I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
This book gets my nomination for book of the year, hands down. It is he breathtaking and awe-inspiring story of a young woman named Mel Ellis who suffers from an eating disorder and a lack of self worth that is slowly killing her. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she decides to take a pilgrimage on foot from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Mount Ranier in Washington state. The people she meets along the way are both memorable and inspirational. They don’t only insist on feeding her physically, but they also feed her hungry soul. What she is searching for is not found in a protein bar or fewer pounds on the scale, but it is found within herself if she can only survive to discover that truth. This book is a testament to the God who created each of us and who loves each of us as though there is only one of us. Mel realizes that she is damaged goods and throughout the book she has to come to terms with the fact that she can never do enough or be enough to be accepted. She just has to accept that she is. Her pilgrimage is a story that needed to be told and is told in a sweeping saga, complete with beautiful imagery of all that she sees and experiences. My favorite characters besides Mel are Chrystal and David, a sister and her young brother, who offer Mel shelter, first aid and a family that accepts her just as she is. I loved this book and all of its beautiful descriptive passages, but mostly I enjoyed the heartfelt message of hope that it gives. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This is the author’s debut novel and it’s a wow read! This book deals with the sensitive topic of anorexia so may not be for all readers. It is Christian fiction and there are no objectionable scenes or expletives. Rated G.For information about this amazing new author, go to her website at https://autumnlytle.com
This book is available now and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Purchase Links:
I cannot thank Revell enough for introducing me to this debut author! If this book is an example of her stories, then I can’t wait to read more from her!
I am absolutely in love with the SNAP AGENCY series and could not wait to get my hands on this newest one. I was not at all disappointed as it is the best one so far. Telling the story of Kekoa, the gentle computer giant from Hawaii, was brilliant as he is a favorite character with a mystery in his past. I have wanted to know more about Kekoa since book one and this book definitely satisfied my thirst for knowledge about his background. In the latest story, Kekoa is tasked with finding out who is selling secrets from a lab and his discovery actually upsets him. His neighbor, the quiet and unassuming Elinor, appears to be the culprit and Kekoa is overwhelmed with dismay because he is attracted to her. I was also dismayed because I liked Elinor a lot and wanted her and Kekoa to get together. There is a lot of technical information in this book that I can’t say that I really understood, about pigpen codes and algorithms that are dangerous to the person with the skill to decode them. The characters were very well-developed, with a lot of information about Kekoa’s roots and family back in Hawaii as well as Elinor’s beloved grandfather who recently died. There were also some really humorous parts like when Kekoa and Elinor went out in the rain and slid down a grassy hill on boogie boards. Cheehoo! The entire regular cast of the Snap Agency is present, with Walsh taking more of a leading role in this book and Lyla and Garcia still teasing a romantic interlude between them. The plot is fast-paced and intense, with the security of the U.S. at stake and the team plus the FBI working together to find out what is happening and why. I must admit that I was fooled all the way until the reveal about who the villains were. One person I did guess, but not the real motive, so there were lots of great revelations for me at the end. I loved Kekoa’s story and look forward to the next Snap Agency book already. This team is like NCIS, only so much smarter and better! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy because I love this series so much. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
The third book in the Fallout Series is a stunner, with action on every page, romance blooming and the people of Shadow Ridge still surviving the unthinkable. The focal character in this book is Tess McQuaid, the youngest daughter of former sheriff Garrett McQuaid. Tess is a young woman with the heart of an artist and the courage of a mama tiger. She wants to find truth and justice and is willing to make sacrifices to pursue it. When her life is disrupted by unexpected danger, she is rescued by Deputy Kellen Grey and together they have to survive a winter storm and killers chasing them. The plot is fast-paced and riveting while the characters are realistically vulnerable as well as strong, in a way that complements each other. I love the family dynamics of the McQuaid family and have enjoyed meeting them in each of the books of the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the prequel as well as the first and second books. I’m sure that you will not want to put them down and, just like me, you will be ready for the next book as soon as your finish this one. The genre is Christian romantic suspense, with plenty of action but nothing objectionable or too intense in it. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian readFor info about Lisa Harris and all of her amazing books, check out her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com
All the books in the series. The ones on the first row and Frequency are all available NOW! Don’t miss out on this series that promises to hold you on the edge of your seat!
