The Queen's Cook (Queen Esther's Court, #1) by Tessa Afshar

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     CHRISTIAN BOOKS

MY THOUGHTS.....

Have you ever tried to express how much you love a book and knew that you couldn't give it the praise that it needed? I was captivated by The Queen's Cook from the beginning sentence and my interest never waned in this fascinating fictional story of Roxannah, a young Persian woman who became a cook in Queen Esther's kitchens. I loved reading the descriptions of the delicious food and how it was prepared, along with Roxannah's difficulties in a male-dominated kitchen! As her story unfolded, readers were also given a glimpse of Queen Esther's life. I've always loved the true story of this young Jewish woman who bravely worked to save her people from annihilation. Her powerful story is related in the Old Testament, in the Book of Esther, and Afshar's talent for weaving fictional details with historical facts has never been more evident!

The Queen's Cook is the first book in the Queen Esther's Court series, and it's left me yearning for more! I loved Roxannah's strength and determination. her sweet romance with the wonderful Adin, the other dynamic characters,and of course, Esther's story! Mystery and subterfuge are a part of Roxannah and Esther's intriguing relationship but above all, we see faith, trust, and encouragement. I was informed, entertained, and deeply inspired by The Queen's Cook and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Daughter of Rome was a Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestseller. Land of Silence won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious Christy Award in the Historical Romance category, Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category, and Thief of Corinth was an Inspy Award finalist. Tessa also recently released her first bible study and DVD called The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth.

Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She worked in women’s and prayer ministries for nearly twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa speaks regularly at national women’s events. She is a devoted wife, mediocre tomato grower, and chocolate connoisseur. 

CONNECT WITH TESSA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

QUEEN ESTHER'S COURT

The Queen's Cook

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Finding Jesus: Seek Him First by Lillian Richey

 

My wish to become a grandmother wasn't answered for many years but once I became a "Mamaw", I dreamed of the fun that Christmas would bring.  I wanted my granddaughter to enjoy the magic of Santa Claus,  but still understand the real reason for Christmas, the true meaning of this season. So, for her second Christmas, I purchased a well-known Nativity Scene Set for children. Oh, the fun we had moving those little people around! We also enjoyed the Elf on the Shelf craze for a few years, but we never got into it like some people. We found flour on the cabinets, the Elf hanging from a cabinet door knob, and he even peeked from a shelf in the bathroom but we never engaged in some of the elaborate activities that are often shown on social media. The Elf on the Shelf was fun but I wish that I'd had this special new product to share with my granddaughter! 

ABOUT FINDING JESUS

Gift your loved ones a fun activity that teaches the true meaning of Christmas. Find God’s Word daily inside the pocket of a 12” plush, huggable Finding Jesus doll. These short scriptures and sweet illustrations, printed on 24 double-sided puzzle pieces, come together to make a beautiful picture. Unlike most puzzles, however, the finished product is only revealed one day at a time. A counter-worthy scripture book correlates to each puzzle piece and walks through the birth of our Savior. Watch the artwork unfold daily within the unique dual-sided puzzle box frame. Finding Jesus is designed to intrigue curiosity and wonder leading up to Christmas instilling the habit to Seek Him First.

Seek, Find, Hug, Learn, Delight, Inspire, Believe

WHAT'S WAITING INSIDE OF THIS SPECIAL BOX??? 

•  A 12" Finding Jesus Doll
• A 4.5” x 6” Scripture Book
• A Puzzle Frame Box
• 24 Puzzle Pieces

• A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER: “the puzzle is kinda like how we walk with Jesus…we don’t know the full picture, but we get what we need for each day and he works it all out to a beautiful picture. And I have been collecting testimonies of how or when people found Jesus. That is another way that people can share.  It is really about a personal relationship with Jesus…that is my hope for this product…to encourage and/or deepen relationships with Jesus.” ~Lillian

Doesn't this sound like a wonderful way to begin your Christmas holidays? Could this be the beginning of a fantastic Christmas tradition? Check out this Purchase Link to learn more! https://bit.ly/FindingJesus29

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is perfect for any family wanting to make sure that the birth of Jesus Christ is the primary focus of their Christmas celebrations.  There's a soft and huggable Jesus doll, a book with scripture readings for every day leading up to Christmas, and a puzzle to work together. I especially loved that the box becomes the puzzle frame and that both sides of the puzzle are visible from this frame.  Each day there's a chance to find Jesus and to also learn about the amazing love that prompted this special birth. Finding Jesus is a fun countdown to Christmas that's destined to become a cherished tradition!

