The Preacher's Wife, Brides of Assurance #1 by Brandi Boddie ~ A Booketeria Review

About Book

Can this small-town girl trade her tarnished past for a respectable life?

During the hot, windy summer of 1870 in the burgeoning prairie town of Assurance, Kansas, Marissa Pierce is fed up with her abusive boss. She longs to start a new life and is growing weary of convincing townsfolk that she is most certainly not a prostitute.

Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man.

Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe’s family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her?

• ISBN-13: 9781616388430
• Publisher: Charisma Media
• Publication date: 10/1/2013
• Series: Brides of Assurance , #1
• Pages: 304

Where to Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Author 

Brandi Boddie writes inspirational romances sprinkled with brass, sass, and a dash of the speculative. She holds a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in political science from Youngstown State University. She lives in Texas with her husband and two rambunctious canines who aspire to be food critics. When she's not writing or playing dress up in Victorian/steampunk/1940s garb, you can find her hiking, swing dancing, or getting her daily fill of antioxidants through coffee and dark chocolate. 

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


My Thoughts

1870, Assurance, Kansas

Due to a dept owed by her mother Marissa Pierce was forced to take on after her mother's untimely death.  This dept is paid by working in a saloon as a waitress and dancer. The owner of the saloon has other plans for Marissa and has become abusive toward her.  

Marissa was raised in this very town by her grandparents so she is a familiar face in the town but is judged by her and her mother's occupation and are labeled as prostitutes among the town's people.  In pertaining to Marissa this was far from the truth but people are quick to judge.  

When the new preacher, Rowe Winfred moves to town he finds himself drawn to Marissa. He could see in her eyes the pain and broken soul within her.  He was compelled to learn more about this young woman.  When she tries to escape from her abusive boss Rowe is there to make sure she is not forced to return to her life as an indentured slave.

The author has touched on a subject that still exists for many women left alone without a family or husband to protect and support women from abuse and human trafficking.  The story shows how we must have faith and put our trust in God. I was moved by the elder couple that stuck their reputation on the line to help and house Marissa during her time of need. 

You will find HOPE along with retribution, trials, tribulation and LOVE in this story.  God has a plan if we only we let him take the lead. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

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

Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships by Jana Duggar, Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar

About Book

It's All About Relationships!

In this delightful and very personal book, the four oldest Duggar girls share their hearts and their core beliefs, explaining that it's all about relationships! 

Relationship with self: The girls share their own personal journeys to self-acceptance and navigating the difficult stage of adolescence. 

Relationship with parents: You'll find revelations about how Jim Bob and Michelle keep the lines of communication open with their children. 

Relationships with siblings: Here, you'll get a peek into the Buddy system, how the siblings handle conflict, and how the loss of little Jubilee (their sister) affected their relationships with each other. 

Relationships with friends: You'll find principles on how the Duggar kids deal with peer pressure and how they interact with friends outside their family. 

Relationships with boys: You'll learn the Duggar view of dating and courtship, and these four sisters will address the often-asked question of when one of them will get married. 

Relationship with God: And woven throughout the book, the girls talk about their most important relationship of all their relationship with God and their own personal faith and beliefs. 

This candid look into what Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger believe and why they believe it will give you practical insights into your own life and will inspire you to evaluate principles that will work for you.

Read Except Here

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

My Thoughts

This is definitely a book for young women of faith.  I would like my granddaughters to read this book. Starting new relationships with the intent of marriage in the future is a an exciting yet difficult time for young women of faith.  Following the rules of parents and church is not always easy unless you have been raised with Christian values. The Duggar parents have not slacked on raising their children with Christian values. 

The book is a short fast read but I suggest you slow down and enjoy the inspired advise and experiences offered by these lovely young women of faith.

I highly recommend this book for young women.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5.

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

The Last Bride, Home to Hickory Hollow Series, Book 5, by Beverly Lewis

About Book

Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.

Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

Resources

• Discussion QuestionsDownload PDF
• Press ReleaseDownload PDF
• Author Q & ADownload PDF
• ExcerptDownload PDF

About Author

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her website at

www.beverlylewis.com for more information.

My Thoughts

Tessie Miller is the last of the Miller daughters to marry. The young man she favors is not of her father's choice.  She has loved Marcus King for as long as she can remember, there is none other for her. Every time Marcus goes to her father to ask for her hand in marriage he is turned down without any reason as to why his request is denied. So the young couple decide to sneak away to the court house and have an English ceremony even though they both wanted desperately to marry in Amish tradition. They have chosen not to tell anyone of their marriage hoping Tessie's father will give them his blessing.  But before Marcus could approach her father with his request a tragic accident changes everything the young couple had planned for a happy future together.

