Scrape-A-Round Ice Scraper

I previously purchased my own Scrape-a-round and love it. I learned of this offer through my participation in US Family Guide Blogger Promotions. Details on the product were provided, opinions are my own.

The Scrape-a-round is a brilliant feat of ice scraping engineering. The simple explanations why Scrape-A-Round is the best ice scraper are as follows, Scrape-A-Round is the:
Best ice scraper because of the softer plastic, allows the scraper to conform to the window curvature! Find out more information: http://www.scrapearound.com/
18" of ice scraping surface.
The comfortable grasp provides relief for the arthritic or carpal syndrome sufferer.
Direct pressure to the window, no pressure lost through the ice scraper!
The circular rotational motion of ice scraper.
Double ice scraper action, leading edge and trailing edge.
Multi functional, remove the cap and it doubles as a funnel.
This scrapes windows frost and ice free in half the time!
Makes the perfect gift for the Holidays!
http://www.scrapearound.com/

This scraper works really well, my only challenge is reaching the center of my window...but that's about my height and arm length. You can see it in action here:

Want to get one?  Through this promotion, my readers can get FREE shipping at http://www.scrapearound.com/ Use code LU8FBEZREU2 at checkout.
http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=13171&dealid=3099

I previously purchased my own Scrape-a-round and love it. I learned of this offer through my participation in US Family Guide Blogger Promotions. Details on the product were provided, opinions are my own.

Trust My Heart by Carol J Post

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

The weather here has been a little crazy this week. Friday was a beautiful fall day, temperatures in the low 70s and a great day to spend outside getting things done. Then, come Saturday, the temperature took a nose dive, the wind came rushing in and brought with it some snow. One of my favorite activities on a snowy day (or weekend) is to curl up with a good book.

Fortunately for me, I had just started reading Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post. Grant McAllister and Jami Carlisle are the main characters in this touching story about overcoming obstacles of trust, learning the truths, and offering forgiveness. I loved how each planned to only be friends but as they learned more about each other and shared their stories developed a slow-budding romance that neither was really willing to accept along the way. The quirky characters that help shape the story, like Bernie and Hank further enhanced the connection with the characters in the book. I enjoyed how through intentional and inadvertent action, Bernie and Hank participated in the rise and fall of the relationship between Grant and Jami.

The character development was great, as the author created complex and believable characters that were endearing and frustrating at the same time. Both Jami and Grant had trust issues as a result of their past. Both had to learn to let it go and approach forgiveness, of each other and of those from their past, in order to allow them to grow in their relationship.

I was excited to see on the author's page that this book is the first in a planned series. I look forward to having the chance to get to know all of the characters better in the future installments in the series.

About the book:

Trust My Heart (Waterfall Press, October 2016)

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore---much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant's fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home...

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fg7WKG

About the author:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post's résumé reads as if she hasn't yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children's publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers' Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn't writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping---almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

See more reviews and learn more about the book on the Blog Tour Landing Page.

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Get Your Salsabration on with CHI-CHI’s

No compensation was received for this post. Content and a complimentary prize pack was provided by Chi-Chi's.

This week, Kent State is playing Western Michigan and Akron is playing Bowling Green, and there’s a special treat for anyone attending the game! CHI-CHI’S, makers of Mexican food favorites, including sauces, tortillas, salsas and dips, will be at the game throwing a “Salsabration”!

What is a “Salsabration”?

During the "Salsabration", fans will have the chance to win free merchandise, dance in a virtual conga line, and snack on an endless supply of CHI-CHI’S zesty salsas and chips.

Of course, you can also enjoy the fiesta experience at home with your family. In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, CHI-CHI’S wants to help people connect with each other—and with the moment—over tasty chips, crowd-pleasing salsa and fun times. At our house, we are fans of Mexican food. Whether it is a snack of chips and salsa in the evening, or a quick dinner of quesadillas, chips and tortillas are a staple at our house and part of nearly every shopping list. Chi-Chi's can help bring the fiesta to the table by adding a zesty kick to your favorite meals.