I received a copy of this product from FrontGate Blogger's Network. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my opinions.

Opening this box is truly like opening a surprise Christmas gift! Look what's inside!

•  A 12" Finding Jesus Doll
• A 4.5” x 6” Scripture Book
• A Puzzle Frame Box
• 24 Puzzle Pieces

The Finding Jesus doll is soft, huggable, and  12 inches tall! It's also very realistic because it has nail prints in its hands and feet!

There's also a Finding Jesus Scripture Book. It offers instructions about using the puzzle pieces with the Jesus doll. So much fun for the children as they search for the doll and then find the puzzle piece in the back pocket of Jesus's white robe! Each day a different puzzle piece is added to the white frame.

The beginning puzzle pieces are simple to fit together but after the sixth day, the puzzle  becomes harder and less predictable. Children will be both challenged and thrilled when they successfully complete the puzzle!

Finally, on Day 25, the  Finding Jesus Scripture Book tells children that "The Savior Is Born"! This is the day that they can open the special red envelope labeled The Greatest Gift. I haven't opened it yet so I look forward to seeing what's inside the envelope!

Want a chance to WIN a free copy of this VERY special product? ENTER HERE!!

And, if you can't wait, follow this link to purchase your own copy! 

Enduring Grace Church Year Journals (Year C) for Adults & Kids by Concordia Publishing House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal encourages adults to spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word.

This lectionary-based, interactive journal includes the following features:

• Scripture references for every Sunday of the 3-Year Lectionary (Year C)
• Introductions to seasons and festivals of the Christian Church Year
• Reflections on the readings
• Watercolor illustrations
• Space for journaling and prayers
• Devotions on hymns from Lutheran Service Book (LSB) 

Spend time with Enduring Grace by yourself, with a small group, or with your family to celebrate and reflect upon the life and work of Jesus Christ.

ENDURING GRACE PURCHASE LINK

MY THOUGHTS.....

My church doesn't strictly follow a liturgical calendar but we follow the Christian church year so I know that this journal will be a wonderful addition to my personal devotion time. Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal Year C is divided into the Sundays and Seasons of the Church Year, including The Time of Christmas, The Time of Easter, and The Time of the Church. The Time of Christmas is the beginning of the church year and it's also the season that we are about the begin. There are seventeen sermons in this section, including The Advent Season, The Christmas Season, and The Epiphany.

Advent marks the beginning of the Christian Church Year.

The four weeks of Advent are a time of reflective preparation for Christ's first coming as a baby in the manger at Bethlehem.

I'm thrilled that I have this book as we begin this special season!

This attractive hardback book with beautiful colored pages is a wonderful resource that's filled with Scripture and reflections focusing on God's Son. I am thrilled for the chance to preview Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal Year C and I look forward to using it throughout the coming church year!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

 


ABOUT THE BOOK

Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal for Kids encourages children to spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word. 

This lectionary-based, interactive journal includes the following features.

• Scripture references for every Sunday of the 3-Year Lectionary (Year C)
• Introductions to seasons and festivals of the Christian Church Year
• Reflections on the readings
• Discussion prompts
• Bible illustrations to color
• Space for journaling and prayers
• Hymn suggestions from Lutheran Service Book (LSB)

Children and their families can spend time with Enduring Grace during devotion time, quiet time, or worship to celebrate and reflect upon the life and work of Jesus Christ.

ENDURING GRACE JOURNAL FOR KIDS PURCHASE LINK

 

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a companion to the Enduring Grace Adult Journal and it follows the same pattern as the adult journal but the readings are shorter, there are illustrations to color, and room for the child to write his own thoughts. This would be a wonderful way to introduce children to God's Word and the seasons of the Christian Year.

Advent is a wonderful time to teach children about waiting, and preparing,  for the coming of God's son as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem!

Both of these journals are wonderful resources for family worship time because they're filled with Scripture, reflections, and prayers that focus on God's Son. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Adult Journal  https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journaladult

Child Journal  https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-for-kids  

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Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household. 

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true. 

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenges and possibilities it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers that Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

MY THOUGHTS.....

I was introduced to Adelaide and Howard in a previous book, All My Secrets, so this Christmas story is especially endearing. Sweet romance is very evident as they experience the joy of being newlyweds, but there's also the realism of Addy longing to become the wife and homemaker that Howard deserves. As she adjusts to a life different than her former wealthy existence, she becomes totally engaged with two children who are trying to find their father. This is when the true heart of Christmas begins! Would adopting these needy children become an option for this newlywed couple?

