"Sweet Mercy" by Ann Tatlock Blog Tour/Giveaway (ends 5/21) WW

Tour Schedule

Yes, my review will happen later.  I will be so glad when the summer comes and I can truly get caught up on all the books I need to read!

 

Sweet Mercy

Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition

When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?

 

Barnes & Noble * Amazon * Bethany House

 

Ann Tatlock

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award winning novel Promises to Keep. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.

Enjoy an excerpt:

My old life drifted farther and farther away until one Tuesday morning, June 23, the memories came rushing back. The news came over the radio that Al Capone had been arrested. He’d been indicted ten days earlier but was now in custody, along with 68 other members of an alleged beer syndicate. They were charged with 5,000 offenses against the Prohibition law. Five thousand! Capone himself was accused of conspiracy dating all the way back to 1922.

As I stood by the front desk listening to the radio with Uncle Cy, I was surprised at the feelings welling up inside me. Al Capone was a terrible, evil man and he deserved prison for all that he had done, and yet….

Hey, kid, you all right?

His face was vivid in my mind, that fleshy moon with the gray eyes and bushy brows. I bit my lower lip remembering the sting as he touched my tattered knees with a handkerchief.

You gotta be more careful, little lady.

He didn’t have to stop and help me. I was just one more clumsy kid who hit a buckled sidewalk and skinned her knees, a rite of childhood. Other grown-ups might have clicked their tongues and walked on by, but he didn’t. He squatted down and looked at me the way a father looks at his own child and asked me if I was all right. And then he’d wiped away the blood and given me a handkerchief for my tears.

Say, you like elephants?

And he’s given me too a piece of carved ivory that I’d kept in my treasure box for eight years.

“Looks like old Scarface is really in hot water this time,” Uncle Cy said as he turned off the radio. “I guess it’s bound to catch up with you sooner or later.”

Uncle Cy sighed.

So did I.

 

Website * Facebook * Goodreads

  Tour Giveaway 1 winner will receive a copy of 3 of Ann's Books Sweet Mercy, Travelers Rest and Promises to Keep Open to US & Canada Only Ends 5/21/13 a Rafflecopter giveaway  

WNL Virtual Book Tour: "Change Beyond the Pain" by Monifa Robinson Groover

Monifa Robinson Groover

www.withinyourreach.org

And I am behind again.  I will get this reviewed soon.  For now, be sure to check out this book!

About The Book

The purpose of this book is to teach you how to transform your life.  While this book is no substitute for the Word of God (The Bible), let this be a guide that simply helps you gain a deeper understanding of what God is trying to impart in all of us. 

Change Beyond The Pain will help you discover:

•    True healing comes from allowing God to transform your life
•    You do not have to revert back to the same cycle of hurt, anger, fear and depression
•    God has a plan for your life
•    There is power and purpose in your pain

This book will teach you how to move beyond accepting change to embracing transformation.  So, if you are seeking restoration, grab your Bible, this book, and open your heart and watch the transformation begin.

About The Author

Monifa Robinson Groover, a native of New York City, moved to Teaneck, New Jersey with her family at the tender age of twelve.  Upon graduation from Teaneck High School, Monifa obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), as well as a Master of Social Work Degree from Smith College School of Social Work (Northampton, MA).  After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, and extensive work in the field of social services, she obtained a Master of Public Administration Degree with a concentration in Management from Troy State University (Atlanta, GA).

Monifa has devoted her life to helping others see the potential that lies within them.  Having provided a number of services for diverse populations including but not limited to perpetrators of sexual crimes, individuals faced with substance abuse challenges and individuals in the criminal justice system; as well as having coached women entrepreneurs, her experience has taught her that neither position nor status dictate the level of pain and misfortune one may encounter.  It was at this time she realized the call on her life was much greater.

In 2003 she released her first book entitled “Within Your Reach, Inspiration That Quiets the Mind and Soothes the Soul”. (ISBN: 1-930231-03-2). This book is filled with devotions that shows people how to strategically turn their pain into gain, tragedy into triumph and victimization into victorious living.  She released her second book entitled “Change Beyond The Pain” in 2012 (ISBN: 978-0-9836776-0-4).  This book provides a more in-depth look at how individuals can use the Word of God to transform their lives.  It also shows them how to begin moving beyond the blows that life may sometimes deal.
Monifa has been called by God to help others reach their God-given potential.  Her duty is to equip others with the proper tools and resources to move beyond their circumstances and live healthier and more productive lives, which she believes can only be found when one has a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Her personal journey, combined with her education and work experience, and most importantly her relationship with Jesus Christ, collectively play a vital role in the work she passionately does today.  She resides in Savannah, Georgia and is a faithful member of New Covenant Holiness Church #3, located in Savannah, Georgia, where her beloved husband, Jamie Groover is pastor.

