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Monday, February 29, 2016

Always Watching Review!

Always Watching by Lynette Eason


Book Description:
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common--they're also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.

But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she's next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.

Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. Readers will love these strong female characters who put it all on the line to save lives.


My Opinion:
LOVE IT!  I think I've found the Jame Patterson of Christian Fiction and I LOVE IT! :D  This is the first book I've read from Lynette and I'm ready for more! :)  First of all I LOVE LOVE LOVE and was totally pulled in by the overall concept of the Elite Guardians!  I was greatly intrigued by the bodyguard aspect!  Then I started reading and getting to know these characters and WOW!  They are amazing and well developed!  I immediately loved them all!  From Olivia and Wade to the other's in Olivia's team and Wade's family!  Lynette gives you MANY suspects from the get go and keeps you guessing as the suspenseful scenes continue to play out!  Filled with danger and suspense who's the real bad guy?  I highly recommend every heart pounding minute! :)  
Songs: "Overcomer" by Mandisa and "Just Be Held" by Casting Crowns

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

~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 Always Watching. ~ASC

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Amish Sweethearts Review!

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould 

Book Description:
Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love? 

They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.

However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?


My Opinion:
Wow!  :)  These poor characters! LOL!  Sometimes it seems like they can't catch a break, but then other times it feels like they just make it harder on themselves!  Then in the end The Lord brings it all back to good! :)  I LOVE that!  So much like real life!  Oh this one starts off and throws readers into a mess! :D  How is this all going to work out and what drama, stress, and heartache are they going to have to go through to finally get somewhere good!  It will take you on an emotional roller coaster and I recommend this read to those looking for a deep read.  I've loved Zane and Lila's relationship from the beginning, but it gets knocked down and can't seem to get back up.  Back and forth Lila struggles with some of the same issues her aunt did and is left in turmoil without knowing what her mother would advice her to do.  Both of their maturity grows but there are slips.  I loved the addition of the know older Adam and Trudy as well as all the other returning characters!  I REALLY love how far Tim is coming as a character!  There where times that I just didn't like him very much, but he to is growing and I LOVE it!  Overall I enjoyed this book!  When I read the book description I wasn't looking forward to the Afghanistan scenes, but I really enjoyed what they added to the story and how Leslie wrote them!  All the turmoil and emotional roller coaster was worth it for me by the end!  And I can't wait to see where these two go from here!

Songs: "The Army Goes Rolling Along (The U.S. Army Song)" performed by The United States Army Band, "How Great Thou Art" performed by Alan Jackson, "I'm In The Lord's Army" performed by St. John's Children Choir, "Be Still and Know That I Am God" by Pattie Mock

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 46:10

~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 Amish Sweethearts. ~ASC

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Kissed by a Cowboy Part One Review!!!!!!!

Kissed By a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Book Description:
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: http://bit.ly/1PMjz9Z
 
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.

Connect with Debra: website, Twitter, Facebook


My Opinion:
WHOO HOO!  I REALLY love this series!  I've read the first, but haven't read the second yet so I LOVE how Debra makes them stand alone so you don't have to read them in order!  I also adore her writing style, it is HILARIOUS, and Kissed By a Cowboy is no exception!  From the first few pages I'm already laughing so hard that I can't read in public! :D  The whole concept and plot base is highly enjoyable!  I especially love the B&B and organic strawberry farm!  Plus you get even more of your favorite characters from the first two novels!!!  Excellent and entertaining!  Issues of trust, past hurt, and history lie between these characters.  Can they get past it all or will Jarrod convince Cassidy to get back on the horse?  TO BE CONTINUED!
Songs to come:

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 Kissed By a Cowboy. ~ASC

Friday, February 12, 2016

All Things Bright and Beautiful Review!!!!!!!

All Things Bright and Beautiful
written by Cecil Frances Alexander
Illustrated by Katy Hudson


Book Description:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
 
First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of all things bright and beautiful. Ages 4-7.


My Opinion:
Must buy!  This is a fabulous book for any parent and child to share!  Beautiful illustrations matched with this beautiful poem make for a fantastic bed time story or an any time story!  Katy's pictures capture the eye with lovely bright colors and detailed scenes, and Cecil's poem is a work of art as it flows from line to line!  I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a colorful and fun book be it for your child or a gift for someone you know!  LOVE IT!

Songs: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" performed by Kidzup Kids

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:31

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about All Things Bright and Beautiful. ~ASC

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride Review!

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell 


Book Description:
Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (David C. Cook, January 2016)

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp---a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom's antique jewelry box.

But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1QHgZ3T


About the author:
Miralee Ferrell is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels. She and her husband live along the Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where she enjoys riding the wooded trails and spending time with her grown children. In addition to horses and dogs, Miralee once owned two cougars.

Connect with Miralee: website, Twitter, Facebook


My Opinion:
Awesome!  I REALLY love this kids book!  This is the first book I've completely read in this series and I can't WAIT to go back and start from number one and read them all the way through!  Miralee immediately throws you into the plot and action of the story which I always LOVE!  When I was younger if a book didn't grab me and start right off I would get bored quickly and not want to finish so jumping right in is always a plus to me.  I also enjoy the mystery!  Twisty from the beginning, many suspects are introduced and it's entertaining how the kids go about trying to figure out who done it!  Some of these scenes are HILARIOUS!  And the messages of Forgiveness, Faith, and Serving as well as the outcome are FABULOUS!  This is an excellent book that can be read in the series or as a stand alone, but if the others in the series are as good as this one the whole series is excellent!  I highly recommend this book! 

