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Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts

Friday, November 15, 2019

Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller

43838139
Book Description:
On her way to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, Ingrid Chastain never anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man, she's hesitant to trust him, but the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

My Opinion:
I'm torn with this one. 
First off let me start by saying this is the first book from Misty 
I have read so far. I really enjoyed the characters for the most part and I LOVED how it started. Though as it went on in the beginning I kept feeling like I would have prefered if the trauma had been written in more of a "this is what happened" sort of way instead of in such vivid detail. Also I would have personally preferred if some of the traumatic things that happen to these characters hadn't been squeezed in there! LOL! But that could just be me personally. There were a few times I was thinking "well that probably could have been left out" because I'm not sure it added to the story. I also felt that there were times when the romance was a little too detailed or I didn't connect with the details. But all of that aside I absolutely LOVE the Faith scenes in this book! Threads of Romans 8:28 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 are woven throughout the lives of these characters and expressed in beautiful ways! 

Romans 8:28 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

Songs: "I'm gonna let it go" by Jason Gray
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

~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 Hope's Highest Mountain. ~ASC

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Tinderbox Audio Review!!!!!!!

The Tinderbox by Beverly Lewis


Audio Review Notes:

Psalm 69:2 
“I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.”

1 John 1:9 
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Ephesians 4:23-24
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Psalm 31:1-2
“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. 
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.”

Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

WOW!  What a read!  Beverly Lewis still's got it, not that she'll ever loose it but man what a unique and captivating plot this book has!  And the ending!  WOW!  I can't wait for the conclusion to this story she's got me totally hooked!  For starters I have ALWAYS loved and still love Ella Mae the Wise Woman of Hickory Hollow, and that leads me to say I've always LOVED Hickory Hollow.  So returning there is always a treat for me!  These chatacters are dear to my heart and I enjoyed how Beverly jumps from one character's percpective to the next and how it kept me in the loop so to speak on what each individual is thinking.  And the twists!  WOW!  I also LOVE the amount of scripture and spiritual insights Beverly weaves through out, I know of one message in particular where Sylvia's mom, Rhoda expresses her inability to carry the weight of a problem and so gives it The Lord to carry, I really loved the way it's expressed and written and REALLY needed this message at the time!  Personally I'm not fond of Sylie's beau at this time and I can't wait to see where Beverly takes that thread and oh man, let me just say that this book ends with a bit of a mushroom cloud twisty shocking moment that has left me longing for September's release!  
LOVE IT!
Songs that I think fit this book are: He Knows Jeremy Camp, Carry Me Josh Wilson, and Glow In The Dark Jason Gray

*I received a copy of 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 Tinderbox"

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Far Side of the Sea Audio Book Review!!!!

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

Audio Book Review: https://youtu.be/ePoeYAgTBLc

Audio Reviews transcripts:
And I have four verses I would like to read with it starting with: 
Psalm 139:9-10 author's choice
“If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

Lamentations 3:32 “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies."

And Colin mentions pieces of Psalm 116 throughout the latter part of the book so I'll read 

Psalm 116:1-2 
“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”

Psalm 116:5
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Really enjoyed this book overall!  It was a little slow in the beginning for me but I think that's because I hadn't read the previous book where Colin's introduced.  So for me personally the plot didn't seem to pick up and ensnare me until Johanna entered the picture.  I LOVE JO!  She is a fantastic character and has some of the best and most humorous scenes!  I think one thing that I loved the most about this book is that both the male and female leads are so far from perfect.  For one thing Colin's missing hand really made me kind of excited, because there aren't that many quote on quote heros out there that have such and impediment.  And then Jo's inability to tame her hair and keep herself quote on quote put together really endeared me to her, well since, (clear throat) I may relate to some of these issues.  I particularly LOVED the scene where these two meet, but I won't give away the wonderful details!  As the plot progressed I was immersed into the spy game and I loved every bit of it!  Kate throws in some of the best twists!  I love the historical details and I especially loved the additions of carrier pigeons and nesting rings!  AND THE FAITH SCENES!!!!  BIG LOVE FOR THOSE! Overall I really enjoyed this book, it makes me want to go back and more about these characters in their previous book and I highly recommend it!
Songs: Through All Of It Colton Dixon, Haven't Seen It Yet Danny Gokey


*I received a copy of 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 "Far Side of the Sea"

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Between Two Shores AUDIO REVIEW!


Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green

The Bible verse Jocelyn puts with this book is 
Below are my notes on the book and highlights from my audio review:
I LOVE the part 1 of this book! There's not too much horrific detail as in some previous books!  I LOVE the majority of the characters and how Jocelyn kept giving little bread crumbs of the secrets! And I LOVED how she married the past with the present in part 1 and she did it in the way I'm ready for it and didn't leave me wanting to skip chapters and come back to those parts! It has a fantastic flow between the two. And I LOVED the historical detail and the things I learned! However I became torn on through part 2. It's here that it blew my mind at times and I was totally left wondering what was possible going to happen next! That part I LOVED and it left me feverishly reading and turning pages. However I would like to warn you that I feel this next part might be considered a spoiler though I also think that this needs to be mentioned so I'll leave it up to you to choose if you'd like to continue. For those of you that are still reading (listening) and want to know, this is not a typical romance. It really isn't a romance at all actually. Instead this is a story about different kinds of love and in the end siblings. I mention this because, since I wasn't prepared for this, it ripped into my own wounds around siblings and left me unsettled and raw. In the end I wasn't too fond of Samuel though I LOVE Catherine and her sister and the other characters. The ending of this book really left me torn. On the one hand it does end in a good place and I LOVED the Faith messages (I LOVE LOVE LOVE how the sisters talk about The Lord and call Him The Great Good God and there's one scene when they speak about how Jesus has ransomed us that is so beautiful and I LOVED that scene). But on the other hand the end parts really left me wanting. I think that I was more hung up on what Catherine went through because of Samuel than she was! I would have personally prefered things to be really different in bigs parts from chapter 22 on to the end. Though as I said that Faith scene was great, and I loved how Jocelyn worked pieces of chapter 33 on as well. I also liked how parts of this story reflected what I've had problem with in some other books I've recently read and mentioned in my reviews, these parts in 33 on really show the difference between love and enabling. The balance between still loving someone and yet not skirting the problems and enabling the issue. Lastly, if you are going to read this book PLEASE make sure to read the author's note or at the very least the very end part of the Author's note! LOVE IT love it!

The songs that I would put with this book are: Look up Child by Lauren Daigle (this really reflected this book for me and I kept thinking about it while reading), Even If by Mercy Me, Confidence by Sanctus Real, Before the Morning by Josh Wilson


*I 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 Between Two Shores. ~ASC

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Falling for You Review

Falling for You by Becky Wade

Book Description:
36347611

Willow Bradford is content taking a break from modeling to run her family's inn until she comes face-to-face with NFL quarterback Corbin Stewart, the man who broke her heart--and wants to win her back. When a decades-old missing-persons case brings them together, they're forced to decide whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.



My Opinion:
Not for me.  This was my first Becky Wade book and sadly it was personally not my cup of tea.  I couldn't find a connection with the characters for some reason.  And the drama wouldn't capture me either.  Plus there are parts of the writing that I would have preferred not being in a Christian novel.  The mystery within however intrigued me enough to skim through/past the parts not to my taste instead of putting it down all together.  Though that (the mystery) too didn't personally satisfy my reading appetite in the end.  Please remember this is my own personal opinion and taste so if you are interested in this book my recommendation would be for you to read an excerpt first. :)

Songs: "Amazing Grace"
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

1 Peter 5:6-7

~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 Falling for You. ~ASC

Saturday, June 23, 2018

BOOK BLAST for A Time for Adventure!


Book 4 in the Abi Hensley Series!

A Time For Adventure 
(The Abi Hensley Series Book 4) 
by Miranda Atchley


Book Description:
40176846
The year is 1921, and after years of dreaming, Abi Hensley has set out to travel through Europe. Along with her friend Meg Clery, Abi travels from the rich historical sites in England, to the gorgeous green landscapes of Ireland, visits an abandoned castle in Scotland, and roams through the chic streets of Paris. Along the way, they meet a myriad of interesting people, encounter familiar faces, and see things they’ve only ever dreamed of. Yet their time in Europe isn’t without its challenges. While in Ireland, Abi joins Meg in spending time at her family’s farm. There, they find that the Clerys are overwhelmed by the demands of their farm. In light of this, the family must make some hard decisions; choices that could change the course of their lives forever. One thing is for certain; Abi’s tour of Europe will most definitely be a tie for adventure.