Litfuse Publicity Group: "When Jesus Wept" by Bodie & Brock Theone Review

Book 1 in the Thoene’s new  Jerusalem Chronicles.

Brock and Bodie Thoene’s most powerful and climactic writing project to date, When Jesus Wept, captures the power and the passion of the men and women who lived through the most important days in the history of the world.

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus’ ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament.

Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.

Purchase a copy here.

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Follow the entire tour here.

When Jesus Wept by Bodie Thoene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this is the first book I have read by the Thoenes in years!  My first historical fiction book was from their wonderful WWII series, and I always felt that they had the formula for writing historical fiction, especially in relation to history involving Jews.  And they have not lost their touch as they tackle ancient Israel and the time of Christ.  I love good Biblical fiction, and this definitely counts as such.

From the first page, they drew me in.  They made me consider portions of the well-known story of Lazarus and his family in a different way, and I was emotionally drawn into the story in a way I never have before.  I am glad to know that this is the first in the series, and I can hardly wait to read the rest in the series!  If you think that you know all there is to know about Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Jesus, let me challenge you to give this book a try.  You may find that you are pleasantly surprised.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

"Accidental Deception" by Tina Martin Book Review

Summary from goodreads:
Accidental Deception is a story about love versus loyalty, the tug-of-war that dictates every action Carter Williams will take after he stumbles upon a homeless woman, Shayla Kline, in Uptown Charlotte. Completely out of character for the usually self-centered bachelor, he puts his life on hold to spend a few nights with the stranger in the hospital.

That’s when he makes an earth shattering discovery – Shayla was the fiancée of Jacob, his estranged brother. His brother who hated him. His brother who recently committed suicide. His brother who, despite the animosity between them, wrote him a suicide note asking him to take care of Shayla.

Out of guilt and fulfillment of Jacob’s final wish, he moves Shayla into his home and gives her everything she needs to start over. The more she confides in him, the deeper their relationship grows and Carter not only wants to help her, he finds himself wanting desperately to love her, to be a man for her, to give her everything his brother could not. There’s only one problem – Shayla does not know that Jacob was his brother. Now, Carter wages an internal war within himself with his own morals – morals that tells him he should be loyal to his brother by not pursuing Shayla. But it’s hard to walk away from the only woman that has been able to awaken his heart.


Accidental Deception by Tina Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am always saying how I like realistic endings, and I can tell you that while the ending somewhat upset me (after all, I figured I knew how it would end), I can hardly wait to read the next installment.  The waiting may become interminable.

I absolutely loved this romance.  The relationship between Carter and Shay was sheer delight (except when they were behaving like idiots).  This truly is saying something because I often find contemporary romances very sappy.  This never felt sappy; it felt real!  I found a great sense of humor as well as deep pathos within this story.  Real issues were dealt with, and some were hidden.  This is definitely a clean book--no sex nor real profanity (my standards tend to be a little higher when it comes to Christian books, but I'll let the couple minor words I saw pass since they would not be considered swear words--just slang words).  Indeed God's Word is infused into this story.  In fact, I would have liked to have even seen more of God in this book).



As to the writing style and the story itself, I can give Tina Martin high praise.  She knows how to spin a tale that doesn't follow the normal romance form, and I truly found myself connecting with and caring about the characters.  When I realized the story would not be completed until the next installment, I nearly fell into despair!  And yet though I am somewhat frustrated, I still love the book, and I can promise that as soon as the next one comes out, I want to read it at once!  Her books are extremely readable and will take you away from harsh realities of this world.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Litfuse Group: "Hidden in the Heart" by Catherine West Book Review (and an upcoming giveaway)

Catherine West is celebrating with the Hidden in the Heart Kindle Fire Giveaway! Enter today.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• A copy of Hidden in the Heart and Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 21st. Winner will be announced on 4/23/13 at Catherine's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach…

After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living.

Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price. With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother. For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from. But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?

Hidden in the Heart has been nominated for a 2013 Grace Award and is on the long list for an INSPY award.

Purchase a copy here.

Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, "Yesterday’s Tomorrow", won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, "Hidden in the Heart", was also a finalist for a Grace Award. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two college-aged children.

