Pleating for Mercy (A Magical Dressmaking Mystery) by Melissa Bourbon

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Pleating for Mercy (A Magical Dressmaking Mystery) by Melissa Bourbon
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PLEATING FOR MERCY
A Magical Dressmaking Mystery


by Melissa Bourbon
(aka Misa Ramirez)


Commercial Fiction
Penguin
www.MisaRamirez.com




3 autographed copies will be given away on Friday, December 2, 2011!


About the Book:


All the Cassidy women possess special gifts. Harlow Jane Cassidy's is creating beautiful dresses. But she's about to discover secrets in her own family and another gift-one that can reach beyond the grave....

When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after she opens Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the old farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence....

One of her first clients is her old friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie's boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly, Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than the perfect dress. Can Harlow find the real killer-with a little help from beyond?






You can find this book on Amazon here.

Shadows From The Past by Ashley Dawn Tour/Review

About author:
Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant. Ashley has been writing professionally for the past seven years and has two published books. Her first book, Shadows From The Past, was originally published by Tate Publishing and is considered more of a traditionally published book while the second, Shadows of Suspicion, was published by self publication using AuthorHouse. Both have since been published in ebook form through Suspense Publishing. She is currently working on multiple projects including the third in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled Shadows of Pain and also a standalone mystery about a serial killer that remains untitled. Ashley also has a review blog to share her love of reading, Ashley’s Bookshelf, where she reads and reviews books of all genres. (http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com) She and her family make their home in Texas.


About:

“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”

Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.

“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!”

Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.

Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth?

Published February 14th 2011
by Suspense Publishing
(first published August 21st 2007)
ASINB004O4C1Q4
original title Shadows from the Past


My Thoughts:
Aurora Kavvan, an LAPD officer, shuts herself off from everyone that loves and cares about her.  She blames herself for her brothers death.  She has even stopped praying and talking to God.  How could God let this happen to her brother?  It is like she has no right for happiness or forgiveness. Everyone must blame her.  That is what she is thinking and instead of facing them with her feelings and opening her heart to God she puts up a wall.  It is harder to forgive oneself than it is to forgive others.

When she is faced with death threats and a friend/partner ends up seriously injured, she is thrown back into her ex fiancee, FBI agent, Jordan Reiley's life.  Not as his girlfriend but under protective custody.  He protects her not only because it is his job but because he is still in love with her.  But she still has a wall up between her heart and everyone else including him.

The author spins a good tale of suspense.  I can normally figure out who the secretive bad person is but not in this book.  I thought I had it figured out several times.  This was definitely a good mystery to the very end.  It was hard to put the book down.  I am so glad I can jump right into books 2 and 3 in the series.  

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy  good mystery/suspense.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Lightning Book Promotions.  I was in no way compensated for my opinion on this book.  These are my own thoughts and opinion.

The Shadow Series can be found on Amazon Kindle.

            #1                           #2                          #3                     

Love Inspired Historical - Lassiters of Hawk Creek Series - Read over Thanksgiving

HERE IS A GREAT LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICAL SERIES TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS OVER THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS

The Christmas Journey 
(Love Inspired Historical)
by Winnie Griggs (Goodreads Author)
4.54 · rating

Philadelphia lawyer Ryland Lassiter is everything Josephine Wylie wants—for a brother-in-law! As the sole supporter of her family, Josie's plans for herself have always had to wait. But Ryland will be ideal as the new head of the Wylie clan…once he finally realizes how perfect he is for Josie's sister.

Ry knows it's time to settle down. The newly appointed guardian to a friend's daughter, he's ready for a home and family. All he needs is a bride…and Josie's sister is not the Wylie who has caught his eye. If only Josie would see the truth—that the only Christmas present he needs is her love.

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published October 13th 2009 by Harlequin (first published 2009)
ISBN 0373828225 (ISBN13: 9780373828227)

The Proper Wife
by Winnie Griggs (Goodreads Author)

Sensible, Settled, Steady…
And not Sadie Lassiter. Eli Reynolds knows what he wants in a wife, and the flighty Texas girl couldn't be further from the mark. Eli has his nine-year-old sister's welfare to consider—Penny deserves a mother who will give her proper care. But when bad weather strands Eli and Sadie together, he sees a new side to her character. She's rash—but also resourceful. Instead of discipline, she has diligent faith. Her housekeeping skills are lacking, but she's filled with humor and sweetness. She may not be a "proper" wife, but to save her reputation—and to take a chance on happiness he'd never expected to find—Eli will take her as his bride.

