simpleharvestreads – Page 73 – Simple Harvest Reads

The Innocent

The Innocent by Ann Gabhart is a 384 page novel in the Christian mystery romance genre. It is published by Revell and was released on July 7, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

My Two Cents

The Innocent is a well-written novel that keeps the reader interested from the beginning. The story line displays well the dangers that can come when people abuse religion and power. I enjoyed the mystery that was added to the story line making this novel not your typical love story.

It is apparent that Gabhart has done her research both about the culture of the post-Civil War era and about the Shakers. The Innocent shows a side to the Civil War that is not often shown; the soldiers who were missing and the effect it had on their loved ones. Wives found themselves destitute with no way to collect on the pensions offered from the government. They had limited resources and limited options. This created an environment where women were not safe and could easily be taken advantage of.

There were many characters in this story and it added to the depth of the novel. A couple of the characters added tension to the novel which made the book hard to put down. I really enjoyed the relationship Carlyn had with her dog who was a wonderful companion to her.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a sweet story although a bit predictable.

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 opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win The Innocent by Ann Gabhart, click on the words “Entry-Form” below. This giveaway ends Friday, July 17 at 11:59pm PDT.

Entry -Form

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor Review

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson is a 352 page novel in the Christian mystery genre. It was published by Howard Books and was released on June 16, 2015. To purchase your own copy, click here.

Overview

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.

My Two Cents

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a fast-paced book about love, forgiveness, and the harm that secrets can bring to a family. The storyline goes seamlessly between past and present which allows the story to unfold in a way that makes you want to keep reading. I was drawn in from the beginning and could not put the book down. I wanted to find out the secrets and what happened to each of the characters.

This book has everything you want in a story: Love, mystery, secrets, surprises, struggle, tension, and hope. As a teacher, I could tell that Melanie had done research on Autism and what it looked like for families who had a special needs child before they had diagnosis. She also shows the real-life struggle of parents in which society does not understand their child and thinks you are not a good parent.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is an extremely well-written book with well-developed characters. There is much we can learn through the relationships of the characters of the book. Melanie’s display of the hurt that is caused by molding people into what we want them to be, not how God made them to be is evident throughout the book. The hurt caused by forgiveness and the regret we have at the end of our lives reminds the reader to think about our actions each and every day.

I give Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor 5 out of 5 stars. This book will keep you captivated from the very beginning.

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

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of thirteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon.

Find Melanie online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below. This giveaway ends June 10, 2015 at 11:59 pm PDT.

Entry -Form

Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre. It is the second book in The Golden Gate Chronicles but can be read as a stand alone. Beyond the Ashes is published by Abingdon Press Publishers and was released on June 16, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My Two Cents

Beyond the Ashes was my first experience with Karen Barnett’s writing and I was not disappointed. Taking place right after the earthquake and great fire in San Fran, Beyond the Ashes brings to light the frivolity of our lives and reminds us to focus on what is important. Many of the characters have suffered loss and appreciate the time they have been given with each other realizing each day is never guaranteed.

Beyond the Ashes was well-written and was captivating from the beginning. I was particularly impressed with the research she has completed both with the history that is reflected in the novel as well as the medical knowledge she displayed. This makes the book feel very authentic.

Many of us suffer loss -devastating loss- in our lifetime. Sometimes this makes us question God and His sovereignty. Loss can also make us question our faith and take what we think is the easy, safest path in life. Barnett marvelously weaves these issues into Beyond the Ashes to encourage us to remember that our faith and our hope is in the Lord.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I could not put this book down! You will be greatly encouraged by this book. It is a definate must for your TBR list.

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 view expressed are my own.

About the Author

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs. You can learn more at KarenBarnettBooks.com.

Two Roads Home

Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney is a 304 page novel in the contemporary fiction genre. It is published by Abingdon Press and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

What if it’s too late for dreams to come true?

Minor—but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.

With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

My Two Cents

Two Roads Home has strong themes of trust and faith, both in the Lord and in your spouse. It also wonderfully portrays family struggles and how a family supports one another through difficult times. Particularly, I found it encouraging how real the characters were in their thoughts, feelings and emotions. Love requires sacrifice. Sometimes we know the right thing to do but still struggle with not letting the sacrifice cause us to become harsh and bitter. Deborah develops a beautiful parable of how this works in a family who wants to do the right things but are still human.

I will state that the book was a little slow in places. The writing could have been more developed as the writer tended to “tell” you the story instead of “show” you the story. I was disappointed with the ending as well. The story did not feel complete. I would have liked for the story to be resolved a bit more.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. This would be an encouraging book for those struggling in their marriage.

About the Author

Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas-the setting of many of Deborah’s novels-for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.
Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Mindwar Guest Review by Denise Barela

MindWar by Andrew Klavan is a 336 page novel in the Young Adult Science Fiction genre. It is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and was released on March 17, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

New High Score! New Record Time!

Rick nodded with grim satisfaction. He laid the game controller aside on the sofa and reached for his crutches.

