Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Serena B. Miller

Christian Bookshelf Reviews: Interview & Giveaway! Serena B. Miller ~ Author of...: Christian Bookshelf Reviews has an interview w/ Serena B. Miller and a giveaway!  Follow the link to find out more!

Cowgirl Trail Review!!!

*Cowgirl Trail by Susan Page Davis

http://www.amazon.com/Cowgirl-Trail-Texas-Susan-Davis/dp/080240586X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354043687&sr=1-1&keywords=cowgirl+trail

Book Description:

Cowgirl Trail is part of a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book book can be read on its own.

In 1884 Maggie Porter returns to the Rocking P Ranch. The sanatorium was not able to save her mother and now her father's health is failing. When the cowboys walk off the job leaving no one to drive the cattle to market, head ranch hand, Alex Bright, cannot convince the men to stay. How could Alex let this happen?

Maggie is desperate to save the ranch and she turns to the town's women for help. The new cowgirls must herd, rope, and drive the cattle to market. With only two days left, outlaws charge the small band of cowgirls in an effort to start a stampede. The cattle begin to scatter. Will they lose everything? Where will their help come from?

http://www.amazon.com/Cowgirl-Trail-Texas-Susan-Davis/dp/080240586X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354043687&sr=1-1&keywords=cowgirl+trail

My Opinion: 

I was personally disappointed with this book. Now don't get me wrong I LOVE the way Susan P. Davis writes, and the characters she comes up with; (except for the fact that Maggie cried a little too much for my liking) yet I loved the times when Maggie was spunky! I think I would have liked Maggie's character more if I could relate to her (by this I mean if she where as tough as I hope I am and would be in these situations. Instead of tearing up every other page.) I did really enjoy the other characters especially Maggie's best friend. However no matter how much I WANTED to love this book, at the end of the day it was a let down. The pace was too slow to keep my attention for any long period of time. Part of the reason this isn't going on "My Favorite Books" list is mainly because I have lived on a ranch my entire life. More than half of that was raising cattle. I may not know all the facts about cattle ranches in 1884, but I do know that a lot of terms and facts where (frustratingly) incorrect. The first being calves don't "bleat", sheep do. Calves bawl. So if these issues don't bother you, and you didn't grow up around branding and ranching all your life, this may be a great book for you. But my honest opinion is that it left me wanting. :( I will be giving "Captive Trail" a chance though, because I REALLY do love Susan and her writing.

My songs for this book would have to be: "Standing On The Promises" by Alan Jackson and "I Keep On Lovin' You" by Reba

Psalms 119

~ASC

P.S. PLEASE follow my blog here!!!  Either by GFC or Network Blogs!  Look to the Left of this post to follow and share! :)

*I requested and received this book for the purpose of reviewing it.  The opinions expressed are my own true honest opinions. 

Against the Tide Review!!!

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

http://www.amazon.com/Against-Tide-Elizabeth-Camden/dp/0764210238/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353459252&sr=8-1&keywords=Against+the+tide

Book Description:

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.


http://www.amazon.com/Against-Tide-Elizabeth-Camden/dp/0764210238/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353459252&sr=8-1&keywords=Against+the+tide


My Opinion:
Elizabeth Camden is now one of my favorite authors! Her witty, intelligent, and wonderful style kept me enraptured by her story. This story is surprisingly shocking! You will get nothing from the back description. This tale is SO MUCH MORE than the description makes it out to be! I love the characters and the ending is great! Elizabeth paces the story line flawlessly! Instead of dragging it out she immediately jumps into the action! Tackling dangerous issues and situations Lydia and Bane's journey can not be missed! Against the tide is one of those books that grabs you and drags you in head first! A MUST read!

My songs for this book are: "Hurry Up and Save Me" by Tiffany Giardina, "Softly And Tenderly" by Johnny Cash, "Keep Holding On" by Avril Lavigne, and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Leah Mari.

Exodus 14:14

~ASC

*I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion of To Whisper Her Name, and the above is my true opinion of the book. Thanks Bethany House for the review copy! :)


P.S. As always I would LOVE for you to follow my blog!  Either by GFC or Network blogs!  Look to the left of the posts and PLEASE Follow!!!

Found Review!!!