CHI-CHI’S products are made from quality ingredients, including real tomatoes, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. For more information about CHI-CHI’S, please visit www.chichis.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Pinterest.

Giveaway
For those who are not able to attend one of the games, no worries because I’ve got a special surprise—you too can host your own “Salsabration”! CHI-CHI’S is offering one A Busy Mom of Two reader the chance to win a giveaway prize, including chips, salsa and tortillas to make your gatherings and celebrations more enjoyable and irresistibly flavorful.
Prize Pack:

· (1) Mild Thick & Chunky Salsa ($3.29)

· (1) Medium Thick & Chunky Salsa ($3.29)

· (1) Hot Thick & Chunky Salsa ($3.29)

· (1) Authentic Original Tortilla Chips ($2.99)

· (1) Rounds Original Tortilla Chips ($2.99)

· (1) Strips Original Tortilla Chips ($2.99)

· (1) Fajita Style Flour Tortillas ($2.49)

· (1) Burrito Style Flour Tortillas ($2.49)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway will remain open through November 12th. Giveaway is open to residents of the US only. Winners will be selected through Rafflecopter. The winners will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

No compensation was received for this post. The content of this post and the prize pack were provided by Chi-Chi's. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M White

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

I love when I read a book and find myself totally transported to another time and place. When the book is so good that I can't put it down and stay up later that I should simply so I can read a little more and try to 'help' the characters uncover the truth before they find themselves or their loved ones in danger. A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna White was just that type of book. Her story was so engaging that I simply wanted to keep reading. As with the The Lost Heiress, this third book in the Ladies of the Manor series had the perfect balance of romance, adventure, mystery, intrigue, deception and faith. Even though this was the third book in the series, it very much so can be read on it's own. I have read the first book in the series and somehow missed reading the second, but would like to go back and read it (even out of sequence).

Her character development and scene setting was terrific, so much so, that I was pulled into the story, I felt almost like I was living the story along with the characters. I loved seeing glimpses into the ongoing stories of the characters that we met in the earlier books and of course, further development of some of the characters that we simply met in the earlier stories. I loved Ella's determination and Cayton's softer, creative side. Seeing them each interact with Cayton's daughter was endearing.

As each character grew during the story, they found pathways that were much different than they might have originally expected. As the story concluded, I found that I really enjoyed the way that the story concluded and the curse of the Fire Eyes resolved in a fantastic way, helping to ensure that others would not fall into the danger of the curse.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, I would recommend checking out this book (and the rest of the series, for that matter).

About

Amid the Unforgettable Cotswolds, the Final Grasp for the Fire Eyes Diamonds Could Threaten Them All

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those intent on destroying them all?

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Christian's Hope by Ervin Stutzman

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

One of my favorite things about the fall is curling up under a blanket with the windows open and reading on a lazy afternoon. Recently, I had the chance to read the new book by Ervin Stutzman, Christian's Hope. It is the third book in the Return to Northkill series, although I haven't read the other books, there was no problem in being able to start with this book, as the author provides backstory as needed.

This book was an interesting juxtaposition of two types of books that I enjoy reading - historical fiction, set in the 1760s and Amish fiction. I loved that the series is based on actual events in the lives of the author's ancestors.

About the book:

Christian's Hope (Herald Press, October 2016)

When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted.

Captured as a child during the French and Indian War, Christian has spent much of his life among Native Americans, who cared for him and taught him their ways. Now that Christian is home, his father wants him to settle back into their predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian's budding friendship with Orpha Rupp beckons him to stay as well.

Yet Christian feels restless, and he misses his adoptive Native American family---who raised him as their own son. When faced with a life-altering decision, will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community yet again?

Christian's Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series. Based on actual events and written by a descendant of the Hochstetler family, Christian's Hope brings the sweeping epic of the Return to Northkill series to a soul-stirring end.


Purchase a copy here.


About the author:

Ervin R. Stutzman is author of Jacob's Choice, Joseph's Dilemma, Tobias of the Amish, and Emma, A Widow Among the Amish. Born into an Amish home in Kalona, Iowa, Stutzman based the Return to Northkill series on the life of his ancestor, Jacob Hochstetler. He has been featured on TLC's Who Do You Think You Are?