Rick Dial was the best quarterback Putnam Hills High School had ever seen. Unflappable. Unstoppable. Number 12. But when a car accident left him crippled, Rick’s life as he knew it ended. He disavowed his triumphant past. He ignored his girlfriend. He disappeared into his bedroom—and into the glowing video screen.

But Rick’s uncanny gaming skills have attracted attention. Dangerous attention. Government agents have uncovered a potentially devastating cyber-threat: a Russian genius has created a digital reality called the Realm, from which he can enter, control, and disrupt American computer systems . . . from transportation to defense. The agents want Rick, quick-thinking quarterback and gaming master, to enter the Realm and stop the madman—before he sends America into chaos.

Entering the Realm will give Rick what he thought he’d never have again: a body as strong and fast as it was before the accident. But this is no game, there are no extra lives, and what happens to Rick in the Realm happens to Rick’s body in reality.

Even after Rick agrees to help, he can’t shake the sense that he’s being kept in the dark. Why would a government agency act so aggressively? Can anyone inside the Realm be trusted? How many others have entered before him . . . and failed to return?

In the tradition of Ender’s Game and The Matrix, MindWar is a complex thriller about a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers a hidden gift—a gift that could make him a hero . . . or cost him everything.

My Two Cents

MindWar focused on themes of family, faith, and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters in this novel evolve as the plot unfolded. The main character, Rick, shows reader how important it is to never give up, though he had to learn this lesson the hard way. Despite the danger it brought to his own life, he did tried with all his might to save those he calls friends.

The focus shift between the good guys and the bad guys made the storyline easier to follow. Although this book started off slowly, it picked up towards the end of the novel. Overall, this book had an interesting concept and was a good read.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I give it this rating only because it took some time for the story to pick up. This book had great characters that can teach us important lessons.

About the Author

Andrew Klavan is a bestselling, award-winning thriller novelist whose books have been made into major motion pictures. He broke into the YA scene with the best-selling Homelanders series, starting with The Last Thing I Remember. He is also a screenwriter and scripted the innovative movie-in-an-app Haunting Melissa.

Love Arrives in Pieces Review

Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant is a 336 page novel in the Christian Contemporary Romance genre. It is published by Zondervan and was released on June 9. To order your copy of Love Arrives in Pieces, click here.

Overview

For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.

Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn’t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to brokenness, so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but she always falls short. So she keeps her passion for art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn’t get another job soon, she’ll be stuck living with her parents.

Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancée. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he’ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town’s old theater and is shocked to discover that the designer for the project is his old flame, Stella.

Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and past as they struggle to compromise and work together on a vision for the theater. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness—and their unresolved feelings for each other-until Chase discovers the hidden parts of Stella, while losing her trust in the process.

A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice—to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from their brokenness.

My Two Cents

I love the name of this book Love Arrives in Pieces. It’s story is a reminder that wounds can be healed and brokenness can be mended. With a style of writing that is unique to Betsy, she weaves a story of encouragement and hope for those who have been shattered by life. This imagery is amazing; the beauty of what God can do shines through.

The characters in this book have much depth. The wisdom shared through the character of Dixie is something that the reader can apply to their own life. Dixie is homeless yet adds so much to people’s lives. Many times people walk by a homeless person and think they have nothing to give. I loved the reminder that we are all loved by God and we should take no one for granted.

Love Arrives in Pieces is raw and deals with issues so many of us deal with in our everyday lives. The reader can take so much away from this book to apply to their own lives. Encouragement, hope and love will work their way into your heart with this excellently written novel.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. A definite must to add to your TBR pile.

Many thanks to the Litfuse Chicks for a 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

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Find Betsy online: website, Facebook

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Betsy’s newest book, Love Arrives In Pieces. To enter, click the words “Entry-Form” below. This contest ends Friday, July 3 at 11:59pm PDT.

Entry -Form

An Interview with Molly Jebber

Today I am very excited to be featuring an interview with Molly Jebber! Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the interview.

What started you on your writing journey?

My childhood imaginary friends, Bugs and Debbie. As an only child before my brother was born, Bugs was my little companion who got the blame for all the things I did wrong, and Debbie got all the credit for the things I did good. Mom laughed at my imaginary friends. Dad was a little worried about me. They were relieved when Bugs and Debbie went by the wayside when my brother, Mitch was born! With my imagination, my friends and family encouraged me to write, and I’ve always wanted to.

What distracts you from writing the easiest?

My husband, Ed, suggesting we go to dinner or a movie. My daughter, Misty or my friends wanting me to go to lunch for a good gab session, movie, swimming or beach. Eyeing a really good book on my nightstand and picking it up to read a few pages, and then not being able to put it down.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading? (Book recommendations very welcome!)

Devotional, Romance and Mysteries – I loved “Breathing on Her Own” by Rebecca Waters

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Becca – She’s kind, but speaks her mind. She’s got a large birthmark on her hand, but she doesn’t let it define her. She loves God and appreciates her Amish upbringing, but she struggles with how to react when she’s faced with difficult people and harrowing situations.