About The Author:
Miranda Atchley loves books of all sorts, but has always had a special place in her heart for historical fiction. Writing is her favorite thing to do and she has published three historical novels and three contemporary young adult novels. Her novel A Castle in the Sky was a finalist for Read Free.ly’s The 50 Best Indie Books of 2016. She also writes the blog A Real Writer’s Life. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find Miranda with her head in a book, taking a walk, or watching Downton Abbey at her home in Arkansas.
Find Miranda at:
Also in celebration of this release,
the Kindle edition of Book 3 will be FREE to download June 22-26.


The Abi Hensley Series

   A Castle in the SkyAll The Future HoldsOf Things To ComeA Time For Adventure (The Abi Hensley Series Book 4)






Tuesday, June 12, 2018

The Captured Bride Review!!!!

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Book Description:
36040947
Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.

A War-Torn Countryside Is No Place for a Lady 
Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French.  Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission.  Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows.  At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place.  It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.

Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

My Opinion:
This is the Michelle Griep writing I LOVE!  Anyone that follows my reviews knows that her last book wasn't my cup of tea, but since I've loved her others in the past I jumped at a chance to read The Captured Bride.  And this is one that grabbed me and didn't want to turn me loose in the beginning.  Towards the end the pace slowed in spots a bit, but everything wrapped up nicely!  I LOVED these characters!!!!  Elias especially became a huge favorite!  This read like a fantastic western to me (except in the East! LOL!)!  It's got action, suspense, love, betrayal, and Faith!  OH those prayers and Faith moments, I LOVE THEM!  It reminded me of the show Hawkeye in a few ways.  Overall I enjoyed this read and wouldn't mind reading it again sometime. ;)

Songs: "Freedom Hymn" by Austin French
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 The Captured Bride. ~ASC

Saturday, June 2, 2018

The Accidental Guardian Review!!!!!!!

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

Book Description:
35086271She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

My Opinion:
Highly Entertaining!  I LOVE Mary Connealy's books!  And The Accidental Guardian is no exception!  A fantastic western adventure filled with fabulous characters!  I LOVE the Faith scenes and the humor laced with in the serious!  When the plot would start to get really heavy Mary throws in some humor or even a touch of action to lighten the mood of the story.  There were some lulls in the pace of the story for me, every now and then.  And while not everything is highly realistic it's all in good entertainment and adventure! ;)  I have to give a shout out to ???? for that completely beautiful, eye catching, and adorable cover!  I REALLY loved all these unique and relatable characters and was totally left hanging in the end.  So I am champing at the bit for the next in this series!

Songs: "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes 
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John 1:23

~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 Accidental Guardian. ~ASC

Monday, May 14, 2018

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage Review!!!!!!!

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

Book Description:
34020176
Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?


My Opinion:
Really nice read!  This is the first I've read in the Ivy Cottage series though I'm pretty sure that the first ended like this one, ON A CLIFF HANGER! :O  Yup, that's right, I wanted to scream NOOOOOOO!!!  And then dive right into the next one!  Alas I must wait until December!  The story reflects both Pride and Prejudice as well as Persuasion (which I personally think nearly all REALLY good reads should! ;) LOL!), but I also really felt like The Ladies of Ivy Cottage had a whole Larkrise to Candleford thing going on also!  I was a little lost when starting because I felt as though I should already know all these characters (though I didn't) and because there are so many characters it took me a little while to figure out and remember who was who.  But once I got that all down and figured a few things out about what must have gone on in the first book, I LOVED IT!  The four main ladies are highly entertaining and really endearing!  I felt for them as they go through more changes and decisions.  I LOVED the Faith woven in; from struggles to rock solid Julie expresses it all beautifully!  There are actually a few scenes that will stay with me long after I read them!!!  Add into all this a little mystery, a batch of secrets, and some really heart throbbing romance and you've got a highly entertaining read! :)  I must also give a shout out on that cover!  I LOVE the ladies outfits!  Especially the floral soft crowned bonnet!  I LOVE THAT! :D

Songs: "O'Lord" by Lauren Daigle
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~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 The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. ~ASC

Thursday, April 26, 2018

A Most Noble Heir Review!!!!!!!

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

Book Description:
35138329Will gaining the world cost him everything he holds most dear?

When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burn
ham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.