See more reviews and learn more about the book on the Blog Tour Landing Page.

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Alabama Irish by James Russell Lingerfelt

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me. 

A while back, I read the Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I just finished reading Alabama Irish by him which I enjoyed as well. I love the way the story is told, through Brian's journal entries. The short entries, within the longer chapters, were a perfect fit to my reading style, allowing me to read even when I had only a few minutes and allowing me to read just one more section before going to sleep. I will say though that the short entries were initially a challenge for me to get into the story, but once I was in I was hooked!

When Brian meets Lauren on a trip to New York, you get to witness his excitement and feelings of first love. A love that he holds so strong that he decides he must find a way to reconnect. This quest results in him heading off to school under a false backstory and with no money. I wasn't expecting it when I started to read, but loved when the story brought us to Pepperdine and started to intertwine with the story of Finn. It is with Finn that he first runs into Lauren, but winds up being disappointed to learn that she is seeing someone else. I love his maturity in recognizing that she had no idea that he was coming to Pepperdine. His false backstory eventually catches up with him and his coming clean nearly cost him the relationships that he so wanted.

I loved how through the course of the story, you could witness the growth of Brian, not only through the experiences that he relayed in the entries, but even in the writing of the entries. Through his journal, we get to see him weather the ups and downs of a relationship and discover the value of true friendship.

Reading a coming of age story told through the eyes of a young man, and written by a male author, is different than I am used to, but was wonderfully appealing. I can't wait to read more books by James Russell Lingerfelt in the future.

about the novel

Brian was raised on "the wrong side of the tracks" in inner-city Alabama. Now, at nineteen, with a troubled past and juvenile record, Brian struggles to earn a living and find a life purpose. When he journeys to New York on a chance trip, Brian meets and falls in love with Shannon; a bright eyed, aspiring actress from California.

Brian returns to Alabama stirred by Shannon's courage and passion for life. With a new zest and reason for living, Brian is determined to turn himself into a man worthy of her love. Unable to afford college, Brian discovers the Os Guinness Scholarship, which provides free tuition to Pepperdine University for Irish students who desire to train for Ireland's ministry. With some innovative thinking, Brian fakes his Irish citizenry, accepts the scholarship, and moves to Southern California to attend school and pursue Shannon.

However, when Brian visits Alabama, all the lies come crashing down and Brian comes face to face with a past he thought was finished. Now, Brian must make a choice: lose Shannon by spinning more lies and choosing vengeance in hopes of putting his past to rest. Or choose honesty and forgiveness and embrace a new life with the only woman he ever loved.

Alabama Irish will make us sit back and laugh, then lay the book down and cry. But in the end, we'll be reminded that no matter our pasts, the possibility to find true love again is never lost.

(This coming of age love story teaches readers the necessity of honesty and openness in the pursuit of loving, long-lasting relationships.)

about the author

James Russell Lingerfelt is the author of The Mason Jar and writes articles for The Huffington Post. James connects with readers at his blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective, and divides his time between Southern California and his family's ranch in Alabama.

Find James online: website, Facebook, Twitter

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Summer has been a relaxing and enjoyable time for me this year. I feel like there is a lack of time, but yet somehow, it feels like we are doing a lot. One thing that has been limited, but very enjoyable when I have the time is reading. Most recently, I finished reading A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson. I didn't realize it (even though it is clearly noted on the cover), but this is the second book in the Sapphire Brides series. I must admit, I have never read anything by Tracie Peterson before, so I was not familiar with her work, but learned on her website that she has over 100 titles to her credit.

I enjoyed reading A Beauty Refined. The historical setting of Montana in the early 1900s was the backdrop for this tale of discovering the truth and the faith needed to face it. The author did a nice job of developing the landscape for the story, including the hotel that once was and was once again. I enjoyed reading about Phoebe's clothes, many of which were the latest fashion. Despite the fact that the thought of wearing the accoutrements associated with the fashion of that day do not appeal to me, there is something so fun about the thought that there were clothes for each type of day and even for the different 'occasions' of the day. How often do you get to dress for dinner?

