Becoming Bea Review Part 1!!!

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

Book Description:

Can Bea and Ben Turn Rivalry Into Romance?

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she'll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They've known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/Dcnfl

About the author: 
Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 CBA bestseller The Amish Midwife, a 2012 Christy Award winner; ECPA bestseller Courting Cate, first in the Courtships of Lancaster County series; and Beyond the Blue, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She and her familyl live in Portland, Oregon.

Find Leslie online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Opinion:
I LOVE Leslie Gould! :)  She is a fabulous author.  I have been blessed to have started and followed this series all the way through, and while I think they would make good stand alones I LOVE them as a whole!  Bringing in characters from the previous loved books is always a bonus.  Of course since Bea is Molly's sister both Molly and Leon are in this one as well as their mom, but Leslie also brings back Cate and Pete (whom I LOVE) as well as Cate's dad Bob, Nan, Martin, Mervin, and many others! :)  This one is interesting to me also because up until now I have been very familiar with the Shakespeare stories these books are patterned from.  This is not so with Much Ado About Nothing.  I've never seen or read this play or know anything about it really.  I want to read the synopsis of it after reading Becoming Bea to see the similarities that I know Leslie is weaving in, that I'm unaware of! :)  The pace is nice and I really love Bea.  She has always been a character that I relate to, and actually Leslie mentions through her character Nan that Bea and Cate are a like.  Thinking back about their similarities maybe why I love Bea as much as I do.  I feel with her as a character, especially when Molly's getting on her nerves! LOL!  Plus I've always rooted for Ben and Bea, but there's where the questions start.  Will Bea let Ben in and if she does will he get his act together so they can realize how much they feel for each other? ;)  Or will Bea choose a new prospect who has recently moved back to town?  Changes are coming and Bea can feel it, the question remains will she find them good or bad?  TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Songs: I feel there are definite parts of this song that go with the way Bea feels. "Losing" by Tenth Avenue North, "Brave" by Moriah Peters, and "Just As I Am" by Alan Jackson
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 143:8

~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 Becoming Bea. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/lgould

A Matter of Heart Review!

A Matter of Heart by Tracie Peterson

Book Description:
Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two new men come into her life, and both manage to stir her heart.

Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with ambitions that match Jessica's dreams. His warm, attentive manner and thoughtful gifts make her feel special.

Austin Todd, a former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But after learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he's drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes. 

If Jessica follows her heart, where will it lead?

My Opinion:
Ended up loving it!!!!  What a wonderful journey.  From Marty to Alice and now Jessica, this series is fantastic as a whole!  This one was a little harder for me to get into in the beginning because Jess was not one of my favorite characters.  I'm not gonna lie, her uppity, selfish ways kinda got on my nerves! LOL! :)  But Tracie has woven a beautiful tale of how people can change if they want to, and that we should always remember to forgive and give second chances.  Jessica realizes that her ways are wrong and she grows and changes into a loving and truly beautiful character.  Of coarse she is still human and not perfect so some set backs appear, but I truly love her as a character!  I always LOVE how God use Tracie to tell stories and lessons that show His hand and care throughout!  Just like in real life somethings don't work out, but somethings we think didn't work out end up being even better than we could have ever imagined they would be.  The infamous Mr. Smith makes another appearance and the conclusion of the mystery finally comes!  It's about time! LOL!  Tracie has been leaving me in cliff hangers and I'm glad it all gets taken care of! ;)  There is one thing that I found confusing as I read.  Mr. Smith's actual name is revealed during a suspenseful scene without any real lead in.  So when it read that "Lothar..." I was wondering "Who's Lothar!?  Where did he come from!" HA!  But as I read on Tracie explains that he and Mr. Smith are one and the same.  I need to do some research because Jessica's parents read as though their story was in a series before this one, and if it wasn't I want it to be! :D  I LOVE her parents and their story!  Both are fabulous lovable characters that you just want more of!  All these main girls are characters dear to my heart also!  Both Marty and Jessica share the exact personality of what I think a Texas woman is and should be.  They are still feminine, beautiful, and true women.  But they are tough enough that they can still stand up for themselves, be capable (even if it means having to wield a shotgun), and take what comes their way!  On the other hand the men in these stories are fabulous as well.  They don't baby their women, but they still care for and love them.  Overall this is a great book and a fabulous series from an amazing author!!!  I highly recommend it!!!  I can't wait to see where Tracie take us next!  
Songs: The leading of God's hand never ceases to leave me in a state of reverent awe!  I was greatly moved by this song and felt this version fits with Jessica, but I also will share the other beautiful version I found because they both are lovely! :) without further adieu here is: "I Stand Redeemed" by Naomi Wolfenden, "I Stand Redeemed" by Rejoice Singers,
"All This Time" by Britt Nicole, 
"The Yellow Rose of Texas (Remastered)" by Roy Rogers, 
and "US Cavalry She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" by John Philip Sousa
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Matthew 11:28, 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 Matter of Heart. ~ASC

