Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke

Gohlke has written another brilliant, compelling & riveting tale! And it's a story with substance and a message, one that should compel us to seek out truth & to do what Jesus would do.

I highly recommend you read this one!

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Book three in the Winds of Change Series and the continuing story of the O'Connor family was absolutely heartwarming and captivating! The O'Connor family's story is one you are never ready to end. Oh how I hope that some of the younger generation have stories waiting to be written!

I breezed through this one today... It was practically glued to my hands & my eyes to the page for several hours today awaiting to see how the story of Annie, Steven & other family members would all play out!

An absolute delight to read! Thank you once again Julie Lessman!

All Things New by Lynn Austin

For those of you following my blog... It seems I am on a civil war era phase though quiet unintentional.

I have been looking forward to reading Austin's newest novel and once again she enthralls me in her tale! She takes you South into the lives of three different women learning to survive during the difficult years following the Civil War. She captures the struggles, circumstances, fears, hopes and so much more in this novel. I couldn't put it down & stayed up way too late last night wanting to finish it!

I do believe that there could be a sequel but I don't see any indication of one. Her main characters & secondary characters are worth a second book though! Just my thoughts...

A keeper!

I Have Seen Him In The Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke

A fitting sequel to William Henry is a Fine Name. Robert again faces difficult circumstances and inner struggles. Will he trust the only One who can help him, the only One with the answers?

A nail biter! Wonderfully written... moving ... and sure to capture you till the last page.

William Henry Is A Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Gohlke has once again gripped me in her story telling & brought to life both her characters and the setting. She thrust me into the heart of the Underground Railroad and those who were part of it.

I will say this took me a few chapters to get into the story but then I was absorbed in the tale. Robert, his struggle, fears, hopes, and choices come alive. The secondary characters are just as real & moving.

Wonderful, moving, & inspiring!

To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel) by Tamera Alexander

Since reading Tamera Alexander's first novel I have been a fan and she has continued to produce novels that I find myself very eager to begin and upon starting one very hard to put down or forget.  I love the richness of her characters and how beautifully she weaves their stories and captures your heart.  These characters come alive and you find it hard to say goodbye at the end.  By no means is this a short novel, but I wanted her to continue on ... however many readers may have been daunted by a novel that size!

To Whisper Her name brings to life the Belle Meade Plantation following the Civil War and captures the difficulties and hopes found therein.  Journey back in time and if you find yourself in Nashville go visit the Plantation!

An absolute pleasure to read!

Mortal (Book 2, The Book of Mortals) by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

Another page turner and the bridge between Forbidden & the up coming Sovereign. I enjoyed the fast paced read, that kept me wondering what will happen next & how will this all play out. I am anxiously awaiting the release of book 3!

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Brilliant and Captivating!  Frantz's writing is powerful and intriguing... It lures you in sweetly and keeps the pages turning at times at a frantic pace.  To say this was a pleasure to read does not even do it justice.  Frantz's storytelling is gifted and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.

The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

A novel that transcends being just a romance story, a frontier story, a coming of age or a journey of faith story... It is all these things and more. From the beginning I was drawn in but a little frustrated waiting for the story to shape up with the romance that the back cover hinted at. But as I said this is so much more than a romance story.

Lael is sure to capture your attention and warm your heart. She is a free spirit, brave yet vulnerable. The other characters are just as endearing and curious. I have to say there were a few characters that I wish she would have delved deeper into (won't name as not to spoil it for you). However, sometimes in life we don't get answers or things wrapped up in a neat bow... I believe that is the case for Lael. It is the way we come to peace with the unknown & trusting God has us right where we should be.

I applaud Frantz... A beautiful, captivating, grand novel sure to leave you wishing for more pages to read!

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Bravo! Bravo! I have read a winner but now I must say... Groan! Sigh! Aghhh! Not only was I not ready for this book to end but it leaves you waiting to discover the rest of Cora & the groups' story in book 2 (which should be out in March 2013)! This reminds me of the cliff hanger Liz Curtis Higgs left us with in her series based off of Ruth.

