Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming by Miralee Ferrell

About Book

Angel Ramirez is tired of living a lie. But can she live like a lady?

On the run from a dangerous outlaw, Angel works her way across several states disguised as a boy and working as a varmint tracker and horse wrangler. After taking a job on a Wyoming ranch owned by a bachelor and his widowed sister, she finally reveals her true identity and must fight to prove her worth as a ranch hand while somehow discovering her role as woman.

Hiring a woman doesn’t sit well with Travis Morgan, and the dark-haired beauty is causing a ruckus among his cowboys. Just as Angel decides she’ll never be able to please her boss, an unexpected surprise arrives from across the ocean and makes trouble on the ranch. Will Angel leave with the person who’s come so far to claim her?


Genre: Fiction/General/Romance
Historical
320 Pages/Paperback
ISBN 978-1-60936-277-5
Published by Summerside Press
Available August 2011

Buy the book on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook.com

About Author

Miralee and her husband Allen have been married almost 40 yrs. They live on 11 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and go sailing. Miralee also rides her horse on the wooded trails near their home with her grown daughter who lives nearby. She’s an avid reader and has a large collection of first edition Zane Grey books, which inspired her desire to write fiction set in the Old West. When she started writing fiction Miralee believed that she’d always stay with women’s contemporary, but has since branched out to historical romance. Her first two books were women’s contemporary with Kregel Publications, The Other Daughter, and Finding Jeena.

Miralee serves as president of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and belongs to a number of writer’s groups. She speaks at women’s groups, libraries, and churches about her writing journey, and has taught a both writers and library conferences.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/miralee
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/MiraleeFerrell
Blog: www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com


My Thoughts

1887, Texas

Angel Ramirez has been raised and protected by her uncle since the death of her parents when she was a small child.  But now since she has become a young woman he is not able to protect her.  Her uncle runs with cattle rustlers and there is a bad mad man that is determined to make Angel his property.  Angel leaves her uncle protection to get away from this mad man and she takes on a new identity, that of a man.  She now is Angelo De Luca and she is a tracker and ranch hand with a good reputation for the work she does.  Angel aka Angelo moves from ranch to ranch as a tracker and no one suspects she is a woman.

Travis Morgan has a ranch in Sundance, Wyoming and is in need of a good tracker to track down wolves that are killing off his calves. He heard about a tracker that works for a local rancher.  Angelo Ramirez comes highly recommend with a good reputation as a tracker.  Travis has sent word to the Ramirez offering him a job on his ranch.  But when the tracker arrives it is a beautiful woman, Angel Deluca Ramirez claiming to be Angelo Ramirez.

Angela argues her case that just because she is a woman doesn't mean she can't do the same job she has been doing as Angelo the man.  Travis agrees to let her prove she can do the job.

Where will she bunk? Can Travis really expect this beautiful woman to do a man's job?

I admired Angel's tenacity.  She let pride get in the way of God's plan.  This is a woman that has taken care of herself for so long it's hard for her to trust anyone even God.  The author gave this woman courage to be herself and to persevere. If she can only trust God.

The author has written a wonderful story full of intrigue, deception, forgiveness, and romance.   Most importantly trust and faith in God.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure
I received this book as a gift.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful please vote yes or no here.

Courageous Teens by Michael Catt and Amy Parker

About Book

Courageous Teens is a student-focused presentation of Courageous Living by Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of the hit film Courageous.

Catt brings fresh insight to “stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe . . . (who) challenge me to keep moving forward. They demand that I examine my priorities and deal with anything that brings fear to my heart.”
Teen readers will be inspired to resolve to live for God as they learn more about Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Ruth, Daniel, and many more.
Best-selling youth market author Amy Parker arranges the heart-stirring material into four categories: Courageous Faith, Courageous Leadership, Courageous Priorities, and Courageous Influence. Discussion questions are also included at the end of each chapter.

Product Details
ISBN: 9781433679063
Trim Size: 8.50 x 5.50 x 0.47 in
Page Count: 176
Binding: Trade Paper 
Published by B&H Publishing Group
Publication Date: September 2012

Where to buy: 

Michael Catt has served as senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, since 1989 and is executive producer of the popular films Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous that originated from the congregation. He also authored Fireproof Your Life and founded the ReFRESH revival conference. Michael and his wife, Terri, have two children. Learn more about Michael Catt...