My Opinion:
GREAT story!  I REALLY enjoyed this read!  Though the beginning is really sad the drama quickly takes charge and the "what could happen next?" question leads you through a unique and highly intriguing story!  Though I did feel Nolan was a bit immature at times I quickly realized as a young man having his world thrown upside down, in reality, probably would be, at times! LOL!  I quickly loved Hannah, and as her story unfolds I really felt for her and in some areas could relate to her!  More towards the middle/end the pace started to slow slightly, but then it picked back up at the very end!  The Faith messages are FANTASTIC, Susan weaves them into the life of her characters flawlessly!  I REALLY LOVED the sub characters!  Especially Iris!  Her character is entertaining, highly lovable, and a breathe of fresh air.  Her presence took this story to the next level for me! :)  And in fact I would love for Susan to continue on with some of the sub characters taking the lead, I WANT MORE! :D  I must also note that I love how Susan writes about the marriage bed!  As a single woman I don't want details, but at the same time I can appreciate the beauty of the bond God created between man and wife!  I prefer the fade to black moments if you know what I mean. ;)  Susan balances this very well in my opinion allowing the reader to know what happened without getting into the physical details!  I know now in the future I can trust her as a Christian Author! :)  Overall this is a lovely and entertaining tale with Faith, romance, twists, excitement, and so much more!
  
Songs: "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Matthew 19:26

~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 Most Noble Heir. ~ASC

Friday, April 20, 2018

A Refuge Assured final overall Review and Giveaway!

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Book Description:
35069159
Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?







My Opinion:
Deep read!  There are things that I enjoyed about this book and things I did not.  The things I loved would be the characters, their Faith, and the sweet spots (mainly Part four of the book LOL!)  There were even times in the start of the story that I wanted some of  the sub-characters that I LOVE to get their own stories, and I did long for more details in bobbin lace making.  But the thing for me, and please remember this is my own personal opinion, some of the details (not all of them, but some of them) seem too much for my personal preference.  At certain times they weigh the story down, slow the pace, and/or were just a little too horrifying for me (sorry if your not of the same opinion, I will freely admit I'm probably a reading wimp, but I don't enjoy horrifying details).  After reading the book description I had personally hoped that the book would start in America with looks back to Vivienne's life in France instead of starting at the heart of the horror.  This book is one that is so emotionally gripping that there are times I must take a break.  Though I did enjoy the middle-ish/end and the very end.  Now I will also admit that while I do enjoy history a lot more now than I did when I was in highschool (historical fiction is my favorite genre), I'm still not as passionate about it as some, and I feel that maybe that could be a reason why I thought there was just too much detail at times.  There was another thing that I LOVED learning in the author's note, I thought the cover of A Refuge Assured and the cover of The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz looked like pieces of the same, beautiful picture so they might be linked, and Jocelyn verified that they are! :D  I can not WAIT to read my Lacemaker copy now and see if I can spot the links! :D  Overall, like many I've read from Jocelyn, this was a very deep book.  The very heart of this story is beautiful though I had to take breaks from reading it, and there were some things that I wanted to be different, but I'm glad I read certain parts of the book and really liked many characters.

Songs: "Healing Hand Of God" by Jeremy Camp, "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams, "Greater" by MercyMe
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 142:5

~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 Refuge Assured. ~ASC

So, it's been quite a while since I've had a giveaway!  And The Lord Inspired me to make a blooming bookmark for this book; SO that means as a reward for following along as I read and reviewed A Refuge Assured, one US winner will receive a white rose bookmark made by yours truly! :) 



So here's how to enter: 
US entries only please.
Leave me a comment with your email in a safe format (example: IloveJesusATmaranathaDOTcom)
May 1st, 2018 I'll pick a winner and email them.  

If I don't receive a reply within a week I'll pick someone else and so on and so forth. :)

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

A Refuge Assured Review Part 4!

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Book Description:
35069159
Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?







My Opinion:
INTENSE! WOW!  There were times in the final parts of the book that I skimmed because once again the shadows were just too deep.  And then there were things that I really enjoyed!  Forgiveness, joy, redemption, and love are found woven in these last parts and I really enjoyed the very ending! :)

~ASC

P.S. look for my final overall review and a special treat for you my readers!


*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 Refuge Assured. ~ASC

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

A Refuge Assured Review Part 3!

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Book Description:
35069159
Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?







My Opinion:
Now it's more my style!  Part four seems to be my favorite right now!  There's still intrigue, twists, surprises, but there also seems to be a little more light to the story, and hope!  I do feel like something's about to happen, but right now I'm really enjoying reading this story and I've reached a point of where I'm gobbling it up! :D  I'm really starting to love these characters and I'm anxious to see what unfolds for them next!


