Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

About Book

A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all 

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

Read Excerpt Chapter One here.

See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD



About Author

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print. She lives in central Kansas where she and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy spoiling their ten granddarlings.

See more at: http://kimvogelsawyer.com/about/


My Thoughts

Dinah was not only born in a brothel but was raised there until she turned seventeen.  The cook at the brothel told her about advertisements for Harvey Girl waitresses in hopes of getting her out of the brothel before she became like the others.  To her disappointment she would have to be eighteen to be a waitress but to her great surprise they would hire her as a housekeeper at the hotel.  She will finally be able to put the stigma behind her of being shunned by the community as being tainted.  

She is determined to stay to herself and work hard at Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas so she can move on to becoming a Harvey Girl when she turns eighteen.  She catches the interest and admiration of a Florence local chicken farmer, Amos Ackerman.  She is flattered by the attention but stays in fear of someone finding out about being the daughter of a prostitute.  She avoids making friends with the girls she works with but takes up their invitation to join them in going to church.  She is shown nothing but love and respect from everyone.  She wondered why anyone, much less God, would care about the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute?  

The author has written a sad tale of an illegitimate girl searching to find respectability.  More so she yearned for unconditional love.  The character Dinah had little confidence in mankind and for good cause. She was shown little more love than an unwanted rodent.  This story reveals God had other plans for Dinah beyond anything she could ever have imaged.  It was a heart-wrenching tale turned by redemption and reconciliation. Then there is sweet tender love growing in the heart of a most unexpected young man for this lovely lost girl. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books/WATERBROOK PRESS for an honest review.

March New Releases Clash--Come Vote!

While we tally the scores for the 2014 Olympia, Clashof the Titles's annual contest for pre-published writers, have a look atthese spectacular new releases, hand-picked just for you. After you'vechosen your favorite, let us know which it is by casting your vote in thesurvey box below.

We wish our contestants all the best!

Mandy will risk everything to protect her guests and her ranch. Her faith,and God's protection, lead her to find out the secret to the Red Goldbefore it destroys everything.

Local foods chef Claire Halford hosts weddings on Green Acres Farm, but thefirst bride comes with a ruggedly handsome brother. Noel Kenzie’sreforestation company provides him the means to enjoy a globe-trottinglife, until he's captivated by a certain chef who's firmly rooted in oneplace.

Drew Farthering would like to end the summer of 1932 with the announcementof his engagement to Madeline Parker, but instead he finds himself enmeshedin a series of murders that have disrupted the peaceful little village ofFarthering St. John. Who is behind the Hatpin Murders, and why are they allin some way connected to Drew?

 Shortly before suffering a tragic car accident, Kate McConnell wrotethe simple but powerful words of Psalm 23 on a piece of paper to give toher wayward and confused son. As Kate fights for her life her copy of thepsalm begins an incredible journey around the world, forever changing thelives of twelve very different people.






Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servantwas the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah,from the child’s evil grandmother, Queen Athaliah. However, Ari neverthought he’d fall in love with Mira, his master’s daughter, and now he mustchoose between his heart and his sacred duty to God and the nation he hasvowed to serve.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey

;, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Book Blast Tour & Giveaway ~ Life In The Palace by Catherine Green

 

Life in the Palace by Catherine Green “We need to talk,” Tal said. Then I knew it was going to go badly. ‘We need to talk’ is the conversational equivalent of walking into your basement without turning on the light, on a dark and stormy night, when a known psychopath is on the loose. You might as well cut to the chase and slit your own throat. Chloe Diaz assumed three things: that when Tal said that she was one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance, it was code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo;’ that the gorgeous Seth Wilks would never be her soul mate and that she’d never have to choose between them. Chloe was wrong. Now the future of the world is in her hands, but what if price is too great to pay?