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published March 1st 2011 by Harlequin (first published February 9th 2011)
ISBN 0373828616 (ISBN13: 9780373828616)

Second Chance Family
by Winnie Griggs 
(Goodreads Author)
4.00 · rating

Mitch Hammond is a man of his word. And as far as Cora Beth Collins is concerned, that's a problem. The stubborn sheriff has vowed never to love again, for fear of wounding someone else. The most he can offer Cora Beth is marriage in name only. And with no other way to adopt two runaway orphans and keep her patchwork family together, she accepts.
Mitch is doing the honorable thing. So why does it feel so wrong? Despite his intentions, Mitch is starting to want more from Cora Beth…and from himself. For in her trusting eyes he sees everything he hopes to be—as a lawman, a father and a husband.

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published July 5th 2011 by Love Inspired (first published July 1st 2011)
ISBN 0373828772 (ISBN13: 9780373828777)

Once Upon a Thanksgiving:
(Love Inspired Historical)


Season of Bounty by Linda Ford
by Linda Ford, Winnie Griggs (Goodreads Author)


At first glance, privileged Kathleen Sanderson and cowboy Buck Donahue couldn't be more different. Yet the bond between Buck and his adopted son awakens a wish in Kathleen for a family of her own—and a future they can build together.

Home for Thanksgiving by Winnie Griggs

All that stands between Ruby Anne Tuggle and a fresh start is an escort to Tyler, Texas. Rancher Griff Lassiter is too kind to refuse, but too wary of being hurt again to offer anything but friendship. Then a fever forces an unexpected detour and a chance to find the place they both belong…

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published October 4th 2011 by Love Inspired (first published October 1st 2011)
ISBN 0373828896 (ISBN13: 9780373828890)

Hardcover Feedback: Blog Tour: Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly ...

click on image above for Tour Schedule

Hardcover Feedback: Blog Tour: Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly ...: Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she is ce...

Review: My Life and Lesser Catastrophes by Christina Schofield

Christina Schofield has been a children's illustrator and writer for the last ten years, working with Zonderkidz, Group Publishing, Standard Publishing, and Cook Communications. She and her husband, Allen, a campus pastor, have one daughter, Lily, and live in Rolla, Missouri.

About:
Just after her thirteenth wedding anniversary, Christina Schofield woke up groggy and disoriented, surrounded by nurses in a hospital. She and her husband had hit a gravel patch while on their motorcycle and crashed into a ditch. With the exception of a concussion, she was fine. But Allen had broken his neck. He was now a quadriplegic.

With her entire life flipped upside down, she began an astonishing journey of tenacious faith amid increasing doubt. Full of dark, silent hours and a woman's honest questioning of the God she thought she knew, this is also a story full of miraculous answers to prayer and head-scratching, awe-inspiring encounters with her loving Lord.

With candid warmth and transparency, Christina shows readers that even in their darkest hours, God's goodness shines through.

My Thoughts:
The author shares one the most horrific accidents that most people think could never happen to them.  How could God do this to a faithful follower? A lot of us have probably been in similar situations and we get angry with God for not protecting us.

The author writes about her journey in faith and God's silence. This is a beautiful story of God's faithfulness to us and our needs.

When you sit down to read this book you best have a box of tissues close by. Luckily I had just bought a new box of tissues. My heart goes out to this family and what they went through and came out of because of this tragic event.

I highly recommend this memoir.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for review. I was in no way compensated for my review. This is my own opinion.


Buy the book here:

Review: Witch Song by Amber Argyle (Good vs. Evil)

About author:
Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing her debut novel.


She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.


She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.


She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

You can follow her on:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Website

Paperback, 305 pages
Published September 1st 2011 by Rhemalda Publishing
ISBN 1936850168 (ISBN13: 9781936850167)

About:
The world is changing.


Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons, but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor.


All but Brusenna.


Now the traitor is coming for Brusenna, and ever her guardian can't protect her. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her.


If Brusenna fails, there won't be anything left to save.





My Thoughts:
I got very wrapped up in this book. It was an action packed adventure about a good witch. Brusenna thought she was ostracized because her mother was a witch. She soon finds out that she is the last witch and has to face and defeat the Dark Witch Espen. She soon finds there are witch friends that are eager to help and protect her on her quest to defeat the Dark Witch. She is assigned a guardian to protect her. This is a fast moving story and I did not want to put it down. It had my adrenaline flowing. I need to stop writing about the book before I spoil the story for you.


The author has an amazing imagination to come up with this brilliant story. At one point in the book she could have stopped writing and I would still have cheered her work. But she kept going beyond brilliance.


It is a young adult, fantasy and is a must read. I am definitely not a young adult and I loved it. I am hoping the author will write a sequel.


Even though this book is a out of my Christian genre I highly recommend you read this book you won't regret it.


I rate this book a 5 out of 5


Check out Goodreads/Firstread Giveaway to win a copy  view details here.

Review: Lonestar Angel (Lonestar #4) by Colleen Coble

About author:
RITA finalist Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of several novels including Abomination, the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. Her newest novel, Anathema, is in stores now.

You can find Colleen Coble here.

Lonestar Angel (Lonestar #4)
by Colleen Coble
Paperback, 320 pages
Published November 8th 2011 by Thomas Nelson
(first published November 1st 2011)
ISBN 1595542698 (ISBN13: 9781595542694)
series Lonestar #4

For Eden, hope is rekindled when her estranged husband delivers the astounding news: that their lost baby girl has been found.

Years ago Eden and Clay Larson's baby was stolen. Kidnappers demanded a ransom, but something went horribly wrong at the exchange: the kidnapper's car crashed into the river and was never recovered. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.

Now she's met Kent. He's everything Clay wasn't: funny, stable, and eager to please her. Just as he's about to propose marriage at a romantic dinner, Clay arrives and tells Eden she can't marry Kent. She's still married to him. He never signed the divorce decree. Even more earth-shattering than this news is that he's never stopped looking for Brianna. Based on a tip, he thinks their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age, but he's not sure which is Brianna.

To discover the truth, the couple becomes counselors to the girls at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. As they work together, their love for the children grows and their love for each other is rekindled. But as danger closes in, Eden and Clay realize they've been lured to this remote West Texas location; their lives and the lives of the little girls are in danger. But as Eden learns, "hope does not disappoint."

My Thoughts:
Eden and Clay Larson are torn apart after their six weeks old baby is kidnapped and pronounced dead without finding her body. Eden files for divorce and tries to build a new life. But Clay refuses to give up on looking for his daughter even after five years. Clay gets a lead about his daughter and confronts Eden with a link to finding Brianna. They sign up as counselors for young girls at the Bluebird Ranch. They meet with so many obstacles trying to find their child. Letting nothing stand in the way.

This is a beautiful story of unending love and determination to keep a family together. The author brings out such a powerful connection between God and the characters. The suspense will have your head in the book until the very end.

This is book four in this series and I have read one through three also. Each and everyone of these books take place at the Bluebird Ranch, an amazing place for children to come to heal emotionally while interacting with abandoned and unwanted horses.

I highly recommend this series.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure:
I received this book from Booksneeze and Netgalley review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Buy		Read

Mamaw's Sunday Devotional by Learning to Be Content: His Heavenly Sunlight

 Joan from Learning to be Content Blog kindly let me post one of her beautiful blog post, His Heavenly Sunlight.

 His Heavenly Sunlight

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

Psalm 103:8 (NASB)

We all have days when we feel unappreciated and unloved. The sun isn’t shining and something is amiss in our souls. The devil beckons us to play the re-runs of failures and tempts us to relive our most painful memories. He wants us to hang our heads, feel defeated and wallow in our misery and insecurity.

But, we can make a choice as soon as the old tape begins to play those troubling tunes. We can turn to God; seek His face, read His Word, take His hand, claim His promises, dwell in His presence and rest in His love. In our darkest hours, God wants us to find His Heavenly sunlight.