I must admit that I had to make a small effort to overcome the coincidence of Phoebe and her father arriving in Helena at the same hotel where her mother now worked. I recognize that without that coincidence, there would have been no story, but in the early 1900s it seemed a little bit of stretched opportunity for the German Count and his daughter.

As the story unfolded and Phoebe began to learn that what she had always held as true, was not actually her reality, I really felt for her. The reader journeyed with her as she went through the stages of denial, recognition of the signs, many that she had dismissed, that supported the truth, and the recognition of the truth for what it was It takes exploration of her faith to allow her to come to terms with this new reality and in that journey, she finds that Ian is the one she can turn to and becomes a more important part of her life.

If you enjoy historical fiction and a touch of romance, A Beauty Refined is a book that you should consider reading. I am curious to check out some of the other historical fiction stories written by Tracie Petterson.

A Beauty Refined
by Tracie Peterson
Historical Romance
Bethany House

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions---both for her and the gemstones---are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie---a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

Meet the Author
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Find more information about her and her other books on her website.

See more reviews and learn more about the book on the Blog Tour Landing Page.

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

I really enjoyed the two books that I have read by Becky Wade, so when I heard that she had another book out and it was part of the Porter Family series, I jumped on the chance to read and review it.

This is the fourth book in the Porter Family Series, I have read the second and third story, but since each story can be read as a standalone, readers can jump in with any of the stories. This book focuses on Dru, the youngest sibling and only daughter in the Porter family. A former Marine, she is now working as a body guard and is assigned to the protection detail of Gray Fowler a popular, successful football player in the NFL.

Becky Wade does a great job in developing the characters. The way that she shares the story from multiple vantage points allows the reader to get to know the characters through their thoughts and actions and through their perspectives of the other characters, as well as the backstory that they share with one another. This three-dimensional view, helps make them realistic and allows the reader to feel a connection with them. The book appeals to the romantic side with the great love story, but also has a nice stream of suspense that keeps the reader wondering who is stalking Gray and wondering what lead up to the events in the prologue. As with the other books in this series, the characters are challenged and flawed. Their spiritual needs are woven into the story and as they put their faith in God, they are able to forgive, learn to trust and love again.

I thoroughly enjoy the chance to see a glimpse into the ongoing story of the other Porter siblings, who we got to know in the earlier books. Keeping up on the lives of those we met in earlier books is something that I really like about reading books in a series. I was bummed to realize that with the stories of all four Porter siblings told, the series is complete. I can only hope that the author features them again in another book.

This book is a must read for anyone that loves a good story with suspense, love and discovery.

About

After ten years in the NFL, superstar Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt--none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she's determined to find Gray's stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they'll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives--and their hearts--to one another.

About the Author
Becky Wade

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.

No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Now that summer is here, I look forward to evenings relaxing on the porch or deck and reading, when my schedule allows. As luck would have it, our Memorial Day weekend was plan free - so I had a couple of times between the things we did to relax and read. The book I read was the new book from Shelley Shepard Gray, A Daughter's Dream. A Daughter's Dream is the second in a series called The Charmed Amish Life, conveniently set in the community of Charm.

I had read A Son's Vow, the first book, but A Daughter's Dream can be read as a stand alone book. The story focuses on Rebecca, a sister of Lukas from the first story, and a new to town man and niece, Jacob and Lilly. Darla and Lukas and several other characters from the first book make appearances in the story, but it is not about them. Rebecca is still trying to discover what her dreams are. She has longed to be a school teacher and fortunately, her friend Rachel has offered to allow her to help in the school and her brother offers support to allow her to spend time in the school. It is while volunteering at the school that she comes to meet Jacob and Lilly, when Jacob comes to enroll Lilly in the school. As both Rebecca and Jacob learn about themselves and the future that will make them happy and successful, they grow individually and find themselves growing together.