~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 Refuge Assured. ~ASC

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

A Refuge Assured Review Part 2!

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Book Description:
35069159
Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?







My Opinion:
The story takes a turn.  Though I wish more details about the process of lace making were in the book, Vivienne's occupation has taken a turn, and while I understand the circumstances of history cause this I still hold out hope for more as the book progresses!  And now the mystery has kicked in (though I will say I find interest in her new endeavors as well ;) )!  There are many intriguing elements to this story, and interesting characters.  There are still some scenes that are a touch too dark for me, but once again that's my own personal preference.  I freely admit I prefer a lighter and more humorous style of writing, but I do require some meat to the story as well.  Not everything needs to be sunshine, but too much shadow and darkness weighs me as a reader as well.  For me Jocelyn rides the edge of too much shadow though that's for me personally. 

~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 Refuge Assured. ~ASC

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

The Pirate Bride Review!!!!!!!

The Pirate Bride Review by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Book Description:
35658894
The last time New Orleans attorney Jean-Luc Valmont saw Maribel Cordoba, a Spanish nobleman's daughter, she was an eleven-year-old orphan perched in the rigging of his privateering vessel proving herself as the best lookout on his crew. Until the day his infamy caught up with them all and innocent lives were lost. 

Unsure why he survived but vowing to make amends, Jean-Luc has buried his past life so deep that no one will find it-until a very much alive and very grown up Maribel Cordoba arrives on his doorstep and threatens all he now holds dear. 

Twelve years after Maribel was pulled from the sea and deposited in an orphanage, hazy memories and vaguely recollected stories all collide in the presence of a man she never really forgot. But falling in love with Maribel could cost Jean-Luc everything.

My Opinion:
WHAT AN ADVENTURE!  This was my first from Kathleen and I LOVED IT!  There are some things that I'm not sure line up with the book description and what's actually in the story as far as years (11 vs 12), but as long as you don't get too technical (like apparently I just did) LOL! that was the only thing (and perhaps I'm just confused on the matter)! ;)  I also feared that I wouldn't like the age difference between the two characters that were to fall in love, but Kathleen worked it in a way that I found myself not minding it really at all.  And let's face it, in this time period it was the norm.  Anyways I first fell in love with the characters and then I fell in love with the adventure!  And then Kathleen TOTALLY BLEW ME OUT OF THE WATER with her twists and turns in the plot!  I also LOVED how long the book was, there are so many books that I feel sacrifice quality for quantity, wanting to hold 400 pages, but they fill those extra pages with too much detail that bog down the story.  Not so with The Pirate Bride, while it might not be as long and drawn out as some of those books, I would rather read one of this quality personally!  If you're looking for a grand adventure on the high seas that has many wonderful characters (so much so that it reminded me loosely of A Princess Bride) then this is the story for you!    

Songs: "All My Hope (feat. Tauren Wells)" by Crowder
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 The Pirate Bride. ~ASC

The Innkeeper's Daughter Review

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep 

Book Description:
35488734A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
 

Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
 
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
 
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.


My Opinion:
Hmmmm.  Sadly this one isn't my cup of tea.  Which, as anyone who has read my previous Griep book reviews will know, is strange. :/  She is one of my favorite authors.  Though this one just didn't capture me like ones in the past.  I must say that this feels like a sequel to her Brentwood's Ward (to which I've only read a bit of, not the whole thing yet) and I was so excited when I realized this.  Fans of that book will love the touches that link the two.  And I must say that even though I didn't particularly like this book I absolutely LOVED the Faith scenes and messages!  Lessons of Trusting God and remembering that He is all, are written beautifully!!!!  It was the one thing that I LOVED about this book.  But now please know that these thing that I didn't like are all my own personal feelings and stem from my preferences; so this still may be a book for you and the Faith messages are truly amazing and well written.  I must also say that I only made it to chapter 34 and then just skimmed the rest.  First off I didn't like many of the exclamations of characters, and many of the descriptions are harsher than I've usually read from her.  The overall feel, seems to me, darker as well, which is something I don't like.  And that makes me wonder if that is also the feel in Brentwood's Ward (since I do remember noting some darker threads in what I had read).  I think it might be just these novels having to do with Bow Street Officers, but I digress.  In the beginning I liked the characters, but towards the end I just didn't feel connected to them anymore.  I was MANY steps ahead of them in the plot and knew what was going to happen.  I'm used to expecting BIG twists from Michelle and while there was one that I didn't have figured out before hand, it wasn't all that big to me.  Overall the Lessons on Faith could be worth reading this book since they are so true and beautiful.  If you are a long time Michelle Griep fan give it a try and see what you think (maybe it's just me), but if you are new to her books there are many other's that top my favorites that I would recommend before this one.