Amy Parker has written more than twenty books for children, teens, and adults including the best-selling A Night Night Prayer and three Mom’s Choice Awards winners. Amy and her husband have two children. Learn more about Amy Parker...

My Thought

This book is a take-off from the film Courageous.  Written in mind for our Teens.  All Teens should have a copy of this book!

From the back cover of Courageous Teens:

• You need the courage to stand strong when everything eles is falling apart.
• You need the courage to say no when the world entices with diversions.
• You need the courage to be a faithful leader of the next generation.

The authors not only use the film Courageous but also the Bible for their resources in writing this book. They have chosen courageous people from the film and  from the Bible as roll models for our teens.  What better role models than the people God has chosen to lead by example.  

This book can be used as a devotional, for inspiration, bible study and group bible study.  The question presented throughout the book will peak the teens interest  and encourage them to apply what they have learned in their daily walk with God.

Teens are always looking for a hero.  There are so many great warriors, leaders and teachers in the bible.
When you think of courageous people and the Bible at the same time who would you choose as a role model?

What is holding you back from being a Courageous role model to our youth?

Scripture:
"DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED.  BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS."  
JOSHUA 10:25 (HCSB)

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from HANDLEBAR-Central and B&H Publishing Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL

VOTE YES OR NO HERE.

                                            

SHADOWS OF SUSPICION written by Ashley Dawn

About Book

Revenge is the agenda...

"Find my sister." 

Rick Reiley's words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart?..".

I would like you to meet....My wife.

"Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days...and that was saying a lot Kerry's simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?

As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer.

Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart....and capture Kerry's

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Smashwords

About Ashley

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 three 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 along with her third book Shadows of Pain. 

She is currently working on multiple projects including the fourth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled 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.


My Thoughts

In book two of the Shadows series Rick Reiley's  sister Kerry is kidnapped by a deranged criminal. He makes demands that can not and will not be met.  Rick contacts an acquaintance that is more than qualified to track down the kidnapper's hiding place and rescue his sister.  Kerry though frightened plans and attempts escape just as Luke locates the cabin when they are holding her hostage.  

Will Luke be able to rescue her?  If so he will have to find a safe place for her in case there is another attempt to kidnap her or worse?  Can he manage to protect his heart while protecting her from a mad man?

I had a hard time putting this book down.  I was impressed with the authors creation of characters within Kerry's family.  They had such a bond with each family member and their faith and trust in God was inspiring. 
The characters were living proof of God's love for his children.  They were depicted as his disciples as they planted seeds of faith and trust in Luke's heart.  He had hardened his heart toward God.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free digital copy of this book from Lightning Book Promotions for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

PROVERBS PRAYERS by JOHN MASON

A 31-DAY DEVOTIONAL JOURNEY

About the Book: 

Praying the Wisdom of Proverbs into Your Life Every Day

Experience God’s wisdom as never before and find encouragement, peace, answers, and a better life through this devotional prayer book.

Many people read a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs as a regular devotional practice. They consider it their favorite book in the Bible because its daily practical guidance offers tools to make the right choices and have the inner strength to stand against pressure, size up a situation and know how to respond, make fewer careless mistakes, and avoid unnecessary trouble.

In these pages, readers will find a chapter from Proverbs followed by a heartfelt prayer that includes all of the insights from that chapter. In a mere thirty-one days they can pray all of the wisdom of Proverbs for their lives.

Inspirational/Devotional 
160 Pages  
ISBN 978-1-609361-69-3 
Published   August 2012

Purchase a copy here.

Buy Now from Barnes and Noble

Meet John: 

John Mason is an author with over 1.2 million books in print, including “An Enemy Called Average”, “You’re Born an Original- Don’t Die a Copy”, and “Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop”.

He is the founder and president of Insight International, an organization dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their destiny. John is in great demand as a speaker throughout the United States and abroad. 

Learn more about John on his website:

 http://www.freshword.com


Blog Tour Schedule   http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmason

My Thoughts:

I have always gone to Psalms and Proverbs for comfort and guidance in my daily life. When I saw the title of this book I was anxious to read and pray the prayers that are offered at the end of each daily devotion. I do not wish to rush through the book, instead I will add it to my daily prayers and meditations for the 31 days suggested for this devotional.  So far I believe I have read enough of this book to know it will be a great asset to me and my daily walk with God.  

Towards the end of the book is a section called Proverbs Principles there is a total of twenty-eight Proverbs principles.  Here is just one excerpt from the Proverbs Principles.

