I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!
With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue -- even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy...
Mills & Boon Love Inspired -- Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Author Toni Shiloh offers another heartwarming story with all of the elements we love. An Unlikely Alliance has intriguing characters with realistic challenges, some adorable pets to sweeten the tale, and a lovely faith message that is woven into its plot. Yes, there is a promise of romance, but it doesn't come easy in this 'enemies to friends, friends to lovers' story. I often found myself frustrated with Jalissa because she's very candid with her disdain for Rider, but I kept reminding myself that she'd suffered a tremendous loss. Rider's attempts to get along and his unwavering faith are a joy to see, and I was truly taken with him! He's strong and loyal, and he isn't afraid to defend his beliefs when Jalissa questions God's presence in her own life. Will Rider's Christian witness be enough to influence Jalissa's journey to faith and acceptance?
An Unlikely Alliance is a delightful story and a perfect choice for fans of inspirational romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, and The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to encourage authors in the writing industry. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.
A terrible accident leaves three women as the sole providers of the family they have left. Their only income must come from the greenhouse in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business in their darkest hour of grief and despair. Can hope be restored in three novels from bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter?
The Crow’s Call When her father, brother, and brother-in-law are killed in a traffic accident, Amy King leaves a job she loves and halts a promising courtship with Jared to help run the family greenhouse. Can things get any worse for a young Amish woman who has already made several sacrifices?
The Mockingbird’s Song Widow with two children, Sylvia feels her mother is being too over-protective and meddlesome when she meets Dennis Weaver while birdwatching. When the budding romance is squelched and troubling events start happening again at the family-run greenhouse, Sylvia must confront her reoccurring anxieties.
The Robin’s Greeting Suddenly widowed with the weight of her family and business on her shoulders, Belinda King struggles to remain strong and at peace. When the pressures mysteriously increase, will she crumble, or can she turn to one of two new suitors?
MY THOUGHTS.....
I read the three books in this collection when they were originally published and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Now, they are together in one volume, and I am once again reliving the joys, the sorrows, and the triumphs of the King and Beiler families. Author Wanda E. Brunstetter shows that Amish people aren't immune to problems, heartaches, and even doubts, but in the end, their faith helps carry them through. I recommended these books to all who enjoy Amish fiction and I gave all of them 5 stars in my original reviews. Here are snippets from each review:
The Crow's Call has everything that I've come to expect in a Brunstetter book and it offers readers a reunion with characters from The Prayer Jars series. An inspiring faith message and a mystery that is left unsolved certainly makes it a book to recommend and I am eagerly waiting to read The Mockingbird's Song, book two of the Amish Greenhouse Mystery.
The Mockingbird's Song is an inspiring, intriguing, and entertaining addition to the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series and fans of Brunstetter and Amish fiction won't be disappointed! The Robin's Greeting is the perfect way to wrap up the Amish Greenhouse Mystery series, and I recommend it to all who enjoy reading about family, faith, and the Amish way of life.
I received copies of these books from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for favorable reviews. These are my opinions.
New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Remembering a serial killer’s face…could be deadly
While interviewing the Coastline Strangler’s only surviving victim, forensic artist Scarlet Wells is attacked and left with amnesia. Now she’s his next mark and has no choice but to work with constable Jace Allen to unlock the criminal’s true identity trapped in her mind. Will they be able to recover the hidden memory and hunt down the killer before he strikes again?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Wow! Author Darlene L. Turner has written an action-filled, danger-ridden story that kept me turning the pages to learn what would happen next. Imagine losing your memory and then becoming the target of a killer that only you can describe! This is Scarlet Well's predicament as she and her protector work to unlock the secrets locked in her memory. Will the serial killer continue to claim more victims? Can Jase Allen keep Scarlet safe until she remembers?
Turner once again proves her ability to write books that I can't put down. She made me care for her characters, she left me digging for clues, and she succeeded in keeping me in the dark until the very end. Lethal Forensic Investigation is romantic suspense at its best!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.comwhere there’s suspense beyond borders.
