The Stars Shine Bright Review

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595545360/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title


Book Description:

After the FBI suspends her for bending its rules, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is looking for a chance to redeem her career and re-start her life.

Sent undercover to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh takes on a double life to find out who’s fixing the races. But when horses start dying and then her own life is threatened, Raleigh realizes something bigger—and more sinister—is ruining Emerald Meadows.

She’s never felt more alone.

Her one contact with the FBI is Special Agent Jack Stephanson, a guy who seems to jump from antagonistic to genuine friend depending on the time of day. And she can’t turn to her family for support. They’re off-limits while she’s undercover, and her mother isn’t speaking to her anyway, having been confined to a mental hospital following a psychotic breakdown. Adding insult to  her isolation, Raleigh’s fiancé wants them to begin their life together—now—precisely when she’s been ordered not to be herself.

With just days left before the season ends, Raleigh races to stop the killing and find out who’s behind the track’s trouble, all the while trying to determine if Jack is friend or foe, and whether marrying her fiancé will make things better—or worse.

Raleigh is walking through the darkest night she’s faced, searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595545360/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

My Opinion:

First of all I want to let you know that this is not the kind of book I usually read. FBI books have never held that much intrigue for me. Sibella Giorello changed all that! This is the first book in the Raleigh Harmon Novel series and the first Sibella Giorello novel that I have read. At the start it was a contradiction for me. Some of the scenes where described in too much detail and my mind wandered, but then others needed the details and I appreciated the descriptions. As I read on though, I started to love the story, and mainly, the characters. Finally when reaching the end I realized I loved the book so much I couldn't wait to get and read the others preceding this one. Raleigh is not only a lovable character she is a REAL character. One that is so believable you feel as though you could meet her walking her dog down your street. A wonderful, suspenseful, adventurous, mystery! I started loving this book even more when Raleigh would express her faith. This wonderful mystery will keep you guessing until the end! You should definitely read The Stars Shine Bright!

I wanted to also add that this is a great stand alone novel.  Sibella gives you just enough information from the last book or books to make you want to read more, but you don't have to read more!  LOVE IT!

My song for this book is: "Center Of It" Chris August (I know I have suggested this song before and most likely will again. It a song that can be linked to so many situations :) )

~ASC

Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)


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Prize of My Heart Review

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

http://www.amazon.com/Prize-My-Heart-Lisa-Norato/dp/0764209426/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348876948&sr=1-1&keywords=prize+of+my+heart

Book Description:

"Rich in Historical Detail, This Is a Romance that Delivers!An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day another's evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love."


http://www.amazon.com/Prize-My-Heart-Lisa-Norato/dp/0764209426/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348876948&sr=1-1&keywords=prize+of+my+heart

My Opinion:
This book is an excellent read. It has wonderful comedy, suspense, and adventure. The characters are real and very lovable. The plot will take you by surprise up until the end! Prize of My Heart is the first book I read by Lisa Norato, and I can't wait to read more. This book is perfect for people who want to go on a journey, both on land and by sea, and fall totally in love with the characters and their stories.

The song I would pair with this book it: "Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)" by Chris Rice

~ASC

Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)



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Books I hope to Review

A Secret Refuge Series by Lauraine Snelling




A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley



Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Central Park Rendezvous by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller and MaryLu Tyndall

Sadie's Montan Books 1-3 by 

Linda Byler

And More...


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Dawn Comes Early Review

Dawn Comes Early (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley

http://www.amazon.com/Comes-Early-Brides-Chance-Series/dp/1595549684/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Book Description:
"Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. —Eleanor Walker

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart."

My Opinion:
Dawn Comes Early is the first Margaret Brownley book I read and I have to tell you I will be reading more! The characters are unlike any I've encountered, the faith is real, and the plot is both hilarious and exciting. I can't wait to read the next book, but at the same time I loved the relationship between Kate and Luke so much I didn't want the book to end! 

Wonderful writing and a refreshing tale.