Direction: 
"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

I highly recommend PROVERBS PRAYERS as a 31-Day Devotinal Journey.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Summerside Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

UNCONDITIONAL by Eva Marie Everson, Movie - UNCONDITIONAL written and directed by Brent McCorkle, Unconditional - The Bible Study, FIREBIRD by Brent McCorkle and Amy Parker

About Book

What if God’s love were like the sun, constant and unchanging? What if one day you realized nothing could take that away?

Firebird is a bright orange baby oriole who just loves the sunshine. But whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away. When Firebird is finally old enough, his mother gently instructs him to fly up through the thunder and lightning to see what’s on the other side.

It’s a rough flight, and just when he’s about to give up, Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it always had been.

God never lets the storm take the sun away. With that truth in his heart, Firebird continues to bask in the sunshine, but just as important, he learns to rejoice in the rain.

More info: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433679179




About Author

Amy Parker has written more than twenty books for children, teens, and adults including the best-selling A Night Night Prayer and three Mom’s Choice Awards winners. Amy and her husband have two children.

About Author

Brent McCorkle wrote and directed the film Unconditional. His previous movie, The Rift, a metaphoric story about adoption, was a winner in The Doorpost Film Project 2009. Brent and his wife have five
children. 


Firebird is a children’s book that parallels the life of Samantha Crawford, a storybook artist in the inspiring new film Unconditional (scheduled for a theatrical launch in fall 2012) who has lost sight of God’s love.

About Book

Samantha Crawford, an acclaimed storybook artist, seemingly had it all until losing the love she cherished most. Now fighting despair, she is obsessed with tracking down the murderer of her husband. With no leads and no hope, Sam prepares to take her life until providence intervenes and she is reunited with her childhood friend, Joe Bradford.

Dying of kidney disease, Joe spends his last days serving fatherless children in an under resourced community. Observing Papa Joe’s tireless love for “his kids,” Sam begins to find new purpose until she comes face to face with her heart’s desire. The innocence and hope of a child competes with the lure of revenge in an effort to show Sam how, even in life’s darkest of circumstances, Love is above all.

B&H Publishings: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433679469#aboutbook

About Movie

Brent's feature directorial debut is Unconditional, in theaters September 2012. It stars Lynn Collins (John Carter, Wolverine) and Michael Ealy (Takers, Seven Pounds). Brent wrote, directed, and edited the film. He composed the majority of the music for the film as well. We will be adding some of his music/scores to the site soon. Brent is currently writing/developing two original scripts. In addition, he and his team are putting together a multi-picture film slate, scheduled to announce in mid-2013. Stay tuned!

RESOURCES: http://www.unconditionalthemovie.com/resources

Unconditional - The Bible Study

Using movie themes, clips, and group interaction, this study will help small groups better see the needs around them, and begin to live a life of unprecedented generosity.Available Now

Giveaway/Review TAMING THE WIND (LAND OF THE LONE STAR #3) by Tracie Peterson

About the Book:

A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…

A cowboy with demons of his own…

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?


ISBN: 978-0-7642-0617-7
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0617-6
Number of pages: 336
Publication Date: Sep. 2012
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/dsGj5

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/author/TPeterson

Meet Tracie:

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Visit Tracie's Website  www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com 

 Celebrate with Tracie 
by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.

One winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie's "Taming the Wind" Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN, RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK or TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!

My Thoughts

The widow Carissa Lowe and  her three year old daughter Gloria are on an extended visit with her sister, Laura and brother-in law, Brandon on their Texas ranch.  Carissa makes sure she keeps a close eye on Gloria fearing the dangers of this wild country.

Tyler Atherton visits the ranch often in hopes of spending time with Carissa and Gloria.

Carissa's fears are heightened when Brandon and Tyler along with a couple of other ranchers start planning a cattle drive.  The men will be gone approximately three months.  For the safety of the women they are to stay at Will and Hannah's ranch while the men are gone.  Hannah and Laura are expecting and the men plan the drive so they can be back in time for the birth of their children. 

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Tyler leaves on the cattle drive unsure if Carissa has feelings for him.  He realizes she has been through some hard times and that she has a problem trusting anyone. When the drive is over he hopes they can become more than just friends. 

There are always dangers on a cattle drive and with the unrest of the Indians they must stay alert. Tyler has a strong hatred for the Indians and can't seem to let go of that hate. The Lord keeps leading and comforting him in this matter.  Will he ask God to give him peace and help him turn away from this hatred or will he get the revenge he wants so badly? 

