Book Review: Duchess by Susan May Warren

About the Book: Book Three in the Daughters of Fortune series.

When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she's wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she's finally silenced the voices-and grief-of the past. Her future shines bright...until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies-plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness.

My Thoughts: I previously reviewed both Heiress and Baroness, so I was thrilled to have the chance to review the third book in the series as well.  I love Susan May Warren's writing, and though this series is a pretty big departure from the style of previous works I've read by her, I've loved this one as well.

One thing I wish authors would do is provide a quick summary of the previous books in the series.  I've read them both but still felt like I didn't quite remember all the details, and I do think it adds more depth as you're reading to have that background firmly in mind.  

That being said, this book swept me away once again.  I didn't mind reading all about the golden age of Hollywood, but I really loved the turn the book took when it moved into Europe and I thoroughly enjoyed that part of the storyline.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn by Evangeline Kelley

About the Series: The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother's dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother's passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God's hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.

About Seaside Harmony: Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom's dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

About Sunflower Summer: Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam's discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it --- and them --- to deepen relationships and transform lives.

Meet Evangeline Kelley: Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

My Thoughts: I admit that it took me a little bit to get into the first book.  I'm not totally sure why, though I think it may have to do with all the main characters being older, and therefore, simply not as relatable in terms of life stages.  I enjoyed it more after the purchase of the inn, watching as they restore it to it's former glory, and work out their relationships with each other at the same time.

In Sunflower Summer I thoroughly enjoyed the additional characters of the guests of the inn.  They added a lot of interest to the storyline without taking away from the main characters at all.

Once I got into it, I really enjoyed these easy reads.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins

About the Book: Will grief push Meg over the edge?

On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards's husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He's a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life---and Meg's future---forever.

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court's decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

My Thoughts: Ace Collins did a masterful job of presenting the extreme side of darkness, despair and hate that can overwhelm someone in the face of close personal loss.  It also shows how deep and all-pervasive that darkness can be if we give in to it, and how hate simply swallows up the ability to love in any area.  Bitterness and hate can quickly turn you into a prisoner of your own soul if you allow them to.  Revenge seems like a way for you to get back at whoever has hurt you, but the one who really ends up getting hurt, is you.

The book also showed how a shallow perception of the gospel will give you no foundation in the face of great loss.  God never promises an easy life for those who follow Him.  In fact, He promises that it will be hard, but that He will be with us every step of the way and that we can find our refuge in Him.

Thankfully, the book also shows that no matter how far into darkness we descend, God will always provide a way out, into the dawn.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Revelation by Sue Edwards

About the Book:  Throughout history people have speculated how the earth will end. Though it is often seen as the best source for end times study, the book of Revelation is not about predicting the end, but about preparing for eternal life.

Join Sue Edwards on this inductive study of Revelation, one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible, and discover how to ready yourself for your heavenly home.

My Thoughts: I recently reviewed Sue Edward's study on Ephesians, and everything I enjoyed about that study, I'm also enjoying about this one.   I like the QR code scanning videos that bring a personal touch the study.  I love the fact that you can vary the depth of your study depending on how much time you have - even week by week.  And I love that it's an inductive study.

You know how works of fiction are supposed to have the great first line that will captivate you and draw you in to the story?  Well, check out the first line of Edward's Revelation......

Crackpots have predicted the end of the world for centuries. 

Ha!  I'm hooked :)

On a personal note, I have had both a fear of and interest in how the world will end.  Fear is obviously not from God, and studying what He has to say is a great way to combat this fear.  But what I really liked about this study is Edwards point that, though Revelation does have a lot to say about the end times, it has even more value in terms of preparing for eternal life and living for God right here and now.  Definitely looking forward to completing this study!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Stress Test by Richard L Mabry, M.D.

About the Book: They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book and would've read it in one sitting if I'd had the time, instead I think it took me 2 days. :)

This medical suspense novel (with a hint of romance) is chock full of fast-paced twist and turns that will keep you guessing till the very end.  The medical aspects are fascinating, not overly dominant and not overly medical so as to confuse or annoy the reader - it was just right.  The two main characters, Matt and Sandra, are very likable and have depth to them.  I liked the subtle romantic friction going on between the two of them.  I also liked it that the conversations about faith worked well with the storyline and didn't come across as heavy handed or forced.

The only downside I can think of is that perhaps Dr Newman got out of a few too many certain death situations for it to be realistic - but then again, realistic isn't usually what you're looking for in a work of suspense - book or movie.

I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Lead Your Family Like Jesus by Blanchard, Hodges and Goyer

About the Book: Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light-as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

My Thoughts:  I am thoroughly enjoying reading this book.  I have to admit I'm actually not quite finished reading it yet, because it's definitely not a book you can just read straight through.  Well, you could, you just wouldn't gain as much from it!  This book is filled with thought provoking questions and requires a lot of self-reflection.

This book is not so much about individual behavioural issues or specific parenting advice.  Rather it focuses on the bigger picture - what your vision for your family is and what steps you need to take to make that vision a reality.  It encourages the parents, as the family unit leaders, to first set personal goals for themselves, and then to determine a mission statement and vision for the entire family.  It also focuses on reaching our children's hearts and character, instead of just their behaviour.  It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day mundane tasks of child rearing that it's easy to miss the forest for the trees when it comes to parenting.