Bergren captivates & draws you into her well woven tale. Drama, mystery, suspense, romance, adventure and the search for answers are sure to have you flying through the pages & dreading getting to the end. Absolutely thrilling! Hurry up book 2... March seems too far away!

When Love Blooms by Robin Lee Hatcher

Hatcher wove a tale that I wasn't quiet sure how she would work out but she did.  When Love Blooms was devoured by me in a handful of hours yesterday.  This is a story about not only allowing your heart to be open to love, to give and receive it, but one that speaks to looking deeper than what our eyes see and our prejudices predict.

Wonderful!

Forbidden by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

For fans of Dekker's Circle series or those who liked Robin Parrish's trilogy you will want to pick this one up!  It grips you from the beginning and you are never quiet sure what will take place next...  It is not a precise symbolic reflection of Christ and Christianity but it has a lot of loaded symbolism floating all through out the pages.

Suspenseful, gripping, thought provoking... this story leaps up at you and you are not ready for the final chapter.  But guess what that is not the end!  Book 2 is already out...

When you pick this one up be prepared to be totally absorbed in the tale and unwilling to put it down!

Catching Katie by Robin Lee Hatcher

Katie is a woman committed to the women's suffrage movement. She is spunky, determined, dedicated, smart & dead set against falling in love. What will happen when love comes knocking?!

I enjoyed this book & all the characters within. I found some good truths to chew on along the way too!

Delightful!

Speak to me of Love by Robin Lee Hatcher

A mother & children in need find shelter in the dark home of a recluse. Faint hints of the beauty & the beast are found in this heartwarming tale of love, trust, & redemption.

It was a delight to read!

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken - A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Simply amazing! Hillenbrand brilliantly captures the story of Louis Zamperini and brings history to life in this book. I was beyond amazed... I was touched, grieved, held in suspense & inspired. Through out the telling I kept thinking how no one could survive all of this if it were not for God.

You should read this one, it is not to be missed!!!

Loving Libby by Robin Lee Hatcher

A little suspense, lessons in faith & romance are woven beautifully in this story. I enjoyed getting to know Libby & Remington and I'm sure you will too in this delightful page turner!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

Klassen had done it again... Her newest novel is a page turner! Part romance, part suspense... Definitely one to keep you up reading well past your bedtime.

What will happen to Margaret, who to save herself from her stepfather's evil scheming has run off and is hiding as a maid!? And by chance isn't just a maid any where but in the home of two former suitors. Throw in a pirate, a duel and those seeking to lure her out ... well you just never know what might happen. And maybe along the way Margaret will learn a few lessons, have a change of heart, learn to love, serve sacrifice.

Charming, engaging & thrilling!

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

A little suspense, romance, humor ... Characters you like & a story that was so hard to put down that I read it in less than 4 hours. Yeah, I think you could say I liked it! Witemeyer has found a new fan in me.

The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

This deep haven novel is not a light & fluffy story but deep, realistic drama. I will be honest at first I couldn't really dig in to this one. Most likely because I was in the mood for something more humorous and breezy ... You know when you've had a rough few days you want to escape into something light & happy. This however was a story I am so glad I didn't set aside... In the end this was exactly what I needed to read. Warren speaks to some deeper truths & reminds us to trust God. Trust in God's goodness, His love, His faithfulness.

The Shadow of Your Smile is a story of people coping but not really living... They struggle through but have to learn many things like forgiveness (to others & yourself), love, commitment, and most importantly the lesson of letting go and trusting God.

What started out as ugh turned into something beautiful in the end. Isn't that what God does with our lives when we give them to Him... He brings beauty from ashes.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

This was an absolute delight to read! My first Jenny B. Jones book but I look forward to more. Save the Date is about two unlikely people (Lucy & Alex), coming together for different reasons and faking an engagement. Well that's the short of it but really there is so much more in there.