Songs: "I Just Need U" by tobyMac, "Hello Beautiful" by MercyMe 
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC


Proverbs 3:5-6

~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 The Innkeeper's Daughter. ~ASC

Monday, April 2, 2018

BOOK BLAST, AUTHOR INTERVIEW and GUEST POST!!!!!!!!

The Path of the Chosen Warriors 
by Marshalee Patterson

About the Book:
Title: The Path of the Chosen Warriors
Author: Marshalee Patterson
Genre: Christian Romantic Thriller
Release Date: November 16, 2016 

Staring into the eyes of the man she loved, Ruth knew coming home was where she would make her fondest memories with her beloved Joshua. She was looking forward to their journey together as man and wife. All their plans were interrupted when they were caught up in a terrible storm, and their boat crashed in an unknown area. Although they were lost, it seemed as if destiny had brought them to this unfamiliar territory, and until they discovered what it was and fulfilled it, their future together would be put on hold.

Excerpt:
Her eyes widened as she felt his hand on her throat. Ruth grabbed his hand to free herself as she felt her breath diminishing. He forced her to stand as he got to his feet. Suddenly Joshua noticed she was not near him and turned to see her being choked by the High Priest.

Joshua rushed towards the High Priest to free Ruth, but was grabbed by the free hand of the High Priest and thrown back into the crowd, getting their attention now. They all gasped as they realised that it was no longer the High Priest but Abaddon himself. “He’s so damn strong,” Joshua said to himself rubbing his throat.

While Joshua was being helped to his feet, Brad sprang into action. He pounced on Abbadon sending two hard blows into his body. It felt like solid rock. Abbadon grabbed for him and Brad swung from his grasp and went down on one knee, sending a blow into the back of his knee trying to bring him down. Abbadon staggered for a moment, but stood firm again. Brad quickly retrieved a dagger from his boot and sprung to his feet ready to pierce him in his neck.

Abbadon was quick and Brad’s eyes widened when he felt Abbadon’s hand on his throat. Abbadon gritted his teeth and glared at him. Brad kicked his feet when he felt his body lifting off the ground. He tugged against the hand of the High Priest while gasping for air. With a loud growl, Abbadon flung him into the direction of the crowd.

Abaddon walked towards the crowd with his grip firmly around Ruth’s neck. They stepped back, as the sight of him was nothing they had ever seen before. Even though they saw the blackness in his eyes and felt the evil within him, they remembered the God who had just saved them and they held their faith. Joshua and Brad joined with them.

"Abaddon we are not afraid of you. Our God told us that we have power over all rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the high places. Therefore, we command you to release her and be consumed by fire in the name of Jesus,” they shouted at him.

They kept on calling on the fire of God to consume him and as they did, the High Priest started screaming at them in the creepiest voice that made Ruth shiver. Even as she felt breath leaving her body and saw how without effort, Abbadon lifting Brad into the air; she saw only the High Priest and tried to reach him.

“Fight him, resist him, command him to leave you in the Name of Jesus,” and at that name, Ruth saw the switch from Abaddon to High Priest and back to Abaddon and the look she got from Abaddon this time was deadly.


Links to Buy
Kobo Indigo

 About the Author:
Marshalee Patterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She has loved reading since she could walk. Growing up without a television sparked in her a love for reading and the world of imagination. Some of her favourite novels were written by Charles Dickens, Jane Eyre and Victor Hugo, as she found she liked the true to life stories that we all can relate to. She wrote her first novella-Predestined Love after travelling to Italy and wanted to write a romance novel about it, only she didn’t know that God had plans for her and that story, when he change the direction of what she originally had in mind.
It was then that she knew she was called to write stories to uplift and inspire readers, showing them how to find God in their struggles and the faith to trust Him through it. She is a lover of nature and the tranquillity of it. She finds the outdoors refreshing and peaceful. Marshalee loves Spanish ballads and dances salsa very well.

Connect with Marshalee


Q&A with Marshalee

What is your Favorite Bible verse?
There are many but this one stands out when I need to encourage myself in the protection of my Father. It’s Zechariah 2:5, “For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.”

