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!
Join April as her nose leads her through autumn adventures in nature and at home, at school and on a farm. Children will enjoy the sensory experiences with April and her menagerie of pets. Fall smells may be the best of all!
Author Mary Ann Hake shares another sweet story in her newest book, The Smell of Fall. This is the third book in the series Smells of the Season, and it's a wonderful addition! As I read it, I tried to imagine how special this book would be for children with vision problems. Listening to the rhyming words, hearing about all of the exciting things that take place during the Fall season, and thinking about the fun and joy awaiting them! But this book also provides an opportunity to teach all children that God knows and understands when we are lacking in one of our senses. April may not be able to see but God blessed her by giving her a heightened sense of smell.
The gorgeous illustrations and lyrical text add to its appeal but I was especially captivated by Hake's descriptions of the smells associated with school, football games, bonfires, and Thanksgiving! Now I wonder...what smells will be shared in Hake's next book, The Smell of Winter?
This is an excellent book to read with your children or grandchildren, and it's also a valuable teaching resource!
I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Mary Ann Hake has loved learning, reading, and writing for as long as she can remember. She has been scribbling stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. In addition to writing, she continues to work as a freelance editor. To learn more about updates on future books or to sign up for activities for children, visit her WebsiteFacebookInstagram
Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Prayer Jars series. . . The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing delivers the same life-changing inspiration as Wanda E. Brunstetter's unforgettable stories.
Every reading will help you draw closer to your heavenly Father. Your prayer life will be transformed as you read through these dozens of encouraging devotional readings centered around the theme of healing. With each turn of the page, you'll discover unchanging truths of God's Word alongside meaningful prompts that guide you to write and add your personal prayers or favorite, hope-filled Bible verses to your very own prayer jar. (Simple instructions are included in the introduction.)
Once you've finished reading the last page, you'll have a full prayer jar of your very own. Use it to infuse your heart with inspiration and encouragement when you need it--or share it with a friend who could use some faith restoration of her very own!
This new devotional from Wanda E. Brunstetter is chock full of faith and inspiration! It's the third devotional that she's based on her popular Amish series, The Prayer Jars, and it continues her efforts to inspire and encourage her readers. Brunstetter and Janice Thompson use Bible scripture, short commentaries, and prayer prompts to do this, and they also explain how to create your own prayer jar. Study these devotions, jot down your thoughts on a slip of paper, add a special prayer, and place the slips in the jar so that you can revisit them again! "I can't fix broken relationships, but Jesus can."
Sometimes it's hard to understand that physical pain isn't the only hurt that we experience. Emotional and spiritual pain can be just as overwhelming and debilitating and healing feels impossible to achieve. Using this book is a wonderful way to begin to heal those hurts, and these devotions will never lose their relevance. The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing is a wonderful addition to your personal worship time but it's also perfect for gift-giving! "Mustard seed faith is all I need."
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Barbour Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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.
Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she's not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you'll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.
When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?
Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.
Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.
Thanksgiving, football, Christmas, and romance. This short novella isn't just a perfect choice when reading time is limited, it is also a terrific way to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays! Author Toni Shiloh shares the touching story of a young, divorced woman who wants to be the best mother that she can be but still yearns for love and romance. Could the return of a former flame be the answer to the longing of her heart? Or a painful reminder that he chose a football career over a future with her?
I guarantee that this captivating story will remain with you long after you finish it! The Christmas Catch has family, faith, and second chances, along with a reminder that life isn't always fair, and hurts are often afflicted by those we love the most. Well-developed characters, valuable life lessons, and swoony romance make this a book to enjoy and savor, and I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian fiction with holiday themes.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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.
Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?
MY THOUGHTS.....
I've read all of this author's books and this is now my favorite! Darlene L. Turner's eleventh book is an intriguing story with well-defined characters, suspense that just won't quit, and a severed relationship in need of God's healing powers. Izzy and Austin are both offered a second chance, but will they be wise enough to accept it?
I loved this thrilling addition to the Crisis Rescue Team series! K-9 Ranch Protection has a tightly woven maze of clues, emotional upheavals, and inspiring moments that kept me turning the pages! If you're looking for a roller-coaster ride filled with danger, mystery, and sweet romance, grab a copy of K-9 Ranch Protection.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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.