Protecting the evidence means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…
Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
If you're looking for intense, non-stop action, look no further. Author Kellie Van Horn has written a hair-raising, pulse-altering adventure that starts with a plane crash in the North Cascades National Park, and continues, page after page, chapter after chapter. I found myself wondering how Haley Whitcombe and Park Ranger Ezra Dalton would ever live long enough to prove that she hadn't committed murder and corporate espionage. VanHorn paints a vivid picture of their fear, their determination to escape the killers, and their efforts to overcome the hurts from their past. Ezra still mourns the loss of his wife and young daughter, and rejects any involvement that might be considered betrayal. How can he allow his awakening feelings for Haley to jeopardize his precious memories? Hunted in the Wilderness is VanHorn's third book, and her writing keeps getting better! She made me care about her characters in their battle for survival and their search for happiness. I highly recommend this exciting, romantic suspense novel laced with faith and hope.
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.
A member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers, Kellie is a 2022 and double 2020 HOLT Medallion finalist, 2019 Golden Heart® finalist, 2018 Daphne du Maurier award winner (unpublished), and double 2018 Genesis semi-finalist.
He's faced countless perils on the battlefield, but nothing so dangerous as falling in love.
Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life—for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.
Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have and to give him the family he desperately needs.
When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke's attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris's brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.
MY THOUGHTS.....
The books in this Hanger's Horsemen series have featured some very special men but one of them quickly grabbed a piece of my heart and wouldn't let go. This man had experienced many hardships but still found saving grace and comfort through God's Word. Luke Davenport was able to quote scripture like a preacher and he definitely needed his own story. Thankfully, author Karen Witemeyer has given it to him! This third book in the Hanger's Horsemen series allows Luke aka "Preach" to shine and hopefully work his way to a happy ending. Courage abounds, hearts are exposed, and lives are changed as Luke comes to the rescue of Damaris Baxter and her orphaned nephew Nathaniel. Will he be able to protect them?
In Honor's Defense is a well-written story filled with hope, faith, and redemption. I was fully invested in the well-developed characters and exciting plot, and I couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series! Best of all, the other horsemen make appearances, and their loyalty and friendship are a joy to witness. Well done, Ms. Witemeyer, you've outdone yourself with this story!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
Winner of the HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, National Reader's Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit http://www.karenwitemeyer.com. Learn more at FacebookGoodreadsBookbub
Looking for a fresh start, advice columnist Sissy Yoder heads to small-town Yoder, Kansas, to help in her aunt’s café. But when a milkman is murdered, the newcomer becomes the prime suspect . . .
After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. Plus she can continue to secretly write her newspaper advice column as seventy-year-old “Aunt Bess.” But it’s Sissy who could use some advice when she finds the milk deliveryman out behind the café with a knife in his back. As the sheriff’s prime suspect, it’s up to Sissy to catch the backstabber herself—before someone else gets creamed . . .
MY THOUGHTS.....
Amy Lillard has a new series, and this first book is definitely a winner. Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary is a Sunflower Cafe Mystery book, and I absolutely loved it! It's a fun story filled with unique characters, an intriguing mystery, and a special setting. Sissy Yoder thinks that spending some time in Yoder, Kansas will kill two birds with one stone---she'll get away from the scene of a failed relationship and also help her Aunt Bethel as she recuperates from a broken leg. What she doesn't count on is finding a murdered milkman in the back of the Sunflower Cafe. Who would want to kill a milkman? Worse still, why would anyone think that newcomer Sissy is the killer?
Yoder is a small town with several Amish families and Lillard offers entertaining interaction between the English and Amish citizens. Sissy can help her Amish family members at the Sunflower Cafe and still offer advice, anonymously, as elderly newspaper columnist 'Aunt Bess'. I enjoyed that some of Aunt Bess's delightful advice is offered at the beginning of each chapter! I also liked that there may be someone in Yoder to help Sissy forget her former boyfriend. Will she still be anxious to return to her home in Tulsa?
If you like cozy mysteries and Amish fiction, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary. I hope to enjoy another Sunflower Cafe Mystery very soon!