These families have great deal of faith and trust in God. They know God will be there for them in goodtimes and bad even though they are not with mates they will trust in God to protect their loved ones.

This book series is definitely one of my 2012 favorites!  Tracie Peterson never fails to entertain and inspire me with her writing.

The Scriptures she has added all through the book touch my heart deeply.  I came away with a calmer Spirit after I finished reading this book. 

I highly recommend not just this book but all the books in this series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Bethany House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL 

VOTE YES OR NO HERE.

 

   

Another Great July Release for Lovers of Fiction!

*by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner

THE SEEKERS is Book 2 in the Wainwright Trilogy. 

It was recently featured on Clash of the Titles, as a July New Release.

About being chosen for the clash the sister-authors, Sadie and Sophie, said,

 “Thank you for including our book. It was wicked fun!”

Here’s what COTT’s readers had to say about The Seekers:

LoLove this book, S & S!!!

Go Sadie and Sophie! Blessings! Linda C.

Love love love you guys!

Well done Sadie & Sophie

ook, S & S!!!

The Seekers Purchase Links:

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

When asked if book 1 in the series needs to be read first to make sense of the story, Sadie and Sophie, said, “No, each book is a stand-alone novel. Of course we hope you'll love the characters so much you'll want to read all three books, and to that end we'll give you a quick introduction to the Wainwright family. Widowed mother Lydia, eldest daughter Alice, and son Lawrence live on a New England farm and raise sheep for the woolen mill. Alice carries the conflict of a birth-marked face and a quick mind.”

In Book One (FAITH IN THE SHADOWS) , Alice is rescued from her conniving fiancé by blinded war veteran, Hawk. She uses her warm humor and intelligence to break through Hawk's bitter pride, but will she find the courage to face the truth before Hawk regains his sight? Or has she already betrayed their fragile relationship by keeping her secret from him?
Lawrence adores his mother and sister (and his horse), but for all his easy-going charm, he's a rock solid man's man with a heart as tender as a spring leaf.

In THE SEEKERS (Book Two), a reluctant Lawrence trades places with a mentally challenged look-a-like and goes undercover as President Lincoln's spy. He's instantly tangled up in the innocent lives of those around him, and becomes their self-appointed protector. Through double-cross and betrayal, Lawrence searches for a way to get everyone safely across enemy lines. But the toughest battle he faces is fighting to protect the woman he loves without revealing his true identity, because to do so would mean a death sentence for both of them.

Book Three (THE HEART KNOWS) is due out in March 2013 and features matriarch Lydia Wainwright. At 49 (over the hill for a woman in the 1860's), Lydia refuses to be confined to social mores when her adult kids leave the nest. She travels west to begin a new life as a frontier schoolmarm, but a train wreck derails her plans and leaves her with a head injury. Before she recovers her memory, Lydia is mistaken for Minnie, a woman contracted to care for two love-starved children. By the time their father, an ex-Pinkerton man, discovers the truth, he selfishly chooses not to reveal it so Lydia will stay with them. When Lydia remembers her former life, she struggles to make the right choice. Can she respect a man she loves who allowed her to live a lie? Or must she leave him and the two children, as dear to her as life itself?

CUFFE SISTERS

There aren't many successful sister writing teams out there. When asked how their collaboration works, they responded,“In terms of "success," our books haven't quite made it to the NY Times bestseller list yet (but two girls can hope!). More importantly, we do have a successful partnership, not just because we're sisters, but because we're friends. It also doesn't hurt that Sophie is a type-A detail-oriented writer and planner, and Sadie never seems to know what's going to happen her in sock drawer or in the next sentence. Put it together and you get the mostly-perfect blend of ninja name stickler/grammarian /editor (Sophie prefers the title Queen) and "what-if" creative spark (Sadie does NOT prefer the title Fillilubird! ). In terms of how we actually write a book together -- we're sworn by the sisterhood not to divulge family secrets, but we can say we don't really know how it works, but it always works out for us.”


If you love historical fiction (specifically Civil War tales!), don't miss this great e-book deal. Currently only $5.99 through Amazon!

--April W Gardner is the author of the award-winning children's historical novel, 

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang  and the senior editor at Clash of the Titles

Women Redeemed Live Webcast: Women sharing their struggles, fears and hope!

