Tag: #bookreview

Summer’s List Review

Summer’s List by Anita Higman is a 288 page novel in the Contemporary Romance genre. It is published by River North Publishers and was released on June 1, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

summers list

Overview

A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.

Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness—caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore—she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love . . . didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something—or someone.

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

My Two Cents

Summer’s List is a wonderful, fast-paced novel with a moving storyline. Two characters set out on a journey to complete a list given to Summer by her grandmother.  This journey changes the them, reveals the past to them, and gives them hope for the future.

The characters in Summer’s List are interesting and well-developed.  The love shown between Summer and her grandmother is very touching and reminds you to cherish every moment you have with your loved ones.  Martin Langtree has a difficult relationship with his brothers – whom I wanted to strangle at certain points in this book.  Martin loves his brothers and wants to show them what true love, what God’s love, looks like. It was encouraging to see the sacrifice tempered with accountability that Martin gave to his brothers to show them God’s love. This made me reflect on my relationships and how I can better show Christ to others.

The themes of love, forgiveness, hope, and faith in God are all reflected in Summer’s List. It reminded me of the joy of reconciliation and to never lose hope in the Lord. I was surprised to find a bit of mystery added in. This, along with the tension, kept the book moving at a fast pace. I read it in one sitting!

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.  It was a joy to read and best of all, I gained encouragement from reading it.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Find Anita online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Leslie’s Amish Promises click on the words, “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 23 at 11:59pm PDT.

As Waters Gone By Review

As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti is a 304 page novel in the contemporary Christian fiction genre.  It is published by Abingdon Press and was released on May, 5 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

as waters gone by

Overview

How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?

Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.

Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?

My Two Cents

As Waters Gone By is a wonderful book filled with Biblical hope! Set in the backdrop of a beautiful setting, Cynthia creates a story of faith and finding joy even in difficult circumstances. It is hard to put into words the encouragement I felt as I read this book; it lifted my heart. As Waters Gone By makes you want to believe in second chances and the hope for redemption. It reminds you of who God is – of His mercy and grace but most of all His faithfulness to his children.

Cynthia’s writing is different from other authors I have read.  She paints a descriptive picture of emotions with the setting; the reader feels the words written on the page.  It felt as though I was right there beside Emmalyn getting a glimpse into her heartache and redemption. The other characters are well-developed as well. The theme of true friendship is very apparent in this story.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  As Waters Gone By is a story that will stay with you and keep you reflecting for a long time after you put it down. It is a must read.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About The Author

Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with Heartbeat of the Home radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Find Cynthia online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter this giveaway, click on “Entry-Form” below.  The winner will receive one copy of Cynthia Ruchti’s As Waters Gone By.

This giveaway ends at 11:59 pm PDT on June 12.

Hearts Made whole Review

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is a 383 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre.  It is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series but can be read as a stand alone. Hearts Made Whole is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on June 2. To purchase your copy, click here.

hearts made whole

Overview

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper—even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation—the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

My Two Cents

I was immediately drawn into Hearts Made Whole and was easily able to connect to the characters.  Jody paints a picture of a beautiful setting in historical Massachusetts and the life of a lighthouse keeper.  The story she weaves exposes the plight of women and the difficult choices they faced during this era.  Jody also exposes the harsh realities of war veterans trying to assimilate back into everyday life and the scars they carry.

Jody creates very strong, well-developed characters in Hearts Made Whole. Caroline is a strong woman who is taking care of her siblings after they were orphaned. During an age where women struggled for equality, she struggles to keep her job, provide a roof over their heads, and be both mother and father to her siblings. Caroline faces tough choices but handles them with love and grace.

Hearts Made Whole has a storyline that is gripping.  Jody uses her characters to unfold mystery, jealousy, and tenacity.  She also uses those characters to inspire trust in the Lord, love, forgiveness and second chances. Some characters you can not help but love while others you make you so mad you want to scream.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Hearts Made Whole is a story that fills your heart and gives you a wonderful reminder of how important it is to trust in the Lord.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway:

To enter Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 11, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT.
Jody Hedlund’s Giveaway

Don’t miss Jody Hedlund’s new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan’s failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody’s June 23rd author chat party!

hearts made whole - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

One second-place winner will receive:

One third-place winner will receive:

hearts made whole - prize colalge

Fatal Trauma Review

Fatal Trauma by Richard Mabry, M.D. is a 304 page novel in the Medical Fiction genre.  It was published by Abingdon Press and was released on May 19, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

fatal trauma

Overview

A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.

When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.

Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?

My Two Cents

Fatal Trauma is a faced paced, edge of your seat page turner. It is obvious that the Richard has done research and knows his way around the ER.  The Christian theme is obvious and very forthright throughout the novel.

Richard knows how to write suspense and how to keep you guessing! There was a surprise at every turn and this made me want to keep reading.  There were parts that made me sit forward in my seat, anxiously waiting for what would happen next!

