Fading Starlight Review!

Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman 

Book Description:

A Tale of Unexpected Friendship and Old Hollywood Glamour

Lauren Summers is hiding. 

Her fashion house internship should have launched her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she finds is unpaid, but comes with free lodging--a run-down cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Unsure of what comes next, she's surprised to be contacted by a reporter researching a reclusive former Hollywood ingenue who lives in the nearby mansion. 

Kendall Joiner wants Lauren's help uncovering the old woman's secrets. In return, she'll prove the red carpet accident was a publicity stunt so Lauren can regain her former job. With all her dreams in front of her, Lauren's tempted by the offer, but as she and the old woman get to know each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

My Opinion:
FABULOUS read!  This is my first read from Kathryn and I'm dying to read more! :)  I requested this book because I found the book description interesting....it is SO much better than the description!  A beautiful story of persistence in the face of adversity and Faith in the face of false accusation unfolds with very interesting and completely lovable characters!  I truly truly love Lauren's best friend and best friends mother!  They are some of my favorite characters of all time!  Lauren herself is also a favorite and I really enjoyed following her through this journey!  With just a passing hint of romance this book is more about Faith, discovery, and friendship!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fashion and designing aspects of this story and I find myself studying movie costumes even more after reading this. :D  It did take me a little while to get into it in the very beginning, but then scandal, unjust accusations, plots, and mystery swept me away so much I didn't want to quite reading!  Overall this book was so much more than I expected and one of the coolest stories I've read this year!

Songs: "The God I Know" by Love & The Outcome, "Moonlight Becomes You" performed by Ella Fitzgerald, and "God Is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down
 Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 116

~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 Fading Starlight. ~ASC

"Children of God" CD review! :)

Phil Wickham “Children of God”  CD

SOCIAL – CORNER

Buy Links:

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PW-COGiTunes


Spotify: http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Spotify

 

YouTube Music Video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg

My Opinion:

Lovely. :)  I really enjoy Phil's voice.  "Children of God" is a nice CD with mellow and calming music as well as some songs you can really jam to!  There are times when I wish the lyrics didn't repeat quite so many times, but some of them are nice lyrics so....  I LOVE rocking out to Your Love Awakens Me and Body Mind & Soul.  Overall I think this is a great worship CD and I enjoy Phil's new sound.

*I requested and received this CD as a member of flyby promotions for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and these are my true thoughts and feelings about the Child of God CD.

A Daughter's Dream Review and 5 book giveaway!

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:

A Daughter's Dream (Avon Inspire, May 2016)

A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she's given the opportunity she's been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she's dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work---work she's afraid she's not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who's just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly's uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily's sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he'd be a single parent---or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob's fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?

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

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

My Opinion:
Sweet Read.  I think I enjoyed this one more than the first one!  Nothing against Lukas and Darla (I like them as characters to), but ever since being introduced to Rebecca and Amelia I wanted to read their stories!  First is Rebecca's turn and it leaves me more than ready for the next one (Amelia's story)! :)  This is a nice series that is an easy and entertaining read!  I LOVE the animal additions that Shelley always puts in!  Romances galore I really enjoy the dynamic of these siblings and the addition of those that love and marry them just brings even more to the table.  The secondary plots are always interesting and entertaining as well.  I do wish that there were a few more characters from the last book brought back, but I'm holding out hope that Shelley will catch us up with them later on.....  Overall this is a nice, sweet read filled with hope leading to happiness!  

This one like many Amish stories is difficult for me to come up with songs.....have you read the book yet?  What songs do you think fit?
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 A Daughter's Dream. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

Melanie Dickerson’s ‘The Beautiful Pretender’ Once Upon a Kindle Giveaway

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
• A Kindle Fire tablet
• A $25 Amazon gift card
• The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie's blog.

