Showing posts with label Booksneeze. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Booksneeze. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James ~ A Book Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION


Katherine came home to forget her past.
The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.

Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her familys rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. Shes determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while shes still young.

Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But hes curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.

Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.

Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

Cara Lynn James does a great job of Developing the characters and story line in this book to make it feel like you are living in their time, in their circumstances and walking alongside them.

How many times do we beg God to give us an answer or to clear a path for us and in time (with much heartache and trouble) we realize that if we would have just kept our eyes on him that the path is very obvious?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley ~ Book Review


BOOK DESCRIPTION
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be “heiress” to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a life harder than the one she just left. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams, either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.
MY THOUGHTS
While I did find this a "typical" Christian romance novel I was excited to see the author show how God can place people into our lives for us to trust on and depend on.  Kate - the main character in the story - has trusted only herself and feels like she doesn't need to depend on anyone.  However through a series of events, Luke and Eleanor break down Kate's walls and show her that it is okay to depend on others.
At the end of the story I was a little disappointed that the author left some strings un-tied.  Although that would make it really easy for a second novel to tie it all up.
I also found the story really easy to get into and to become involved in the characters lives sharing their joys and burdens.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble ~ Book Review


BOOK DESCRIPTION
“Tell me, Miss Marsh, are you a Christian?”
“Why, yes sir, I am.”
“I thought as much. God has led me here for a purpose…
I have a proposition for you.”
Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.
Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.
MY THOUGHTS
For some reason, I am a sucker for Christian romance novels where the marriages are either arranged, or people get married under circumstances other than falling in love.  I like to read to find out how these marriages thrive under different circumstances.
Colleen Coble does a great job of writing a story that can connect with any reader.  Everyone I'm sure, at some point in their lives has tried to earn someone's love - be it a parent, spouse, friend or even God.  The main character in this story, Lucy, tries to earn the love of her new husband Nate.  Nate tries to reassure Lucy that no one needs to earn love but it should be given freely.
I loved the suspense part of the book.  Right till the end I was left guessing about certain characters and their place in the story.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter ~ Book Review

Book Description:
When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but.
Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.
Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.
Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?
My Thoughts:
First of all, an accidental wedding is near to impossible, as the author explains at the end of the book, so while reading the book I was very aware that this story couldn't really happen to anyone.  However, the story line was comical, fun and easy to read.
This story deals with second chances and trusting God to lead you through unexpected circumstances.  We all have people in our lives who have hurt us and either want a second chance or we need to forgive and give them a second chance for our own health and peace of mind.
Denise Hunter does a great job of showing the struggle the main character Shay has with forgiveness and trusting in God in every circumstance.
If you are in for a nice, easy, fun read this book is for you.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday, October 21, 2011

His Steadfast Love ~ By Golden Keyes Parsons


Book Description

The Civil War - a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which determined the fate of the Nation.
It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.
It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of her promise she made to her dying mother, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.
Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?
Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas . . . with her heart, and her faith, intact.
***
Although it took me a little while to actually get into the story, by the end of the book I was completely involved in the characters' lives.
This story speaks to the tough decisions in life where we may need to go against all we have ever known.  Amanda wants an easy answer from God as to what road she is supposed to take.  However she feels like God ins't answering her, even though maybe all he really wants from her is to wait and trust in Him.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Wonder Of Your Love ~ Beth Wiseman


Book Description

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.
Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?
Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.
When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.
But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.
Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?
MY THOUGHTS:  I love reading Amish fiction by Beth Wiseman and this book is no different.  Her easy reading, creative writing makes reading her books a joy.
This book focuses on trust and God's love and plans for our lives.  It was a great reminder that just because WE think our lives should be one way that God is ultimately in control and knows the best path for our lives.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Gabby, God's Little Angel


I received the book Gabby, God's Little Angel from Booksneeze to review.

Book Overview:

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers—God loves you very much and is always watching over you!

What little girl wouldn’t love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God’s little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: “He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go” (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

My Thoughts:

This is an adorable book to read to young girls. Lots of colors and wonderful, funny antics. It also has large enough print that as they learn to read they can read it themselves.

I really liked that the book focused on the Bible verse Psalm 91:11 ~ “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”. Young girls need lots of positive affirmation and knowing that their Heavenly Father cares SO much about them to send angels to guard them is a great way for them to start their relationship with him!

Definitely a good read or Christmas present for that special girl in your life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Treasuring Emma ~ Book Review


Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?
Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.
For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.
With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?
Kathleen Fuller does a great job of creating and showcasing a strong character in Emma.  One who knows how to stand her ground.  In this novel Emma learns how to lean on God and trust that he will truly provide everything she and her family needs.
This book is well written and is good, quick reading material.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, May 6, 2011

Fairer Than Morning - Book Review

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott was the latest book that I recevied from BOOKSNEEZE to review.

Here is a description of the book:

Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor—until she meets a runaway apprentice who knows what a truly noble man is.

In 1826, Ann Miller travels to Pittsburgh with her widowed father and two young sisters, only to find that a mysterious man has pursued them all the way from Ohio. Is Ann’s father just a circuit minister, or is he hiding something that may endanger them all?

Will Hanby indentures with a Pittsburgh saddle maker, only to discover that his master is a cold-hearted tyrant. 

After years of abuse, Will becomes a prisoner of his own mind. But then lovely Ann Miller comes to stay next door and her compassion lights a long-dark part of Will’s soul. His renewed courage puts his life in jeopardy as he begins to assist fugitive slaves.

Will's murderous master and Ann's questions about her family may keep both of them bound  in the shadows forever. Or will they find freedom—together?


As I have stated in the past, I am someone that doesn't venture easily into reading books by authors I have never read before. But I am glad I did with this book. The book captivated my attention and I told my husband one night before bed that I just HAD to finish the book before I could sleep. (Always the sign of a good read!)

I loved all the history that the book had in it and was pleasantly surprised when I read the afterward that the whole Saddler's Legacy series was inspired by a real family who to this day are the most celebrated citizen's of Weterville, Ohio.

The next book in the series comes out in February 2012.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”