Jesus. In Jesus, the Only Way to God, John Piper offers a timely plea for the evangelical church to consider what is at stake in surrendering the unique, universal place of Jesus in salvation.


My Review:


In this book John Piper sets out to answer one question, "Is Jesus the only way to God?" The answer is simply yes. John Piper breaks this book down into three questions people commonly ask when wondering if Jesus is the only way to heaven. He continually turns readers to the Bible in order to prove why Jesus is the only way.



John Piper’s writings are very deep and profound. This book is not for the faint of heart and not something to pick and read through fast. John Piper is an author requiring the reader to read through and through his writings until the reader understands what he is saying.



I listened to the audio version of this book and while the message is a good one, the narrator was awfully boring and dry to listen too.



Favorite Line:

"God opens the eyes of the blind when his spokesmen portray Jesus Christ. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in the world to glorify Jesus."

I recieved this book free for review from Christianaudio.com
 
Rating: 4 carats

Visit John Piper's ministry
Buy the audiobook