HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE Here's The Best of 2017 in my opinion! ;)

Happy New Years Eve everyone!  I don't know about you but I'm happy to see this year come to an end.  We had quite a bit of sorrow this year, but through it all God has also been VERY Faithful!

Deuteronomy 7:9 says

"Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"

and 

Hebrews 10:23 says

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"

Both of these verses are just a couple giving me hope and strength right now!  I'm hoping that this coming year is a better one than the one we are finishing! :)  And I also hope that you all have a safe and blessed celebration!

There were some pretty good reads published in 2017

These are my Top Picks in no particular order

Cowboy Christmas Guardian by  Dana Mentink

This book was SO good!  The mystery was twisty and there was just enough suspense.  Dana's descriptions are so good I got a little claustrophobic while reading about being in the mine!

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

This series is really great to me!  I LOVE the concept and this one was just so entertaining and sweet.  It's a really great read!

Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd #1) by Jen Turano

I LOVE Jen's books and this one is NO exception this whole series' concept is gold to me!  I laughed SO hard while reading this story!  I could read it again and again and I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of the unique and quirky characters!

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

I think I may have actually squealed when I realized this was just the first in a series!  And I'm not a squealer! ;)  I LOVE Michelle's books and this first book is amazing!  Beautifully filled with historical detail and quirky characters!  This is another read that's got it all!  Humor, mystery, suspense, and of coarse romance!

The Elusive Miss Ellison by +Carolyn Miller

There are not enough words to express how much I LOVE this book!  I'm a huge Pride and Prejudice fan and Carolyn took Jane's book and made it EVEN BETTER!!!!

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Once again this series is just fantastic!  I was reading this book while going through the hardest loss of this year and it was a Godsend to have such a humorous book and capturing story to lift my spirits even when they didn't want to be lifted.

Murder on the Moor by Julianna Deering

I think this book will forever have a special place in my heart!  I'm late to the Drew Farthering mysteries and so this was my first!  I've always been a fan of the Moors ever since I followed Heathcliffe and Catherine through them! :)  Plus take into account the Sherlock Holmes style to this story and a mystery that was filled with twists and.......how could I not love this book!?

These Healing Hills by +Ann H Gabhart
This book kinda snuck up on my heart!  I thought the book description sounded interesting when I got this book and I knew it would be a good read.  But I was not prepared for just how AMAZING this book truly is!!!!  And on a side note WHAT A GORGEOUS COVER!!!

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by +Carolyn Miller 

I enjoyed this book for many reasons!  One being that it brought back ALL of my favorite characters from the first book!  And two because it was a fantastic story in and of itself!  There was a touch of mystery in this one and it blew my mind at time! :)

P.S. also LOVE this cover!

A Mother for His Family Review!!!!!!!

A Mother for His Family by Susanne Dietze

Book Description:

A Convenient Arrangement

Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for.

All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always.

My Opinion:
WOW!  What a good read!  It has humor, mystery, a touch of suspense!  I also love how Susanne always adds animals!  The pace of the story is lovely!  It unfolds steadily and beautifully.  I loved the kids even when they're quite ornery! ;)  I haven't had the pleasure of reading the book before this one [YET! ;) ], but I REALLY want to after meeting those characters in this book!  From the very beginning Susanne GRABS you and draws you into Helena's story!  My heart ached for her as we learn about what has brought her to this point in her life.  And I couldn't help but love John from the beginning even though he's wrong more than right at the start! ;)  There are some shocking twists and turns, and the ending is fantastic!  I HIGHLY recommend A Mother for His Family and think it is the best way to start your 2018 reading! :)

Songs: "Broken Things" by Matthew West, "Amazing Grace", "Standing on the Promises" performed by Alan Jackson, "Rescuer" by Rend Collective
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

John 16:33, John 3:16, 1 John 4:4

~ASC

*I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about A Mother for His Family. ~ASC

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas!

May you all have a

safe, warm, and

Blessed CHRISTmas!

In Him!

~ASC

Out of the Ordinary REVIEW!!!!!!!

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Book Description:
When shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair's mother catches Gertrude Cadwalader, paid companion to the light-fingered Mrs. Davenport, returning a pilfered item, she comes to the wrong conclusion. However, Harrison is eager to mend fences once he realizes the error. After a real thief starts preying on society, can Gertrude and Harrison catch the culprit?







My Opinion:
LOVE THIS BOOK!  It's hard for me to say that I have a favorite of all these characters, since I absolutely love them all.  But Gertrude and Harrison have a very special place in my heart!  Harrison with his color blindness and heart of gold and Gertie with her selfless kindness, plus throw back in all of my favorite characters from the first book, including quirky Mrs. Davenport, and the fabulously entertaining Huxley sisters, and you've got a fantastic read!  AND there's new characters to love to boot!  Harrison's sisters are so uniquely entertaining they are, in my humble opinion, clamoring for their own stories! ;)  Temperance also is seen emerging into a whole new character as the pages turn, leaving me in sweet anticipation for the third in this lovely series!  Jen wraps everything up nicely with all of her characters, which I was SO happy about!  I love the Faith messages, Love the touches of mystery, and OH THE HUMOR!  I laughed SO hard it hurt!  Truly I almost fell out of bed!  There are SO many things I can tell you about this book, but since I don't want to give anything away I'll only say that I HIGHLY recommend Out of the Ordinary and dub it a MUST READ!  Jen has done it again!
Songs: "Forgiven" by Sanctus Real
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

John 8:10-11, Luke 7:48

~ASC

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Late last year we were GREATLY Blessed with gaining some bunnies!  

This is one from one of our first litters this year!

I nick named her Diva ;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

From ASC Book Reviews a.k.a Heaven Sent Hares!

Cowboy CHRISTmas Guardian Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Cowboy CHRISTmas Guardian by Dana Mentink

Book Description:

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she's from the family that he'll never forgive for his wife's death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won't back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

My Opinion:
LOVE IT!!!!!  Just WOW!  This book is SO twisty and good!  You think you know who done what, and then Dana just BLOWS you out of the water! LOL!  I've read Dana's sweet and funny romances before (and loved them), but had yet to read one of her Suspense books.  Well let me tell you, I will be reading more suspense in the future!  I just love the flow of Dana's writing.  The story is paced well, and while the scenes in the mine made me a little nervous, I still think her descriptions are FANTASTIC! ;)  I LOVE this family and can't wait for the rest of this series!  If you're looking for a tricky mystery, sweet romance, deep forgiveness, and more, this book is for you!  I HIGHLY recommend and it will make a GREAT CHRISTmas present! ;)


Songs: "Forgiveness" Matthew West, "Joy to the World", "Silent Night" 
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Romans 8:28

~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 Cowboy CHRISTmas Guardian. ~ASC

About the Author:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click here to enter!

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!

Blog Stops

Cordially Barbara, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Have A Wonderful Day, November 17

A Greater Yes, November 17

To Everything A Season, November 17

ASC Book Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

History, Mystery & Faith, November 19

Red Headed Book Lady, November 19

Remembrancy, November 19

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 20

Autism mom, November 20

Singing Librarian Books, November 21

Janices book reviews, November 21

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

New Horizon Reviews, November 23

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, November 23

Pause for Tales, November 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

Cafinated Reads, November 25

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Carpe Diem, November 27

Karen Sue Hadley, November 27

Babs Book Bistro, November 28

Bibliophile Reviews, November 28

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 29

The Power of Words, November 29

The CHIRSTmas Admirer Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

The CHRISTmas Admirer by Laura V. Hilton

Book Description:

Benaiah Troyer has loved Susanna King for as long as he can remember, but when his parents died in an accident a year ago, he broke up with her—for her own good. After all, he was now the sole caregiver for his three younger sisters. What woman would want to put up with that? Still, against his better judgment, he can’t help leaving her a gift now and then, anonymously addressing her name in big block print, just to catch a smile. Roses one month, maple syrup candy another; and maybe this time, something special for Christmas.

Susanna has never gotten over losing Benaiah, but now the clock is ticking. Her father is selling his glass-blowing business, remarrying in January, and moving to Iowa with his bossy wife-to-be. Angry and frustrated, Susanna realizes she’s left with three options: one, go with Daed to his new home with a new mom; two, stay in Jamesport, Missouri, as an old maid; or, three, the best yet, flush out her mysterious secret admirer. But how could she be with anyone else when her heart is still with Benaiah?

About the Author:

Amish fiction lovers responded positively and immediately to Laura V. Hilton’s debut novel, Patchwork Dreams, when she burst on the scene in 2009 with her unique series, The Amish of Seymour, set in the tiny town of Seymour, in Webster County, Missouri. Fans of the genre immediately recognized Hilton’s insider knowledge, not only of the Webster County community, but Amish culture in general. Her natural speech and writing patterns, she says, are uniquely “Amish,” acquired from her Amish maternal grandparents. The Amish of Seymour, includes Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. Her second series, The Amish of Webster County, is comprised of Healing Love, Surrendered Love, and Awakened Love. A stand-alone title, A White Christmas in Webster County, was released in September 2014. The Amish of Jamesport includes The Snow Globe, The Postcard and The Birdhouse. In spring 2016 she released The Amish Firefighter with the setting in Jamesport, MO, the same as for The Amish Wanderer.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. Laura and her husband, Steve, have five children, whom Laura homeschools. The family makes their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.
My Opinion:
Sort of a Cinderella story.  This is my first Laura V Hilton book.  And there are things that I like and things that aren't for me.  The pace seemed to be both flow nicely and still be drawn out.  Maybe it was just that I wanted the plot to not be quite so drawn out.  I enjoyed the characters but like Susanna, Benaiah's back and forth frustrated me!  I also felt REALLY bad for Susanna as I think some of the other characters treated her horridly, and towards the end I REALLY got frustrated and had to stop reading every now and then for the sake of my blood pressure :/ .  I LOVE the idea of the secret admirer gifts and enjoyed reading what they were! LOL!  Plus Ben's family is GREAT, and the Faith messages surrounding him are fantastic!  I also LOVED that we start the story before Thanksgiving and head into CHRISTmas!  One thing that bothered me a lot when I was reading had nothing to do with the story itself; the typos are so many that it makes it a little hard to read.  Overall I think this is a sweet story for this Holiday season!   
 
Songs: "Oh, Me of Little Faith" by Matthew West, "Silent Night", "O Holy Night" 
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

2 Samuel 23:20, Psalm 91:11, Psalm 91:13

~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 CHRISTmas Admirer. ~ASC

GIVEAWAY:

In honor of her tour, Laura is giving away

Grand Prize Package: The Christmas Admirer, “Unto Us a Child is Born” painting on decorative serving plate by Donna White, The Hearthside Collection, Inc., and commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).

1st Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and The Very First Christmas by Juliet David with interactive illustrations by Pauline Siewert (children’s book). 2nd Place Package: The Christmas Admirer and “The Woman Who Honors The Lord Shall Be Praised” myrrh-scented candle from abba Jerusalem!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c16f

Blog Stops

ASC Book Reviews, November 9

Books n Baubles, November 9

Janices book review, November 9

Avid Reader Book Reviews, November 10

Have A Wonderful Day, November 10

A Greater Yes, November 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11

God’s Little Bookworm, November 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 11

Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, November 12

A Holland Reads, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 13

Beck To Basics, November 13

Carpe Diem, November 13

Christian Bookaholic, November 14

Blossoms and Blessings, November 14

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 15

Reader’s cozy corner, November 15

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, November 15

Baker Kella, November 16

Quiet Quilter, November 16

Karen Sue Hadley, November 16

Pause for Tales, November 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 17

Pursuing Stacie, November 17

For The Love of Books, November 18

Blogging With Carol, November 18

Pink Granny’s Journey, November 18

Bigreadersite, November 19

Vicky Sluiter, November 19

SusanLovesBooks, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Moments Dipped in Ink, November 20

New Horizon Reviews, November 20

The Fizzy Pop Collection, November 21

A Simply Enchanted Life, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 22

Daysong Reflections, November 22

Splashes of Joy, November 22

A Dangerous Legacy Review!

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description:


Lucy is determined to keep working as a telegraph operator at a news agency, even though the arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith threatens her position. When she discovers Colin's shocking secret, she agrees to assist him if he helps her find her family's stolen inheritance--not realizing that the trail leads into a web of treachery, danger, and conspiracy.