I enjoyed this novel. However it took me a while to invest in Mark and Kelly because the novel starts after their relationship was in progress. This made certain parts of the novel a little far-fetched, like when Mark’s high school sweetheart comes into the picture.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a heart-racing romance suspense novel, you will love Fatal Trauma!

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Find Richard online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter the Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 10 at 11:59 PDT.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!

fatal trauma - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.

fatal trauma-enterbanner

Love’s Rescue Review

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson is a 352 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is the first book in the Keys of Promise series. Love’s Rescue was published by Revell and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Print

Overview

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Two Cents

Have you ever done something you know you will regret forever? Have you ever wanted to please someone but doing so will break your heart? Meet Elizabeth Benjamin, the protagonist of Love’s Rescue who deals with these issues to find she needs to trust in God for answers. This book has everything you can want in a novel: Love, family, friendships, suspense, sacrifice, secrets, tension and much more. There are parts where the tension is palatable and you want to reach into the book to strangle a character. I loved it from the beginning, turning page after page and finished in one sitting.

This was my first experience reading Christine Johnson and it was very enjoyable.  It was apparent the amount of research and knowledge that was poured into the novel. The setting of Key West, Florida during the 1850s was a perfect setting for this novel and Christine’s love for the area was evident.  The storyline included the occupation of wreckers which I was not familiar with, however, Christine integrated her historical knowledge into the story wonderfully and it was easy to follow.

The theme of forgiveness is strong in this novel.  It shines marvelously through the characters Christine creates and is very encouraging to the reader. It makes the reader reflect on matters that need forgiveness in their own lives and remember how much forgiveness God has given them.  It is enjoyable to read a well-written book, yet is even more enjoyable when the reader can walk away with something worthy to apply to their own lives.  Christine does this with her debut novel, Love’s Rescue, and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Come take an adventure on the seas as well as in the historical Key West with a book that will leave you feeling encouraged at the finish!
Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Learn more at www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win your copy of Love’s Rescue, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 9 at 11:59pm.

Amish Promises Review

Amish Promises by Leslie Gould is a 368 page novel in the Amish fiction genre.  It is the first book in the Neighbors of Lancaster Series. Amish Promises is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on May 5, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

amish promises

Overview

Journey Down a Quiet Lane in Lancaster County Where Love and Heartache and Friendship and Healing Meet.

When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home, they’re looking for peace. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq, but he needs time to heal, and the quiet of Lancaster seems just the place. They can’t imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys.

Eve Lehman has run her brother’s household ever since the death of his wife, but Tim’s a stern patriarch. Despite his protests, she’s drawn to the new neighbor, Shani, and the two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family. Things seem like they’ve quieted down until Joel’s single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve’s attention–a man unlike any Eve has ever met. Suddenly life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.

My Two Cents

Amish Promises was a realistic, heart-warming read.  The storyline of Amish and English neighbors made the book very interesting and the conflict between the two kept the pace going.  Amish Promises also offers a look into soldiers who suffer from PTSD and the effects it has on them and their family.  The theme of friendship and loving your neighbor shined throughout the book.

Though it was difficult to keep account of all the characters at the beginning of the story, the characters were extremely well-written.  The characters are real with real issues in both the Amish and English families.  The storyline of the relationship between the two families is different from most Amish novels.

Amish Promises discusses many difficult issues yet it is not a heavy read; they were handled with respect and grace.  I finished the book feeling encouraged and can not wait for the next book in the series.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Leslie Gould is the author of the bestselling Courtships of Lancaster County series and coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her family in Portland, Oregon.

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Leslie’s Amish Promises click on the words, “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 7th at 11:59 PDT.

Hutterite Diaries

The Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel is a 150 page memoir about the Hutterite people.  It is published by MennoMedia and was released on May 18, 2015.  To purchase your own copy, click here.

Overview

What would it be like to share all your possessions and live in Christian community?

In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to bring in the fall potato harvest to laugh-out-loud tales of sisterly love laced with revenge, Maendel invites readers into her Bruderhof, or colony, nestled on the prairie of western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat, and worship together, crafting a community of goods and living out an alternative to the individualism and consumerism of mainstream society.

Few outsiders know anything about the Hutterites, a Plain Christian group related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel’s story invites readers into deeper understanding of this community of faith, calling us to take seriously the example of Jesus and the early church in our daily living.

Huttertie

My Two Cents

The Hutterite Diaries is a delightful and interesting read.  The book is written like you are sitting and talking to your friend over a cup of coffee.  Hutterite Diaries flowed easily and it only took a couple of hours to read.  What was different about this memoir compared to others I have read is that it is divided into sections.  Each chapter has an applicable quote at the beginning which gives the reader a preview of what is to come.

