Best of Fiction 2014!!!

This list consists of books I read that were published in 2014 that are MUST READS, books that I really liked, or just books that left a HUGE impression on me throughout the year! :D  They are not in any specific order though!  

Silenced by Dani Pettrey

+Dani Pettrey 

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

+Sarah Sundin 

For Love or Loyalty by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
+Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Rival Heart by Tara Randel

+Tara Randel 

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

A Bridge Unbroken by Cathy Bryant

+Cathy Bryant 

Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz

+Laura Frantz 

Death Takes a Ride by Lorena McCourtney 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen
+Julie Klassen

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

+Leslie Gould 

And I had to make an exception for this fabulous book!  It technically was published in 2013 but it was December 31st so...  This was a FABULOUS BOOK that's story touches deeply!
A Miracle of Hope
by Ruth Reid
+Ruth Reid
 

The Secret of Pembrooke Park Review!!!!!

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

+Julie Klassen

Book Description:

Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister. 

Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play...

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor's past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.

This catches Abigail's attention. Hoping to restore her family's finances--and her dowry--Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn't the only one secretly searching the house.

Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past. 

As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

My Opinion:
Wow!  I was grabbed from the book description, and what a great tale it leads to!  The beginning was a little slow for me, but then the mysteries, secrets, and twists started rolling and wouldn't quit!!!  I found, especially near the end, that I didn't want to put it down!  There are some dark moments, but the beauty of the story comes when the light of truth chases it away!!!  Abigail is a a dear character that I loved immediately!  You feel for her plight from the beginning and can't wait to see where The Lord leads her!  And so many other characters captured my heart early on such as William and his dad Mac!  The overall descriptions of the house, the beautiful doll house, and the other places in the book are amazing!  I could really picture it all in my mind!  The characters growth is awesome!  And I know that the Secrets are expected because of the title, but they are amazing!  I was able to figure the mysteries out right before the characters so I didn't feel completely left in the dark or too blown out of the water!  The messages are completely wonderful, one I loved the most was when they point out how God takes something bad and turns it into something good!!!!  I'm finding it hard to find words to describe this book without giving anything away, and I think it's because it left me kinda speechless!  :)  Faith, love, deception, danger, murder, mystery, forgiveness, loss, gain, and true treasure are all found in the tale and I HIGHLY recommend it!!! 
  
Songs: "Pushing Back the Dark" by Josh Wilson, "God-Shaped Hole" by Plumb, and "He Leadeth Me" by The Cluster Pluckers
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Luke 8:17

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The Secret of Pembrooke Park. ~ASC

MERRY CHRISTmas!!!!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas!

I pray you all have a

safe, warm, and

Blessed CHRISTmas!

In Him!

~ASC

Love Without End Review!!!!

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description:

Love Without End || A King's Meadow Romance (Thomas Nelson, November 2014)

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/EjjGc 

About the author: Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Find Robin online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Opinion:
Fun read!  Robin always delivers an entertaining read for me!  There's not too much content that it is never an easy read, but I can always expect some great twists and characters along the way!  I really liked Robin's writing style in this one!  The main story in the present time is set off by a sub story set in the past with the oldest character Anna's story unfolding.  I will admit that there were times I wanted Anna's story to be the main story instead if the sub story!  I found myself wanting to rush through some scenes with Chet and Kimberly so I could get to the next scene of Anna's story and I also wouldn't have minded her story being more fleshed out.  In case you haven't noticed yet I REALLY love Anna as a character! LOL!  She was one of, if not my, favorite character!  The pace was set nicely and I love the length of the chapters.  The story got more and more interesting to me as the characters came together with new ideas and interesting business ventures.  And I REALLY love when Anna guides Kimberly to turn to The One who can help and knows what's best!  In the end while I did wish that there was more of Anna's story I did really like Chet and Kimberly's story to especially where Robin has the whole thing end.  It's sweet, it's interesting, it's entertaining, and it's a great Faith filled romance, what more could you ask for? :D
Songs: "Long Black Train (Album Version)" by Josh Turner, "Me And God (Album Version)" by Josh Turner, "Love Without End, Amen (Album Version)" by George Strait, and "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne MurraySongs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Litfuse for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Love Without Ends. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhatcher