About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

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!

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Capturing Hope (Heroines of WWII #12) by Angela K. Couch

Capturing Hope (Heroines of WWII)
ABOUT THE BOOK

One step ahead of the Nazi's. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes--the heroines of WWII. After her lavish home is confiscated, her father executed, and her mother flees back to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little--even if it is the meaning of her name. Her beloved Poland has fallen to the Nazis. It isn't until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland for a Jewish family, that she finds her purpose. Together they join with the underground, using every resource and connection they have to save others. She grows used to risking her life. . .but is more afraid to risk her heart.


MY THOUGHTS.....

I love it when history is brought to life in a fictional story, and I was instantly captivated by Capturing Hope. Author Angela K. Couch captured my heart with her moving story of war, death, and the valiant efforts to overcome evil. I was familiar with some of the facts of the German invasion of Poland, but Couch's intensive research introduced me to so much more.

This is a story of two very different people who work valiantly to save innocent children from annihilation during WWII. Death and despair are buffered by faith, hope, and redemption, and there's also a sweet romance woven into Nadia and David's harrowing journey. Capturing Hope is a mesmerizing addition to the Heroines of WWII series, and the epilogue is especially poignant!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my thoughts and opinions.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fascinated by history and in love with creating fiction, Angela K Couch has been lost in writing novels most of her life. As a passionate believer in Christ, she can't help her faith from permeating the stories she tells. Often her martial arts training, love of horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after four munchkins.

To learn more and to see her latest news, please visit her Website     Facebook     Twitter



Wednesday, December 27, 2023

The Marine's Deadly Reunion (The Protectors) by Loretta Eidson

The Marine's Deadly Reunion (Love Inspired: the Protectors)
ABOUT THE BOOK

To keep a child safe...They must outrun a killer

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?





MY THOUGHTS.....

I guarantee that you won't get bored reading this book! It has non-stop action, questions begging to be answered, and twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Yes, I thought I'd solved the mystery, and then...

This is the third book that I've read by Loretta Eidson and she continues to write stories that satisfy my fascination with mystery, tease my love of romance, and provide me with nuggets of inspiration. I loved the two main characters and baby Emma is the icing on the cake. Can these two old friends protect Emma and manage to find a happily ever after, together?

If you're looking for a book that you can't put down, grab a copy of The Marine's Deadly Reunion. It's a must-read for fans of romantic Christian suspense!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. She left her eighteen-year administrative assistant position at her church to pursue the dream of writing. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Loretta’s literary agent is Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Learn more by visiting her   Website     Facebook     Instagram


BOOKS BY LORETTA EIDSON

The Marine's Deadly Reunion

View all my reviews

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Buried Grave Secrets (Crisis Rescue Team, 4) by Darlene L. Turner

Buried Grave Secrets (Crisis Rescue Team, 4)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Standing guard…with threats on all sides.

When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?




MY THOUGHTS.....

Bones discovered around an unmarked grave, a serial killer known as the BoneDigger, and a K-9 protector named Bones...is it any wonder that I couldn't stop turning the pages of this intriguing story by author Darlene L. Turner? Who is the BoneDigger and what are his plans for the people determined to stop him? What secrets are about to be revealed?

This is Turner's ninth book and she's taken romantic suspense to a new level! I loved the characters and the chilling cemetery setting, but she doesn't stop there! There's physical danger, emotional suffering, and a sweet romance waiting to be renewed! I highly recommend Buried Grave Secrets to all who enjoy intrigue, second chances, and an inspiring message of faith.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my thoughts and opinions.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner’s 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. 

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense.


Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders


Darlene’s social media:


Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz

Instagram: darlenel.turner

  

Crisis Rescue Team

Book 4: Buried Grave Secrets
Book 5: Yukon Wilderness Evidence

View all my reviews

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Trust the Stars by Tricia Goyer

Trust the Stars
ABOUT THE BOOK

Olivia Garza, a woman committed to making a difference in the world, thrives in her unconventional, service-oriented life. By day, she helps troubled teens in inner-city Little Rock. By night, she creates a viral docu-series in an attempt to better understand her mother’s desperate decisions by retracing her steps with a camera. So far, Olivia has always been the anonymous narrator, but she’s promised to reveal herself in the last stop on her documentary: Kenya.

Prince Louis, heir to the throne of the small European kingdom of Alloria, is in Kenya to run away from a broken heart—and the media circus that comes with it. When he meets Olivia, he recognizes her voice right away from the docu-series that has stirred his heart. Though they share a magical day on safari, any dreams of happily ever after come crashing down with the flash of the paparazzi cameras when Olivia realizes that he represents everything she most despises in the world.

In World War II Rome, another royal, however, has her own life-changing choices to make. Princess Alessandra Appiani could have chosen quiet safety within the walls of the Vatican, but instead, she risks her life—and her family—to save the Jewish children so in need of someone to show them the love of God.

When Olivia is hired to help create a documentary about Alessandra, learning about the sacrifice of a royal who goes from palace to prison forces her to face the hardest questions of all: Should she continue on the path she’s carved for herself or trust God to give her the future she never thought she wanted?




MY THOUGHTS.....



I've enjoyed several books by this author, but I now have a new favorite! Tricia Goyer shares a story of extreme sacrifice and the true meaning of serving others, and she also gives readers a glimpse of grandeur and royalty. Trust the Stars is set in two time periods and I was fully engaged in both of them! My heart was torn as I read the journal entries of Princess Alessandra Appiani during the tumultuous years of World War II, and I was reminded again of the darkness that pervaded our world during that time. The present-time tale involving Olivia Garza and Prince Louis of Alloria takes place in Kenya, Alloria, and even Little Rock, Arkansas, but it also stresses the joy that comes from serving our fellow man. Olivia considers herself ordinary, but Prince Louis appears to be entranced by her. Can he convince her just how special she is? Will she finally understand that wealth and fame don't have to be bad; they can be powerful tools for helping others?


Olivia's determination to share the journal and the ultimate connection between these two timelines was a magical adventure! I loved the historical detail and the inspirational thread, but I adored the fairytale romance that was taking place! Trust the Stars is a poignant reminder of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the overpowering need for love. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy Christian fiction and timeslip novels.


I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from White Crown Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tricia Goyer is the author of more than 85 books, she writes both fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

A beloved author of Amish fiction, as well, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has spoken at events such as MomCon, Raising Generations, and Teach Them Diligently conferences and is the host of the podcasts, The Tricia Goyer Show and Daily Bible Podcast that she co-hosts with Michelle Hill.

A homeschooling mom of ten, including seven by adoption, Tricia is also a grandmother of four and wife to John. With a busy life, she understands the importance of making every word count. 

You can read more about the adoption story HERE.


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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Calling on the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match #1) by Jody Hedlund

Calling on the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. Unwilling to consider marriage, Finola has perfected the ability to sabotage the relationships her parents arrange for her. At wit's end, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. After her usual tricks fail, Finola quickly realizes she can't outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

Escape to 1849 St. Louis for a daring and romantic tale from the talented pen of bestselling author Jody Hedlund.




MY THOUGHTS.....





Oh my, how I enjoyed this story! It's no secret that I'm a fan of Jody Hedlund but she's outdone herself this time! Calling on the Matchmaker is the beginning of a new series and Hedlund shows that romantic fiction can sizzle and still stay within the boundaries of clean romance. She accomplishes this in her tale of two needy characters who've sworn off love and marriage, and the determined Irish matchmaker who's been hired to change their minds. Yes, Bellamy McKenna claims to be a matchmaker even though he's never done it before, and he's an absolute hoot in the methods that he uses! Will he succeed in convincing Finola and Riley that they are each other's perfect match?

Calling on the Matchmaker has humor, multi-dimensional characters, and an intriguing glimpse of St. Louis as it was in 1849. There is drama in the threat of a cholera epidemic but it's Finola and Riley's relationship that kept me turning the pages. An initial attraction that deepens into friendship and a powerful chemistry that can't be denied make this a breathtaking historical romance. The ending is fantastic and there's even a teaser of what's ahead in the next book of A Shanahan Match series. I can't wait to see what Bellamy McKenna is up to next! Well done, Jody Hedlund!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.  