The story of Dawn Dixon and her mom Marnie is one that will long remain with me because of the relationship that the two establish during the course of the novel. Marnie is recently widowed and a breast cancer survivor, so she decides on what seems to be a whim to buy an ice cream shop and start her own business. Dawn becomes a reluctant participant in her mom’s plans after her own plans to get married to Kevin, the love of her life, fall apart. With a new perspective on life at the beach, in a little town called Chatham, a vision is born of a successful business and an enduring partnership. What a lovely, heartwarming story! The tale was not without conflict since there is a formidable foe in the shape of Mrs. Nickerson-Eldredge, the head of the Historical Commission who wants to stop the Main Street Creamery from opening. The way the characters all come together was magical, with a theme of preserving the past but also looking forward to a new future. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, but Linc, the handyman who just pitches in to help and seems to always know when Marnie needs him, was my absolute favorite. He was unassuming, humble and offered common sense advice that he gave from his heart. All of the characters were realistic and I could almost taste the ice cream flavors that Dawn created. Blackberry with chocolate chunk? Sign me up! This is a feel-good story that engaged me from beginning to end and made me cheer for a happy ending for all. With wisdom from the Bible subtly interwoven into the story as well as a heartfelt prayer or two, this is Christian fiction at its best! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
A completely clean Christian fiction suitable for all who enjoy reading!Image from the author’s website at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com Biographical information and info about her books can be found at this site.
This sweet book of faith and resilience can be purchased now by following one of these links:
This is such a heartwarming and sweet story of a family in crisis who need to find each other in order to survive. Rose Meadows is a widow with two young daughters, barely surviving in 1925, when she contracts tuberculosis and has to be put into a sanatorium. With no other recourse, Rose has to leave her two daughters, Calla and Sienna, at a local orphanage, supposedly for only a short while. The short time keeps getting extended because of Rose’s health and the girls are having a hard time surviving the dictates of the leadership at the orphanage. Calla and Rose both write a letter to the only person that they think may be willing to help, their reclusive uncle and brother-in-law, Dirk Meadows. The story is so well told that it was like I was seeing a movie in my head of all of the past hurts and all of the healing that had to take place. Dirk was hurt physically, but more than than, he was wounded emotionally and spiritually. In helping Rose and her girls, he opens himself up to more pain but also to a healing beyond his imagination. This book includes some suspense about how to get the girls out of the orphanage as well as a mystery as to what happened to Dirk’s first love who seemingly disappeared after his accident. Calla’s desperation to stay at Uncle Dirk’s farm was evident and gut-wrenching. She was willing to sacrifice everything just to have a place to live that was good for her little sister. Sienna touched my heart with her simple love of nature and acceptance of all things good. Rose’s predicament was realistic and horrifying and then such a sweet turn-around when she is safely ensconced in her new home at The Meadows. The whole story was fast-paced and a joy to read. I raced through the pages to find out what would happen to Rose and the girls, but I also wanted to know what, if anything, would open up Dirk to forgiveness and love again. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who enjoy historical fiction, romance and mystery because this book has it all! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG. This is a clean Christian read but has some disturbing content about the treatment of children in the orphanage.Bio and photo from the author’s website at http://www.annhgabhart.com
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This is well-written and completely absorbing historical fiction with a dual timeline that works well. The historical part of the book is set in St. Petersburg, Russia during the last years of the Tsars and at the time that the House of Faberge was creating unique eggs for the ruling family. The current time includes engaging characters Nick Laine, a treasure hunter, and his estranged daughter Ava whom he convinces to go to Russia and find a missing Faberge egg. Because of his ill health, Nick cannot go so he sends Ava along with Carol, his former wife, and Zak, a computer guru who is secretly in love with Ava. Once there, Ava meets her Russian helpers, Xander and Anatoly, who are to help her solve the mystery of what happened