I enjoy how Shelley Shepard Gray has the ability to write a book about the Amish with a plot that transcends the setting and the faith of the characters. She develops such a captivating set of characters and as you join them on their journey of discovering themselves, it is hard to not feel a connection with the characters. As with the first book in this series, much time is taken in developing the characters and allowing the story to unfold, and yet again, the book seems to end with a flourish of activity to tie together the loose ends. Despite this, I found the overall story an easy, enjoyable read.

I look forward to the next book in this series, as I know it will likely be about some of the other shadow characters in this story and that it will allow me to follow the progress of the stories of those characters that I came to love in this story.

About the book:

A Daughter's Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she's given the opportunity she's been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she's dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work---work she's afraid she's not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who's just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly's uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily's sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he'd be a single parent---or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob's fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

Purchase a copy here.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, 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.

Connect with Shelley: website, Twitter, and Facebook

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, 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.

Learn more about the book and find more reviews on the Blog Tour Landing Page.


No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Mars...with Venus Rising by Hope Toler Dougherty

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Now that summer is here (or at least I thought it might be before I saw the snow falling today), I really enjoy finding light, easy to read books that can provide a nice diversion when I have a few minutes available to relax between activities. Mars...with Venus Rising by Hope Toler Dougherty fit the bill perfectly. A nice light, easy flowing story about Penn, her aunts and John Townsend, set in the community of Mars, PA. I think part of what I enjoyed was having it set in a community I was familiar with, having lived not too far away in Moon Township when I was younger.

I found the story and the characters to be quirky and lovable. The story progresses nicely and kept me interested in seeing what might happen next. There isn't significant growth experienced by the characters, but the story does shows how faith can get you through things that feel beyond your strength and allow you the confidence to proceed with other things in the future.

I do like that the author included the recipes for many of the baked goods that Aunt Jancie and Aunt Winnie made during the story and I look forward to trying the celebration cookies.

About the book:

Mars . . . with Venus Rising (Pelican Book Group, August 2015)

A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all---including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.

Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of orphan that she's worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.

When John Townsend---full of life and the joy of living---moves to town, he rattles Penn's view of herself, her life, and her dreams . . . which isn't such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he's a pilot.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VE0NoV

About the author:

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master's degree in English and taught at East Carolina University as well as York Technical College. A member of ACFW, RWA and SinC, she writes for Almost an Author. Before writing novels, she published non-fiction articles on topics ranging from gardening with children to writing apprehension. She cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ACC basketball, and Army West Point Football. Hope and her husband, Kevin, live in North Carolina and chat with their two daughters and twin sons through ooVoo.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

You can find more reviews and learn more about the book and author on the blog tour landing page.


No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

It's been a while since I have had the chance to read a work of fiction with an Amish setting. I was looking forward to reading A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid. I have never read a book by Ruth Reid and this one was set in an Amish community in Michigan, which was a new setting for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Mattie, the widowed mom of two and Bo, the social services investigator. Their paths were unlikely to cross, were it not for an unfortunate circumstance and a mysterious illness, but despite what was before them, Bo was not willing to accept things as they appeared on the surface. He persevered to find the truth and went above and beyond his role (even so far as to risk his career) to make sure the truth was determined and the family kept whole.

Ruth Reid did a great job of developing characters that became real to the reader, and whose unfolding stories and revelations of their past made the reader want only the best for them. I found myself staying up later than planned to read just one more chapter and deciding that I simply could not go to bed until I finished the book one evening. I had a couple of days where I was less rested than desired, but I was willing to accept that in order to continue to read.

This book was the third in the Amish Wonders series, but I felt no loss for having not read the other books. I look forward to reading more books by Ruth Reid and maybe learning more about the characters I met in this book.

About the book:

A Dream of Miracles (Thomas Nelson, April 2016)

Amish widow Mattie vows never to love again . . . until a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into her fragile world.

Mattie Diener can barely keep it together. A young Amish widow and mother of two young children, she faces the lingering heartbreak of lost love, her son's mysterious illness, and a torrent of accusations that threaten to undo her.

Bo Lambright is a fast-rising social services investigator whose high-society mother won't rest until she finds his Mrs. Right. Despite Bo's worldly success, the raw ache of a shadowy past and a series of unsettling dreams have left him reeling.