Download a FREE copy now!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Chloe on Facebook * Seth on Facebook

  This is a brief description of the plot:   After a lifetime in the shadow of her sister, Chloe is severely phobic of the chronically cool. Seth is everything she avoids; a pre-med philosophy major who works in a bar, plays in a band and is so good looking that grown women stare at him in the street. But it’s hard to say no to your soul mate. Thinking she’s maxed out her supply of destiny, Chloe settles down to enjoy the happily-ever-after.   Tal says that she’s one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance. Chloe assumes this is code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo.’ Actually Tal’s main extracurricular activity is fighting the forces of Oblivion. The People never need to hide what they are because no one ever believes them. Until Chloe does.   Chloe sets out to help Tal and The People as much as she can as an outsider. Seth says as long as no one wears their underpants on the outside Chloe can do what she likes. What he doesn’t say is that he’s also one of The People, although non-practicing. But as the Final Battle draws nearer, Chloe realizes it’s time for Seth to go collect his regulation sword. The only thing standing in his way is her. Seth says he’ll give up his place in heaven to stay with her. Chloe must choose between Seth’s soul and her own happiness.  

Praise for Life in the Palace An interesting take on the paranormal romance genre. …..While other books in the genre have unrealistic buy in to the acceptance of someone from the outside entering a "new world" Life in the Palace handled it from both the main character looking in and the dwellers of the Palace looking out at this person trying to enter their world. …….I am so happy to hear that there are more books in the series! – Yonit on Goodreads I loved this world that Catherine Green created. I happily lost myself in the life & deep love between Chloe & Seth …..I loved the attention to detail, the fleshing out of the world around them, the obvious growth of all the characters... Even the heartbreaking choices made at the end. Book two I cannot wait to read! – Ebon Darkmyth on Smashwords Loved it, great story line, fun characters and after reading it and thinking deeply about the duality of our lives, it made my prayers come alive! – Rebecca Wittenstein on Amazon.com This book introduces you to a whole host of characters that you want to meet in real life. ….The action keeps you reading, while the budding love between Seth and Chloe makes you breathless. A great read. – Cypora Cohen on Amazon.co.uk

Tour Schedule

Author Catherine Green Catherine Green writes fantasy books featuring religious characters in a brazen attempt to make the people in faith communities seem less weird. She lives with her husband, children and three marginally neglected goldfish. When she's not writing, or pretending to be one of her characters on Facebook, she has been known to cook dinner.

Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

         
Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Finds Faith, The Homeward Journey, Book Two by Martha Rogers

About Book

Hannah Dyer has just moved to Texas to help her brother-in-law in his medical practice. Despite her handicap of having one leg much shorter than the other, she is a great nurse whose skills help make the practice the most successful in the area.

When Micah Gordon returns home after some shady escapades, his father hopes he will settle down to ranch life. Hannah is smitten by his good looks and roguish ways, but because of her leg, she has no hopes of attracting his attention.

After Micah suffers a tragic loss, he loses his faith and almost loses his ranch. Can Hannah's care and staunch faith help him on the road to recovery with a new hope, new faith, and a new love?

• Series: The Homeward Journey (Book 2)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms (February 4, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621365468
• ISBN-13: 978-1621365464

Where to purchase: Amazon, christianbook.com

• 
  

About Author

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella released in 2007.

Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry. 

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages.

As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.

Author's website: http://www.marthawrogers.com/


My Thoughts

Hannah Dyer is ready to start her new life in Texas.  She will not only be living with her sister's family but she will be working for her sister's husband, Dr. Manfred Whiteman as his nurse.  This is an adventure she is looking forward to.  When she steps off the train her sister Sallie is there to pick her up. Micah Gordon a handsome neighbor of Sallie's offers to load Hannah's trunks onto the wagon. Hannah is smitten by the young man then he noticed her deformed leg as he helped her in the wagon.  She felt very self conscious about her leg and saw the pity in his expression. Sallie warned her sister against paying any mind to this prodigal son with a shady past.

Hannah decides to go with her heart and give the young man the benefit of the doubt.  She does her best to encourage him without getting into his business especially after he and his brother have a run of bad luck and the brothers end up having a parting of the way. 

The author writes of Hannah's courage and accomplishments along with her insecurities due her tp her deformed leg.  God is the center of this story giving Hannah faith to trust in God's will.  I read this book in one day and was not wanting it to end.  In this historical novel there is romance and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages. You can count on a good book if the author is Martha Rogers.  I am looking forward to book three in this series. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booketeria/Realms for an honest review.