Found by Shelley Shepard Gray

http://www.amazon.com/Found-Secrets-Crittenden-County-Three/dp/0062089757/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353002405&sr=8-3&keywords=Found

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?

http://www.amazon.com/Found-Secrets-Crittenden-County-Three/dp/0062089757/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353002405&sr=8-3&keywords=Found

My Opinion:

You may be wondering why I gave this book 4 stars after titling my review "Heartbreaking". Well, it's because Found is still a good read, but it was heartbreaking. The act of murder in and of itself is heartbreaking and in this conclusion Perry's murderer is revealed! I did love the look further into some of the characters and the relationships that develop. I will warn you that the closer to the end of the book the more typos you will encounter. As any of you that have read my past reviews will know, that is one of my pet peeves! :) Anyway, I was upset about one of the character's end; I wish it had been wrapped up better instead of (I feel) just hanging there, leaving me in ANTICIPATION!!! Though now I must tell you that you MUST read the letter Shelley wrote to us as readers! I LOVE her writing especially in this personal and relaxed way! I do recommend that you read this book especially if you read the first two, but I also felt I needed to give you my honest opinion. And because of the end I had to knock off a star. Shelley's writing is still really good though and I for one can't wait to read ? which is previewed in the back of Found!

My song choices for this book are: "What I've Done" by Linkin Park and "Forgiveness" by Matthew West

Psalm 119:143

~ASC

P.S. I would LOVE it if you would Follow my blog!  Either with GFC or Network Blogs!  Look to the LEFT side of this page to find both options! :)

GIVEAWAY!!! Cherish This Christmas Book Giveaway!

Christmas is coming! Do these words fill you with joyful anticipation…or dread at the thought of approaching chaos and clutter? On December 31^st do you wonder what happened instead of wondering at Christ’s birth? I invite you to cherish Christmas as never before. Journey back in time as you get to know those who were there, and bring new meaning to your own holiday. Cherish This Christmas helps each of us discover our unique role during this precious time of year as we get to know the One whom we celebrate differently…maybe a little better. This year let’s cut through the chaos and choose to... Cherish This Christmas! This collection of daily devotions will take you back to the days of Jesus' birth and help bring more meaning to the chaotic days of December. Through scriptural insight and personal reflection, Paula will help you to Cherish This Christmas. You can purchase the book here at Amazon, the Kindle edition here,
or at Paula's CreateSpace store.

 

About the Author: 

Paula Davis’ writing encourages her readers to apply God’s Word to everyday life. When years of searching for “Mr. Right” left her heart empty, she turned to God for comfort and found so much more. Paula now knows firsthand that completeness and contentment is only found when her eyes are focused on Jesus. She wants others to know this truth as well. Paula loves to share with others what she’s learning about the depth of God’s Love. At Christmas time, you'll find her in Central New York reading, baking or cuddling her little dog, Lucy, while sipping a good cup of coffee. You can follow her blog at www.pauladavispeace.com. My Review If you are doing a review, place it here. The Giveaway To jubilate the release of her debut book, Paula is celebrating and you're invited to join along with her giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive:

• Two copies of Cherish this Christmas, one to keep and one to give to a friend
• A $25 Amazon Gift Card

Enter today by heading over to Paula's blog and jumping on the Rafflecopter. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 15th. Winner will be announced at Paula's website, December 16, 2012.

I posted the above to help the author Paula A. Davis get the word out about her new book and the giveaway.  I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Paula A. Davis.

P.S. PLEASE follow my blog (ASC Photos and Designs) here w/ GFC!  Just click the "Join this site" button and it will tell ya what to do! :) ~ASC

Before the Season Ends Review!

Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard

http://www.amazon.com/Before-Season-Regency-Inspirational-Romance/dp/0736925511/ref=la_B001JSC7H6_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352744598&sr=1-2

Book Description:

In her debut novel of what she calls "spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul," author Linore Rose Burkard tells the intriguing story of Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman caught between her love for a man who doesn't share her faith and her resolution to marry only a fellow believer in Christ.

Trouble at home sends the young woman to her aunt's townhome in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Ariana is soon neck-deep in high society and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue. Then a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her heart, her faith, and her future are all at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it's Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong young man, how can it ever turn out right?

Jane Austen readers and fans of Regency romances everywhere will love Before the Season Ends.

http://www.amazon.com/Before-Season-Regency-Inspirational-Romance/dp/0736925511/ref=la_B001JSC7H6_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352744598&sr=1-2

My Opinion:
A wonderful, elegant story that will shock and surprise you up until the end! Linore writes, especially well, about what true Faith and Salvation means, in such a heartwarming and honest way. She captures the style of Jane Austin's time and style so elegantly and beautifully! Writing in such an intelligent and exquisite way. Before the Season ends is a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the sequel. This book is filled with situations that you wouldn't really want to find yourself in unless you have a Mr. Mornay yourself! I know that he would have made being in some of the scenes Linore paints worth it to me! LOL! This book is a must read and I suspect that the whole series is as well!

My songs for this book is: "Find You On My Knees" by Kari Jobe and "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" by Alan Jackson

John 3:15-16

~ASC


P.S. PLEASE follow this blog w/ GFC!!!  Just click the "Joint this site" button on the right and it'll tell ya what to do! :)

New Mexico Sunrise Book Review!!!