The Beautiful Pretender Review & GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

+Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:

The Beautiful Pretender (Thomas Nelson, May 2016)

What happens when a margrave realizes he's fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave's bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse---far deadlier---consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

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

About the author:

Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+

My Opinion:

AWESOME!  I've heard GREAT things about Melanie's books, but until now I hadn't read one!  After reading The Beautiful Pretender I am going to be one of the ones to praise her writing style and imaginative plot!  I CAN'T WAIT to read more from Melanie!  Beauty & The Beast has long been one of my favorite fairy tales.  A bookish, somewhat odd girl finding love in spite of trials....who doesn't like that?! ;)  But I have to say that Melanie has made it EVEN BETTER!  A lot of the key points in B&tB are threaded throughout, but she has written completely unique and different circumstances, characters, and settings for the plot to play out!  I DEVOURED this book! :D  And would happily read it again and again!  Filled with fabulous and lovable characters and amazing twists and turns this is an adventure you don't want to miss out on!
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this Christian Beauty & The Beast!!!

Songs: "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant
Songs 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 The Beautiful Pretender. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdickerson


GIVEAWAY TIME!  :)
This giveaway is for US residents only.

Ok Here's How to Enter!:

Just leave me a comment with your email address!

Have you read Melanie's books before?
Which ones and which are your favorite?

Or just say howdy! :) 

But make sure to leave me an email address in a safe format 

(example ascphotos87063ATgmailDOTcom) 

where I can get in touch with you in case you win!!!

If you follow me here with either Networkblogs 

or the "Join this Site" with Google Friend Connect button

on the left 

let me know and I'll give you a second entry!

And if you share with either twitter or facebook copy the url link of your post or tweet and paste them into your comment; 

you'll be entered for a THIRD entry!

(All followers and sharing will be verified.  

So make sure to paste url links and to follow with Networkblogs or the "Join this Site" button so I can find them and you

for the entries to count)

Giveaway ends May 27th at midnight Mountain time
This giveaway is for US residents only.

The Quieting Review & Giveaway!!!!!!!

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

+Suzanne Woods Fisher 

Purchase your copy of The Quieting here.

Book Description:
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

My Opinion:
GREAT READ! I'm really loving this series! :) Coming back to these characters is like meeting up with old friends! The Stolzfus family are some of my all time favorite characters! And Suzanne just keeps introducing us to more! There were times that I really connected with Abigail and her only black and white point of view and was really happy with how she grows through these circumstances! Returning characters from David and Birdy to Katrina, Andy, Jesse, and Mim make for someone mighty entertaining reading! :) Twists, surprises, and hilarious scenes flow from character to character. I love the way Suzanne writes. How she keeps up with all these characters is beyond me, but she switches from one character to the next in a way that keeps you wanting to read on and on! I CAN NOT WAIT for the next book!

Songs: "God Is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down 
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Philippians 4:6-7 

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The Quieting. ~ASC

Blog Stops

May 17: Singing Librarian Books

May 17: Heidi Reads…

May 18: Just Commonly

May 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 19: ASC Book Reviews

May 19: A Holland Reads

May 20: Inklings and Notions

May 20: Quiet Quilter

May 21: Daysong Reflections

May 21: cherylbbookblog

May 22: The Power of Words

May 22: Giveaway Lady

May 23: Texas Book-aholic

May 23: Splashes of Joy

May 24: Lane Hill House

May 24: Book by Book

May 24: Mary Hake

May 25: Jeanette’s Thoughts

May 25: Seasons of Opportunities

May 26: Book bites, Bee Stings & Butterfly Kisses

May 26: For the Love of Books

May 27: Southern Gal Loves to Read

May 27: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 28: Reading Is My SuperPower

May 28: Cassandra M’s Place

May 29: Bukwurmzzz

May 29: Bigreadersite

May 30: Blossoms and Blessings

Guest Post from Suzanne Woods Fisher

Twenty years ago, my husband and I attended a large church with a dynamic senior pastor. Each Sunday, we would sit spellbound during 40 minute sermons—he was that good a preacher. And then a terrible thing came to light—this very man had been taking advantage of vulnerable women during counseling sessions. Fourteen women, it turned out, and the pastor remained unrepentant. As issues were dealt with, our entire church suffered. We were a hurting community. The sins of one affected all.

As I plotted out ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ I wanted to borrow the theme of how a leader’s sins hurts the church community. (Now, I need to clarify that this is not a novel that addresses sexual sin. However, it does address unrepentant sin in an ordained leader.) First, I spoke to some Amish friends to see if my story idea had any merit. Was I was on the right track? To my amazement, a similar situation to my novels had occurred in one Amish friend’s church, and it resulted in a “quieting.” That’s an Amish phrase that means revoking the responsibilities of an unrepentant ordained leader. Just like it sounds–he is, essentially, “quieted.”

In this novel, you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of Amish church leadership, and get a sense of how a community is hurting. And how it begins to heal, too.

This series began in the Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania community with The Imposter. More twists and turns are coming to Stoney Ridge after The Quieting—so stay tuned for The Devoted to hit bookshelves in early October. Just in time for autumn reading by a warm fireplace!

Warmly, Suzanne

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grab bag of Amish-made gifts worth over $100! Click the link to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/99a8

Someone Like You Review Part 1!!!!!!!

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

Book Description:

Someone Like You (Bethany House, May 2016)

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.

A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father's less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort's general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can't ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1TPfW3k

About the author:

Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

My Opinion:

First Impressions...  Nice read!  This is the first book I've read from Victoria and I've grown to love the humor she weaves into the turmoil! ;)  Oh what a tangled web!  But through it all shine God's love!  The flow of the story is lovely with an emotional roller coaster embedded with in.  And for me, certain scenes with goats are the icing on the cake [ ;) I don't want to give too much away so you'll just have to see what I mean! LOL!]!  I also LOVE how much prayer Victoria writes into her book!  Sometimes I wish there were more prayer in the books I read and these additions in Someone Like You are refreshing! :)  Realistic characters and struggles plus romances galore!  This book is even better than I had expected from the book description!  Can Julia and Zeke get through the problems they face and find their way back to each other in the process?
  
Songs to come:
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Ezekiel 36:26

~ASC

(This review is for the unpublished manuscript ARC I received and read.  Things may have changed from what I read and the finished product.)

*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 Someone Like You. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/vbylin

5 Book Giveaway!!!!!!!

The League and The Lantern Review!

The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells

Book Description:

AFTER A DISASTROUS SIXTH GRADE, Jake Herndon is anxiously awaiting his Big Do-Over, starting with his new school's notorious seventh grade sleepover. Awkward team-building games and forced fun quickly become the least of his problems, however, when a dangerous organization invades and the night takes a shocking turn. Jake and two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, barely escape, only to find themselves in a fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. Over the next 48 hours they unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War and an incredible secret about Jake s family.

Full of unforgettable characters and unexpected twists, The League and the Lantern is a jaw-dropping ride of mind-bending revelations and laugh-out-loud humor. If Jake and his new friends can make it through this weekend, they just might have a shot at seventh grade.

My Opinion:
Torn and Disappointed.  :/  When I read the book description and the goal for this book (getting a Christian read into this particular market) I was excited and hoping for a fantastic tale.  I personally found the goal fantastic, but the execution lacking.  When I started the humor and the characters really carried me through the plot, and I also enjoyed the action scenes!  Though even from there I was hoping and longing for more Christian content.  In fact throughout the book I feel there are only a tiny few remarks that bring it back to the base of Christianity and I REALLY wish there was A LOT more.  Then as I moved towards the latter middle and end of the book, additions of cloning and other odd technology quickly started to disappoint.  From there I started skimming so I could give my honest opinion, but gloss over these personally upsetting additions.  Overall I found that I REALLY had hoped Brian was going to go a completely different way with this, and will not be continuing with the series. 

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Fly By Promotions for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The League and the Lantern. ~ASC

#TheLeagueAndTheLantern & #FlyBy