I received an ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely way up on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, and three spoiled cats. ^..^
When she’s not creating happy endings, she has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy is an award winning author with more than forty novels and novellas in print. She loves to hear from readers.
Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 8, 2022!
Book Details:
Book Title: THE ELEGANT EMU (a Harmony Adventure) by Karen M. Bobos Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 40 pages Genre: Children's Picture Book, Fairy Tale Publisher: Bobos Babes, Ltd. Release date: June 2022 Content Rating: G for everyone.
Book Description:
The magical sisters are enrolled in an etiquette class when their manners are not fit for the king and queen of the enchanted land of Harmony. Can Elizabeth the Emu help the royal sisters?
In the beautiful and peaceful land of Harmony, three magical sisters, the Bobos Babes, uproot the kingdom's tranquility with some not-so-polite actions -nose-picking, belching, and other noisy...expulsions. Their parents, the King and Queen, enroll the sisters in the elegant Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class where they learn manners and other ways to self-improve like being on time, politeness, and proper personal hygiene.
Elizabeth the Emu explains to Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora that having proper etiquette is more than good manners, it's about being kind and courteous. And for the sisters? Well, let's just say that they will be needing more than one lesson from Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class.
MY THOUGHTS.....
There are so many reasons why children will love this book. A King and Queen live in a castle with their three little girls, and even though their life is good, it could use some improvement. Scarlett, Daphne, and Cora need to learn how to act like a proper angel, princess, and fairy, so their parents could use some help! Who better to help them than Elizabeth, an emu who teaches etiquette classes?
The Elegant Emu is a charming story that is both entertaining and educational. Young people will love the rhyming text and the bright, colorful illustrations, and they'll probably laugh out loud when Elizabeth catches Scarlett, Daphne, and Cora burping, chewing with their mouths open, and picking their noses. Elizabeth gently teaches them the proper way to handle these situations and it's apparent that author Karen M. Bobos knows how to make learning special for children. Who knew that manners and etiquette could be so fun?
I received a copy of this book as part of iRead Book Tours but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.
I am constantly trying to teach my daughters proper manners. At least once a day, I remind them to “Always be a lady.” In fact, I will say, “Always be a …” and then my daughters say simultaneously, “Lady.” From how they sit to how they eat to how to keep bodily functions in the bathroom, there is constant teaching. It’s more than acting a certain way, but rather treating others with kindness and respect and respecting themselves.
Why did you choose an Emu for the etiquette school instructor?
The land of Harmony is filled with animal characters that represent people in my daughters’ lives. I wanted my sister-in-law, Elizabeth, to have a fabulous character that suited her well. Most of the characters’ first names begin with the same letter as an animal, i.e. Leonard the Lion and Barbara the Butterfly. While writing, I thought an emu sounded fun. Then I created a little bird family for her that reflected her real family, and it just kept flowing as I wrote the book.
Did you ever take an etiquette class?
No, I have not, but honestly, I would love to! I did quite a bit of research for my book. Living downtown Chicago, we often dine at nice restaurants. I think it’s important to follow proper etiquette to communicate best with your servers and keep the dining experience smooth.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was probably in third or fourth grade when I fell in love with books and wished that I could write books of my own. I started writing all kinds of stories and stapling them into books. I had very supportive teachers who would have me read the stories to my classmates.
How long does it take you to write a book?
If I am uninterrupted, I can write a short story in one day. It really depends on the book and the flow as I’m writing. Meaning, if while I’m writing, the story keeps evolving quickly in my head. I wrote “The Case of the Giggles” in one day. It took me months to write “The Elegant Emu.” My schedule was so busy that I barely had time to sit down to write.
Have you ever written books for adults?
Funny, I met my husband when I was 32 years old. I had so many crazy dating stories that I wrote a book about them. Once I met my husband, I deleted the book. I know, crazy, right? And it was several hundred pages. I just didn’t want those stories out there. Plus, they were true stories. I took it as a therapeutic experience that helped me outline what I wanted in a husband, and I married my dream man. Perhaps some day . . . for now, I’ll focus on my kiddos.