New Mexico Sunrise by Tracie Peterson

http://www.amazon.com/New-Mexico-Sunrise-Inspirational-Collection/dp/1586601237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352488471&sr=1-1&keywords=new+mexico+sunrise


Book Description:

Join the Lucas, Monroe, and Dawson families as they stake their claim to the "Land of Enchantment." Their struggles and triumphs blend into the sandstone mesas and sweeping sage plains of New Mexico, and their tracks are still visible along the deeply rutted Sante Fe Trail and the chiseled railways they traveled. Award winning author Tracie Peterson brings their stories to life. Garret Lucas was hired to take Maggie Intissar from Kansas to her estranged father's ranch in the New Mexico territory. But Maggie will do anything to avoid the painful memories of her past. Can she find A Place to Belong? Lillie Philips thought she had the Perfect Love, but the loss of her husband and baby sent her into depression. Could a visit to her friend Maggie give her new hope? Or will the arrogant Dr. Daniel Monroe force her back into her shell of seclusion? In the midst of Tender Journeys into womanhood, Jenny Oberling was left alone along the Santa Fe Trail. Victimized by a wicked woman, Jenny needs help - but will the caring David Monroe be able to save her in time? Riley Dawson has brought relief to a dying mining town, but Zandy Stewart sees a cruel side of him when he presents her with an impossible ultimatum. Can The Willing Heart of faith link them before disaster strikes? Love and faith in God will conquer any adveristy. This enchanting collection combines four complete novels of inspiring love that you'll cherish.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Mexico-Sunrise-Inspirational-Collection/dp/1586601237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352488471&sr=1-1&keywords=new+mexico+sunrise

My Opinion:
This book was bought in a small, little, out of the way book store and I LOVE IT!!! It is a MUST read!!! It holds great stories set in my home state of New Mexico (and yes NM is a part of the United States and no you don't need a passport to visit! LOL!) Anyway back to New Mexico sunrise. This book holds complete stories, some linked together. I LOVE this book SO much the spine is worn and creased because I have read it over and over again (and I'm not one to re-read books). All of the stories are unique, surprising, and awesome!!! It shows how God's love is for each and every one of us, no matter what we've done, where we've been, or what we've gone through. These stories will touch your heart and at times shock you! I can't wait to get the sequel! You MUST read this book! Trust me you WON'T be disappointed!!!

My songs for this book are: "How Great Is Our God" by Kimberly and Alberto Rivera, "When You're Gone" by Avril Lavigne, "Just Like Jesse James" by Cher, and "Lead Me To The Cross" by Francesca Battistelli 

These songs can be interchanged with the stories, but "Just like Jesse James" goes, mainly, with "The Willing Heart" with God always with her Zandy stands up to persecution and is the better for it! The Willing Heart is also my favorite of the four though I do love them all. Read and see which one is your favorite! :)

Exodus 14:14

~ASC

P.S. PLEASE make my day and follow this blog with GFC!!!  Just click the "Join this site button" and it'll tell ya what to do! :)

Christian Fiction book Giveaway~

Legacy of a Writer is holding a Book Giveaway: http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/2012/10/melanies-newest-release-is-on-oregon.html



Ends in 2 day and 9 hours from this post :)


P.S. PLEASE follow my blog "ASC Photos and Designs" w/ GFC!!!  Just click the "Join this site" button and it will tell ya what to do!!! :D

A Season for Tending Review!

A Season for Trending by Cindy Woodsmall

http://www.amazon.com/Season-Tending-Amish-Vines-Orchards/dp/0307730026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352178188&sr=1-1&keywords=a+season+for+tending

Book Description:
In a community where conformity flourishes, seeds of Rhoda’s odd behavior were planted long ago. Can she cultivate her relationships with the same care and tenderness that she gives her beloved garden?

Old Order Amish Rhoda Byler’s unusual gift and her remarkable abilities to grow herbs and berries have caused many to think her odd. As rumors mount that Rhoda’s “gift” is a detriment to the community, she chooses isolation, spending her time in her fruit garden and on her thriving canning business.  

Miles away in Harvest Mills, Samuel King struggles to keep his family’s apple orchard profitable. As the eldest son, Samuel farms with his brothers, the irrepressible Jacob and brash Eli, while his longtime girlfriend Catherine remains hopeful that Samuel will marry her when he feels financially stable.  