Home Is Right Where You Are is bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons' first children's book—a beautiful treasure of God's promises combined with her moving art.
This book is perfect for parents and families who want to:
Reassure their children with the comforting truth that God is always with them, that He will guide them, and that He will provide for all their needs;
Teach their children that God is the source of joy, overflowing blessings, and wonderful adventure.
Be delighted with captivating illustrations and beautiful art; and
Soothe anxious minds with the comfort of God's provision and presence.
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in The Holy Bible and this book is the perfect way to introduce children to its comforting words. Author Ruth Chou Simons uses Psalm 23 as the inspiration for her new children's book, Home is Right Where You Are, and it is fantastic!
Simons's beautiful illustrations are attention grabbers, and the easy-to-read rhyming text is perfect for young children, but it isn't just for your little ones! I was fully engaged in the vibrant colors, words of praise, and the promise that God is always with us. Home is Right Where You Are is a perfect book for family bedtime reading, but it would also be a wonderful addition to a church library. Needing a special gift for birthdays, Christmas, or "just because I love you"? This attractive hardback book is a great choice!!
I especially love that the last page of Home is Right Where You Are is a beautifully illustrated picture of Psalm 23!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.
Many years ago, I fell in love with a children's book and I was overcome with emotions the first time I read it! I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more, and I found myself wondering how my church congregation would react to these children. Barbara Robinson’s popular story of the rowdy Herdmans was first published in 1972 and it's since become a classic. Its popularity has endured over 50 years and I believe that much of this can be attributed to the fact that it shares an inspiring message that appeals to adults! The Best Christmas Pageant isn't limited to a juvenile audience!!
Robinson's book was adapted into a television movie in 1983 and NOW, it has become a major motion picture! Lionsgate is releasing a live-action movie version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on November 8, 2024, and I can't wait to relive this story again.
Wondering why I'm so excited? I've had a chance to view the official movie trailer for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Check it out for yourself!
About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie
The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will release in theaters on November 8th.
This fun film is based on the classic children's book of the same name!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.
Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. They set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that’s just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. Apparently they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.
This year’s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Don't forget, the Best Christmas Pageant Movie will be in theaters in November 2024!
The Books of Moses, the first book of a six-volume Bible Resource series that aims to help readers better understand the Bible, leads readers through the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Following the pattern of a travel guide, readers will find helpful features printed on the page that expand on Scripture.
Visualize: Maps, diagrams, pictures, and infographics help you to visualize scenes, locations, and concepts.
Picture of the Savior: This Old Testament feature highlights people, places, or events that point forward for the coming of Jesus.
Link between the Testaments: These reveals relationships between the Old and New Testament.
Clear the Confusion: These notes help clarify passages that can be confusing by offering backstories, describing future developments, or explaining the significance of the event.
Set the Scene: Explains important cultural and historical themes.
Waypoint: Stopping points that ask you to consider a question or dig deeper into the text.
Uncover new details in His Word that you’ve never realized before with the Guiding Word Series Volume 1: The Books of Moses. This study is perfect to use as both an individual study or in a small group setting.
The Books of Moses tell of the beginning of the world and lay down the narrative of the family God chose to make a great nation from which He would send His Son. People and events in these books include Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the flood, the tower of Babel, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Moses, the golden calf, and the manna in the wilderness. Most importantly, these books also give the first promises of the Christ. The promise of the Messiah is the clear thread that weaves its way through the Books of Moses.
The Guiding Word Study Series uses the English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the Bible.
I'm always eager to check out new Bible study books and this is one of the best that I've seen! "The Books of Moses" is the first book in the six-book "Guiding Word" series and it's a wonderful resource for your daily Bible study! This volume covers the first five books of the Old Testament and it is an all-encompassing resource with maps, illustrations, descriptions, and links between the Old and New Testaments.
The first five books of the Holy Bible are known as the Pentateuch and they contain the narratives of God's Creation, the families of Abraham, and the others that followed. The books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy also share God's laws for his people, the leadership of Moses, and the 40 year journey to reach the Promised Land. Words and stories that we've read many times but this book offered me a whole new perspective! It clearly shows how the promise of a Messiah was first given in Genesis 3 and carried through these five books of Moses.