What is your favorite season of the year?

Summer! I’m happier when I can see my toes and have sunshine on me!

What do you like most about the area where you live and/or grew up?

Springboro, Ohio. It was a small town. Everybody knew each other. My brother and I had lots of children our age who lived on our street. My daughter, Misty, was also raised there, but it grew by leaps and bounds before she graduated from high school. We loved the festivals, history, school spirit, local church, and candy store! The family who bought our house years ago still have my playhouse in their backyard. It’s been painted and is leaning a little, but I tear up every time I drive by it and remember my dad building it out of scrap lumber. He passed a few years ago.

Has some place you have traveled inspired something in your writing?

I love visiting Amish towns and learning from them. They inspire me with their strong belief in God and focus on Him. I find their way of life fascinating. I enjoy shopping in their stores and seeing their handiwork. The quilts and other dry goods are beautiful.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?

My next book is part of an anthology titled, “The Christmas Sleigh” with Amy Lillard and Kelly Long. My story is “An Unexpected Christmas Blessing”.

As much as Charity Lantz’s children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. She’s drawn to him, but they’re having more disagreements and misunderstandings than snowflakes in December. Will God show them a way past their conflicts to a forever love?

“CHANGE OF HEART” is the first book of a three book Keepsake Pocket Quilt theme series.

“An Amish Christmas Sleigh” a separate Christmas story in an anthology with Amy Lillard and Kelly Long stories will be released October, 2015.

“GRACE’S FORGIVENESS” is the second book in the series and it will be released February, 2016.

Giveaway

Enter the weekend giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Change of Heart. To enter, click on the words “Entry-Form” below. Contest ends on June 29 at 11:59pm PDT.

Entry -Form

Change of Heart Review

Change of Heart by Molly Jebber is a 288 page novel in the Amish historical fiction genre. It is published by Zebra Publishers and will be released on June 30, 2015. To pre-order a copy, click here.

Overview

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .

About the Author

Molly Jebber is the author of CHANGE OF HEART, an Amish historical romance. Fascinated by the Amish history, culture, Molly perused her passion to write. Her love or writing led to a book deal with Kensington Publishing as well as three more titles debuting in 2015/2016. Publisher’s Weekly magazine announced and listed this book number three in their best ten review list for 2015. Romantic Times gave Change of Heart 4.5 stars.Molly enjoys time with her family, friends, traveling, swimming and golf. She loves God and serving Him.

http://www.mollyjebber.com – Sign up for Molly’s newsletter, for giveaways, appearances, and latest news on book releases.

My Two Cents

It is always fun to find a new author. Especially an author who writes not only Amish fiction but in the historical contexts. Molly Jebber does a wonderful keeping to the Amish culture. It is obvious to the reader she has done her research on the culture of the Amish during this time period.

Change of Heart is a refreshing take on Amish fiction because the storyline and setting are so different from the typical Amish genre. The characters are very different but written well. The idea of pocket quilts was fascinating to me and their use in the story makes it quite endearing. The relationships between the character are encouraging. The bonds between Becca and her sister are strong and even shunning has not been able to separate them. Their support for each other help to remind us what family is all about.

I give Change of Heart 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. This is a sweet story that will captivate you from beginning to end.

Many thanks to Molly Jebber for a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Molly’s new book, Change of Heart this weekend we are giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner. To Enter, click on the words “Entry-Form” below.

Entry -Form

This giveaway ends Monday, June 29 at 11:59pm.

Molly Jebber Weekend and Giveaway

This weekend I am featuring a new-to-me author Molly Jebber to celebrate the upcoming release of her new book. Her book Change of Heart is a wonderful book and I look forward to reviewing it tomorrow. On Sunday, Molly will be joining me for an interview.

Take a moment to learn more about Molly by visiting her on her author page: http://www.mollyjebber.com/ or at https://www.facebook.com/molly.morrisjebber.

To celebrate this weekend, both Molly will be giving away a copy of Change of Heart to one lucky winner. To enter, click on the words “Entry-From” below. This giveaway ends on Monday, June 29 at 11:59pm PDT.

Entry -Form

Desperate Measures Review Guest Review by Denise Barela

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard is a 368 page novel in the Suspense genre. It is published by Revell Publishers and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth–even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

My Two Cents

Desperate Measures is a thrilling novel with several twists and turns along the way. This novel is the third in the Port Aster series, yet I was easily able to follow the story line without reading the two prior novels. The characters were interesting and relatable; it was easy to find myself in their shoes as I continued reading the novel. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Kate and Tom unfold as the novel went on. Kate’s love for her father was inspiring. Even though her father had put her through a lot, she still loved him and fought to be able to see him again. Desperate Measures deals with themes of love, trust, and faith in God.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was a joy to read and kept me interested throughout the entire length of the novel.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of Desperate Measures in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, winner of the 2014 The Word Award for suspense, and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics at her website.