What is your favourite song right now?
That would be Point of Grace-Jesus will still be there. That song is so encouraging.

What is your favourite book right now or What are you reading right now?
At present, I haven’t the time to read any books, but my favourite has always been, ‘Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.’ I like books that have a lot of hopeful lessons that can guide us in our own lives.

What or who encouraged you to write?
I get inspiration from the Holy-Spirit. He gives me either just an image or a dream and from that, I have to pray and trust the Lord to bring that story to life. I guess in doing so I am reminded that the story isn’t just about me even though he allows a lot of my own experiences to create the characters and story.

What was your Inspiration for “The Path of the Chosen Warriors"?
My inspiration for this book is to make people aware of some of the ways the devil have us in bondage and show them through spiritual warfare prayers that the Lord has me learning as well, how to be free from them.

What's next for you?
I am at the moment editing my next book called, ‘A Shattered Life Restored,’ that will be released in July. I also have two other books that will follow soon after. I will have all the updates to those posted on my website and soon the cover for A Shattered Life will be up on the website. Anyone who wants to sign up to be an ARC reader for that book can visit my website and leave a message on the contact page.  

What else would you like readers to know?
I have started a group on Facebook to bond with readers and authors. It’s not just about books but a place to help encourage each other by sharing inspirational stories about ourselves to uplift others in the group, also we pray for each other as the Bible commands us to do. Authors and bloggers can also promote themselves there too. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/498800567180982/  You are all welcome.

Guest Post
What is the purpose of writing?
Why do Christianspretend, or want to pretend, that they are perfect? How will we have the unsaved come to Christ if we present ourselves as a body that never makes mistakes? Maybe my questions have you a bit confused, but here is the reason for these questions and at the end of this post I hope you will share your own thoughts.
In this book- The Path of the Chosen Warriors, the two main characters Joshua and Ruth discovered they were meant for each other when Ruth came home after years of studying abroad. I wrote a scene showing the effect of them missing each other, as they sat at the pool and began to kiss. Somehow Joshua’s lips left Ruth’s lips in the heat of the moment and found its way down to the top of your breast (no she wasn’t naked, she was in a swimsuit), Ruth, however, stopped Joshua reminding him why they couldn’t.
The funny thing though, one person read the book and called that scene questionable or out of place for Christians, and missed the whole purpose of why it was added, to begin with. You see, I wanted to show readers that Christians are not perfect; that we face and experience the same temptations like the unsaved. I wanted readers to see that everyone experiences sexual temptations, even though Christians seem to be afraid to talk about such things.
For me, writing isn’t just to entertain readers, God called me to deliver readers out of struggles, and show them how through my characters. But how can I help someone going through something similar if I am ashamed to mention something of a sexual nature because we are scared to talk about it? If the Songs of Solomon can mention the word breasts, why should it be a bad thing to add it to your book if you want to get a point across? There is a difference between erotica and mentioning a bit about the body in regards to sex if you want to get a point across to readers. After all, how can someone relate to your characters if you paint them as perfect all the time?
Too many times people are going through stuff that they are ashamed of and because Christians always let the world, see them as perfect, the world can’t come to them without feeling judged. Even some Christians are scared or maybe ashamed to approach another because of that. Jesus said none is perfect- All have come short of the glory of God.
One thing I have learnt since The Lord called me to write is that while books entertain readers, they are to minister first. The same way a pastor’s job is to lead people to Christ through preaching- a writer's job is to do the same through their books, whether it's romance or mystery or another genre. We authors need to include prayers and scriptures, knowing that not everyone who reads our books are Christian.
So to answer the question. What is the purpose of writing?  Well, that’s easy-We are called to feed God’s sheep and in doing so lead them to salvation. We all have to give an account to God.

              Blog Stops
                April 1- Locks, Hooks and Books
                April 2- ASC Book Reviews
                April 3- All-of-a-kind Mom
                April 4- Brooke Blogs
                April 5- A Greater Yes
                April 6- MJB Reviewers
                April 7- A Baker’s Perspective
                April 7- Mary Hake

*Disclaimer: I have not read The Path of the Chosen Warriors therefore I cannot give my opinion, nor say whether I agree or disagree, with or about anything expressed in the book (though I will say that I truly LOVE Marshalee's guest post).  Please use your own God led discernment when it comes to reading any books shared on my blog! Happy reading! ~ASC