When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible---not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo's dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1S7DC2v

About the author:


Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

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No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

This past week was spring break for the kids. I wanted them to have a fun-filled week, but didn't want to get too far away from academics. Which is really code to say, I needed some downtime and by having them read, I got the chance to read. The book that I read this week was Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg. It was a very enjoyable book.

From the very first e-mail exchange that the book opened with, I was hooked. Melissa Tagg did a great job of bringing the characters in Maple Valley come to life. As their backstory was revealed through the progression of the book, I felt like I was right there with them and could imagine being a part of the small town of Maple Valley.

Logan is a really great guy, always aware of the feelings of those around him, all while seemingly hiding from his own feelings. Amelia has adopted Maple Valley as her home town and although everyone has welcomed her and become her friend, none of them really know her. As the story unfolds, we get to watch each of them work through the unresolved emotions that they have been hiding from and discover the opportunity to move forward in life, love and faith.

I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to read more by Melissa Tagg.

About

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But when the newspaper she runs is in danger of closing, she pins all her hopes on a story that just might convince the new owner to keep the paper running.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker has the chance of a lifetime: a spot on a presidential campaign. But first he has to return to his hometown to sell the newspaper he's suddenly inherited.

But instead of a quick sale, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. And working together to break the story on Maple Valley's unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

You can learn more about Melissa Tagg and her books at her website.


No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

I recently finished reading Playing the Part by Jen Turano, I didn't realize it when I started but quickly came to discover that some of the characters that I had first met in In Good Company the first book that I had read by Jen Turano. Even before I discovered that it was next book in the series, I was looking forward to reading this book, as I like the style of Jen Turano and enjoy the historical fiction set in America.

Playing the Part has a great balance of romance, mystery, and humor. The author did a great job bringing the eccentric characters to life and it was hard not to fall in love with all the characters (well except for Silas and Nigel). I love the way that the author presented the characters and their quirkiness and then through the telling of the story starts to reveal what makes them who they are. As Bram and Lucetta begin to learn more about the other, they discover that first impressions are not always so reliable. Almost to the final page, the reader continues to learn more about the characters. I love that Millie returned in this story, even if only for a short portion of the story, with her dictionary and 'big words'. Every time she used a big word and then proceeded to tell her friends what it meant, it made me chuckle.

The setting for this story is primarily at Bram's castle, which is in part it's own 'character' with it's motley crew of staff, animals, unique structures, the suspicion that it is haunted and even a dungeon. The castle makes a perfect backdrop for this story, helping to move the story along and allowing us to get to know the real side of the characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Jen Turano.

About the book:

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RQM4QD

About the author:


Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

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No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Sometimes you find love when and where you least expect it. In The Hearts we Mend by Kathryn Springer we meet several characters, including Evie and Jack. This modern day love story unfolds as Evie prepares for her son's wedding and the next phase of her own life. With the janitor at the church takes an unexpected leave, Evie's and Jack's lives start to cross paths more frequently. She has a strong first impression of Jack, but the more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that there is a lot more to Jack than is visible on the surface.

The story was well written, it felt like I was right there with the characters. Although this was the second story in the Bannister Falls series, I felt that nothing was lost in jumping in with book two.

The characters were revealed with time, through backstories and current events. I'm sure that if I had read Dandelion Field, the first book in the series, I would have likely known more about the characters going in, but certainly got to know them well through this story. In fact, the more I got to know the characters the more I loved them and the more I cheered them on for things to go 'right' for them. The characters and story are heart-warming - a feel good story that makes you appreciate the diversity of those around you.

I would recommend this book and plan to read the first book in the series to learn more about the backstory.

About the book:

The Hearts We Mend (Zondervan, March 2016)

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie's life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world---a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create---he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away---or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/21Zw8Tk

About the author:

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

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No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

Debra Clopton's Kissed by a Cowboy

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

I took a break from historical fiction and recently read Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton. Set in the wide open spaces of the small town of Wishing Springs, Texas, the story follows Cassidy Starr. Having recently been divorced and returning to her roots to the home that her great aunt left her. Once there, she quickly crosses path with her new neighbor, Jarrod Monahan, who she had met and spent time with as a child. It's the third book in the Four of Hearts Ranch Romance series. I haven't read the other two, but I don't feel like that detracted from the enjoyment of this story. That being said, I'm pretty sure that the prior books are about Jarrod's brothers and it would be fun to read those books for more of the back story.