Since no one knows of their marriage circumstances this put Tessie in critical scrutiny of not only of her Amish community but that of the Bishop and his wife.

This story was so tragic.  I was so angry with Tessie's father. Then when the her father's reasoning was revealed I was totally shocked.  The author touched on a topic that is a hidden secret among the Amish. She writes of how God's plan will be revealed if only we have faith and trust in God.

I must say as I have said so many times that Beverly Lewis never fails to amaze me with her talent for entertaining me with her writing.  This book is very much right up there with all her other books I have read. I had a hard time putting the book down.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

The Kissing Bridge, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series , #3 by Tricia Goyer

About Book

Rebecca is an Amish woman whose pained past compels her to leave everything to become a nurse---abandoning her family and community. Caleb is an Amish man who is counting down the days until hunting season. At a crossroads in his own life, the excitement of hunting game is all he looks forward to. All the while he wonders what to do with the rest of his life. Even though he likes the Amish lifestyle, what good is an Amish man without faith in God?

An unexpected meeting pushes them together, and they embark with friends on a two-week-long wilderness wagon journey. Hardship tears down the flimsy walls of protection they've placed around their hearts, and as their friendship grows they open up to each other and eventually reveal their deepest secrets. While on the outside they appear to be traditional Amish people, inside they both know they are anything but that. Will their secrets pull them together or draw them apart? And will their faith in God grow? There is a bridge to cross at the end of the journey. Will true love take them across?

• ISBN-13: 9780310335153
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 4/1/2014
• Series: Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series , #3
• Pages: 352

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble

About Author

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

My Short, Sweet Review. 

Rebecca would love to marry and have a family of her own. Even though she desires to remain Amish she is determined to leave everything behind in order to seek a nursing degree. What plans God has for her may work for some and not so much for others.

Another winner for this series.  I not only recommend  this book but all the other amazing books in this series.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.

THANKFUL BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY | BOOK GIVEAWAY AND BLOG TOUR

About Book: 

Thankful, Book Two in the Return to Sugarcreek series

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray captures the beauty, devotion, and warmth of Amish life in this engaging tale of family, commitment, trust, and love set in the beloved community of Sugarcreek.

Christina Kempf has always known that God chose Aden Reese to be her husband. As children, he was there to save her when she fell through the ice, and he's been by her side ever since. After his parents died in a car accident ten years ago, the Kempfs raised Aden as one of their own, and everyone sees Aden and Christina as brother and sister. But Christina has never given up hope that Aden will one day ask her to be his wife.

Aden always planned to court Christina. But losing his mother and father changed everything---except his love for her. Her parents generously welcomed him into their home and treated him like a son. He can't betray their kindness by admitting his feelings for the girl who is like a sister . . . yet so much more.

Pressured by her parents to court, Christina begins to accept the attentions of Sugarcreek's young men, and now, Aden must make a choice. Will he stand by and watch the love of his life slip away? Or will he risk losing the love and trust of the family he holds dear to tell Christina how he truly feels?

Thankful includes a P.S. section with additional insights from the author, background material, suggestions for further reading, and more.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wAcFF 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

About Author: 

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

 More about author: website, Facebook

Enter to win the first two books in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series, Hopeful & Thankful. a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Thoughts:

Christina Kempf surrendered her heart to Aiden Reese when they were young children.  He was her hero, best friend and protector.  He was taken in by her family after the tragic death of his parents.  They have not revealed the depth of their love for for each other fear the other only carries the love of a sibling. 

Christina makes the move to court other young Amish men at the persistence of her parents.  This rips a hole in Aiden's heart. He is afraid of loosing her but also fears loosing the respect of Christina's parents if he were to reveal his true feelings for their daughter.  

This story touched my heart to the point I had to keep a box of tissues in my lap while reading the book.  In fact it did not take me long to read the book because I refused to put the book down until the very end.  

The story had so much to offer me as a reader. It was tragic, romantic and it had dedication to family and community.  Lessons were learned in trusting God without fear and to pray He for Him to lead us to the life He has planned for us.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5  out of 5.

Disclosure: 
I received a free copy of this book from HarperCollins /Avon Inspire/
Litfuse Publicity Group for an honest review.