The King James Version of the Bible has stood the test of time.
Now it’s catching up with the times.
Barbour’s Simplified KJV builds off the familiarity and trustworthiness of the King James Bible while removing the difficulties of antiquated language and punctuation.
Keeping all the original translation work of the 1611 Bible, the Simplified KJV carefully updates old styles that may interfere with your understanding today:
outdated verb styles are refreshed—for example, art becomes are; gavest becomes gave
old forms of address—like thee, thou, and ye—are updated
confusing older terms—such as wroth or divers—are modernized
pronouns for God—He, His, Him, You, Yours, Me, My—are capitalized for clarity
quotation marks are included with spoken language
long sentences are shortened with modern punctuation
paragraphs are added throughout
The Simplified KJV maintains the feel of the original King James while markedly increasing its readability, bringing the trustworthy old translation into the 21st century.
MY THOUGHTS.....
There are many people who want to remain loyal to the King James Bible but often find it hard to understand. Now there is a new version that is a perfect solution! The Simplified KJV has the original translation found in the 1611 King James Bible, but some of the verbs and punctuation have been changed to aid in our understanding. I especially like that the pronouns for God are capitalized to show reverence and clarity, the words of Christ are printed in red, the font is easy-to-read, and there are wide margins for notes. Throw in several pages of colored maps, a Revision guide that shows the changes that have been made, along with a comprehensive Dictionary/Concordance, and you have a fantastic resource! King James Bible enthusiasts will be thrilled!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you'll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller's The Complete Guide to the Bible. Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.
I'm so happy to have Kellie VanHorn visit my blog today! HUNTED IN THE WILDERNESS releases Tuesday, June 28th, and she's here to talk about her newest book and to answer some questions about her journey to becoming an author.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.
A member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers, Kellie is a 2022 and double 2020 HOLT Medallion finalist, 2019 Golden Heart® finalist, 2018 Daphne du Maurier award winner (unpublished), and double 2018 Genesis semi-finalist.
Welcome, Kellie! Thank you for being here today.
What inspired you to start writing? When did you know you wanted to be an author?
As a kid, I was constantly reading – Nancy Drew, The Chronicles of Narnia, My Side of the Mountain, toothpaste labels – pretty much anything I could get my hands on. I also wrote my own short stories and poems (bad ones, lol), but I never considered the idea of writing a novel until years later when I was in graduate school. Of course, who has time to write a novel when they’re supposed to be writing a master’s thesis? Then my kids were born, and even though I started playing around with writing, I didn’t decide to get serious about an author career until 2014 when a short story I wrote was chosen as a finalist in a local contest.
What’s your favorite thing about writing romantic suspense?
Romantic suspense is so fun to write because of the mix of adventure and romance. I love writing intense emotional scenes between my characters that deepen their relationship, but then a few pages later if I need to interrupt a kiss or the plot starts to drag, I can send in a bad guy with a gun.
Where do you find your ideas?
I draw much of my inspiration from real life, including news headlines, enneagram types (for characters), and places I’ve visited. Most of my books start out as a glimpse of single scene in a specific setting – the setting is always key for me – and I go from there figuring out who these characters are and how they ended up in this situation. For example, HUNTED IN THE WILDERNESS first came to me as an image of a woman crashing her plane in the Cascades. I knew a park ranger (single and handsome, of course), would help her, but I had to go from there to figure out the rest.
What was the publishing journey like for you? How long did it take to get published?
As I mentioned a little bit earlier, I played around with writing for a long time before deciding to pursue publication. From the seed of an idea to completion of my first (awful) draft took about eight years. Then I took a break for several years as I raised three littles, and once I picked the manuscript back up, I spent another three years revising and submitting before I received an offer from Love Inspired Suspense. That book became FATAL FLASHBACK, my debut. Seventeen years passed from first idea to holding my book in my hand!
How much do you write each day? Do you have any specific routines you follow, or a favorite place to work?