Follow the entire tour.

Hidden in the Heart - A Novel by Catherine West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I liked this book almost from the beginning, and I loved it even more as I continued to read.  I was intrigued to see that the author herself was adopted which made the message of the book even more impacting.  This is a Christian book with a strong, underlying message that never comes across as being "preachy."  There is no profanity nor sex scenes in it (yes, that should be standard for Christian books, but it is not always).

One thing the author was able to do that really stood out was the fact that this was not a happy-go-lucky Christian book that followed a formula.  I get really tired of "sappy" books like that.  I was glad to see bad things happening (because it made it more realistic--I am not a masochist.), and I appreciated the fact that not all characters readily came to faith.  In addition to that, not all wee on the same spiritual plane.  All the characters seemed "real," and it made it so much easier to connect with the story.

I have a confession.  Claire was an incredible source of irritation to me throughout most of the book.  I found myself just wanting her to go away.  I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for her.  This makes her journey even more fascinating because I also found myself shedding tears over her later on in the book.  While there was never any real doubt about the end of the book, this book is filled with complexity of emotions and story.  It should easily keep your attention until the end.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

"What Every Woman Should Know" by Jori Sams Book Review

Summary (from goodreads): This book offers a lot of hope and inspiration for women battling to know what God was thinking when He made man and woman. Are they really created equal? Is the church today in divine and biblical order?

Unpack some of the most controversial passages in the Bible. Take a journey through history to see the effects of society on the role of women over the ages. The discoveries may astound you and set you free.

What Every Woman Should Know by Jori Sams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, this is not an easy-to-read book. One may even call is a heavy read. And this is for those who are truly students of the Word of God. It goes very deeply into the things of God, and you probably won't connect with the book if you don't have at least a working knowledge of the Bible. I even struggled to connect at times.

I appreciate all of her historical research (although I would like to know where she got all of her information since it is very extensive). She covers everything from the Old Testament clear through today. She continues to take you back the Word of God to illustrate and support her various points. This author has certainly done her homework.

I will say that there were several portions in the book that I did not agree with. I don't want to say here because I don't want to add any spoilers. I am not generally bothered when I read things that challenge my beliefs, and I can honestly say I don't hold these issues against the author. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I would like to see where she got some of her views since some of them are new to me.

While the book is sometimes a little slow-paced, much of the information is good. I don't recommend reading this in one setting. She has discussion questions for each chapter, and so you could even read this in a book group of Bible study.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tour: "Sing a New Song" by Michelle Lindo-Rice

Honestly, I was doing better, but I have to post the review later.  My mom had pneumonia last week which put me somewhat behind.  Thank you for your patience.

If you found out you were dying, would you suddenly confess all your past sins?

When former chart-topper Tiffany Knightly learns that she’s dying from cancer, she leaves behind her plush California lifestyle to return to Hempstead, New York, with Karlie, her reluctant teenaged daughter. Her fans think she has simply gone home to die, but Tiffany has another mission. She desperately wishes she could leave her past in the past, but in order to secure her daughter’s future, she must tear open past wounds.

Life wasn’t always easy for Tiffany. With a stepfather who abused her and a mother who didn’t believe her, she acted out by becoming promiscuous. Fifteen years later, she’s back to reveal to her ex-husband that he might not be Karlie’s biological father. In fact, there are four men who could have fathered Karlie—four that she’s willing to acknowledge, anyway.

As Tiffany reveals her truth and searches for Karlie’s father, she reconnects with old friends and old lovers. Some reunions are happy, but some innocent lives are torn apart, leaving Tiffany to wonder if she’s doing the right thing. Through it all, she will have to learn to rely on the healing power of God’s unfathomable love.


About The Author

Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice graduated from Argosy University with an Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor’s kid, Michelle continues to uphold the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. From a young teen, Michelle discovered a passion for reading and writing and feels blessed to have the opportunity to use this talent to bring God glory.

Genre Christian Inspirational/Fiction

Connect with the Author

Email Address: ricemz@yahoo.com
Website www.michellelindorice.com

Twitter link @mlindorice
Facebook link www.facebook.com/michelle.lindorice

Book Ordering:

Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Sing-New-Song-Michelle-Lindo-Rice/dp/1601627483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343150745&sr=8-1&keywords=michelle+lindo+rice

Barnes & Nobles: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sing-a-new-song-michelle-lindo-rice/1111306417?ean=9781601627483

Tour schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-lindo-rice/

WNL Book Tours; "Kingdom Principles for Everyday Living" by Stewart Perrilliat Blog Tour

Stewart Perrilliat

http://kingdomfoundationrestorationcenter.com/

My 5-star Review

About The Book

The book is a 40 day devotional. It’s a great book for men and women. This book is designed to help those who are struggling with a consistent prayer life. It’s easy to read and very fruitful.