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall Review Part 1!!!

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Book Description:

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own. Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she's desperately hidden for years. Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own --- one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father's position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he'll never be free to find his own way in the world. He'll never be free to fall in love. When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CsnBw About the author: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwoodwas the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

My Opinion:
Really love this book!  Sarah starts this one with very interesting characters and interesting twists right from the beginning.  The connection to the last story is nicely done as well.  I love this series for many reasons, one being the fact that it is set on the moors.  So reading how Sarah causes her characters to meet and interact is always fascinating to me!!!  This is my favorite in the series so far, I love the characters especially Cecily and her plight as well as Nathaniel's and his secrets.  Sarah's way of writing is simply lovely.  I find myself sitting down and devouring chapter after chapter, anxious to see where it's gonna go next!  The pace is excellent and steady while it takes you from scene to scene, and I can't get over the TWISTS!  From Aradelle Park to Rosemere, to Willowgrove Hall, these characters are bound in secrets and haunting pasts who's secrets will come out and what will happen once the do? CONTINUED IN PART 2!!!

Songs: "Forgiveness" by Matthew West, "Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts, "Not For A Moment (After All)" by Meredith Andrews, "All This Time" by Britt Nicole, and "Softly And Tenderly" by Alan Jackson

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

Proverbs 2:3-5

~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 Lady at Willowgrove Hall. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sladd

The Daughter of Highland Hall Review!!!

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Book Description:

The Daughter of Highland Hall || Book 2, Edwardian Brides (Waterbrook Multnomah, October 2014) What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor . . . what if it isn't enough? Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain's elite. When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London's East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again.  Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart  for a different path, she must decide whom she can  trust and love---and if she will choose a life serving  others over one where she is served. Learn more, purchase a copy, and read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/C7LAY About the author:  Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren. Find Carrie online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Opinion:
Torn once again.  I ran out of time to read the first of this series so I jumped right into the second so I could meet my deadline.  I found it to be a nice stand alone, but I do want to go back and "get to know" the characters better in the first book.  Anyway, there were definite feelings of Downton Abbey for me, but I loved this better because it holds truer with Christianity at the fore front.  That was actually my favorite part of this book the faith of the characters and how they express their relationship with Jesus.  The messages and lessons are fabulous and expressed beautifully, and I really enjoyed the growth of the characters!  It was hard for me to get into this one though because I personally felt the pace was a bit sluggish and there were times my mind wandered.  There were also times I felt something was missing, but I can't quite put my finger on what.  I felt the pace would pick up every now and then, from the middle of the book on with GREAT scenes that held suspense, intrigue, or the character triumphing, that helped make it interesting (some of my favorite scenes are in the last few chapters, but then it'd fall into another lull).  There are so many different things going on at once.  I really began to love the female lead Kate as she grows and becomes less self centered and more service centered.  And I do LOVE how Carrie writes prayers from he characters!  I also love the relationship between Jon and his sister Julia.  I'm not really sure what would have made me enjoy this read more except maybe if the pace was a little faster.  Overall the plot is interesting with side stories of intrigue and the characters are nice.  I am looking forward to seeing what The Refuge at Highland Hall will be about; the title has grabbed my interest, especially since I think I have an idea on who the lead might be. ;)  I think in the end I would recommend this book because of the great Faith base. 