Linda shares a lot of her culture and herself.  Her love of her people shines deeply though her words.  She is honest and caring.  The humor and stories she adds to the book make the book fun and joyful.  The way Linda uses description makes you draw mental pictures in your mind; it is as if you are right there with her in her community.

Linda includes some of the history of the Hutterite people. This really gives the reader a bird’s eye view of what their people have gone through, yet survived.  Linda also discusses some threats to her culture.  Her honesty is refreshing.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation has been received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Linda Maendel is a Hutterite author, blogger, and educator who lives in Elm River Colony outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Find Linda online: website, Twitter

Giveaway

To enter to win a copy of Linda’s book, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 4, 2015 at 11:59 PDT.

The Proposal at Siesta Key

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Grey is a 288 page novel in the Amish fiction genre.  It is the second book in The Pinecraft Brides series but can be read as a stand alone.  The Proposal at Siesta Key is published by Avon Inspire and was released on May 15, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

proposal

My Two Cents

The Proposal at Siesta Key is a sweet, easy story that I could read over and over again. Shelley drew me in right from the start and I wanted to keep flipping page after page to see how the story unfolds.  I can not wait for the next installment of the series.

The relationships built throughout this book really draw you in.  As a parent, I can relate to Penny Troyer’s parents who want to keep her safe and close.  Yet, you can understand Penny’s desire to be free and make relationships of her own.  I can also relate to Michael and his disability.  He struggles with the desire to please his family, who have been through so much, and his desire to be free. Michael wants to please God as well and it is sometimes difficult to know what plan God has for you.  Shelley does a wonderful job creating depth in these characters and the tension she adds makes you want to keep reading.

The Proposal at Siesta Key is very encouraging and full of wisdom. Shelley has a phenomenal way of interweaving the truth of “life is not easy” while also reminding us to cherish each moment we have because we can never get that moment back.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.  Grab your coffee and banana nut muffin and join me in Florida at the Orange Blossom Inn! This is one book you will want to read again!

Thank you to Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Find Shelley online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway

There are two giveaways you can enter to receive a copy of Shelley’s new book, The Proposal at Siesta Key. To enter my giveaway, Click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 3, 2015 at 11:59 PDT.


Small print: This giveaway is sponsored by Simple Harvest Reads. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize.  Simple Harvest Reads is not responsible for prizes lost or damaged by the post office.


To enter Shelley’s giveaway, click below:

Proposal Siesta Key Shelley Shepard Gray

As Love Blooms Review

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre.  It is the third installment in The Gregory Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone.  As Love Blooms is published by Revell Publishers and was released on May 19.  To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa’s young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers’ hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

as love blooms

My Two Cents

As Love Blooms is a sweet story about a girl who finds love while struggling to fulfill her dreams and struggling to find who she is during a time in history that was redefining women. The relationship between the sisters is wonderfully constructed and the reader can see their strengths, weaknesses, struggles and support of each other throughout the story.  The girls relationship with their Aunt Sam is different than most relationships but you can see how much love they have for each other.

The book also focuses on Reece and his struggle to step out of his father’s spotlight.  I enjoyed his relationship with is friend, Erik and his wife as well as his landlady.  This relationship gave insight into his character making it a pleasure to read a book that toggles between two main characters.

In the background of As Love Blooms is the focus on horticulture.  The story reflects the knowledge and research completed by the author regarding this subject.  There was a lot of interesting information given and the nuances about what was popular at the time or going on in horticulture during that time in history added to the story. Added to this is the question of women being involved professionally in the horticulture industry or just in private homes makes the story line interesting.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of As Love Blooms in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation has be received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Giveaway

To win a copy of As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad, click on “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:59pm PDT.


Small print: This giveaway is sponsored by Simple Harvest Reads. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize.  Simple Harvest Reads is not responsible for prizes lost or damaged by the post office.

The Choosing Review

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker is a 448 page dystopian novel.  It is published by Tyndale and released on May 19, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

the choosing

My Two Cents

I have to admit when I received this book I was a little nervous about reading it.  Ted Dekker’s books are great and I was concerned I would be disappointed.  I wasn’t! Rachelle drew me in from the beginning and I was hooked until the last page.  The Choosing leaves a good impression on the reader and makes you want more. She has stepped out of her father’s shadow and is creating an amazing one of her own.

The writing in The Choosing is excellent.  Rachelle uses such detailed descriptions you feel as if you are right there with the characters.  Where some dystopian novels feel disjointed and are hard to follow, The Choosing flowed well and was easy to understand.  I loved how Rachelle addresses the issue of worthlessness in her novel.  Most everyone has dealt with this issue at some point in their life and she does a marvelous job of pointing to who we should be getting our self-worth from: God. Where most dystopian novels leave you feeling bleak, The Choosing leaves you feeling hope.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. After reading many dystopian novels, this one was new and had a refreshing take.

Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for a free copy of The Choosing in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.