Winner of So Fair A Lady, Daughters of His Kingdom Series #1 by Amber Lynn Perry ~ Giveaway

Congratulations!

 Winner of Giveaway! 

lag123 
(We will be contacting you!)

Laurel Award, Coming Soon!

THE 2014 LAUREL

Hear ye, hear ye!

Clash of the Titles's 2014 Laurel Award

will soon be open for submissions.

Novels participating inthe Laurel are judged by their audience—readers who are well-versed in Christian fiction
yet not a part of the CBA industry. This contest judges the first two chapters (or 3,500 words) of published novels.

READERS

Are you a fan of Christian fiction, yet not associated with the publishing industry? Then we want you! If you enjoy reading and giving your opinion, Clash of the Titles invites you to join our reader-judge team. Each judge reads 5 to 7 two-chapter excerpts of recently published Christian novels, then completes a simple point system score sheet. If you're interested, please contact us at contactcott@gmail.com.

AUTHORS
Eligibility for the Laurel: Christian novels (30,000+ words) of any genre published between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.

Self-published novels accepted.

Submissions Open: June 02, 2014

Submissions Close: July 18, 2014,

or when submission max is reached.

2013 Laurel Winner
Veil of Pearls
by MaryLu Tyndall

Limited Submissions: In order to not overburden our volunteerjudges, we are limited in the number of submissions we can accept for the Laurel. Act soon!

One entry per author. Co-authored entries accepted.

Fee: $10 payable via Paypal

Please visit our website for submission guidelines.

Prizes: One first-place winner will be chosen. He/she will receive a special feature on Clash of the Titles' blog. A tour throughCOTT’s Blog Alliance. A dedicated page on COTT’s site for a full year. An on-line radio interview with author and CAG board member, Cynthia L. Simmons. A digital winner’s badge. A beautiful plaque.

Stay tuned for updates by

subscribing to COTT's blog and “liking” our Facebook page.

MOMS’ NIGHT OUT BY TRICIA GOYER | BLOGGER CHALLENGE AND TOUR

Motherhood can sometimes seem like survival of the fittest. Every day brings its own troubles, and by the end of the day, you’re spent. Between school, soccer practice, cleaning, laundry, cooking dinner, putting away dishes, and keeping your kids from going at each others’ throats, the last thing on your mind is getting away for an evening. If that’s you, you’re invited to take part in Tricia and Kerri’s No More Frumpy Mommy challenge.

Tricia and Kerri will choose 10 winners to receive a Fandango gift card to see Moms’ Night Out, as well as copies of Moms’ Night Out (the book) and Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss. One grand-prize winner will receive $200 to put toward her own moms’ night out or her own moms’ night out “ride” (getting her car detailed and cleaned).

GO HERE TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE!

ABOUT BOOK 

Moms’ Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right. 

All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong? 

Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy. 

The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (EVERBODY LOVES RAYMOND, THE MIDDLE), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER). 

Learn more and purchase a copy at Tricia’s website.

About Author

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer has written the novelization to the much-anticipated movie, Moms’ Night Out. Don’t miss this hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.

Look for the companion devotional written by comedian Kerri Pomarolli, Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.

Tricia and Kerri have teamed up for the “No More Frumpy Mommy” challenge. 

{MORE ABOUT TRICIA GOYER}no

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. 

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

Amber Perry, Author of So Fair A Lady, Shares Her Fun Top Ten Pet Peeves! Giveaway!

Today Amber Perry's Top Ten Pet Peeves!

 "My top ten pet peeves!  
This was THE funnest interview I have ever done."

~AMBER PERRY~

1. Loud chewing. In person, over the phone, on the telly--just yuck!

2. Loud SWALLOWING. Even worse. ;)

3. Sticky anything--floors, handles, knobs--you name it. Things should not be sticky!!

4. Rudeness! Can this be a pet peeve? I can't stand it when people are rude!

5. Bathrooms that don't clean themselves. 

6. Long, boring, gray winters with no snow and no rain and no sun. Only clouds. *bleh*

7. Clam chowder. I strongly believe that clams were never, EVER made to be eaten.

8. Finding an AWESOME vintage dress ON SALE--only to find its not really on sale.

9. Going to the beach and bringing half of the sand home with you.

10. My nose. ;) (mostly kidding. Mostly.)

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENTER 

"SO FAIR A LADY" GIVEAWAY