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

Matthew 6:33

~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 Daughter of Highland Hall. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cturansky

BECOMING BEA By @LeslieJeanGould | Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

The Brickmaker's Bride Review!!!

The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

Book Description:

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia.

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man---a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland. 

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart. 

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/CAurf

About the author: Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Find Judith online: website, Facebook,Twitter

My Opinion:

A nice easy, read for me personally, and I really enjoyed it! It flows along in a nice steady pace, holds great twists, and fabulous characters! There were a few things that I felt didn't wrap up and were kind of left up in the air, but I hope they will be concluded as the series goes on. :) I for one can't wait for more with some of my favorite characters as the leads! One of the things that I especially enjoyed was the process of the brick making! I always love to learn how things like this were done, and I especially love it when the author writes about them in enough detail that I can picture the step by step process. Judith does this beautifully! A sweet story, with fabulous characters and interesting settings. I don't think you can go wrong! :) There's times when my blood would boil along with the main characters and I really love how the story shows God's timing and ours are not always the same! :) I really enjoyed the spiritual lessons and messages and though I've said this above I really LOVED these characters! Overall this is a good book, with a sweet story, and I highly recommend it! :)

Songs taken from the book or inspired by thing in the book: 
"Not For A Moment (After All)" by Meredith Andrews, 
"Swallow Tail Jig" by Irish & Celtic Folk Wanderers, 
"Hogmanay Jig / We Wish You A Merry New Year" by Magpie Lane, 
and "Blue Danube Waltz Medley ( Piano ) (feat. Falk Richter)" by Johann Strauss
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Genesis 11:3

~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 Brickmaker's Bride. ~ASC

 http://litfusegroup.com/author/jmiller

Feast for Thieves Review!!!

Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton

Book Description:
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II.

Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.

The town's lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye's new minister or end up in jail.

At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he's taking over for a young female missionary who's held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy's past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult.

Rowdy's a man used to solving problems one of two ways: with his rifle or with his fists. Will he be able to thwart his old friend's evil schemes while remaining true to his new higher calling?

This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.

My Opinion:
I'm a little torn with this one.  On the one hand I really enjoyed parts of this book and I especially like the way Marcus writes.  As his first fiction novel I think it has great potential and I hope he continues in fiction if he is inspired to do so.  The whole concept is great and the pace of the story is nice.  I really love how there are many layers to this story and they are unwrapped nicely which keeps you wrapped in the story and involved with these characters.  Oh these characters!  That's exactly what they are, characters! LOL!  I love them in their quirkiness, and they portray the type of people who aren't perfect, nor do they claim to be, but some try and try to do right.  There were a few things that I'm not sure about though.  One being the title and the whole metaphor of finding the good meal and eating your fill wasn't driven home enough I don't think, unless I missed the actual meaning of it.  Or maybe for me I would have preferred it if it was really spelled out.  There were also some other things, especially pertaining to scripture, that I wish were more clear, really spelled out plainly, or wrapped up.  Overall the plot of the story and the characters really made this book for me although I was personally disappointed with different things in the ending.  I do wish there had been a little more prayer, but that may just be my personal preference.  Overall I was really intrigued by the book description and I'm not disappointed I took the time to read this well crafted story with, great characters, and fantastic scenes.  I just wanted a little more of certain things and a little less of others.  I have mixed feelings with the great twist in the story also.  I think it was executed beautifully and I really liked the way it happened, but I'm torn with the outcome.  I really enjoyed the authors note with the story behind the story! :)  Learning about the man that inspired Rowdy's character was just as fascinating and enjoyable as the book itself!

Songs: "Shall We Gather At The River?" by Randy Travis, "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Album Version)" by Chris Rice, and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" by The Chancellors Quartet (I'm not sure if this is the version I want for this selection but I linked this one until I can maybe find something I like better.)
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

John 4:14

~ASC

Thank you Debbie for contacting me and for the review copy! :)

*I received this book for the purpose of giving and honest review.  This in no way affected my opinion, and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Feast for Thieves. ~ASC