March and April I Added To My Personal Stash

About Book

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream. Libby wishes to become a famous journalist, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett wants to join a fraternity and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764205102
• ISBN-13: 978-0764205101

About Book

What Would You Give for a Second Chance to Make Things Right?

When life gets complicated, Grace Graham runs. She's left romantic relationships, friendships, and even her family after the death of her mother. But now her sister, Jana, is giving her once last chance:

Come home and help care for their father--whom Grace still blames for her mother's death--or never show her face in Shoal Creek, Tennessee, again.

With her son, Dylan, in tow, Grace returns home from California. But is she returning for the right reasons? And when costly decisions from the past suddenly put her son's life and the lives of other children in town at risk, will she have the strength to stand strong and await Another Dawn?

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076420825X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208256

About Book

A New Orleans lady and a half-breed frontiersman become unlikely allies as they travel the wilds of texas.

In 1821, when circumstances make it impossible for her to remain in New Orleans, Dorritt and her family head west to join Stephen Austin's settlement and recoup their fortune in Texas.

Quinn is a man of the frontier who has made a name for himself as a peerless scout. But as he and Dorritt's party begin a grueling trek across untamed Texas, the success of their journey is in grave doubt. Mexico has broken with the Spanish Crown, and armies from both countries—plus marauding Comanches—roam the pine forests and prairies. And one of the party is plotting destruction...

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; Original edition (February 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061373419
• ISBN-13: 978-0061373411

About Book

The second book in the Texas: Star of Destiny series by Lyn Cote, Her Inheritance Forever is an unforgettable story of faith, duty, destiny, and love that unites a proud Tejano lady and an American cowboy in a time of great upheaval in the West. A 2006 Rita Award finalist, author Lyn Cote demonstrates the great power and range of inspirational fiction in Her Inheritance Forever, as two hearts are joined and tested amid the historic events—including the legendary stand at the Alamo—that would ultimately lead to Texas statehood.

In 1836 Texas, Alandra Sandoval is the lady of Rancho Sandoval, determined to prove to a doubting world that a woman alone can run a ranch as well as any man. But when Comanches attack her ranch and kidnap her, Alandra must admit she needs protection. A top hand at a nearby ranch, Scully Falconer, is chosen for the task and though Alandra tries to pretend she doesn't need his help, he quietly stays by her side....

• Series: Texas: Star of Destiny (Book 2)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Avon Inspire; 1 edition (August 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061373435
• ISBN-13: 978-0061373435

About Book

A splendid exploration of faith against great odds and love that endures years of disappointment.

Abraham and Sarah is a masterful historical drama from the moment that Abraham strides into the pagan temple to rescue Sarah. The couple set out in search of the blessings God had promised: abundant fertile land and decedents more plentiful than the stars.

But years of wandering bring the couple to Egypt where once again Abraham convinces Sarah that as sister and brother surely they will pass safely through the territory. But Pharaoh takes Sarah into his harem where she befriends Pharaoh's daughter, Hagar. Together the three are ordered to leave.

Years of barrenness have embittered Sarah and she hatches a plan: Hagar must become the vessel for the child God has promised. Ishmael is born to Hagar and so is jealousy born in Sarah's heart. But God had a plan and He was right all along. This miracle unfolds with Historical authenticity leaving the reader with a better understanding of the ancient world and the life-changing faith of Abraham and Sarah.

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (February 14, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802409571
• ISBN-13: 978-0802409577
• 
  

About Book

Patience Creighton has dedicated herself to the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. But the return of the enigmatic master of the estate puts everything she loves at risk. 

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she invests herself in teaching at her father’s school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to make the school successful.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin’s edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of property -- including the land where Rosemere School is located -- but possesses little money to manage its upkeep. When debtors start calling, he is desperate to find a new source of income, even if it means sacrificing Rosemere.

When a fire threatens the school grounds, William must decide to what lengths he is willing to go to protect his birthright. And when Patience’s brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience suddenly finds herself unsure of her calling. After a surprising truth about William’s past is brought to light, both William and Patience will have to seek God’s plans for their lives—and their hearts.