I loved Addy and Harold's growth as a married couple, and I was touched by their willingness to help these children. Even though Waiting for Christmas is set during the Gilded Age, when the wealthy enjoyed great advantages, this story isn't all fluff and light. Poverty was rampant in Victorian New York and foster care for children was lacking, to say the least. The relationship of trust that develops between Addy, Harold, and young Jack is heartwarming and their efforts to help Jack find his three-year-sister tugged at my heartstrings but Jack's unwavering belief that his father would return is the catalyst for a tale that is rich in hope and faith.

Mrs. Gleason and Suzanne are delightful supporting characters, and I enjoyed their many preparations for the upcoming holiday, but this book is divided into four meaningful parts. Each part corresponds to the four Advent candles of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, and author Lynn Austin begins each section with relevant scripture and the mention of a Christmas hymn. Waiting for Christmas is a mesmerizing story of hope, faith, and joy, and it is destined to become a Christmas reading tradition for me and many others! Well done, Ms. Austin!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Learn more by visiting Lynn's Website or by following her on     Facebook     Twitter    Instagram    Pinterest

All My Secrets

Waiting For Christmas

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Wishing for the Rancher's Love (High Country Ranch, #5) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the high country of Colorado, danger sometimes causes enemies to work together . . . and fall in love.

As the only one of her siblings who hasn’t married, Clementine Oakley feels left behind. But she does her best to focus on her candy-making business, hoping to someday have a shop of her own instead of a lone counter in Worth’s General Store. Giving and outgoing, she makes friends with everyone in town—except for one person, the store owner’s son . . . Grady Worth.

Grady isn’t quite sure why he can’t get along with Clementine, but every time they’re together, all they do is bicker. When his widowed dad proposes a contest to encourage Grady to find love, Clementine is the last person Grady considers as an option.

As a stalker begins to make dangerous threats to Clementine and Grady, the two are left with little choice but to pretend to be engaged and travel together to lure the stalker into revealing himself. Stuck together, they soon find that switching from enemies to lovers might not be so bad after all . . . until the danger finally catches up to them.

*All of the books in the High Country Ranch series are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and romance is the main focus of the books.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is the fifth book in the High Country Ranch series and author Jody Hedlund states that her Oakley family saga is now complete. Perhaps knowing that this was the last book was the reason that I wanted to read slowly and make it last. Believe me, that just wasn't possible! Wishing for the Rancher's Love has danger, adventure, and intrigue surrounding a stalker, but the real attraction is the powerful connection between Clementine Oakley and Grady Worth. Who knew that bantering could be so much fun and romance between enemies would be so sizzling?

There are several familiar tropes in this story, including 'friendship gone bad' and 'fake relationship' but the 'enemies to lovers' trope provides romance at its best! Clementine and Grady's kissing scenes are swoon-worthy, to say the least, but the depth of their emotional connection took my breath away. If you enjoy Western settings, electrifying romance, and family reunions, grab a copy of Wishing for the Rancher's Love. It's a fantastic conclusion to the High Country Ranch series!

I received a digital copy 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's she 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     

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HIGH COUNTRY RANCH SERIES

Waiting for the Rancher 

Willing to Wed the Rancher

A Wife for the Rancher

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher

Wishing for the Rancher's Love

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A Calculated Betrothal (Scouts of the Georgia Frontier, #5) by Denise Weimer

ABOUT THE BOOK

The death of her husband means that not only is Tabitha Gage no longer a lady—but she’s also abandoned on an isolated Southern Georgia plantation on the eve of revolution. With the fine house and fields sold to a neighbor, she’s left with a log cabin on unsettled timber land. Rather than marry the neighbor’s son, Tabitha determines to make her own way—and never again be shackled to a man she doesn’t love.

Sergeant Edmond Lassiter is one assignment away from promotion when he comes to the aid of a red-haired beauty fending off cattle rustlers. Thrown together during an attack at a nearby fort, the Patriot scout and Loyalist widow are surprised by the values they share. When Edmond learns the same man who ruined his family is after the little Tabitha has left, he convinces her they should work together to make her land profitable—all while fighting off the British from East Florida and her greedy neighbor, who sabotages their every effort to succeed. A business arrangement, nothing more. But as a British invasion threatens, Edmond finds he’s risking far more than his heart.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Early February, 1777

The morning after her husband's funeral, Lady Tabitha Gage opened her eyes to bright winter sunlight and shuddered---with relief. She was free. But a lady no longer.

