Stealing Jake Review Part 1!

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman

+Pam Hillman 

Book Description:
When Livy O’Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she’s helping to run an orphanage. Now she’ll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff’s deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy―literally while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town―as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off―Jake doesn’t have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can’t seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn’t willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

My Opinion:
Excellent read!!!  Pam's style is amazing and once again she grabs me from the first page and won't let me go!  Mystery and secrets weave throughout a captivating plot!  Lovely characters with interesting back stories draw you in deeper to their lives and situations.  I love Livy and her expression of her faith and struggles with her past and present!  Jake is a lovable character with troubles of his own!  His big heart and sweet ways immediately made him a favorite!  And the addition of the kids as well as the whole concept of this story are awesome and well written!  Danger, intrigue, Faith, secrets, fear, love, and much more await you in this fabulous read!  

TO BE CONTINUED!
Songs to come:
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

~ASC

*I requested and received this book for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Stealing Jake. ~ASC

MUSIC MONDAY!!!!!!

MUSIC MONDAY

"Well the past is playing with my head 

And failure knocks me down again 

I'm reminded of the wrong 

That I have said and done 

And that devil just wont let me forget 

In this life 

I know what I've been 

But here in your arms 

I know what I am 

I'm forgiven 

I'm forgiven 

And I don't have to carry 

The weight of who I've been 

Cause I'm forgiven 

My mistakes are running through my mind 

And I'll relive my days, in the middle of the night 

And I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride

Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry 

When I don't think and I don't feel like I belong anywhere 

When I don't measure up to much in this life 

Oh, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ ‘cause "

A Heart's Home Review!!!!!

A Heart's Home by Colleen Coble

+Colleen Coble 

Book Description:

A Heart's Home (Thomas Nelson, August 2015)

Emmie's hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.

Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn't hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?

With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie's solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart---and Isaac's? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Iyr7Im

About the author:

Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Seagrass Pier, the third installment in her acclaimed Hope Beach series, marks a new highpoint for emotion and complexity in Coble's addictive brand of romantic suspense.

Find Colleen online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Opinion:
Fun series!  This one starts out sad though!  And then the danger and suspense keep coming!  Overall I've really enjoyed this series.  I do think that there where some times that it felt like scenes were missing and I missed something or there should have been more to certain parts, but the plot and stories are really great!  This wrap up is a good one with Colleen tying together many loose ends.  I do feel that once again that this book description doesn't go with the actual plot in parts. :/  I found the over all writing to be good, the characters to be loveable, and the story line to be interesting.  Really the one thing that I found lacking is I wish scenes and the overall story had been fleshed out even more!  I also would love for Colleen to go on with these characters and write about what happens to their children! ;)  

Songs: "Reveille (Bugle Call)" performed by The United States Army BandSongs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~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 A Heart's Home. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/ccoble

The Potter's Lady Review!!!!!!!

The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

Book Description:
When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she's determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family's pottery works in a nearby town.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn't insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.

Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua's company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?

My Opinion:
GREAT READ!!!!!  What an fabulous read with great triumph!  Once again Judith has come up with the most exasperating of "bad guys" and this time there's more of them! LOL!  They twist, manipulate, and deceive our heroes and heroines to distraction and me right along with them!  I got so involved in the story and these characters I didn't want to put the book down!  I love The Potters Lady even more than The Brickmaker's Bride!  Once again I LOVE how Judith puts in how pottery was made and every step of the process.  I really enjoy learning this stuff and it adds a cool aspect to her stories!  With fabulous messages of God's care and His timing woven throughout I really couldn't ask for more.  Except I will because I CAN'T wait for the next one!  Judith I am more than ready for more!   I could read this book again and again, and I highly, HIGHLY, recommend it!  
Songs: "God-Shaped Hole" by Plumb
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Isaiah 64:8, Ephesians 2

~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 Potter's Lady. ~ASC

Music Monday!

I just realized it's been a while since I did a MUSIC MONDAY!!!!!!!

As always if you're viewing this in your inbox and you don't see a video please click through to 

ASC Book Reviews to view it! :)  

Happy Monday all!

Through Waters Deep Review!!!!!!!

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

+Sarah Sundin 

Book Description:

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. 
A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My Opinion:
Simply amazing!  After reading and loving Sarah's last series and the lure of a mystery I dove right in!  I absolutely LOVE IT!!!  The mystery is great and the characters are awesome!  The pace in the beginning is a little slow for me, but after I got to know the characters it picked right up!  And the closer I got to the end the more action and suspense popped up and dragged me in further!  So much so that I didn't want to put it down!  I really feel a kindred spirit in Mary!  I did find that it helps and makes for easier reading to already know some nautical terms.  The twists and surprises continue to entertain throughout and humor laces some scenes!  And the prayers!  I LOVE how Sarah writes her characters praying and The Bible verse the is at the center of the story!  I wait in anticipation for book two in the Waves of Freedom series!  There are a couple of characters that I'm hoping get their stories told next!!!! :)  I recommend Through Waters Deep and Sarah as an author!  She is awesome and always entertaining!  

Songs from the book: "Anchors Aweigh (The U.S. Navy Song) (Arr. W.J. Dunn)" by The United States Navy Band, 
"Two Sleepy People (Album Version) [feat. Norah Jones]" performed by Seth MacFarlane, 
"Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee" performed by The Joslin Grove Choral Society, 
"God of Our Fathers" performed by Michael W. Smith, 
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" performed by BarlowGirl, 
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Album Version" performed by Jaci Velasquez, 
"Angels We Have Heard On High" performed by for KING & COUNTRY, and 
"Silent Night" performed by Amy Grant
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Isaiah 43:2

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Revell for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Through Waters Deep. ~ASC

Capitol CMG Label Group and 9 time Dove Award winner, Nichole Nordeman, is wanting to feature your children in her next video for her song "Slow Down", which will be releasing on her new album on August 28th. They are asking for photos or videos of some of your child's key moments of "growing up". Check out the note below from Nichole regarding this song and idea.