Length	320 Pages
Series	Whispers On The Moors
Publication Date	December 31, 2013
Company	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	1401688365
ISBN-13	9781401688363

Sinners and the Sea

The Untold Story of Noah's Wife

By Rebecca Kanner

The young heroine in Sinners and the Sea is destined for greatness. Known only as “wife” in the Bible and cursed with a birthmark that many think is the brand of a demon, this unnamed woman—fated to become the mother of all generations after the great flood—lives anew through Rebecca Kanner. The author gives this virtuous woman the perfect voice to make one of the Old Testament’s stories come alive like never before. 

Desperate to keep her safe, the woman’s father gives her to the righteous Noah, who weds her and takes her to the town of Sorum, a haven for outcasts. Alone in her new life, Noah’s wife gives him three sons. But living in this wicked and perverse town with an aloof husband who speaks more to God than to her takes its toll. Noah’s wife struggles to know her own identity and value. She tries to make friends with the violent and dissolute people of Sorum while raising a brood that, despite its pious upbringing, develops some sinful tendencies of its own. While Noah carries out the Lord’s commands... SEE MORE-

Howard Books |  352 pages | ISBN 9781451695236 | April 2013 

Born of Persuasion

Price of Privilege #1

Jessica Dotta

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

Binding:

Softcover

ISBN:

978-1-4143-7555-7

• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 16, 2013)

Page Count:

448

Healer of Carthage, The Carthage Chronicles, Book 1 by Lynne Gentry

About Book

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become. 

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home? 

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God? 

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap? 

Read an Excerpt here.

Howard Books |  416 pages | ISBN 9781476746333 | March 2014 - See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Healer-of-Carthage/Lynne-Gentry/The-Carthage-Chronicles/9781476746333#sthash.cBnEMm3V.dpuf

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Lynne Gentry was a finalist in Westbow’s 2010 fiction contest. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and three of her novels have been selected as finalists for the ACFW Genesis contest. Lynne is a pastor’s wife and the mother of two grown children. 

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Lynne-Gentry/412732530#sthash.Pidtkp2y.dpuf


My Thoughts

Dr. Lisbeth Hastings while on a suspended leave is summoned by her father to an archaeological dig. While exploring ancient cave drawings Lisbeth finds the ground literally disappearing from under her feet. When she regains consciousness she finds herself being sold as a slave to Cyprian Thascius. Angry and fighting for her life Cyprian drags her away to his home.  He tries to calm her but she was beyond calming.  God called upon Cyprian to save Lisbeth from being sold to an evil man. He finds himself draw not only by God to this woman but also by  his heart.

Lisbeth is forced into a situation to use her medical skills when two boys are brought into Cyprian's home during a Christian gathering. The Romans are out to destroy any of the followers of Jesus. How and why did she manage to be in Roman Carthage eighteen hundred years in the past?

This story gave me goosebumps when the ground fell out from under Lisbeth. I wish to tell you so much about the story but then that would spoil the story for you. The author started with a contemporary novel jumping into a historical romance novel. I found interest in the conditions, knowledge and medicines healers eighteen hundred years ago had to work with.  

If you are interested in time travel and biblical fiction this is the book for you.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Howard Book/SimonSchuster for an honest review.

Permanent Resident at the Purse Table, a COTT Feature

"Keisha's debut novel is a sweet reminderof the redeeming power of love, along with a dose of drama between goodfriends! Her characters are so relatable because they're imperfect peoplewho've made some serious mistakes--just like the rest of us!"

-Michelle Stimpson,nNational Bestselling Author

About the book:

If you're size six, you dance. If you're Ava Alexander, you watch thepurses while your girlfriends dance. Each man that passes her by takes alittle of her self-esteem. After escaping a mentally abusive relationship,she promises God she will wait on Him to bring her the right man. And shemeans it--Until Ishmael. When her best friend's fiancé throws a fewcompliments her way, she travels down the path of betrayal. Ava's choicestrains her friendship and sends her into a depression. Ava receives spiritual guidance from Dr. Glory Moses. Through God's Word,there is a glimpse of hope for a restored friendship, and a newfound lovefor the woman she is. In addition, a man she meets at the counseling centeroffers her a glimpse of what could be if she lines up with God's will forher life. Will Ava be able to overcome her insecurities and step into the life Godplans for her, or will she continue to self-destruct?