My Opinion:
I liked pieces.  The first 100 pages of this book are REALLY good to me, but it was in the next 100 that I started coming across things that just weren't personally to my liking.  The story isn't what I expected from the book description, and I found I didn't particularly like Colin, the male lead.  Because of this there were pieces I skimmed and pieces I skipped all together.  I found when I did this I enjoyed reading the other pieces much more.  Personally for me Nick and Lucy together were what was really good about the book!  It was their scenes, especially the scenes when they were together, that I devoured and truly enjoyed.  Though I do wish there had been more prayer throughout.  And there were some things that made me wonder why they were added to the story and then somethings that I wish hadn't been added at all.  The whole plot base is interesting and the historical detail is lovely.  Overall I'm torn with this one, and in the end it's personally not my cup of tea. 
Songs: "Greater Is He" by Blanca
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~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 A Dangerous Legacy. ~ASC

12 Days at Bleakly Manor Review!!!!!!!

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

Book Description:
When CLARA CHAPMAN receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, BENJAMIN LANE.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the Twelve Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

My Opinion:
I LOVE THIS BOOK!  I am a complete Michelle Griep fan!  And this book is just the thing for CHRISTmas! :)  I am SO excited and happy that this is just the first in a series, because I can't wait for more!!!!  Filled with Faith, romance, and a mystery!  I LOVED all the little twists and turns along the way and all of the quirky characters!  I laughed while reading humorous pieces and still days after reading the final sentence I think of something that makes me chuckle!  I want to read it all over again!  The pace is fantastic and this plot is so unique!  Plus I truly enjoyed all of the historical details woven in!  A MUST READ!

Songs: "Twelve Days of CHRISTmas"
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I received this book from Barbour for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about 12 Days at Bleakly Manor. ~ASC

The Dishonorable Miss Delancey Review!!!!!!!

The Dishonorable Miss Delancey 

by Carolyn Miller

+Carolyn Miller 

Book Description:
Will a damaged reputation and desire for society's approval thwart the legacy of grace? 
Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quieter Brighton countryside, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. She's lost the man she loved to another and, in a culture that has no patience for self-pity, is struggling with depression. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara's society mama is appalled at the new company she's keeping. 
Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. But his gallant spirit won't let him ignore the penniless viscount's daughter--not when she so obviously needs assistance to keep moving forward from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe? 
When they're pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together--without finances, family support, or royal favor? 

My Opinion:
Nice ending.  I've loved this series from the start!  And even though I didn't devour this one quit as quickly as the previous two, that had nothing to do with Clara Delancey being the main character.  On the contrary I felt that Carolyn started leading me to feel sympathy for Clara in the last book, since I felt she was a victim of a manipulative mothers as much as Nicholas.  But if your sympathy string was not affected by the last book like mine was, Carolyn makes sure it gets a great big tug from the very beginning!  I love how she just throws you into the story in the beginning.  And while I loved all the characters, old and new, the reason I didn't devour this story like the last is due to me feeling the pace has lulls this time.  But the end of the story picks up with the action and then I love how Carolyn wraps up the ending.  I was SO happy that my favorite characters, the Hawkesburys, returned.  While I enjoyed all the hero characters in this series I've always loved Nicholas the most! ;)  This is a redemption story through and through however, and I LOVE all of the faith scenes (though personally I wish Clara had done somethings differently towards the end of the book).  But fans of this series are not going to be disappointed with this final addition!  Faith, adventure, romance, and so much more await and it's all wrapped up in an absolutely GORGEOUS cover! :)  Overall this is a nice ending, leading into new beginnings!

Oh yeah and if, like me, your saddened by this being the last book, we don't have to be to biblio-depressed!  Carolyn's new series is due in Spring of 2018!!! :D  And dare we hope to see our favorite characters again and again along with meeting new ones along the way?  Now I know next spring is quite a while to wait, but I've got a feeling the wait will be more than worth it! ;)
Songs: "Broken Things" by Matthew West, "Mercy is a Song" by Matthew West "Forgiveness" by Matthew West (can you tell he's my favorite musical artist?) and "Different" by Micah Tyler
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 57, Proverbs 3:6 

~ASC


*I requested and received this book from Kregel for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The Dishonorable Miss Delancey. ~ASC