Doesn't this opening paragraph make you want to read more? I couldn't wait to see what was next for Lady Tabitha and it didn't take long to learn that she had suffered at the hands of her late husband. She'd coveted the title but her ten years with Lord Riley hadn't been happy years. She was relieved to be free but what price would she pay for this freedom?

A Calculated Betrothal is a wonderful story of endurance under pressure. I loved seeing Tabitha evolve from spoiled and selfish to hardworking and caring, and I was inspired by the trust and faith that she found during this perilous time in our country's history. With the help of Sergeant Edmond Lassiter, Tabitha might even find true love and happiness!

I love history and I've learned so much about the Revolutionary War from reading this book. Author Denise Weimer weaves historical facts with imaginative fiction and the result is pure reading enjoyment! I recommend A Calculated Betrothal to all who enjoy historical romance.

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


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored around twenty traditionally published novels and novellas–historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. The mother of two wonderful young adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Learn more by visiting her  Website 

Connect with Denise     Facebook      Twitter     BookBub

SCOUTS OF THE GEORGIA FRONTIER

A Counterfeit Betrothal

A Courageous Betrothal

A Cherished Betrothal

A Conflicted Betrothal

A Calculated Betrothal

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Anticipation Thursday: A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele

   Anticipation Thursday!

I appreciate it when other readers share what they're reading because I love hearing about new books that are about to be released. Today, for Anticipation Thursday!, I'm sharing a new book by bestselling, award winning author Mindy Steele. She is also a dear friend so how can I not be excited that A Stolen Kiss is now available as an ebook and the print copy releases on December 1st!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Who kissed who first?

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

LeEtta Miller brazenly accepts a dare from her friends. What harm is there in kissing a handsome stranger she’ll never see again? Unfortunately, the incident was witnessed and when her father learns her good virtues are marred, he wills her to marry.

Benuel Ropp wanted a family, but not this way. He was trying to regain some of what he tarnished by coming to Cherry Grove, not to get married to a stranger. Well, if Laura thought he’d flinch and let her boldness add another stain to his name, she was mistaken. He had forgiveness to earn and a name to restore, and if he had to make sacrifices to do it, so did she.

Who kissed who first, he can’t even remember anymore.

Why is my anticipation so great?

    LeEtta Miller tried to roll her eyes as quietly as she could while Mammi Iola rambled on like a swoony teenager. Nothing was more embarrassing than standing in a hot kitchen with a dozen other women while your sixty-nine-year-old widowed grandmother spoke of her newest special friend.

    "I thought you were sweet on Owen Schmitt", Gemma Shetler quipped under a not-so-silent breath. The eighty-year-old had just celebrated her sixty-first anniversary and never skipped a chance to address Mammi Iola's unusual courting habits.

The words above are the first two paragraphs of A Stolen Kiss and it's apparent that Mindy has written another story with the romance and humor that we've all come to love. Best of all, it's Amish fiction and it's the seventh book in a well-loved series from Barbour Books! Have you read any of the other books in The Heart of the Amish?

 

I love this endorsement for A Stolen Kiss from another outstanding Amish author, Jennifer Beckstrand!

 

Doesn't this make you want to read this book as soon as possible? The Stolen Kiss is now available in eBook and the print version will be available December 1st. 

AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS     WALMART

Christmas is coming! Are there any book lovers on your Christmas list?

My review of A  Stoken Kiss will be available soon. I hope that you'll come back to view my thoughts!

I grabbed a sneak peek of A Stolen Kiss that Amazon is sharing on its website. Want to see even more of the sample preview? Check out this link!

Come Home for Christmas: Jesus Is Calling You Back to the Greatest Story Ever Told by Matthew West

ABOUT THE BOOK

Matthew West, in his trademark creative and engaging style, leads readers to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child and to come home to greater joy, hope, peace, and belonging found only in Jesus.

Come Home for Christmas invites readers to enter the Christmas season intending to turn their hearts to God. In the midst of what can be the busiest and most stressful holiday season, each chapter points the reader to the kingdom realities that God invites each of us to participate in through the birth of Jesus. Matthew West's humor, Bible-teaching, and storytelling challenge us to embrace this season of Christmas as the homecoming that God intends for it to be. Through the pages of this winsome and inspiring book, you will:

• Feel the wonder of Christmas as you did when you were a child
• Move beyond the baby in the manger to the Savior of the world
• Return your heart to the joy, peace, love, and hope found in Jesus
• Restore neglected or broken relationships with family and friends
• Come home to the life God intended you to experience throughout the year

This special book, which springs out of Matthew's love for Christmas, reminds us that the story of Christmas calls readers back to the heart (or the home) of what it means to be loved by God. Each chapter will include a specific Bible reading about the Christmas story, and the book will include small group discussion questions and an Advent challenge.