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnesand Noble

What COTT voters had to say:

* I'm happy to see a novel with a plus-sized woman as the main character.Thanks, Keisha!
* I voted for Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! Good luck Keisha!
* Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! You won't be able to put itdown!
* Keisha Bass, Your book sounds like a must-read! We've all soughtvalidation in a way that brought trouble. Can't wait to see how all turnsout! Lana K.

About the author:

Keisha Bass has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Englishand holds teaching certificates in

English, Speech, and Physical Education. She has been a teacher and coachfor fourteen years, and currently teaches middle school physical educationand coach girls' volleyball and softball. She grew up in Houston, Texas,but now resides in Arlington, Texas. Keisha is also Vice President of theDFW Ready Writers, a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers,and a member of North Texas Christian Writers.
Permanent Resident at the Purse Table is Keisha's first novel. Shehas published non-fiction articles in magazines and two onlinepublications, TheChristianPulse.com and sober24.com. Her article, "HeartProblems", was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book ofMiracles.

Keisha, when is your next book due out and can you tell us aboutit?
"My next book, Permanent Resident at the Altar, is due out November2015. It takes a closer look at my main characters' lives from the firstbook and how they are moving forward in their newfound situations. There'sdrama, laughter, and definitely more chances to learn how to lean on God inevery area of their lives."

Connect with Keisha:

keishabass@att.net 

www.keishabass.org 

;

www.twitter.com/BassKeisha 

;https://www.facebook.com/KeishaBassAuthor

;

Find more great reads every week at Clash of the Titles.com!

QUILTS OF LOVE - MAYBELLE IN STITCHES by JOYCE MAGNIN

About Quilts of Love: 

Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. TheQuilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.

About the book: 

Maybelle Kazinzki can't sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother's house she gets the crazy idea to finish it---somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II.

Her recently departed mother's quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother's childhood, her grandmother's childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden's stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life. After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle's faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful---no matter what. And it'll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that.

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Tour Schedule: here

About the Author: 

Joyce Magnin is the author of the Bright's Pond novels, including the award-winning The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader and the organizer of the StoryCrafters fiction group. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Learn more about Joyce at: http://joycemagnin.blogspot.com

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Maybelle in Stitches, by Joyce Magnin. Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it.

Joyce is celebrating the release with a $200 Modcloth giveaway. Enter today for a chance to spruce up your spring wardrobe!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 ModCloth.com gift card
• Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron
• A Sky Without Stars by Linda S. Clare
• Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced on April 21st on the Quilts of Love blog!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.

My Thoughts

Maybelle couldn't believe she was going to attempt to finish a quilt her mother had started. Her dear friend Doris said it was a memory crazy quilt since it had pieces of fabric from Maybelle's heritage.  After great contemplation they decided to add more than her childhood scraps to the quilt she would add pieces of memory of her husband and others whom were enduring this Second World War. The fact that her husband was missing in action makes finishing the quilt more important than ever.

There is one big problem Maybelle can't sew and needed help. She had several women workers from the shipyard renting rooms in her home.  She too worked at the shipyard as a welder building ships which was her contribution to the war. Some of the women staying in her home and a couple of other she worked with was interested in helping her with the quilt even adding some of their own memories to the quilt and at the same time they would teach Maybelle to sew.  

I found the character Maybelle to be pessimistic in many ways. For instance her lack of faith in God to keep her husband safe or to get her through life's everyday trials and tribulations. She did not think she was capable of  learning to cook or sew in other words most things women were expect to know by her age. She had no faith in herself or God. She came off at times as being self-centered.  Especially when there others were worried about their husbands being missing or becoming casualties of war.  

I loved the story line of the shipyard women workers, but the rest of the reading was slow.  The reading seemed repetitive at times about the characters daily lives.  But the story line kept me reading and waiting for something interesting to happen which it did occasionally through the story.   

My own father was in the Navy during WWII.  He died from Leukemia in 1955 when I was four years old.  I have no memory of him.  A memory quilt would have been nice.

I do recommend this book. 

I rated this book a 4 out of  5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group/Abingdon Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.