God doesn’t judge us like the world does. He is the Father of compassion. David expresses it so well in

A Psalm of David

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases;

Who redeems your life from the pit,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;

Who satisfies your years with good things,

So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

The LORD performs righteous deeds

And judgments for all who are oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the sons of Israel.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.

He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Just as a father has compassion on his children,

So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He Himself knows our frame;

He is mindful that we are but dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,

And its place acknowledges it no longer.

But the lovingkindness of the LORD

is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

To those who keep His covenant

And remember His precepts to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,

And His sovereignty rules over all.

Bless the LORD, you His angels,

Mighty in strength, who perform His word,

Obeying the voice of His word!

Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,

You who serve Him, doing His will.

Bless the LORD, all you works of His,

In all places of His dominion;

Bless the LORD, O my soul!

My Women of Faith NIV Study Bible suggests we read Romans 12: 9-21 and list at least 20 ways we can love others as God loves us. It is His heart’s desire to love us and let His love flow through us to others. We can share God’s Heavenly sunlight and His love with someone today. Is there someone you could reach out to today? It might be as simple as giving them a hug.

By His Grace,

Joan

My Thoughts:
I hope this touched your heart and blessed you as much as it did for me.

Have a Blessed Day,
Patricia aka Mamaw

Litfuse Tour/Giveaway: A Lasting Impression by Tamara Alexander

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.


For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com
Published by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group

About Book:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.


My Thoughts:

Claire Laurent flees her past and steps off a train in Nashville, Tennessee into a new life God will provid for her. She crosses paths with Attorney Sutton Monroe which sets off a chain of events. It was as if God had her by the hand leading her to the future he had planned for her all along. She finds herself with a job that was beyond anything she could have dreamed. Yet, she fears it will all be taken away, even Sutton Monroe, if anyone found out about her past. She has impressed all of Nashville Society with her accomplishments.

A Lasting Impression has to be one of the best books I have read this year. The author brought the history and characters of Belmont Mansion alive. The way she described the mansion, art and characters was beyond brilliant. She actually used personal letters Adelicia Acklen, owner of the Belmont Mansion, had written to a relative in the book. The words were very inspiring and made me cry.

I am anxious to read more about the history of Belmont Mansion.

I highly reccommend this book.

I give this book a rating of 5+ out of 5.

Disclosure:
I recieved a copy of this book from the Litfuse/Author for review. I was in no way compensated for my opinion. This review is my honest opinion.

Blog Tour Schedule Here




Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration
with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless
Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and
copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's
okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on
the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How
much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired
giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Guest Host: Melody Carlson Author of Moon White (True Colors #10)