"I don't know of a more uttered or whispered phrase from a mother of any age, about her child of any age, than "It's going by too fast."  I feel like I spend my life trying to slow time.  Trying to celebrate the growth and the milestones of my children, and then secretly day dreaming about building a time machine in my garage, so I can return to rocking my babies at midnight.  If you've ever looked at your child running across a field, or striding across a graduation stage, or walking down the middle aisle of a church clutching a bouquet, you'll know why this song is special to me.  I'd love for you to be a part of this sweet little video campaign, remembering the moments we wish we could slow down.  Will you loan me a few of those moments that meant the most to you?"  

- Nichole Nordeman

If you feel like being a part of this video, please submit your photos and/or video for review to nicholenordemanvideos@gmail.com, including the attached release form (email me for a copy of the release for at ascphotos87063[AT]gmail[DOT]com), no later than August 25th. In the event your video file is too large for email, please upload to dropbox.com and email the link to download.

If you send in your footage, Capitol CMG Label Group will be happy to send you a free copy of Nichole's new album AND enter you to win a $200 Visa Gift Card for your time. The winner will be chosen by 8/31/15. You must complete the attached release form to be entered to win and to enter your footage to be part of the video.

READ (Christian Fiction T-Shirts!)

LOVE to read Christian Fiction?

Then this is the T-shirt for you!!!!!!!

https://www.booster.com/ascbookreviews

Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

‘A Heart’s Home’ and Conversations with Colleen Coble Giveaway

A hidden pregnancy, a promise sure to break hearts, and a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny: Don't miss the gripping conclusion in book six, A Heart's Home, of Colleen Coble's A Journey of the Heart series. With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?

Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women's group to talk about the series.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
• A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
• A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen's favorite recipes and group discussion questions

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen's website.

Sarah Sundin’s ‘Through Waters Deep’ and Anchors Aweigh Giveaway

Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

Irish Meadows Review!!!!!!!

Irish Meadows by Susan Mason

+Susan Anne Mason 

Book Description:

About the book:
Irish Meadows (Bethany House, July 2015)

Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry---as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men
quickly complicate everyone's plans.

As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?


Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Mi7dDS

About the author:


Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Find Susan online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Opinion:
Awesome book!!!!  I can't wait for the next one!  It started a little bit slow for me as I was introduced to all of the characters, but as soon as I got to know them the story picked up speed and started an emotional roller coaster!!!!!!! LOL!  I LOVE this book!  I was emotionally connected to the characters and I absolutely LOVE how Colleen and Brianna grow throughout the story as well as a few other characters!  I also love the settings and surprises!  With fantastic scenes, frustrating circumstances, wonderful outcomes, and much more!  This is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it!  

Songs to come: (Have you read Irish Meadows?  Do you have a song suggestion?  Email me at ascphotos87063ATgmailDOTcom!  I'll check the lyrics and your song maybe added!)
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~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 Irish Meadows. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/smason

Sanctuary for a Lady Review!!!

Sanctuary for a Lady by Naomi Rawlings

+Naomi Rawlings 

Book Description:
The injured young woman Michel Belanger finds in the woods is certainly an aristocrat. And in the midst of France's bloody revolution, sheltering nobility merits a trip to the guillotine. Yet despite the risk, Michel knows he must bring the wounded girl to his cottage to heal.

Attacked by soldiers and left for dead, Isabelle de La Rouchecauld has lost everything. A duke's daughter cannot hope for mercy in France, so escaping to England is her best chance of survival. The only thing more dangerous than staying would be falling in love with this gruff yet tender man of the land. Even if she sees, for the first time, how truly noble a heart can be….


My Opinion:
Such a great book!!!  I am SO happy that I got to read this book!  God is so good!  I never knew I wanted to read Sanctuary for a Lady, but it showed up in the mail along with a book I had won!  I didn't know it was coming, I didn't know I would like it, and since this is her first published book I hadn't read anything from Naomi before!  All I knew is that it had an intriguing book description!  I was wonderfully surprised!!!  From the start it was very deep and yet there were things that made me laugh as I read on!  Set during the French Revolution, danger and sadness are rampant.  They didn't call it The Terror for nothing!  Fear is a huge obstacle for Isabelle, forgiveness is another one.  I absolutely LOVED reading along with her as she overcomes them both by the grace of God!  Michel also has obstacles he must overcome.  The greatest being guilt.  Because of these obstacles this book becomes filled with amazing messages of Truth and Faith!  I love, love, love so many of these scenes!  The twists that Naomi throws in are wonderful, even though I new one was coming it still blew me out of the water with unpredictable characters!  There are few things that I wish were different, one being that a French dictionary was added.  There are a few characters that we're not really sure what happens to them, but this goes with the times.  Uncertainty abounded during the French Revolution and Naomi expresses that in this fantastic story or love, loss, pain, hope, forgiveness, and much more!   

Songs: "One Day At A Time" sung by Cristy Lane, there are a handful of versions of this hymn on amazon, but I settled on this one..."Oh God Our Help In Ages Past" by Mike Curb Congregation
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

1 Corinthians 6, Psalm 82

~ASC