About The Author

Minister.  Father.  Servant.  Evangelist.  Author.  Stewart Bernard Perrilliat is a gifted individual who has a passion to see broken lives restored and renewed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  A native of Oakland, California, Stewart grew up in a community that was plagued with a number of challenging institutional socio-economic ills.  Nevertheless, Stewart escaped the lures of the streets and became a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp before becoming the Founder and CEO of Perrilliat Enterprises, a general contracting and engineering firm based in Northern California. Stewart began his ministry call as a Street Evangelist in 1995, and since that time he has been used by the Lord to win countless souls into the Kingdom of God.  He attributes his success as a Street Evangelist to his ability to present the gospel in a manner that meets people at the place of their need.  His call has become the central focus of his life and ministry.  Though Stewart is a gifted entrepreneur, he is first and foremost a service-driven person who is passionate about seeing people live their life now through having a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Stewart’s teaching gift empowers people to apply Biblical principles to improve and enhance their lives.  His approach is known for being encouraging, practical, and inspirational.  He is also known for motivating others to reach their highest potential.

Follow the entire tour.

"Fire and Ash" by Anne Patrick Book Blast (Ends 4/10) WW

Fire and Ash by Anne Patrick

Fire and Ash is the story of female fire investigator Sadie McGregor.  When she was a child, Sadie lost her family in a horrific fire that still haunts her.  She's now been called in to investigate a fatality fire in her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Amazon Kindle

Reviews and Awards

"This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with." 
~ Reviewed by Fennel at LASR

"A Top Pick! Another Fantastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully. A fantastic read!" 
~ Night Owl Reviews

"A wonderful read, this book had me laughing and crying. True to life characters and vivid descriptions, along with comedy and heart stopping moments, make this a page turner you'll want to read again." 
~ Happily Ever After Reviews

"As a forensics show enthusiast, I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator.  Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots."  
~ Onedesertrose's Christian Book Reviews Blog

"As a retired fire investigator I have to say kudos to Ms Patrick on her research. I normally don’t read romantic suspense, but this book sounded intriguing so I couldn't resist. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED" 
~Review from 'Fireboy' at Christianbook.com

Received Four Stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews!

LASR BEST BOOK of 2010 Nominee!

'Best Inspirational' 2010 at The Romance Reviews!

#1 Bestselling Suspense eBook, and #1 Bestselling Romance eBook at Christianbook.com!

Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Christian Fiction!

Author Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas. 

Website * Blog * Twitter

She loves to hear from her readers!

Book Blast Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/10/13

Now, of course, I love promoting books like this.  Suspense, Christian, clean--what more could you ask for?  How about a giveaway!!  Enter below!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Litfuse Group: "Grave Consequences" by Lisa T. Bergren Book Review

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Begren’s Grand Tour series

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

Purchase a copy here.

Read an excerpt here.

Grave Consequences by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a disappointment.  I read the first book in the series, and I wasn't overly impressed, but there was some action that at least captured my interest.  This book lacked that somewhat, and I wish I could put my finger on it, but I can't.

Now don't get me wrong.  As far as historical romances go, this was better than mediocre.  It is a clean, inspirational, and moralistic.  I'm glad to see the characters turning to God at various times for direction.  Will and Cora are the main ones who rely on God as they seek Him concerning their future.

There is some mystery, intrigue, and some minor action.  I can't say it was overly exciting, but it did add some interest to the story.  For that, I was happy.  The writing of the book is fine, and it is clear that the author has done some research so her book comes across as "period."

I guess my biggest complaint with the book is that it is practically the same story that has been told over and over again.  The surprises are kept to a minimum, and the characters are rather stereotypical.

But in fairness to the author, the story is typical, but well-written.  And it clean and Christian.  It also gives a very positive message.  All these things make this book worthy of a four star rating.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.

"Goodbye to Yesterday"(Discovery #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter Book Review

Summary (from goodreads):
Join Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. Financial struggles. Arguments. A suspected pregnancy. A last-minute trip to Middlebury, Indiana. A drug addict on the run. A deadly encounter at a Philadelphia bus station. Will their love and faith be enough to bring them back together again, against all odds?


Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am quite surprised that this book's rating is not higher because I found it quite amazing.  I have become a true lover of Amish fiction, so I jumped at the chance to read this first installment of the author's "Discovery" series.  I love the fact that the couple is already married.  And they are experiencing things that other couples can relate to.  From the moment I picked up the book, I did not want to put it down.

This is a short book, and it will leave you hanging.  I can hardly wait to read the second installment!  I loved the characters and the story.  It takes a great author to be able to write the characters in such a way that I feel I know them and care about them--especially in a short book.

I am so glad that Christian values are displayed and emphasized even amongst the evil of the outside world.  There is nothing better than reading about people who truly trust in God, especially in this day and age.

I highly recommend this book.  It's a quick read, but it is worth it!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Yesterday-Discovery-Lancaster-County/dp/1616260858

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-goodbye-to-yesterday-wanda-e-brunstetter/1110505752

About the author:

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 6 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, includingTime Magazine and USA Today. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too

.Follow Wanda:

http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wanda-E-Brunstetter/119136496242

http://pinterest.com/wandabrun/

http://www.youtube.com/user/WandaBrunstetter

http://www.godtube.com/search/?q=Wanda+E.+Brunstetter&n=Wanda+E.+Brunstetter

Pump Up Your Book: "Dear God, He's Home!" by Janet Thomson Blog Tour

About the Author:

Janet Thompson, founder and director of About His Work Ministries, is the author of 17 books and the recognized author of the “Dear God” book series. Janet developed the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, served as a lay minister for 12 years, and continues to share the blessings of mentoring through her Woman to Woman Mentoring resources, trainings, and speaking events.

Janet and her stay-at-home husband, Dave, have four married children and love being Grammie and Grampa to 11 beautiful grandchildren. After living in California her entire live, Dave’s retirement led Janet and Dave to move to the rural mountains of Idaho. Janet invites you to visit her website and blog at www.womantowomanmentoring.com

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

About the Book:

A husband is now home 24/7 and the wife needs help ASAP!

Regardless of the reason he’s home—out of work . . . retired . . . home office . . . returned from military deployment . . . disability or illness . . . whatever—wives of stay-at-home husbands share many of the same transitional and heart adjustments.

Dear God, He’s Home! is a practical and raw look at issues couples go through when a husband is suddenly home full time. Sharing openly from personal experience and through Scripture, Janet Thompson encourages wives to joyfully embrace their God-ordained marriages.

The book also includes personal thought questions, discussion questions for couples, and a small-group or book club discussion guide.

Purchase Link:

AMAZON or at http://womantowomanmentoring.com/publications/shop/

Book Excerpt:

The wife of a stay-at-home man is going to talk to God—a lot!

Maybe she’ll write a cathartic letter in her journal: Dear God,. .[J1]  . . Another wife might begin her pleading or thankful prayers with “Dear God,[J2] ”. . . . Still other wives in times of desperation or frustration cry out, “Dear God, HE’S HOME!”

Since my husband became a “Stay-at-Home Man,” I regularly express each of those “Dear Gods,[J3] ” as do the wives submitting stories for this book. So don’t feel guilty if you haven’t always been joyous about this new closeness in your marriage relationship. And don’t feel alone. When I sent out a request for stories of women with a husband home due to retirement, illness, disability, out of work, home office, the military . . . the stories flowed into my inbox and my ears.

Whenever I mention the title of this book, wives smirk with raised eyebrows and knowingly remark, “Boy, do I have a story for you!” “I need this book.” “I know someone who could use this book.” Or “I’m going to need this book soon, write fast!” I don’t have to tell you the reasons for these responses because you’ve picked up this book or someone gave it to you.

Myriad emotions and reactions erupt from both spouses when an otherwise out-of-the-home-every-day husband is suddenly home all day—every day. Many wives have their own label for this occurrence. In Honey, I’m Home for Good!, Mary Ann Cook calls it “Spouse-in-the-House Syndrome.” Then there’s “Retired-Husband Syndrome” or military “Reintegration Syndrome.”

Every couple’s response to their unique syndrome evolves from how they’ve dealt with previous transitions in their relationship. Couples who stumbled and fumbled without finding workable resolutions in the past, will probably stumble and fumble through this new situation too. However, couples who have successfully developed and implemented coping techniques may be better equipped to adjust to a full time “stay-at-home man.” Even so, unexpected issues can blindside both spouses.

Follow the entire tour.