I have to say that once the "couple" starts engaging in this book is when it blooms. I found this book to be
witty, funny, heart warming & I loved the banter between the characters. I wasn't ready to say goodbye at the end.

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

For those of you who read and liked Heitzmann's book, Indivisible you will want to read Indelible! Our two main characters are Trevor & Natalie but you will find that Jonah, Tia, Piper, Miles and other characters are back from the previous novel.

Heitzmann superbly writes both main & secondary characters that draw you in & make you fly through the pages. You will get wrapped up in each of their stories and find yourself hungering for more. I hope there will be another follow up book to continue telling their story. Even a day later I have them floating around in my head.

This is a fast paced, romantic suspense novel that won't disappoint. Read it but make sure you read Indivisible first.

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher

Welcome to the town of Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho & the story of Miss K. It is a story that will endear your heart and touch on things like faith, hope, forgiveness, trust & love.

This is the first time I have read one of Hatcher's books but I look forward to reading more of them. I especially look forward to the second book in this series (Where the Heart Lives).

The Trouble with Cowboys (A Big Sky Romance) by Denise Hunter

I am sad to say goodbye to the Big Sky series. Hunter has a gift with writing stories that draw you in, bless you & teach you something along the way. The romance doesn't hurt either!

Again wonderful characters with real life struggles... Learning to let go and step out in faith.

You can't go wrong with this one!

My Foolish Heart (A Deep Haven Novel) by Susan May Warren

In this delightful Deep Haven novel you will encounter wonderful characters & a story that endears your heart & makes the pages fly!

Like so many of us these characters struggle with insecurities, fears, pride, hurts, a desire to rise above & be a better person. There is a lesson here on learning that you can't do it on your own but with God you can do anything! You can conquer your fears & battle your pride & you can forgive & love AND really live!

Trust God... Believe Him for Good. Believe in His never stopping, never giving up love! Embrace His grace, mercy, & forgiveness. God is not like us. He doesn't think like us or act like us. His ways are not our ways nor His thoughts our thoughts ... His are so much higher. Maybe we too can be guilty of attributing character flaws to God that are really our own.

All in all this is a joy to read, packed with some deep truths!

Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

I have to say that Leigh's Carolina Series just kept getting better... And Restless in Carolina was the crowning jewel.

I loved the quirky main character, Bridget. Who in previous novels wasn't quiet as endearing but strange. She came full circle in this one.

I was sad to notice how rapidly I was approaching the end of this book, the series/characters. That said I should also say that it left me with a smile on my face!

Cozy up with this one & be prepared to not want to put it down.

Nowhere, Carolina by Tamara Leigh

With a past she isn't so proud of Maggie Pickwick seeks to be honorable in her present. Although with the return of a former boyfriend & hopes of protecting her daughter the areas of right & wrong seem to be turning more & more into gray.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters are wonderful! In this heartwarming tale you will find the struggle we all face with pride & learning to let go and trust God knows & does what's best for us.

A book to find a nice & cozy chair for!

Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh

Ever done something you would rather forget? Been treated harshly? If so maybe you are like Piper Wick or is it Pickwick?! A story of facing up to things & people which can be hard but as the Bible says the truth will set you free.

Interesting characters, a splash of romance & some good lessons to learn; all in all a good read.

The Emerald Isle (Book 4) by Angela Elwell Hunt

A wonderful conclusion to The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series! In book 4, Hunt concludes with not only the story of Cahira but Kathleen as well.

I found it to be a very interesting & touching read... And find myself quite content and happy with the ending!

The Velvet Shadow (Book 3) by Angela Elwell Hunt

I enjoyed book 3 in the Heirs of Cahira O'Connor series. Set in the civil war time period it gives you a glimpse into the lives of those struggling to understand & do what is right at a time filled with chaos & differing view points pulling a nation & families apart. Some interesting historical information is woven into the story as well.

Our heroine, Flanna will capture your heart and you will be rooting for her as you turn the pages.