Cassidy returned to Wishing Springs in hopes of a clean start, away from her failed marriage. She hopes to revitalize the farm that she inherited and turn the farmhouse into a bed and breakfast. She wants to achieve these goals on her own, not dependent on anyone else for help. Unfortunately (or is it fortunately) for her, Jarrod and the community are naturally helpers and come to the aid of neighbors and community. I was very pleased with the way the story developed and unfolded, eventually being brought to a conclusion, and as with most good stories, found myself wanting to know what will happen next and wishing that there was at least one more chapter to keep the story going.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters from Wishing Springs. The story drew me in from the start, flowed smoothly, and was easy to read, even when I found myself reading for short periods of time. This story of second chances was an enjoyable read. I look forward to going back and reading the first two books and getting to know more about the residents of Wising Springs.

About the book:

Kissed by a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, February 2016)

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents' endless string of "matrimonial bliss gone wrong," Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She's been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she's inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She'll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt's footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan's hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He's pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that's a challenge that Jarrod can't pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy's stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy's kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

Purchase a copy here.

About the author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.


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No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray

A complimentary review copy was provided to me.

January has been a surprisingly busy month for me. I'm not sure I could put a finger on what exactly we did, but it flew by. As the month was winding down, I finally found a chance to pick up a book again. This time, it was a copy of the new book from Shelley Shepard Gray, A Son's Vow. A Son's Vow is the first in a new series called The Charmed Amish Life, conveniently set in the community of Charm.

Shelley Shepard Gray has a great knack of writing a book about the Amish with a plot that transcends the setting and the faith of the characters. In this story, several characters in town were recently impacted by a deadly fire at the local mill that killed five Amish men. Each of the characters that were impacted were dealing with the grief in their own way, and not all in the healthiest of ways. As the story unfolds, they discover that pulling together after that devastating event that drove them apart will help them all heal. She writes such a captivating set of characters and as you join them on their journey of healing, it is hard to not feel a connection with the characters.

The one thing that kept me guessing was the vow - I had expected it to be an early revelation in the book, but the nature of the vow was not revealed until much later in the book (almost at the end). I don't think it hurt the story, but it did leave me wondering if I had missed something.

I look forward to the next book in this series, as I know it will likely be about some of the other shadow characters in this story and that it will allow me to follow the progress of the stories of those characters that I came to love in this story.

About the book:

A Son's Vow (Avon Inspire, January 2016)

Three months ago, everything changed for Darla Kurtz and her family.

Darla's father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm's lumber mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the town of Charm hasn't looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas Kinsinger---with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.

Now her brother's anger at the town is spilling over onto Darla, and she has the bruises to prove it. The accident already cost five lives, but if something doesn't change soon, Darla fears it will cost her---and her family---even more.

Lukas Kinsinger wants to mourn the loss of his father, but he can hardly find the time to breathe. Suddenly the head of his father's lumber mill and responsible for taking care of his three siblings, he's feeling the pressure. He has also never felt more alone---especially with the new tension between he and Darla. But when he learns of her troubles at home, Lukas knows he can't simply stand by and watch. Someone has to help her before another tragedy occurs.

As Lukas and Darla attempt to repair their families, they discover something deeper than friendship growing between them. But will Lukas and Darla's love be accepted after so much loss? Or will the pain of the past overcome any chance of future happiness?

Shelley Shepard Gray's first book in her Charmed Amish Life series is set in the quaint Amish village of Charm, Ohio, and tells the stories of the Kinsinger siblings who are each struggling to find both forgiveness and love in the face of tragedy.

Purchase a copy here.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, 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.

Connect with Shelley: website, Twitter, and Facebook

You can learn more about the book and find other reviews on the blog tour landing page.


No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. A complimentary review copy was provided to me.