Songs: "Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord)" performed by The Rizers

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Philippians 4:19, Matthew 5:44, Proverbs 25:21-22

~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 Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. ~ASC


Thursday, February 11, 2016

Your Heart's Desire Review!!!!

Your Heart's Desire by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister's family in sunny California. Her sister's new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line--a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger--at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love? 

My Opinion:
Lovely! :)  This is an excellent read for Valentines!  The only thing that I wish is that it was longer! LOL!  I wanted even more!  It seemed to wrap up too quickly, but that's just because everything leading up to the end is WONDERFUL!  The characters, the situation, the business all come together to make a story that I LOVE and could read again and again!  Chocolate and romance!  What else could you want for V-day?! ;)  I highly recommend this little read.  Melody is fast becoming one of my all time favorite authors!  I've come to expect an entertaining, lovely, sometimes quirky novella from her and she never disappoints!  Touching, fun, and romantic!

P.S. I must compliment the artist of the cover!  It is not only beautiful but matches the scene within the book beautifully! :)

Songs: "A String Of Pearls" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, and "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I requested and received a copy of 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 Your Heart's Desire. ~ASC

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Keeper of the Stars Review Part 1!

Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description:
Keeper of the Stars (Thomas Nelson, January 2016)

Because it's not always love at first sight!
When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny's mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain---but that's exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can't get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn't behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad's sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad's death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/20EmYLy

Read a sample chapter: http://bit.ly/1X0pYQ6


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.

Connect with Robin: website, Twitter, Facebook


My Opinion:
Intriguing!  I just love how Robin writes! :)  I always know her books are going to be entertaining in one way or another.  First of all let me say that I LOVE this title!  This is one of my favorite songs, and secondly the cover is just gorgeous!  And thirdly the story within is crafted beautifully!  The scenes Robin throws her characters into always bring you deeper into the tale!  The style of this series is also one that is unique and I've loved from the beginning!  Parts of a characters life and past are woven into the present situations and this one's is very touching!  Learning to forgive is hard and in this particular situation the pain causes it to be even harder!  God's healing and blessings are wrapped up in forgiveness and all these characters have to do is grab a hold and unwrap it!  TO BE CONTINUED!  
Songs to come:

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 Keeper of the Stars. ~ASC


A Son's Vow Review!

A Son's Vow by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:
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: http://bit.ly/1TnOt9W
 
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 Sherri: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

My Opinion:
Nice new series!  I'm excited about this new series from Shelley and I hope it can only get better from here!  The Kinsinger family is a new favorite of mine and I'm anxious to read the next one's story! :)  And I'm hoping for more joy in these characters lives, there where moments of sadness, gloom, and shock in this one!  I always LOVE LOVE LOVE how Shelley adds animals into her stories and the Inspiration for this book was just as good as the story itself!  Sadness, forgiveness, redemption, an emotional roller coaster, and a FANTASTIC ending awaits you as you become introduced to these great characters!    
Songs: "Day One" by Matthew West and "It's Not Over Yet" by for KING & COUNTRY

Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Matthew 6:14

~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 Son's Vow. ~ASC

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

KEEPER OF THE STARS BY ROBIN LEE HATCHER | BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY!!!

Love at first sight isn’t always the case—especially in Robin Lee Hatcher’s new book, Keeper of the Stars, in A King’s Meadow Romance series. Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.
Celebrate the release of Keeper of the Stars with Robin by entering to win a Kindle Fire HD! Click the graphic below to enter. The winner will be announced on February 16 on Robin’s blog and social media.

keeper of the stars - 400


{MORE ABOUT KEEPER OF THE STARS}

Keeper of the Stars
Keeper of the Stars (Thomas Nelson, January 2016)
Because it’s not always love at first sight!
When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.
Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself… and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.
Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.
Robin Lee Hatcher

{MORE ABOUT ROBIN LEE HATCHER}

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 out more about Robin Lee athttp://robinleehatcher.com.

Monday, February 1, 2016

February 2016 New Releases!

Here's what's coming out in February 2016!
(these are the books I'm looking forward to coming out this month)
Which ones are you most excited about?  
Leave me a comment with your list! :)
Did I miss a February Christian Fiction release 
that you've been looking forward to?  
Give it and the author a shout out in the comments!

Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County #2) 
by Leslie Gould
Feb. 2nd
Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #2)


Always Watching (Elite Guardians #1) 
Feb. 2nd
Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1)


An Amish Market 
by +Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, 
Kelly Irvin, and +Vannetta Chapman
Feb. 2nd 
An Amish Market


A Sweet Misfortune (Virtues and Vices of the Old West #2) 
by Maggie Brendan
Feb. 2nd
A Sweet Misfortune (Virtues and Vices of the Old West, #2)


Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor #1) 
Feb. 2nd
Cold Shot (Chesapeake Valor, #1)


A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1) 
Feb. 9th
A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1)


Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Feb. 16th
Room for Hope


If I Run by +Terri Blackstock
Feb. 16th
If I Run

*I've taken the expected publication dates from goodreads.com and amazon.com