The book is written by three authors, and while this is something that I normally don't like as I find it usually interferes with the consistency and flow of the book - in this book, it actually worked really well.  I enjoyed Tricia's chapters the best - but that's likely because she was the only mom writing, and was simply more relatable to me.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

A 12 yr old's response to the Boston Marathon bombings

Emma's 6th grade class was given a writing assignment yesterday for homework. They were supposed to write about the Boston Marathon bombings, how it made them feel and what legal measures could be put in place to help prevent similar tragedies. This is what she wrote.....



I feel terrible. Those poor people who had to experience that.

One bomb. BOOM! Another bomb. POW!

I mean, how can someone be so cruel? How can you know there will be pregnant women, children, and so many others in this crowd and give them a big tragedy like this?

I think people need to be scanned, bags and pockets need to be checked before any big event.

Before each big event, the place where the event is should be checked thoroughly by police, because everyone needs to be as safe as possible.

In my opinion, I don't think cell phones should be turned off, because what if there's a sitter or someone watching your kids at home and there is an emergency and parents need to be reached? How can you contact them without phones?

Now because of this bomb, children go to bed, and live their lives terrified to go outside or scared to even live! People start worrying, ideas come into people's minds, and no one thinks they're safe.

We live in a cruel world.

Think.

Just stop and think.

Two bombs caused so much pain, tragedy, heartache, and fear.

Eventually the media will stop the interviews and reporting, and people will go back to their normal lives.

But, not those whose families were broken.

Permanent injuries, images being replayed over, and over, and over again in people's minds, lost loved ones, and scars, emotionally and physically.

Those memories will not be forgotten.

Those loved ones will not be ignored.

Those wounds will not heal.

Those tears will not dry.

Those lives will not be normal.

Not now, not tomorrow, not ever.

Never, ever, ever will this be forgotten.

Too many lives affected in some sort of way.

But, we have to think, have to know, we are young and beautiful. Yes, there are evil people who do something. What needs to happen now is all those good people who don't do something, need to do something.

Let good power over evil.

Be strong and courageous.

Power through the evil, comfort the ones affected by the evil, and keep your head held high, against the evil.

Remember those hard times and let righteous anger build up inside of you, beat out the evil.

Because we ARE strong, and we CAN do this.

Remember Boston, Sandy Hook, and all those places.

When you think you're overcome, beaten and destroyed, think of them, and fight on.

Because we can change the world.

One million, starts with one.

Book Review: Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell

About the Book: Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager-a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy's skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this light, quick read - but be warned, you may experience candy cravings as you Mitchell transports you back in time and into the kitchen of candy making as Lucy tries to create the perfect candy to save her family's business.

Lucy is spirited and Charlie is charming - and both grow a lot throughout the book, in faith, grace and forgiveness.  I do wish it had ended with an even more redemptive ending, but still enjoyed it.  It was entertaining watching them one up each other, and some incidents were a great reminder that thoughtless actions can result in consequences you did not anticipate.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup

About the Book: Understanding Biblical Womanhood through the Lens of the Gospel

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women. 

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. It was incredibly illuminating and intensely thought provoking. I definitely want to re-read it and ponder it more thoroughly - and I don't normally re-read books, particularly non-fiction ones. But this one had so much to digest and settle into the soul.

Though this book definitely speaks to our roles as mothers and wives, I loved that it focused primarly on the fact that woman (as well as men, of course) are first and foremost image bearers of God and though we have been marred by the fall, we have been redeemed through Christ's life, death and resurrection.

Let me share this quote that I really appreciated (emphasis mine).....
I encourage any woman reading this to be careful of the priority you give the women of Scripture as examples to you in relation to your first example, Jesus. I love Ruth, Mary of Bethany, and Esther, and I am particularly intrigued by Abigail, Lydia, and Phoebe. But they must all take a backseat in terms of role models. They are valuable to us because we need a plurality of saints, male and female, who are examples of Christlikeness in a variety of circumstances. But remember also that we were not created to be like Ruth. We were created in the image of God and are being conformed back to the example of Christ. Ruth is not the ideal for women - Jesus is. Our identity is completely tied to who Jesus is and what He has done for us. He is the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.


This book is great for both individual and group study. It's broken into sections and chapters, with a page of notes available at the end of each chapter, and discussion questions at the end of the book. I also appreciated that the book is so thoroughly entrenched in scripture, and that the scripture is provided directly in the book so you don't have to look it up yourself.

This is a book for every woman - married or single, with children or without. I highly, highly recommend it! I usually donate the books I review to our church library, but I'm keeping this one to re-read, and to give to my daughters to read, I think it would be particularly helpful during the teenage "searching" years.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

4.9.13

Happy birthday to me!

Artwork done by the kids while waiting for our food at Green Mill. Clockwise from top left we have Jacob's drawing of Lightning McQueen and the sky, Emma's flower, Sophia's landscape with flower and Olivia's picture of our family.

My gift? A wedding band to go with the new engagement style ring we bought a year ago to replace my original ring. I had lost the diamond a few years back and had been wearing an anniversary ring (which matched Nathan's wedding ring). When I looked into how much it would cost to replace the diamond it would be about the same as buying a whole new ring. I figured I may as well get a new ring in an updated style. But after we bought that (on a cruise), I realized I was too sentimental about my old ring after all. So we put a ruby in it (July's birthstone because it's the month we were married). I felt that my new ring alone made it look like I was just engaged instead of married so I requested a new wedding band for my birthday (and Mother's Day and our anniversary and on and on - I think I've used up my quota for awhile!).