Thoughtful reading,

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

Ever caught yourself in a situation that you wish you could undo? Meet Grace errr or is it Maizy?! Well you will have to read the story to figure that out.

Another rapid & enjoyable read! The characters come to life off the page & the plot keeps the pages turning as you wonder how she will work all this out!

One to read...

Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh

A prodigal returning home & determined not to wander... Playing it safe in every way, will Harriet miss out on Mister Right & more importantly the unique her God created her to be?

Another read to pick a good chair & settle in for! Delightfully real characters & a wonderful tale. I completely enjoyed zipping through this one yesterday!

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh

Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on this but I do believe Stealing Adda was Leigh's first Christian fiction book published. She was previously a historical romance writer.

I enjoyed Adda & her other characters in this very enjoyable read! Mishaps, an arch-nemesis, romance, humor & a journey to faith what more could you ask for?!

Pick it up & settle in for a fun & engaging read!

Perfecting Kate by Tamara Leigh

Tamara Leigh's Perfecting Kate is "perfectly" delightful! Seriously you will find in Kate maybe a little of us all... How we would either like to perfect our outward selves, our lives, our inward self & so on. In this witty & fun read are some deep truths & questions to ponder. This was my first time to read one of T.L.'s books but I look forward to more!

The Golden Cross (Book 2), Angela Elwell Hunt

If you are up for another adventure... High seas, discovery, perils, romance, & more this is a book for you!

A little slow start but then your flying through the book eager to see what will become of our heroine, Aidan O'Connor. Another delightful tale!

The Silver Sword, Angela Elwell Hunt

I have to say doing this blog encourages me to get out and find new authors and to mix it up more and not read the same old same old all the time... In doing so I have been blessed to come across so many new (to me) authors, of whom I love their books.
In saying that let me introduce another new author for me - Angela Elwell Hunt.  I just finished this book last night and I can't wait to pick up the next in this series!  The Silver Sword started a little slow in the first chapter but then you pick up speed quiet rapidly and just do not want to stop reading!  I thoroughly enjoyed the history lesson and the tale... all of the details of the time period and what was going on in the struggles of the Church at that time.
Hunt has written a thrilling, wonderful and gripping tale that has you rooting, hoping, learning and captivated by the story and her main character, Anika of Prague.

Diva NashVegas - Book 2, Rachel Hauck

Another great read.  I loved the "Diva" insight... the hurts, insecurities, struggles, hopes and more.  A story pointing us to not lose ourselves in things that are worldly but to cling to that which is lasting.  The friendship and banter between the two main characters are delightful!  I didn't want to say goodbye...

Lost in NashVegas, Rachel Hauck

Sigh, well I loaned this book out with my notes on it, in it! Ha on myself.  Since it was a recent read here we go...
I loved it! I loved the characters, their personalities and the funny sayings.  Hauck had me chuckling quiet often through this book.  It was a shining gem! Maybe my favorite of hers yet! 

I highly recommend picking this one up!  Especially if you are in need of a few good laughs!

Allison Pittman, The Sister Wife Series

For Time & Eternity - Book 1
For a book I wasn't sure I wanted to read, I sure got sucked into it and didn't want to stop!  Seriously, once you are a few chapters in you are hooked.  The tale of Camilla, her life, her plight and imaging those women who have been through this tugs on you and grips your mind and heart.  I was so thankful that I already had book 2 on hand when I finished the first one!  (Pittman hasn't let me down yet).

Forsaking All Others - Book 2

Ahhh, the wondering and waiting - What will happen!?!  Again you just don't want to put it down.  Themes of grace, forgiveness, love, truth, clinging to and trusting Jesus are all woven wonderfully in! 

A series to read!

Vigilante, Robin Parrish

Wow, I am still trying to wrap my mind around this tale... It picks you up and picks up speed along the way until you are flying through the pages and hanging on because you are not sure where it will take you next!
Parrish steps out of the norm and challenges us to think and to question our motives, hearts, right/wrong... and he tops it all off with grace.  Bravo! 