Meanwhile, Samuel’s younger sister Leah is testing all the boundaries during her rumschpringe, and finds herself far from home in Rhoda’s garden after a night of partying gone badly. But Leah’s poor choices serve as a bridge between Rhoda and the King family when a tragic mistake in the orchard leaves Samuel searching for solutions. 
Rhoda’s expertise in canning could be the answer, but she struggles with guilt over the tragic death of her sister and doesn’t trust herself outside her garden walls. As the lines between business, love, and family begin to blur, can Rhoda finally open up to a new life? And what effect will this odd, amazing woman have on the entire King family? 

http://www.amazon.com/Season-Tending-Amish-Vines-Orchards/dp/0307730026/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352178188&sr=1-1&keywords=a+season+for+tending

My Opinion:
Cindy Woodsmall is an excellent writer. I loved the characters especially spunky Rhoda and I can relate to Leah at times (not all the time, but at times). One thing that bothers me is that "Ya" is spelled wrong, in my opinion, (in all the Amish novels I've read "Jah" is the correct way of using the word) I have grown accustomed to Jah and prefer it, but I digress. A Season for Tending is little slow paced for my liking, but it holds enough secrets and mystery to keep me intrigued and reading. Rhoda's story is at times an angering one, but the King family will become very dear to your heart! In the beginning I wasn't sure I would like to continue with the series, but as I kept reading Cindy kept drawing me in with her humor and secretive tale. I now can tell you that I MUST look into the next book in the series and I will be recommending this book even though I felt I could not give it the full 5 stars. There where times when I thought I would lose interest, but you MUST keep reading. My biggest issues with A Season for Tending is the Pennsylvania Dutch terms and words that where, in my opinion, wrong, and the fact that it would have held my attention more if it where faster paced in the begging. Yet in the end the story picked up speed nicely and ended VERY VERY well! Over all a good read!
I must compliment Kelly L. Howard what a wonderful cover designer she is. The cover for A Season for Tending is both beautiful and striking. The description of Rhoda Byler is reflected wonderfully in the photo of the girl portrayed on the cover. Excellent work!

My songs for this book are: "In the Garden" by Shari Knapp, "Only a Mountain" Jason Castro (because God is always with you and Jesus will always guide you :) ), and (even though it's not a perfect fit) "Collide" by Howie Day

Exodus 14:14

~ASC


Learn More about Cindy: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/ , http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=72213

Learn More about the book: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=208962

OR Read the First Chapter of A Season for Tending: http://www.scribd.com/doc/98995874/A-Season-for-Tending-by-Cindy-Woodsmall-Chapter-1-Excerpt

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.



P.S. PLEASE Become a follower of my blog w/ GFC!  Just click "Join this site" and it'll tell ya what to do!!! ~ASC

Flexi Clip Giveaway!!!

"Did you know? Flexis are made out of music wire, like from pianos and guitars, so that they bend and shape around your hair! There is a notched pin on the backside of the Flexi that holds the Flexi securely into your hair. You simply slide the Flexi along your scalp, bend the design side across the top of your hair, and then push the pin through side of the Flexi. An added bonus with the Flexi is that they are all one piece. You don’t have to worry about losing the pin." ~ Sarah Ives

Here's a pic. of  another one of my favorites! : 

COME JOIN MY TEAM AND Buy these GREAT Hair Accessories!  They come in 7 sizes!  Mini, X-tra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and MEGA!!!

The work for ALL kinds of hair (even fine baby hair!)

So get yours and then let me know you bought for our Team!!!

Register and buy here: http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1087

And there's a Giveaway here!!!  To enter RSVP and Buy a FLEXI for our team!!! :   You could win a 2nd FREE!!!  https://www.facebook.com/lillarosebysarahives/app_228910107186452

And if that's not cool enough there's more!

If you are a first time buyer and you buy three, email Sarah Ives and you can get a 4th FREE!!!

SO BUY FOR TEAM AMADA!!!


P.S. PLEASE Become a follower of ASC Photos and Designs here on Blogger w/ GFC!  Just click "Join this site" and it'll tell ya what to do!!! ~ASC

Join Team Amada in the Flexi Clip Showdown!!!

Hello everyone!!!

I need your HELP!!!!

So Flexi Clip is having a Showdown and I'm a Team Leader.  I WANT YOU and my Team!!!

Team Amada (there is no N in my name it's pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

Here's the link to my Facebook post and the party site + links to register and buy! :  http://www.facebook.com/events/503491782994529/permalink/507044019305972/

What I need you to do is let me know when you buy!  So that way I can tell Sarah and get the points I SO desperately NEED!  You can comment here, on Facebook, or email me at:
amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com (replace the {AT} and {DOT} with @ and . )

And you can post on the party that you bought (list the Flexis or how many you bought) for Team Amada!!!

PLEASE JOIN MY TEAM!!! And if you are a new buyer and you buy three you can email Sarah Ives and get another Flexi Clip COMPLETELY FREE!!!!

So go buy for our Team, and let me know when you do!!!!

Here's one of my FAVORITES, but they have TONS of different styles and themes to choose from!!!



Acts 16:31

~ASC


P.S. PLEASE Become a follower of ASC Photos and Designs here on Blogger w/ GFC!  Just click "Join this site" and it'll tell ya what to do!!! ~ASC