There are many songs that could go with this book and because of that I will choose two: "I Will" by Jimmy Wayne (Luke to Kate) and "Steady My Heart" Kari Jobe (Kate once she finds faith)

~ASC

Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)

http://www.amazon.com/Comes-Early-Brides-Chance-Series/dp/1595549684/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

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Short Straw Bride Review

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Straw-Bride-Karen-Witemeyer/dp/0764209655/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Book Description: 
"No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?"

My Opinion:

Short Straw Bride is refreshingly wonderful. I absolutely love the journey Karen Witemeyer takes you on. Adventure, love, a terrible bad guy with a treacherous plan, and comedy abound! Meredith and Travis are so believable and "real" you can practically hear their voices ringing through the pages as you read. The suspense is lovely and the scenes are magnificent through this love story of trust, longing, and love. Wonderful Christian Fiction! I can't wait to read more from Karen Witemeyer!!!

The song that I think goes with this books is: "Center Of It" by Chris August

~ASC

John 3:16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)  

                                       

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Straw-Bride-Karen-             Witemeyer/dp/0764209655/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

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The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Series Review

The Parting (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 1)

Book Description: 
"The People themselves dare to challenge the Old Ways of their heritage...and each patriarch must choose a side.
Nearly one hundred days have passed since the untimely death of Nellie Mae Fisher's beloved younger sister, Suzy, and Nellie dares again to dream of a future with handsome Caleb Yoder. But with rumors about Suzy still flying among the People, there are those who would keep the young courting couple apart...including Caleb's own father.Meanwhile, a growing number of Honeybrook's Amish farmers are demanding tractors and other forbidden modern conveniences. When a revival adds to the tensions, passions flare. With the Old Order community pushed to the breaking point, Nellie and Caleb find their families--and themselves--in the midst of what threatens to become an impossible divide."

My Opinion:

This book is wonderful for many reasons, and not just the interesting and lovable characters. The Parting is full of Amish history, and contains mystery and secrets. A must read, this whole series flows beautifully together. I have a warning though: if you read all three of these books one right after the other you may start using Amish phrases, ain't so? :)

My song choice for this book is: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" by the Cluster Pluckers.

~ASC

Acts John 3 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)

The Parting on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076420310X/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

The Forbidden (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher Book 2) 

Book Description: "The Church Split Has Not Extinguished Their Love,

But the Demands of One Man Still Stand in Their Way.

Caleb Yoder's father has forbidden him to court Nellie Mae Fisher, but words alone cannot stop Caleb's devotion. Yet if he continues to pursue Nellie, he risks losing everything.

Nellie, too, is torn. She longs to marry her Old Order beau but cannot ignore the gentle pull she feels toward the faith of her New Order family. Can she and her beloved satisfy the expectations of the People while remaining true to their hearts?"

My Opinion:

The Forbidden is an excellent sequel to The Parting. Delving deeper into the characters and revealing more about the Amish people; this book is a wonderful and sad. Leaving you with questions about the end and needing to jump right into the final book!

My song for this book would be: "How Can I Not Love You (Anna and The King) (Karaoke Lead Vocal Demo) [In the Style of Joy Enriquez]"

~ASC

John 3 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)

The Forbidden on Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Courtship-Nellie-Fisher-Book/dp/0764203118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348271805&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Courtship+of+Nellie+Mae+Fisher

The Longing (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 3)

Book Description: 
"Although she still prays for Caleb, Nellie Mae Fisher has broken up with her beau. Now, her heart's greatest longing is for more knowledge of the Lord. Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order...and to him. Christian Yoder, a young Mennonite man, longs to get to know Nellie Mae better...and to share with her the secrets of her sister Suzy's final days. Rhoda, Nellie's older sister, longs for more of what the world has to offer--from fancy clothes, to her own car, to a new English boyfriend. Meanwhile, father Rueben Fisher longs for unity--among his family and all the brethren. Whose longing will be satisfied, and whose will not?"

