Playing the Part Review!!!!!!!

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

+Jen Turano 

Book Description:

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RQM4QD

About the author:

Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

Website | Facebook 

My Opinion:
Simply fabulous! :)  God is SO good!  I'm a lover of Phantom of the Opera and so I REALLY wanted to read this one!  I was ecstatic when I got the opportunity to review it! :D  This is the first book from Jen I've had the pleasure of completing, and after getting introduced even more to Millie I need to complete her story as well as get Harriet's to enjoy as well.  This can be a stand alone book, but for those of you that have followed the series all the way through, a whole cast of old friends and new makes an appearance!  Looking for touches close to the Phantom's plot was fun and Jen makes me laugh so hard from the very beginning.  I LOVE the characters from the leads to the sub characters, and all of the HILARIOUS situations they get into!  The plot is fantastic with many secrets and mysteries filled with twists and turns!  Bram's character proves to be even more than I first expected him to be as his protective side comes out, and Lucetta is an AWESOME heroine!  Since the Phantom is such a complex character Jen really spread his characteristics around in multiple characters!  I really enjoyed seeing his good sides in Bram while his not so good sides were portrayed in another character! ;)  Overall I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book and I could read it again and again!  It has immediately made it to my Favorite Books List and is one that I HIGHLY recommend!

Songs: "Overture (Single Album Version)" by Andrew Lloyd Webber, "All I Can Do (Thank You)" by Mikeschair
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

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

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JTurano

The Hearts We Mend Review!!!!!!!

The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

Book Description:

The Hearts We Mend (Zondervan, March 2016)

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie's life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world---a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create---he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away---or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/21Zw8Tk

About the author: 
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Website | Facebook

My Opinion:
AMAZING! :)  I usually find contemporary fiction mildly entertaining and will read them every now and again, but there's just something about the way Kathryn writes that always sucks me in and won't let me go! :)  I absolutely LOVE her characters!  Which is saying something where Evie is concerned! ;)  Yes there were times when I just didn't like her very much, but that all changes! :)  I truly love how far she comes and her relationship with Jack!  I also enjoy and LOVE how Kathryn expresses God's plans and nudgeings! :)  Plus getting to see where other characters have ended up and anticipating the next character's stories all wraps together to make a FABULOUS and AMAZING read! :)  Beautiful, Faith based contemporary fiction, you can't go wrong with this one!

Songs (God led me to add this first song with this book :) and the last two are taken from the book) : "God Is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down, "Summertime" sung by Fantasia, and "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

2 Timothy 1:7

~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 Hearts We Mend. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/KSpringer

The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings Review!!!

The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings 

by Mike Berenstain

Book Description:
Stan and Jan Berenstain launched the Berenstain Bears books in 1962 with The Big Honey Hunt. Since that time, more than 365 Berenstain Bears books have been published, making it one of the best-selling children's series ever. Today, Mike Berenstain continues his parents' tradition of creating warm and engaging stories featuring the lovable Bear family. 


In The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings, the cubs learn about the many blessings in their lives, and especially the greatest blessing of all-the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter. The short, simple story and well-loved characters provide toddlers with a perfect introduction to this very important Christian holiday. Ages 2-5.

My Opinion:
Wonderful!  I REALLY love the feel of the book!  It has nice hard and thick pages for little fingers to grab and turn themselves.  I also love the message of counting your blessings and putting The Lord first above the secular traditions of baskets and the like!  This is a GREAT book for every Berenstain Bears fan, and if you not one yet you should be a Berenstain Bears fan! ;)  
Songs:
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

~ASC

*I requested and received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings. ~ASC

Music Video and Giveaway! Chris Tomlin's "Good Good Father" Music Video!

Good Good Father Music Video 
(video below please click through to ASC Book Reviews to view it!)





The Story Behind Good Good Father
(video below please click through to ASC Book Reviews to view it!

2 sentence story-behind (from Chris + Pat’s story behind video):

We all have a picture of who we think God is. When we get down to the foundation of what we believe, the truth is that God is exactly who He says He is – a good, good Father.

A Giveaway from Chris

Link to get song on iTunes

Link to get song on Amazon 

March 2016 New Releases!!!!

Here's what's coming out in March 2016!

[these are the books I'm looking forward to this month 
and there's quite a few ;) ]

Which ones are you most excited about?  

Leave me a comment with your list! :)

Did I miss a March Christian Fiction release 

that you've been looking forward to?  

Give it and the author a shout out in the comments!
I'll collect the most anticipated new release from the comments and see if I can get a giveaway together! :D
The Red Door Inn (Prince Edward Island Dreams #1) 
by Liz Johnson
March 1st 




A Fool and His Monet (Serena Jones Mystery #1) 
by Sandra Orchard
March 1st



Flirtation Walk 
by Siri Mitchell
March 1st



A Daring Sacrifice (An Uncertain Choice #2) 
by +Jody Hedlund
March 1st



The Preacher's Lady (Sugar Maple Hearts #1) 
by Lori Copeland 
March 1st



Playing the Part (A Class of Their Own #3) 
by Jen Turano
March 1st



A Treasure Concealed (Sapphire Brides #1) 
by Tracie Peterson 
March 1st



Annabel Lee (Coffey & Hill #1) 
by Mike Nappa
March 1st



The Hearts We Mend (Banister Falls #2) 
by Kathryn Springer
March 8th



The Goodbye Bride (Summer Harbor #2)
by +Denise Hunter
March 8th



Back in the Saddle 
by +Ruth Logan Herne
March 15th



Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire #2) 
by Sandra Byrd
March 22nd



The Atonement 
by Beverly Lewis
March 29th


*Release dates were taken from goodread.com and confirmed with amazon.com

Always Watching Review!

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

+Lynette Eason 

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

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

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

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

~ASC

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

Amish Sweethearts Review!

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould 

Book Description:

Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love? 

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

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

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

Songs: "The Army Goes Rolling Along (The U.S. Army Song)" performed by The United States Army Band, "How Great Thou Art" performed by Alan Jackson, "I'm In The Lord's Army" performed by St. John's Children Choir, "Be Still and Know That I Am God" by Pattie Mock
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Psalm 46:10

~ASC


*I requested and received this book from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Amish Sweethearts. ~ASC

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

Kissed By a Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Book Description:

Kissed by a Cowboy (Thomas Nelson, February 2016)

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

Having lived through her parents' endless string of "matrimonial bliss gone wrong," Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She's been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she's inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She'll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt's footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

Rancher Jarrod Monahan's hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He's pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that's a challenge that Jarrod can't pass up.

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy's stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy's kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PMjz9Z

 

About the Author:

Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Connect with Debra: website, Twitter, Facebook

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

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

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

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dclopton

HAPPY VALENTINES! :)

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

All Things Bright and Beautiful

written by Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrated by Katy Hudson

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

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

Songs: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" performed by Kidzup Kids
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:31

~ASC

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

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride Review!

Blue Ribbon Trail Ride by Miralee Ferrell 

+Miralee Ferrell 

Book Description:

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

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

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

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

About the author:

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

Connect with Miralee: website, Twitter, Facebook

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

Songs: "Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord)" performed by The Rizers
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

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

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Litfuse for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/mferrell

Your Heart's Desire Review!!!!

Your Heart's Desire by Melody Carlson

+Melody Carlson 

Book Description:

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

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

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

Songs: "A String Of Pearls" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, and "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I requested and received a copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Your Heart's Desire. ~ASC