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits

By Melody Carlson


Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned?
Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters, prompted me to tackle the “supernatural” in one of my teen novels (Moon White, TrueColors, Nav Press). And whenever I write an issues-based novel, I’m forced to research—and often in some dark places. So I began scouring websites, learning more about Wicca and the occult, trying to grasp what was really going on with today’s teens—and how I could write about it in a helpful and relevant way.
But, as usual, when I write a teen book, I go back to my own adolescence...trying to connect with my inner teen...and I suddenly remembered a short era when a friend and I got very interested in witchcraft. I had honestly forgotten about this time and was fascinated to recall how we scoured some witchcraft stores on a local campus—I think we even purchased a few things. Fortunately, this interest was short-lived and I became a Christian not long afterward.
However, as I reconnected with my inner teen, I had to ask myself—why had I looked into witchcraft back then? Why do teens dabble with it now? Suddenly the answer became crystal clear. I was searching. I’d been calling myself an atheist for several years by then, but I was spiritually hungry—starving in fact. Consequently I was looking for spiritual answers—something that would fill that empty void within me. I wanted a supernatural force in my life and I didn’t even care where it came from. I needed something bigger than me, more powerful than me, something to hold onto. I had no idea at the time that I was really searching for God.
This realization changed the way I viewed my research. Instead of feeling disgusted and dismayed by the witchcraft/Wicca sites (which are not particularly enjoyable) I began to recognize that these people (mostly girls) were simply searching too. They wanted a power source in their lives just like I wanted one in mine. They just hadn’t found God yet.
This led to another discovery. A girl who’s attracted to a religion like Wicca is usually seeking to gain some control over her life. Something is wrong and she wants to change it. To do so, she’s often enticed to purchase something—like “magical herbs”—to create a potion that will give her some control over her situation. Unfortunately, she doesn’t even realize she’s being tricked.
But think about it, wouldn’t you love to have control over a bad situation sometimes? Wouldn’t you love to be able to change the circumstances that make your life unpleasant? So what if someone offered you the “power” to do just that? Perhaps if you’re fifteen, you wouldn’t see that person as a charlatan and you would fall for it.
Which brings me to another important factor in understanding this generation’s attraction to the supernatural. Follow the money. The more I researched, the more it became painfully obvious that Wicca and witchcraft and the occult are money-making enterprises. Thanks to the internet, these savvy distributors sell anything imaginable—and many things you can’t. That leads to some serious motivation—these marketers want to hook their unsuspecting young customers and reel them in. Of course, these potions and trinkets and how-to books don’t come with a money back guaranty. Nor are they approved by the FDA. Yet they are a multi-million dollar industry.
So, in a way, it’s a perfect storm. Teens that are insecure, lost, unhappy, and searching...meet up with an unregulated industry that offers supernatural answers and power and control...for a price. And, oh yeah, I never even mentioned how this opens a door for Satan to slip in and wreak havoc. For that...you’ll have to read the book.

Review:The Doctor's Lady by Jody Helund

Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest in Historical Romance. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Visit her website at JodyHedlund.com.




The Doctor's Lady

About Book:
Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.

Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

Paperback, 378 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Bethany House

ISBN

0764208330 (ISBN13: 9780764208331)

edition languageEnglish

url http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0-7642-0833-1

Available at:
Amazon,Christianbook.com,BarnesandNoble.com
and your local bookstore.

My Thoughts:

In Angelica, New York, 1836, Priscilla White is anxiously awaiting for her assignment as a missionary in India.  As she sits with her family in the sanctuary  Dr. Eli Ernest is escorted by two young  Indian
males. Dr. Eli is there to speak to the congregation on behalf of the Board of Missions to ask for support to set up a mission for the Nez Perce Indians in the Oregon Country.  But in order to be funded the Board requires that  any male or female missionary is to be married.  Which Dr. Eli Ernest is not.
Priscilla is coerced by her family and friends that she would be the perfect choice for his help-mate.  This would mean giving up her desire to go to India as a missionary. Besides Dr. Eli and Priscilla are not sure and so they agree to a marriage of convenience.
The treak across country is a long and dangerous trip in wagons.  Dr. Eli doubts Priscilla has the fortitude for the trip. But Priscilla is determined to prove him wrong.  They both feel lead by the Spirit to be missionaries.
The author paints an amazing picture of their travels west.  Making a trip west in wagons extremely dangerous and many people lost there lives along the way.  I had a hard time putting this book down.
I tried to think of something I did not like about the book but I could not think of anything that I would change.


I recommend this book.


My rating for this book is 5 out of 5.


Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for review.  I was in no way compensated for my opinion.  This is my honest opinion.

Review: Deadly Disclosures (Dinah Harris Mysteries #1) by Julie Cave

Deadly Disclosures
(Dinah Harris Mysteries #1)
by Julie Cave

Paperback, 288 pages

Published February 15th 2010
by New Leaf Publishing Group/Master Books

ISBN 0890515840 (ISBN13: 9780890515846)



About Book:
A Suspense-filled fiction mystery which answers an ominous question: How far will some go to silence an influential Christian voice?
Thomas Whitfield, proud Secretary of the Smithsonian and its extensive scientific influence, has disappeared from his office with foul play suspected. Dinah Harris, an FBI agent struggling with alcohol and depression, is seeking answers amidst the fallout of her own personal issues. Whitfield's body is eventually found, and other people connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to him begin dying as well, ultimately exposing a broader conspiracy connected to Whitfield's recent conversion to Christ and promotion of a biblical worldview in an academic world of financial gain hostile to this concept. Will Dinah be able to experience the redemptive power of Christ before it's too late? Or will the ominous danger stalking her investigation claim another victim?