My Opinion:

This is a good end that ties up the loose ends left flapping in the wind from the last book. Wonderful surprises and good endings await you in the final book of Beverly Lewis' series. I only had one fault with it; one end did not work out as I wanted. Though that is my opinion you must read and form your own! :)

My song for this book is: "Pass Me Not" by The Cluster Pluckers

~ASC

John 3:15-16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)                                                                                   

The Longing on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764203126/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

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The Fiddler Review!!!

   Fiddler, The (Home to Hickory Hollow)

                     By Beverly Lewis

                                     

                                             

The Fiddler on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fiddler-The-Home-Hickory-Hollow/dp/0764209779/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Book Description:
"Amelia "Amy" DeVries, a 24-year-old violinist, is disillusioned with life and love after the collapse of her long-running romance. Weary of endless rehearsals and performances, Amy sets out on a road trip through the Pennsylvania mountains. She leaves her cell phone behind so life's demands can't intrude on her solitude. She doesn't know, nor care, where she will end up.

When her car breaks down deep in the mountains, Amy realizes the flaw in her "no cell phone" plan. She abandons her car and walks the winding roads, searching for help. Following the smell of woodsmoke and the sound of music, she finds a rustic log cabin. There she meets a young Amishman--and through him a community--that will change her life forever."

My Opinion:
I got this book because it was written by Beverly Lewis and because of the title. Being a Fiddler myself and lover of the Amish I was greatly intrigued all the way around! It didn't take long for me to realize I LOVED the story and Beverly's characters! Plus the excellent writing is always a wonderful bonus, even though Amy isn't actually playing right beside you, Beverly Lewis writes in a way that you can actually hear the music floating through the pages! The Fiddler is a wonderful mix of the Amish life and the "English" life. This is a must read in my opinion and I can't wait for the next one in this series The Bridesmaid!  


The song I would pair with The Fiddler is: "Over the Rainbow" from Wizard of Oz (Instrumental)"

~ASC

John 3:15-16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)









The Bridesmaid available now:  http://www.amazon.com/Bridesmaid-The-Home-Hickory-Hollow/dp/0764209787/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y


Book Description: 
"Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare. 

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?"

My Opinion:
The Bridesmaid is a great work of fiction! Beverly Lewis is a magnificent writer and I absolutely love Hickory Hollow. I felt truly close to Joanna in her times of mourning, happiness, betrayal, and forgiveness, and I am so happy that it was her character Beverly broadened. This is a wonderful book that will take you on a fun journey hop scotching from the beach, to the hollow, to Indiana, and back again! This is the second time I have had a "mind vacation" (if you will) in Hickory Hollow, and I can't wait to return in The Guardian! Thank you Beverly for allowing God to lead you and for glorifying Him with the gifts He has blessed you with. Through you He has touched me deeply with this story, from forgiving those that hurt us greatly, to keeping faith and being patient while waiting for God's time and guidance in the decisions we are faced with.

My songs for this book are: "Someday Soon" by Francesca Battistelli ("Someday Soon" doesn't fit perfectly mind you because this is an Amish romance and cars are mentioned so keep that in mind) and the second is "How Great Is The Love" by Meredith Andrews
Exodus 14:14
~ASC

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Liberty Belle Review

Liberty Belle by Patricia PacJac Carroll

Liberty Belle on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Belle-ebook/dp/B0086WMFES/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Book Description:
"Set in 1859 Denver, Liberty Belle is a story of finding freedom and forgiveness. A jilted bride, a wayward sheriff, a small boy, outlaws, and a gallows provide
plenty of action, romance, and hope.

Liberty Longstreet was left at the altar, but that wasn’t the worst of her day. She awakens to the fact that she needs to declare independence from her controlling mother. Wanting her freedom and to find a man of her choosing, Libby leaves home for faraway Denver. She just doesn't count on being robbed, falling for a wayward sheriff, or being accused of murder.

Sheriff Wade Calder throws down his badge in a quest for revenge. Instead, he takes responsibility for his enemy’s young son. Wanting only to be free, Wade runs into Libby, and she wins what is left of his heart. Unfortunately, he has nothing to offer her until he picks up his badge. His honor is restored, but it may cost Libby her life.