{Live Webcast Event}

In coordination with the launch of their fall releases, Kregel Publications will be hosting a live webcast event on September 20th at 8 PM EDT featuring authors Kim Ketola (Cradle My Heart), Teske Drake (Hope for Today, Promises for Tomorrow), and Dawn Scott Jones (When a Woman You Love Was Abused).

The webcast will allow women to come together to share their struggles and fears in order to move toward healing and hope. Women will able to support one another and discuss shared experiences (abortion, miscarriage and abuse) in a non-threatening, open and loving environment. Cat Hoort of Kregel says, “We are seeking to provide safe means for Christian women to be vulnerable with each other, to seek help and guidance from authors and counselors, and to find encouragement from those who have shared similar experiences. Our hope is that the Women Redeemed webcast will become a forum for hurting women as well as for those who can help. Kim, Teske, and Dawn are all survivors and their stories will surely inspire and equip other women to move toward healing and hope.”

Please join tonight’s webcast and connect with the authors, talk about your own experiences, make some new friends, and win a prize! Hope to see you there!

To register for the event, just click the banner to the right or here.

Traveling Book Tour - Icelandic Group - A HIDDEN TRUTH (Home to Amana #1) by Judith Miller

This isn’t your typical contest the author has sent out ten copies of A Hidden Truth, her latest release set in the Amana Colonies.  Their are eleven groups. She will be doing some blogs to give updates and we’ll be able to check comments on the contest page to see how much progress the “sheep” is making along the journey. 

My Group is the Icelandic Group.  I will be the first to read and pass on the book. It will be up to the next person to pass on the book to whomever they like and so on, building our group/Flock.
Here is an image of the Icelandic Sheep.  click on image for info.

The Flocks(groups )are named: Cotswold, Cambridge, Lincoln, White Suffolk, Ryeland, Rhoen, American Romney, Icelandic, Hampshire, Shropshire, Australian Merino. 

If you’re counting, that’s eleven sheep, but the Australian Merino escaped to Australia and will be our only sheep traveling outside the United States. 

If you’re interested in seeing a picture of each breed, you can go to:  http://www.sheep101.info/breeds.html  to learn more.

On December 15, she’ll conduct a drawing from the five flocks that have the most readers. One person from each of those flocks will receive one of these cute little sheep (not the live ones—the stuffed animals). So read quickly, post your information, and send your “sheep” along the way.

About Book

When Karlina Richter finds out that a new shepherd will be sent to East Amana, she fears she’ll no longer be able to help her father with the sheep. She’ll be relegated back to kitchen work, a job she dislikes. Her fears increase when Anton Becker arrives and shows little interest in the flock–or in divulging why he’s been sent to East. Dare she trust Anton to help her father, or is he keeping secrets that will impact them all?

After learning that her father will be transferred from Cincinnati to a job in Texas, Dovie Cates decides she wants to visit the Amana Colonies, where her mother spent her formative years. She writes to relatives still living in the Colonies and is invited to spend some time there. Soon after her arrival, Dovie meets Berndt, the handsome young man who delivers bread to the kitchen house each day. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother’s past, no one seems willing to tell her anything, so Dovie decides to take matters into her own hands. Will her decision spell disaster for her future with Berndt?

Buy this book online!
Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD

ISBN-13: 978-0764210006
Published by Bethany House Publishers

About Judith


Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.

Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write fulltime —a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.

Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.

Author's website:  http://judithmccoymiller.com/


My Thoughts

1892, Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio

Dovie Cates informs her father that she did not wish to move to Texas with him.  She wishes to visit her mother's cousin in East Amana. Since the recent death of her mother she has become obsessed with wanting to learn more about her mother's past life in East Amana.  Her father gives her permission to visit Cousin Louise, in the Amana Colonies but just until he can find them a house in Texas. So she sends a letter requesting a visit to her Cousin Louise. When Dovie arrives in East Amana she is not sure if she is welcome.  Mainly because she did not wait for a return answer from Cousin Louise so her arrival was a surprise.  

When she tries to work information about her mother from Cousin Louise she is given just basic information she already knew.  So Dovie assumed Cousin Louise must be hiding something about her mother's past.
Dovie was determined to find out what that something was.  

While she is visiting in East Amana she helps in one of several group kitchens in East Amana. The one she is working in is in Cousin Louise's home.  Cousin Louise is the kitchen boss of this group kitchen.  She thinks this will give her a better chance of talking to Cousin Louise about her mother.