Learn more at Jody's Website     

Goodreads    Facebook

Twitter     Pinterest     Instagram     BookBub

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

The Amish Christmas Promise by Amy Lillard

The Amish Christmas Promise
ABOUT THE BOOK

A proposal out of obligation could become a promise of love…

Pregnant Amish widow Mattie Byler is stunned to find her late husband’s shunned twin brother at her door. Samuel Byler is back to fulfill a promise: to marry Mattie. Only he’s not the rogue Mattie remembers. This Christmas, he’s determined to do right by her and the community. Saying “yes” feels impossible. But if Samuel's vow won’t heal her grieving heart…maybe his love can.


MY THOUGHTS.....




When does duty become a privilege? When does a promise become a blessing? Amy Lillard shares a poignant story of loss, trying to move forward, and finding your way back home. I fell in love with the recently widowed young woman who must struggle to build a new life for her children, and the man who's determined to fulfill a promise he made to her husband may be one of the best heroes ever!

The Amish Christmas Promise is an emotional story that tugged at my heartstrings and reminded me of the power of faith and forgiveness. Mattie and Samuel's growing awareness of each other is both sweet and tantalizing but there is one enormous hurdle to overcome. Is the shunned Samuel willing to ask for forgiveness from his Amish community?

This is Lillard's first Harlequin title but I'm sure it won't be her last! This book has endearing characters, an Amish Christmas setting, and an inspiring faith message! I highly recommend The Amish Christmas Promise to all who enjoy Amish Christian romance.

I received a complimentary digital copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Lillard is a 2013 Carol award-winning author who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. She was born and raised in Mississippi, but now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their teenage son.  

Learn more about Amy at her Website     

Facebook     Twitter     Instagram     BookBub     Goodreads




Monday, December 4, 2023

The Orphans’ Amish Christmas: A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Novella by Tracy Fredrychowski

The Orphans’ Amish Christmas: A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Novella
ABOUT THE BOOK

It will take an Amish miracle to save Christmas for the Willow Springs Children's Home orphans. When presents are stolen right before the annual Christmas benefit, Lydia Troyer and Aaron Shetler join forces with Detective Lewis Powers to unravel the mystery. The town's Christmas spirit is tested by strange events that leave the community ready to cancel all holiday festivities.

When prominent Amish businessman Milo Glick goes missing, it will take special detective skills to discover the truth behind his sudden disappearance. As the closed-lipped Amish community hinders Detective Powers' efforts, he is forced to employ Lydia, Aaron, and one special Labrador named Yankee to help solve the case. Will their discovery put them at odds with the traditions of their beliefs, or will they bring a newfound hope to the true meaning of Christmas?

Christmas should be a time for joy and hope, but for fourteen orphaned children, all is lost unless Lydia can find a way to give them more than they could hope for this holiday season.

The Orphans’ Amish Christmas is an Amish mystery novella that introduces you to the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance Series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish mysteries.


AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

"It's like someone doesn't want anyone to enjoy Christmas this year."

This is the perfect story to grab when you need a break from your Christmas preparations! The Orphans' Amish Christmas is a novella that's filled with Christmas joy and a reminder of the true reason for the season! Lydia Troyer is back in Willow Springs, and she's determined to stay because of a certain Amish widow and his young daughter. She's also eager to help give the orphans at the Willow Springs Children's Home a Christmas to remember but it isn't going to be easy! The presents have been stolen, something is scaring the children, and there's even a man missing! What is going on in peaceful Willow Springs?

Author Tracy Fredrychowski is an author who never disappoints, and she instantly grabbed my attention with her inspiring Christmas story! I recommend The Orphans' Amish Christmas to all who enjoy Amish fiction and cozy mysteries and I look forward to more books in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series.