to the missing egg. The historical details included in this book are fascinating with many details that kept me thoroughly enthralled in the story of how Faberge acts were created. There is mystery, subterfuge and family devotion all rolled up into one neat package in this well-written and intricately developed plot. The characters are almost all likable and relatable and even those whom I did not like were well-developed and multi-faceted. My favorite characters were Zak because of his quirkiness and Ava because of her determination to please her father. The themes of understanding, forgiveness and love are the foundations of this wonderful story that is memorable as well as educational. I learned a great deal about Russian history, the revolution that overthrew the tsars and the Faberge family that was caught in the middle. The mental images presented in the book are vivid, but I also found myself seeking real images on a search engine of what the various Faberge eggs looked like. The intricate details in the eggs is matched by the author’s brilliant and insightful descriptions that placed me right there in St. Petersburg, seeking the treasure alongside of Ava. This is a remarkable story that had an intriguing mystery, a love story and a well-researched story to tell. I highly recommend this captivating book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that is profound, thought-provoking and well-crafted. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. This is clean Christian fiction that mixes historical fiction with contemporary. Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world. Kelli is the author of the Carol-award winning novel, Like a River From Its Course, based on true stories from Ukrainian World War II survivors. Her second novel, A Silver Willow by the Shore, was the NIEA winner for literary fiction and received the IPPY silver award for literary fiction in 2020. Kelli’s third book, The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont released in August, 2021. She will release her fourth novel, The Master Craftsman in April, 2022 with Revell books. In addition, Kelli is part of a collection of short stories in the Christmas release, It’s a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined. Kelli has co-authored the non-fiction books Dare 2B Wise with Joe White, and Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. Kelli lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and five children. (Info from author’s page on Amazon)
Crackling with tension, this suspense-filled book had me captivated from beginning to end. The final book in the U.S. Marshals series, this one tied everything together and was a satisfying conclusion to an intriguing set of books. In this latest book, deputy U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked to find a missing babysitter and her charge before notorious and ruthless criminals find her and kill her. Ava is definitely on the run and doesn’t know who she can trust. Her cleverness and ability to stay just out of reach of the criminals and the U.S. Marshals contributed to the fast pace and the non-stop action of the story. There were various sub-plots, most notably the fact that Madison is still searching for the person who killed her husband Luke and wants to close the book on that chapter of her life so that she can move forward. The romance is hovering over the surface, just enough to tease and to let the readers know that love is ready to come on the scene. With a complex plot and a compelling mystery within a mystery, this book was intense and absorbing. The characters were well-rounded and have demonstrated growth and change throughout the series. Nevertheless, this book can be read as a standalone with no difficulty since everything is explained well and all of the loose ends are tied up nicely in a very satisfying conclusion. In the genre of Christian Romantic Suspense, this book includes all that I want to read, with a little romance and a lot of suspense and a totally clean read. The suspense kept me reading. Let’s face it! Who doesn’t want a baby to be found safe and sound? The pleasures that reading this book gave me are innumerable; it was my “Calgon, take me away” book and I enjoyed every minute I spent within its pages. I was captured by the characters and felt as though they became my friends to whom I gave unsolicited advice, trying to help them not to get killed, of course. Fans of romantic suspense will not want to miss out on this conclusion to a fantastically mesmerizing series! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I also received a hard copy of the book from the author as part of her review team. Finally, I pre-ordered my own copy because I love this author’s books and collect them. With all that being said, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
I enjoy being a part of the REVELL READS BLOGGER PROGRAM because I have discovered many new-to-me authors and books that I can recommend to my blog readers and friends online.