About Author:
At fifteen, two things happened which would shape her future: she heard a creation science speaker at her church which cemented her faith in God; and she finished her second novel-length story and realised she had fallen in love with writing novels.

Julie Cave credits her parents for introducing her to books at a young age, which fostered an enduring passion for reading and writing. As a child, her favourite authors were Enid Blyton and C.S. Lewis and it wasn’t long before she began copying them, writing short stories for anyone who would read them.

After school, she completed a health science degree, got married, and worked in banking and finance. All the while she wondered how she could combine her love of writing and her strong passion for Christian apologetics and evangelism. One weekend at a church camp, a friend asked, ‘What if the guy in charge of the Smithsonian Institution went missing?’

The result – and the answer to that question – is Julie’s maiden published novel, Deadly Disclosures. It was released in May 2010.

The second book in the Dinah Harris mystery trilogy, The Shadowed Mind, was released in October 2010. In this novel, Dinah is confronted with two very different opinions on the value of human life.

The third book, Pieces of Light, delves into the secular humanist movement to remove God from our culture.

Recently, familyfiction.com readers voted Julie #4 in the top ten New Authors for 2010, and her novels Deadly Disclosures and The Shadowed Mind tied in 10th place for Best Suspense Novel of the Year.

Julie has two daughters and lives in Brisbane, Australia with her family. She divides her time between being a wife, a mother and an author.

Check out Julie's Blog: How a Dinah Harris Mystery Comes Together
View more on Julie Cave's website »

My Thoughts:
I don't normally read mystery genre. So it took me longer to read this book compared to what I normally read. But it did not take away from this amazing book.

As I got to reading the story was very intense. Dinah Harris is a FBI agent. Due to the loss of Dinah's husband and young son she falls into a deep depression and turned to alcohol for comfort. She battles with the fact that she has no desire live anymore.
Due to her abuse of alcohol she was responsible for the death of a young man that was an informant in a gang investigation. Because of her actions she is removed from active duty and put to work at teaching a class for the FBI.

She is pulled back into active duty even though it is very apparent that she has a drinking problem. She is asked to assist in a very high profile case of the death the Secretary of the Smithsonian Museum. The case turns into a real puzzle because they know someone within the system has to be involved.

The author goes into great detail about the case. She also has an amazing skill when she goes into explaining the tension between the two issues and groups, Evolution and Creation.

If you enjoy mysteries this is definitely the book for you.

I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book for review from the author. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Review: Abundant Life Day Book: 365 Blessings to Begin Your Day by Nancy Guthrie

Abundant Life Day Book:
365 Blessings to Begin Your Day
by Nancy Guthrie

Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 384
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2011
Dimensions: 6.25 X 4.25 (inches)
ISBN: 1414348185
ISBN-13: 9781414348186



About Book:
Ultimately, to be blessed is to have the full, abundant, and ongoing life that only comes from God. The Abundant Life Day Book contains a year’s worth of daily reminders of what it means to live in the abundance of God’s blessing through Christ. When we begin to see how much God has given to us in Christ, and how much he is worth, we realize that all the things we were hoping to get from God—good health, loving relationships, protection from harm, material provision—are only temporary, tangible reminders of and pointers to all we have in Christ. God wants you to enjoy the assurance of his intention to bless you! The Abundant Life Day Book invites you to celebrate God’s blessings day after day.

Excerpt:



My Thoughts:
The whole cover of the book is beautiful. It looks like tooled leather and has a little butterfly on the front and back. There is a paper cover on the bottom part of the book that is meant to be removed after purchase.
This devotional has over 365 days of readings taking you through the
scriptures helping you to experience God and His intentions for you.
I have been reading once daily from this Devotional Day Book and have great inspiration and peace to lead me through the each day. I plan to continue to read these daily devotionals for the rest of this year and into next year.
I like this book so much that I purchased two more to give as gifts to family members for Christmas.


So I guess it is apparent that I would definitely recommend this book.


I rate this book a 5 out of 5


Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.

Amy Clipston Books: Last contest before the Amish Country Holiday Book...

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