The Books of Moses is a wonderful addition to my personal devotion time but it would also be a wonderful resource for a small Bible Study group. The good news is that The Books of History, the second volume in this Guiding Words series, will be available in November. I'm eager to see what it has in store!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Marie Wyatt ran away from her farm girl past in search of fame and fortune and found herself in wartime London working as an Allied courier. Whether disguised as a middle-aged British housewife or playing a role on the London stage, she acts her part to its fullest. But when a routine mission turns deadly, a mysterious German agent becomes her unlikely savior.
Plunged into a dangerous game of deception, Marie relies on her acting talent to pass false information to the Nazis. Yet the line between duty and loyalty blurs when the German agent is imprisoned in a Florida POW camp with Axis soldiers who consider him a traitor. Marie embarks on a desperate mission to save him before he’s fatally injured.
In a postwar world still reeling from conflict, the couple’s lives are again threatened by a past enemy. Will they ever find the peace they crave? Or will the echoes of war destroy them?
Plummet into a heart-wrenching tale of courage, treachery, and a love that defies all odds.
MY THOUGHTS.....
"We may have different names now, but you'll always be my Sparrow."
I was thrilled for a chance to read Johnnie Alexander's new book but I didn't know just how special this story would be! The characters experience pain, loss, and betrayal but they're still able to endure World War II, one of the most tumultuous times in history. Espionage is rampant and the intrigue is non-ending but there's also a chance that Marie Wyatt may even find her soul mate. Danger prevails, so how will her story end?
This is an engaging tale with endearing but fallible characters who often baffled me by their actions! I couldn't read fast enough to discover the destiny of this young woman who learned her ABCs in her home in the Southern hills of Ohio but ended up as an actress and spy in England and France in 1944. Much of the story is set during the years during and following WWII but I especially loved the emotional connection that developed between Marie and a young woman that she met by chance in 1997. If you're looking for a page-turning and thought-provoking story filled with history, suspense, and romance, grab a copy of When Memory Whispers! It's a companion to Where Treasures Lies but can be considered a standalone.
I received a digital copy from the author. There was no expectation of a positive review.
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget.
Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), made the CBA bestseller list. Her contemporary romance novels include Where She Belongs, When Hope Arrives, and What Hope Remembers.
She currently writes cozy mysteries and contemporaries for Annie's Fiction and historical novellas for Barbour.
When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.
With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.
MY THOUGHTS.....
Author Melody Carlson's newest novella is a heartwarming story with realistic characters, authentic life situations, and the special emotions associated with Christmas. Madison McDowell's return to her family's Christmas tree farm isn't what she expected and her dream for this family business is entirely the opposite of her sister's intent. Will Madison discover that the adage "You can't go home again" is especially true for her?
Reading Carlson's annual Christmas novella has become one of my traditions and The Christmas Tree Farm didn't disappoint! Music, food, and beautiful decorations helped set the stage, and intriguing drama provided interest, but the joy of family and rekindled romance made it especially appealing! Reading this story revived some of my personal Christmas memories!
If you enjoy Christmas stories and second-chance romance, grab a copy of The Christmas Tree Farm!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon.
The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood
Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare--the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks.
In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, "Ginny," as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She's enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike--but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.
One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Croatoan friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly -- not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.
Daughters of the Lost Colony has been such a fascinating series and finally, we're allowed to imagine Virginia's story! Virginia Dare, the first English baby born in the New World, is the heroine in Shannon McNear's new book and it is an engaging story filled with history, intrigue, and a lovely romance. The absolute truth surrounding Virginia's life isn't known so this book is fiction, but McNear's amazing historical research allows us to consider "what might have been"! Why couldn't this first English baby have survived the hardships that were a part of the settling of America? Why wouldn't Virginia be entitled to happiness and enduring love in North Carolina in the early 1600s?
Virginia is an engrossing story of bravery and endurance that has historical facts and fictional details masterfully woven together. It's the fourth book in the series but Virginia's timeline falls between the first and third book. Never fear, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, but you'll probably want to go back to read the others! If you love historical fiction peppered with romance and inspiration, grab a copy of this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.