This book would be a wonderful Christmas gift but plan to keep a copy for yourself!

Purchase link: https://bit.ly/comehomeforchristmasFGM

MY THOUGHTS.....

"Why don't you come home for Christmas?" are words that many people love hearing as an invitation to physically be with family but this new book by singer/songwriter Matthew West reminds us that it is our hearts that need to return home for Christmas. Come Home for Christmas is such a heartwarming book! I was encouraged, inspired, and reminded that Christmas is more than how many presents are under the tree or how many parties and dinners I attend. Christmas is the time to recall the greatest story ever told and to reaffirm the promise of everlasting love and eternal life that was offered by a special birth.

JOY  is one of my favorite words and there is an entire chapter about Joy. 

Matthew West reminds us that 

• The Story of Jesus is a Story of Joy 
• God's Joy is Beyond Circumstances
• Joy is Calling You Home!

Come Home for Christmas is small enough to stick in a Christmas stocking but it's packed full of memories, humor, great stories, and even a few West family Christmas recipes. This book is a perfect addition to personal devotion time, especially during the Advent season, but it would also be a wonderful gift!

This recipe is similar to Transparent Pie. a pie that is especially popular in my area of Kentucky.  Transparent Pie doesn't use cornmeal and some recipes don't call for vinegar but the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla make it a must-have dessert for the holidays!

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matthew West is a five-time GRAMMY® nominee, a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner and a 2018 Dove Award Songwriter of the Year (Artist) recipient. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a K-LOVE Fan Award and was named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” He has been awarded a RIAA Gold certification for his single “Hello, My Name Is” and RIAA Platinum certification for the song “The Motions.”

In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards six times adding another this year and has more than 130 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey and others, along with back-to-back No. 1 songs by Casting Crowns including their recent single, “Nobody,” which West is featured.

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: My Story, His Glory, Give This Christmas Away, The Story Of Your Life, Forgiveness, Today Is Day One, Hello, My Name Is, The God Who Stays, and his latest, Come Home for Christmas. 

Matthew and his wife Emily live in Nashville with their two daughters, Lulu and Delaney.

Learn more at his     Website     Facebook     X     Instagram

Come Home to Christmas can be purchased HERE

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Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, & Natalie Walters

ABOUT THE BOOK

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela.

MY THOUGHTS.....

When I saw this new novella collection, I knew I had to read it! Cornered has three of my favorite suspense authors doing what they do best, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more! Each novella is connected to a series, so Lynette Eason helped me catch up with her Lake City Heroes, Lynn H. Blackburn took me back to Gossamer Falls, and Natalie Walters shared more adventures with members of the SNAP Agency!

Please don't ask me which one is my favorite! Each thrilling novella has nail-biting suspense and sweet romance, so it's impossible to choose one over the other! I loved Cornered: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas and I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

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

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll, and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network.

Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love.

Learn more at her Website    Facebook    Twitter    Instagram

LAKE CITY HEROES

Double Take

Target Acquired

Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Her Dive Team Investigations series includes Beneath the Surface and In Too Deep (a Fall 2018 Okra Pick and 2019 Selah Award finalist). The conclusion to the series, One Final Breath, was released in September 2019. She is also the author of Hidden Legacy and Covert Justice which won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Unknown Threat, the first book in her Defend and Protect series, was a 2021 Christy Award finalist.

Learn more about Lynn H. Blackburn 

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GOSSAMER FALLS

Never Fall Again

Natalie Walters grew up in New Mexico and spent as many hours as she could escaping the desert heat inside the Erna Fergusson Library. With an endless supply of books and air-conditioning, she found a place where she belonged among the adventure and whimsy of stories and favorite characters.

As an avid reader, writing was never a part of Natalie’s plan but then neither was falling in love with a soldier. She married her husband and they have three amazing children who have grown into pretty cool adults they look forward to spending time with every chance they get. Motherhood and military life taught her that adventure is best experienced with the ones you love and she decided to pour all that humor, chaos, and excitement into her stories.

When Natalie’s not writing she’s binging CourtTv, drinking tea, and driving her retired husband bonkers. She loves hanging out with her family, playing games, traveling around the world, and forcing her anti-cuddling Goldendoodle to snuggle with her on the couch while she reads.

Get to know Natalie better at her Website     
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The SNAP Agency

Lights Out

Fatal Code

Blind Trust

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