Together they learn the cost of freedom and the wealth of forgiveness."

My Opinion:
This book is excellent. Patricia PacJac Carroll paints an adventure that will keep you turning the pages!!! This book is one of those that starts you in one place and by the time your at the end your amazed you read just one story. Her characters are wonderful, different, and greatly enjoyable. Liberty Belle holds a wonderful message of forgiveness, and fighting the fear and doubts that well up by putting your trust in God. The kindle version has some glitches, but they should be fixed soon. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just tell you that Liberty Belle holds twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I bet you won't either. You MUST read this book!

The song I would pair with this book is: "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by The Cluster Pluckers.

~ASC

Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)


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The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County Review

The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Two

                        

 The Search on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Search-Secrets-Crittenden-County/dp/0062089722/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Book description:

"In the midst of a murder investigation in the heart of Amish country, one young policeman finds his heart led astray

The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Marion, Kentucky, is disrupted when the body of Perry Borntrager is discovered in an abandoned well. Now the small town faces the first death by mysterious circumstances in more than twenty years, and Detective Luke Reynolds is brought in to help investigate. But before he can solve the crime, he faces unexpected feelings for Frannie, the Amish owner of the local bed-and-breakfast. Though they butt heads at first, Luke finds himself drawn to Frannie's bedside when she's injured in a kitchen accident.

Soon it becomes clear that Frannie knew Perry better than she let on . . . they'd been secretly courting when he disappeared.

Has Luke fallen for the very woman responsible for the crime?"

My Opinion: This book is FABULOUS!!! I love the mystery and can't wait to see if I'm right about who killed Perry! I could read this book again and again, and I am SO happy that she branched out the characters and relationship between Beth and Chris!!! You HAVE to read this book, it is EXCELLENT!!!

I read this without reading the first book in the series Missing.  While The Search hints about the first book; you can comfortably read The Search on it's own.  Love the characters, love the plot, and I love the mystery!

Found is out now on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Found-Secrets-Crittenden-County-Three/dp/0062089757/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Book Description: "A murder is solved and a quiet Amish community must deal with the repercussions. Amid the surprising revelations, can a newfound love survive?

As the search for Perry Borntrager's killer continues, Jacob Schrock feels like his world is about to crumble. Right before Perry went missing, he and Jacob got into a fistfight. Jacob never told anyone what happened that terrible night. He's good at keeping secrets—including his love for Deborah, Perry's sister. But when Deborah takes a job at his family's store and their friendship blossoms, Jacob senses everything is about to be revealed.  

Deborah has been searching for a slice of happiness ever since her brother's body was discovered. When the police start questioning Jacob, Deborah can't believe that the one person she's finally allowed in could be the one responsible for her brother's death. Will she believe what everyone seems to think is the truth . . . or listen to her heart, and hope there is still one more person who is keeping secrets in Crittenden County?"

~ASC

John 3:16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)



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Christian Fiction Book Giveaway

Christian Bookshelf Reviews is giving away a Love Inspired book: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/interview-giveaway-jessica-nelson.html





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Christian Fiction Book Giveaway

Legacy of a Writer is giving away "Lady Outlaw": http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-female-robin-hood-from-pen-of.html

I have entered and you can to!  :

The Giveaway ends the 21st of this month!!!


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The Memory Jar

I was asked to help spread the word about the upcoming book "The Memory Jar" by Tricia Goyer! You can pre-order it now, and it will be available on October 23, 2012!

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/The-Memory-Seven-Brides-Bachelors/dp/03

10335108/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1346881364&sr=1-1

Kindle Addition: http://www.amazon.com/Memory-Seven-Brides-Bachelors-ebook/dp/B007JJSIY0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346881364&sr=1-1&keywords=THe+Memory+Jar 

I want to read it, and I LOVE the title!!!

P.S. PLEASE become a GFC Follower of this blog!!!  Just click "Join this site" and it'll tell ya what to do! You would change me from this :'( to THIS :D