I approach writing as a part-time career, so I make time for it most days of the week. Although, with four kids (one who is in pre-school), most of my work sessions are in short bursts throughout the day. When I’m working on a new book, I aim to get 500 to 1000 words a day. I also spend time on marketing, writing blog posts and newsletters, and volunteering with writers groups.
My desk is my favorite place to work, and I have a laptop that my kids know is strictly off limits. (No touching Mom’s laptop! 😉) Just sitting down with my cup of hot tea, my pretty desk lamp, and a little chocolate tells my brain it’s time to work.
Kellie, I'm reading this book and it's an exciting read!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Protecting the evidence means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…
Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…
So, Kellie, what was your favorite part about writing HUNTED IN THE WILDERNESS? The hardest part?
My favorite part easily was writing Ezra and Haley. On the surface, they’re such opposites, and I love the dynamic of how they play off each other as they slowly begin to find common ground.
The hardest part was definitely the research. For this book, I chose a setting I haven’t visited in person. I’ve been to Seattle and Mt. Rainier, but never to North Cascades National Park, so I had to do a lot of research on the park and talk to someone who has been there to get more details about what it’s like. Of course, now it’s on my wish list for places to visit!
Which character was your favorite to write? Why?
Oh, that’s a tough question because I love both Ezra and Haley so much. If I had to pick, I’d probably go with Ezra. He’s tough, smart, and confident, but also sweet and sensitive, and working so hard to ignore a gaping wound he really needs to deal with. So glad Haley and I could help him out with that! 😉
Why did you decide to set the story in the Cascades?
Setting often drives the inspiration for a story for me, and one day as I was scrolling through a social media feed, I came across a gorgeous picture of a brilliant blue glacial lake in front of some jagged, gray peaks. Of course, right away I knew a story had to happen there, and within minutes Haley’s plane was crashing into those mountains in my imagination.
How did you do the research for this book?
Because I hadn’t been to this national park before, I ordered a topographic map online to get an idea of the terrain and layout of the trails. I also spent a lot of time studying the climate, plant and animal life, and pictures of the landscape. My family loves camping, but we’re the type who show up with an overflowing mini-van, a tent, and a huge cooler – definitely not backpackers. But between some trips to REI and talking to other, braver people who do backpack, I got a pretty good feel for the gear and the survival experience.
What do you hope readers take away from the story?
Ultimately, I always hope readers take away a glimpse of God’s great love for us. In this story, both Ezra and Haley are dealing with difficult circumstances in their lives and wrestling with the question of why bad things happen. Haley thinks she’s failed, and that she has to try harder if she wants to earn God’s favor. Ezra wonders if he can really trust God, or if he has to look out for himself. Through their experiences in the book, they come face-to-face with the truth that God’s grace is a free gift, and that knowing Him is the greatest gift of all.
HUNTED IN THE WILDERNESS releases Tuesday, June 28, 2022!
Dawn Dixon can hardly believe she's on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. Sure, Marnie Dixon is good company, but Dawn was supposed to be here with Kevin, the love of her life (or so she thought).
Marnie Dixon needs some time away from the absolute realness of life as much as her jilted daughter does, and she's not about to let her only child suffer alone--even if Marnie herself had been doing precisely that for the past month.
Given the circumstances, maybe it was inevitable that Marnie would do something as rash as buy a run-down ice-cream shop in the town's tightly regulated historic district. After all, everything's better with ice cream.
Her exasperated daughter knows that she's the one who will have to clean up this mess. Even when her mother's impulsive real estate purchase brings Kevin back into her life, Dawn doesn't get her hopes up. Everyone knows that broken romances stay broken . . . don't they?
Welcome to a summer of sweet surprises on Cape Cod--a place where dreams just might come true.
MY THOUGHTS.....
This new book is the perfect beach read for summer and best of all, it's the first of a new series. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher introduces us to Dawn Dixon and her mother Marnie, and their relationship is typical of many mother-daughter relationships. Dawn was extremely close to her late father and apparently inherited his need for structure, so she doesn't always appreciate her mother's creative, spur-of-the-moment personality. Until...two unforeseen happenings send them on an adventure, together, and Dawn gains a new respect for her mom!