The eighth book in the Hope Harbor series was one that I awaited expectantly, knowing that it would be a good story with Biblically based lessons within its pages. I certainly was not disappointed! The story of Christi Reece, a young woman who lost the golden spoon she was born with, and Jack Colby had once been in love. But Christi made the choice to stay within her golden circle and Jack left her and all of the rejection behind. When the story opens, Jack is a police officer and an author who lives in Hope Harbor and Christi has suddenly appeared in town to ask him for a big favor. Of course, he is not inclined to do anything for her, but in a series of God-incidences, the two are thrown together and get acquainted with the new person each has become. This is a second chance at love story, teaching the lessons of forgiveness and hope as well as taking responsibility for bad choices. The town of Hope Harbor embraces Christi with all of her brokenness because she is also talented and enthusiastic about helping out the town. I really enjoyed the storyline, with the romances between two different couples, both dependent on forgiveness and moving on. There were parts of the story that were predictable, but enjoyable regardless because the characters were such real people, complete with flaws, sins and neediness. I enjoyed this trip to Hope Harbor and look forward to more. Each time I visit, I look forward to seeing the seagulls who seem to be predictors of who should be together and to hearing the wisdom from Charley, the taco truck guy who is also a talented artist. Charley has more wisdom than any one human should have, so it is obvious that he has a close walk with God as he dispenses advice and sets up chance encounters to benefit his taco customers. He is a lovable man, like the town’s grandfather who knows all and sees all. The entire book was uplifting and showed what can happen when we let go of our control over our circumstances and let God into our hearts. Good messages in a great book! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Gorgeous cover for a book with a beautiful heart, inside and out! Totally clean Christian fiction. Rated G.Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention. Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut! Since then, she has written more than 60 romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—and a member of the Romance Writers of America elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Her many other awards include Daphne du Maurier, Carol, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist. Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church. When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri. (Bio from the author’s website at http://www.irenehannon.com)
This sweet romance is available now for your reading pleasure. Here are some purchase links for you:
I’m delighted to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program. Their books provide hours of reading pleasure that is guilt free because there is nothing objectionable in them. I fully support publishers of Christian fiction!
This book is a prime example of what romantic suspense should be! It started with a fast introduction to the conflict and the plot rolled along quickly all the way to the end. Dr. Ivy Collins in a vulnerable and sympathetic character who runs a successful business but whose life is in danger from some unknown threat. Enter Gil Dixon, a U.S. Secret Service Agent, and her first love when they were teens. Gil is investigating one case and gets pulled into the threat against Ivy. He is determined to protect Ivy at any cost, even his own life. I have read the first book in the series, but this book can be read as a standalone. I do think that getting to know the characters who were introduced in the first book, however, quickly engaged me in this new story as former characters played a role in this book as well. This book was intriguing and intense, with the danger ramping up just at the pace of the story quickened too. With bombs, guns, kidnapping attempts and computer hijacking, this story has everything that a suspense junkie like me craves and it definitely fulfilled my desire to read a book that had me engrossed from beginning to end. The plot was just complicated and twisted enough that I was not able to figure out the bad guy until Gil did and the characters were so realistic that I found myself giving them advice. For example, “Seriously, Ivy, don’t go in there. Just don’t!” I loved this book and would give it five plus stars just for its entertainment value. Fans of clean romantic suspense should run quickly to get a copy of this one because you will not want to miss it! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian romantic suspense. Rated PG because of intensity of the action.Photo and info from author’s website at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com
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The story of Brynna and Leroy is heart-touching and realistic. The two met at a camp when Brynna was in high school but haven’t been in touch for years, since Brynna married the man she calls Dirk the Jerk. Dirk left her for a younger woman and now Brynna is feeling like life has passed her by. When her friend from school Jan asks her to go on a summer camping adventure with her, Bryanna reluctantly agrees, so the two set off from Oregon together. Brynna shares with Jan about her long ago love named Leroy whose family owned a vineyard, so Jan makes it her mission to find Leroy and see that he and Brynna are reunited. I enjoyed all of the characters and especially liked the descriptions of California wine country. The author made the places come alive, especially Leroy’s vineyard with its lovely sunrises, sunsets and rolling hills with vineyards. My favorite character was Leroy’s daughter Sophie who loved and accepted people as they were, without expecting perfection. She was also quick to forgive and an example to her sisters Gina and Luna. I was impressed with the realistic way the relationship between Leroy and Brynna was rolled out, slowly and with a lot of obstacles in the way, just like in real life. The plot was well-paced, telling the story of a second chance at love for both the protagonists as well as for the Leroy’s family. Told with vivid details and a knowledge of vineyards and camping, this is a story that was a real pleasure to read and to recommend to others. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. Lovely, Christian romance!For all information about the author, go to her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com
Happy Release Day to Melody Carlson! You can purchase this delightful book online at any of these sites:
I sincerely appreciate being part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour! I have discovered so many new-to-me books and authors this way. This book was uplifting and has great themes of forgiveness, mercy and grace.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 