I was given a digital copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my thoughts and opinions.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracy Fredrychowski is a country girl, author, homesteader and everything simple living. She has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life, much like the life she lived growing up in rural Pennsylvania.
Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish, and it’s only fitting that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community and God-centered lives.
Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country.  The clip-clop of horse and buggy woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved a family member and changed her life forever.
Even though she currently lives in South Carolina her travels take her through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Amish Country every year. During those stops, she researches the communities she visits and prides herself on writing Amish fiction that truly represents the Amish culture. She considers herself very fortunate to have made friends in those communities and values the information they share and wants nothing more than to represent their lifestyle as accurately as possible.

Follow her on Facebook     Twitter    Pinterest    Instagram or visit her Website  

View all my reviews

Saturday, December 2, 2023

CSB Life Counsel Bible, Hardcover, Black Letter, Articles, Word Studies, Quotes, Cross-References, Easy-to-Read Bible Serif Type by New Growth Press

CSB Life Counsel Bible, Hardcover, Black Letter, Articles, Word Studies, Quotes, Cross-References, Easy-to-Read Bible Serif Type

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amid challenging seasons of life, there is hope. The CSB Life Counsel Bible, developed in partnership with New Growth Press, is designed to equip readers with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues related to relationships, marriage, parenting, and more. This Bible is full of useful tools and resources for life application and discipleship grounded in the truth of the gospel of grace.
 
The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others. 

Featuring over 150 articles on topics related to marriage, parenting, relationships, mental health, and so many more- this Bible is like having a complete biblical counseling toolkit in one resource! 


Check out www.lifecounselbible.com for a full list of topics!


LIFE COUNSEL BIBLE PRODUCT FEATURES:

• More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and scholars on topics like anxiety, depression, abuse, sexuality, marriage and divorce, parenting struggles, and finances (full list available at lifecounselbible.com)

• Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement to apply to life

• Over 100-word studies focusing on key words applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel

• Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible,”
 and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible

• Wide margins for notetaking and journaling

• Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation

• Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size

• Presentation page for gift-giving (this makes a great wedding/parenting gift!

MY THOUGHTS.....

The CSB Life Counsel Bible is both inspirational and practical. Where else can I find God's Word and contemporary life issues featured together in the same volume? When I opened it for the first time, I was immediately drawn to the article 'Building a Marriage to Last' but there are over 150 articles covering marriage, other relationships, parenting, and illness! These articles are written by respected Christian counselors willing to share their wisdom, and they are filled with hope and guidance.

Do I have any negative thoughts about the CSB Life Counsel Bible? The small print may be hard for some people to read.

What did I like about the CSB Life Counsel Bible? It's filled with many helpful features, including Endnotes, an extensive Table of Contents, Concordance, a Topical Scripture Index, and Word Studies. I recommend this Bible as a valuable worship tool.

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#LifeCounselBibleMIN #lifecounselbible #christianstandardbible @christianstandardbible @bhpub






Friday, December 1, 2023

When Hattie Finds Love (Paradise Valley, #4) by Amy Lillard

When Hattie Finds Love (Paradise Valley #4)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?

Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?


MY THOUGHTS.....

Hattie Schrock is an older widow who's happy to attend her Whoopie PIe Widows' Club meetings and run the popcorn shop with her cousin Elsie. Hattie could also be described as an eternal optimist! Christian Beachy is a widower who might be considered just a tad grumpy. What would happen if Hattie accepted a challenge to change his outlook? Could she win a bet to make Christian Beachy smile in 60 days?

This is a lovely conclusion to the Paradise Valley Series! Author Amy Lillard offers readers humor, hope, and the wonderful reminder that affairs of the heart aren't determined by age. Why shouldn't two older people find friendship, companionship, and even love in their golden years? Just be prepared for your heartstrings to be tugged when Christian discovers Hattie's bet!

If you're longing for a feel-good story about second chances, grab a copy of When Hattie Finds Love. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy Lillard is a 2013 Carol award-winning author who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. She was born and raised in Mississippi, but now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their teenage son.  

Learn more about Amy at her Website     

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THE PARADISE VALLEY SERIES

When Hattie Finds Love


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