Cousin Louise has a daughter, Karlina that is about the same age as Dovie and they have become friends. Karlina helps her father with the community sheep.  It is uncommon for a girl to work with the sheep.  Since her father's failing health the Elders have assigned a young man, Anton to help with the sheep.  He has never worked with sheep before and Karlina will help her father to train the young man. Anton seems to have no interest or patience with the sheep.

Dovie meets a local young man, Berndt that delivers bakery goods to the community kitchens.  He has become very smitten with Dovie and she him.  He invites her to go ice skating with him at a near by pond.  They end up going ice skating several times with Karlina and Anton.  But Dovie seems to be more focused on finding information about her mother's life in East Amana and Karlina is more interested in caring for the sheep.

Just what is it that Dovie expects to find out about her mother?  Just what is her relationship with Berndt?

Will Karlina trust Anton to care for her precious sheep?  Does Anton have a past to hide? Will he learn to care for the sheep with love and patience?

I saw Dovie as a manipulitive young woman.  She broke rules, and went beyond sensitivities to find out about her mother. 

The author managed to keep me guessing about Dovie and her mother's past.  I can usually figure out the mystery of a story but this one I was surprised with what Dovie uncovers.  I was also surprised as to what Karlina uncovered about Anton.  This made for a very interesting read.  

I throughly enjoyed all the scriptures through the book.  Some that inspired me to claimin my daily life.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated 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.
It is my own opinion.

Giveaway/Review - Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

About the Book: 

Michigan, 1883

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

Published by Bethany House Publishing

Link to buy the book:  http://ow.ly/dihgn 

"Unending Devotion" by Jody Hedlund 
Nikon Camera Giveaway and 9/18 Facebook Party! 

Enter and RSVP today. 

 
Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!

See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!

One “devoted” winner will receive:

• A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
• $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
• Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Meet Jody: 

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Visit her website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog Tour Schedule

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JHedlund

My Thoughts

1883, Central Michigan

Lily and her sister Daisy were orphans and was moved from one place to another. Daisy ran away from adoptive family without even telling Lily she was doing so.  Lily was heart broken and was determined to find her sister.  She knew that her sister had no skills to get a job and she was so very young.  Lily feared Daisy had me forced into white slavery to work in one of the brothels in the lumber camps in Michigan.  

Lily was fortunate to be living with an older couple that were very kind to her and she was sure she was loved.   The man of the house Oren was a photographer and traveled to the lumber camp to take photos of the men working in the camps to send to their family or to keep themselves.

After Oren's wife died Lily traveled with him as his photographer's assistant.  This was the perfect opportunity to search for her sister.  In the process she found other young girls enslaved in the brothels and she helped some of them escape to return to their families or to a place for a better life.

When Oren and Lily arrived in one of the camps she went into the tavern and was immediately accosted by one of the shanty boys.  Connell McCormick could tell she was truly a lady, and not use to being man handled.  Connell confronted the shanty boy which ended up in a brawl with Lily right in the middle putting up a good fight.  That is until Oren walked in and placed a gun to Connell's head due to the fact that Connell was on the floor with Lily in his lap yet totaly innocent of any fowl play. After the shanty boy was kicked out of the tavern and Lily was safely under Oren's watchful guard she was able to explain what had happened and the gun was taken away from Connell's head.

While Lily stayed at the camp and the tavern not only did she have Oren watching over her Connell was also keeping an eye on her safety.  He knew she had sneaked into his hardened heart and he could not help himself for wanting to protect her.  When he found out about her crusade to save the young girls enslaved in the brothels he tried to discourage her, telling her it was hopeless in trying to save the girls.  But she was determined.  Lily had captured his heart and he would not let her be put in harms way.  His opinion of the young girls plight eventually crumbled and he was caught up in her crusade.  She told him about her life as an orphan along with that of her sister's.  He now realized that Daisy was  initially the reason for Lily's crusade.

This is not just a story about adventure, romance and intrigue, it is about the horrible life women and children were forced into living.  White slavery of women and children has always been a big problem even today.  I admire the author for centering this story on white slavery.  It is something we should not turn on backs on.  We must continue to protect women and children from this horrendous crime.

The real hero in this story was Lily.  Due to her strong faith God, He gave her the strength to push forward with her cause. She was persistent in her crusade against white slavery and recruited other people into to her fight against this injustice to human lives.

I challenge you to do a some research on white slavery not just in the past but in our present time.  Yes, white slavery of women and children is alive and thriving in this day and age. A lot of people hide from the truth but it does not make it go away!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Bethany House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here