This is a touching story that shows that good can come out of bad, tragedy can make us stronger, and love is never lost if we choose to hang on. Along with Dawn, Marnie, Nanette, and a formidable Mrs. Nickerson-Eldredge, there are two key male characters in The Sweet Life, and I was especially drawn to Lincoln Hayes. His understanding and support for Marnie as she searches for light after battling cancer is especially appealing and I would love to see if their friendship might deepen into something deeper.
If you enjoy mother-daughter dynamics, sweet romance, and a story sprinkled with hope and faith, you will want to read The Sweet Life. It's another feather in Fisher's writing cap, but it should come with a warning. It will certainly mess with your emotions, and it will definitely create a tremendous desire for ice cream!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads. There was no obligation or a positive review.
With over 1.5 million copies sold, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of over 30 books, ranging from novels to children’s books to non-fiction. She is a Christy Award finalist, a winner of Carol and Selah awards, and a two-time finalist for ECPA Book of the Year. She writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. Suzanne lives with her very big family in northern California.
“All of God’s earth to my brother Nick and me were the streams for fishing, the fields for planting and harvesting, a world snugly enclosed by the blue-misted Smokies. . . . Other than the seasons, nothing ever changed. . . .” Until the summer of 1968. Ten-year-old Tina Hamilton’s life changes forever. Trouble erupts when a proposed theme park threatens her tiny Appalachian town. Some folks blame the trouble on “progress,” some blame the space race and men meddling with the moon’s cycles, and some blame Tina’s father. A past he has hidden catches up to him, his family, and the entire town. Suddenly, the clash of a father’s past and present becomes the microcosm of the clash between progressive ideas and small town values. Tina struggles with her shaken confidence in a father who, in hiding his past, has made a string of choices that shape her childhood. Gradually, Tina gains insight into her father through seemingly unrelated circumstances: her feud with a fellow ballplayer, her friendship with Old Joe who lives alone on the mountain, a gift left to her father by a neighbor fourteen years dead, and a broken promise. Meticulously researched, this moving and engaging coming-of-age tale is a delightful, richly-textured tapestry of family stories woven with the timeless wisdom of generations past, all of which guide Tina and create the fabric of a journey to forgiveness that will warm your heart. Tina is forced to answer a difficult question: are secrets worth the price they cost to keep? Pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and come along. Then you decide.
“There’s a touch of Laura Ingalls Wilder simplicity in the descriptions of home life, crafts, cooking and chores, a sprinkling of Stephen King in its authentic portrayal of small-town life and dialogue, and a dash of To Kill a Mockingbird in its deeper themes of truth, trust, love, betrayal and forgiveness. That’s one heck of a mix.” --Ariane Jenkins, Epinons.com
MY THOUGHTS.....
The cover of this book is beautiful and the story inside is just as special. I love that All That Is Hidden is told from the perspective of a ten-year-old girl during a time that I remember so vividly! The Vietnam War is raging, and there are civil rights marches being held in other places, but these events seem so far from Tina's small hometown in North Carolina. Life is good until Tina realizes that there are secrets that may change her life forever!
I grew up in a small rural area similar to Tina's home, and author Laura DeNooyer-Moore captures many of the emotions of that era. I remember the peace and innocence, followed by the gradual awakening as the events of the outside world began to seep into our consciousness. As I read All That Is Hidden, I was captivated by the unfolding of her father's secret past. During her time of discovery, she found what many of us learned in our own youth. Our parents made mistakes, life wasn't always as it seemed, and we all needed to understand grace and forgiveness. I recommend this touching and nostalgic read to all who enjoy family drama and coming-of-age stories.
I voluntarily accepted a digital copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. She spotlights creatives of all kinds on her blog, Journey To Imagination. A Calvin College graduate, Laura taught middle school and high school for nine years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and currently teaches writing to home schooled students. Between those two jobs, she and her husband raised four children as she penned her first novel, All That Is Hidden. An award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction, she is president of her American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip. Visit Laura at https://lauradenooyer-author.com or on Facebook.
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