If your looking for an exciting read this is it!

Promise Me This, Cathy Gohlke

This is the first time I have read a book by Gohlke and I am so glad I did!  The book was a little slow at the start but then ZING - you do NOT want to put it down!  I loved the parallels of Christ, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and grace written in this story.  You will notice that Owen is a Christ-like figure in this tale.  There is so much packed into this book wow - besides the above mentioned you will touch on sorrow, joy, hope, overcoming and so much more.  This is a powerful and moving tale, be sure to read it!

A LowCountry Romance Series - Rachel Hauck

Book 1 - Sweet Caroline
Loved it! The characters, the humor, the heart in it - wonderful!!! The book could have had another 100 pages - I was NOT ready for it to end!  I loved the symbolism in this book of death and love leading to change... that Christ who calls us His friend died for us out of love and because of this our lives are changed!  The lessons on friendships and sacrifice.  Couldn't wait for book 2...
Book 2 - Love Starts With Elle

Yay! Wrapping up the loose ends in book 1 and another wonderful story!  Again loved the characters, story and the flow.  Lessons on learning to trust and believe God.
Book 3 - Dining With Joy

Once again I loved the story and the characters.  I didn't want to put this one down.  I enjoyed the real life struggles and the lessons on faith, hope, trusting and love.
Cudos to Hauck on a great series!

Walks Alone, Sandi Rog

Rog's newest novel is a winner!  You will find this to be a fascinating and gripping read that won't let you go till you turn the last page.  Loved it! Rog truly is a masterful story teller... weaving intrigue, teaching us lessons and blessing us through this tale.  I enjoyed the historical details and learned not just history lessons but spiritual lessons as well.

Superb-

The Wedding Dress, Rachel Hauck

This was the first time I have read one of Hauck's books but I will again!  I loved the story and imagery she used.  The dress and what it represented not only at face value but in the underlying spiritual message.  A sure message you will pick up in this novel is one of Christ our Bridegroom, our Savior and Redeemer... and us, His Bride!  Well written!

Smitten ~ Coble, Billerbeck, Hunt & Hunter

Smitten is a tale in which four authors who are friends have each written a segment of the story.  Each author taking one of the four friends in the book as their main character and continuing the tale.  Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter are all real life friends and authors.

This was such a fun read! Perfect for a beach day or any where... I really enjoyed each story within the story and all of the characters!  I am "smitten" and can't wait for book 2!

Searching For Eternity, Elizabeth Musser

Bravo Musser - you are a gifted writer! Another engaging and well written story filled with depth and lessons to be learned.  It is sure to tug on your heart and to make you think.  I loved the story and the characters. I found this book to be very intriguing and filled with things such as love, friendship, hope, forgiveness, mystery, persevering, faith and more.  Definitely put this one on your reading list!

The Accidental Bride, Denise Hunter

For those of you who follow me regularly and know that my postings have become very erratic since my 2nd child was born and we moved, you will be excited to know that I finally started taking down notes after finishing a book! You will also be bummed to know that I did loan out a few books that I am not sure I have posted on yet... but as they get returned I will mention them.

The Accidental Bride is the second book in The Big Sky Romance Series by Denise Hunter (book three is due out in October). Hunter has once again blessed us with another wonderful tale, that tugs on your heart!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and flew through the pages.  I can't wait for book 3!!!  Pick this one up you won't be disappointed.

Dreaming With God by Bill Johnson

By now you may be expecting what I am about to write but please forgive me!  I read this book around the end of May/beginning of June and I wish I had made notes so as to extol on it more. 

This was the first time I have read one of Bill Johnson's books.  A dear friend recommended this book to me and I am so glad.  The subtitle of the book is - Co-Laboring with God for Cultural Transformation, that I hope will give you more insight into the book. 

I can tell you that as I read the book I gleaned some very valuable jewels and would recommend reading this one!  If you are hungering to draw closer, to be who God designed you to be and to join with Him in His purposes this book will be an encouragement to you!

Blessed reading!