Thursday, December 27, 2018

Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin

Book Description:


Combining romance and suspense, bestselling author Kelly Irvin’s Tell Her No Lies is a high-stakes race for the truth. 
“A moving and compelling tale about the power of grace and forgiveness that reminds us how we become strongest in our most broken moments.”—Library Journal review of Upon a Spring Breeze
Even the most admired families have secrets to hide . . .
Nina Fischer carries a camera wherever she goes—so she can view life through a filter. Safely. After her mother abandoned her to the streets, Nina has kept people at a distance, including her uncle, who adopted Nina and her sister. Wealthy and proud, he is a good man, a fair judge, and someone many in San Antonio admire. 
But when he is murdered, and the detective assigned to the case accuses Nina of the crime, she knows she must act. She’s determined to use her journalism background to find the real killer. The two men in her life want to help, but can she trust them?  She’s known Rick since they were children, but now he’s an attorney whose political aspirations seem more important than Nina’s tragic loss. And then there’s Aaron, a news videographer; using their friendship could break the biggest story of his career. 
Following the evidence leads Nina on a journey of discovery into her father’s shocking masquerade as a law-abiding, family-loving Christian. Unlocking these secrets could prove fatal, but it’s the only way Nina will ever be able to trust love again. 
Combining romance and suspense, bestselling author Kelly Irvin’s Tell Her No Lies is a high-stakes race for the truth.




About the Author:


Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeepers Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. 

Visit her online at http://www.kellyirvin.com/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_irvin/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.irvin; Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kelly_S_Irvin.


My Thoughts:

Could Not Put It Down!

Although I enjoy romantic suspense stories, it's been awhile since I've read one. I chose to read this book because I'm familiar with some of this author's other works which are not in this genre, Thus, my curiosity was piqued when I realized Tell Her No Lies is a romantic suspense story. And let me say that I am soooo glad I chose to read it. This book is amazing! Once I began reading it, I could not put it down!

The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was left saying, "Wow! I did not see that coming!" The plot moved along at a good pace, and the details throughout the story helped create a great visual of every scene. It has just the right blend of suspense and romance. Ms. Irvin undeniably hit the mark with this romantic suspense novel. It is without any reservation that I highly recommend Tell Her No Lies to those who enjoy this genre as well as those who are new to it. In my humble opinion, once you begin reading it, you will not be able to put it down, and you most definitely will not be disappointed.


Sunday, April 8, 2018

A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society Book #3) by Melissa Jagears


Book Description:

In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for?

https://amzn.to/2EvSXaC





About the Author:

Much to her introverted self's delight, ACFW Award winner and double INSPY finalist Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at: www.melissajagears.com



My Thoughts:

G. Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville in hopes of finding a teaching job, as well as making amends for his past behaviors.  In his school days, Aaron was known as the school bully.  He was relentless in who he targeted and how he bullied them.  But, Aaron is no longer that school yard bully.  He has turned his life around and is now applying for a teacher position in the same place where he had been a student.  By dropping “George” from his name and now going by Aaron, he hopes no one will make the connection.  Unfortunately, the first person to recognize him is Mercy McClain.  

Mercy recognizes Aaron as the boy who tormented her in school.  Because of her partial arm, one of his names for her was “Stumpy.”  Mercy couldn’t fathom why Aaron would be back, and as a teacher.  There was no way she would allow him to be given a teaching job, because there was no way that Aaron, aka George the bully, had changed.  Or had he?

As the story unfolds, we get to know more of Aaron's life and background.  Piece by piece the author gives us insight into what drove his past behavior, as well as his present behavior.  Getting to know Mercy also helps one understand her feelings, her hurts, and her struggle with forgiveness.  The story also makes one reflect on how easily one can become judgmental to the point of not recognizing in one self some of the same behaviors we judge or criticize in others.   Although the story is set in the past, the story and its message is timeless.  With A Chance At Forever, author Melissa Jagears has skillfully handled the topic of bullying and entwined it with forgiveness, love, and some twists and turns that will keep you turning pages making it a story you definitely won’t want to miss.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Love by the Numbers by Laura V.Hilton

Book Description:

After a buggy accident claims the life of her fiancé, Lydia Hershberger makes a fresh start in Jamesport, Missouri, managing a gift store. It isn’t long before she meets the young man hired to handle the bookkeeping—Caleb Bontrager, whose handcrafted cuckoo clocks are sold in the store.           

And it isn't long before Caleb has made up his mind about her: bright and sparkly but not right for him. Alarmed by his attraction to her, he determines to settle down with someone more practical. Less sparkle. More logic. But he can’t seem to shake his feelings for Lydia.      
      
When false allegations by the bishop back home catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak?



Author Biography:

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.









My Thoughts:  

Love by the Numbers is a beautiful story of romance  with what I consider a little bit of mystery.  The mystery part is where the author gives little bits and pieces of each of the main character’s story that keeps the reader guessing.  There was also intrigue woven in through some twists and turns throughout the story.  As the story continued to develop and the pieces started coming together, I realized that Lisa and Caleb were each carrying guilt over their past.  The characters try their best to stay in the “friend zone” but needless to say, that doesn’t work out very well, making the characters all the more endearing.  The story flows well with a mix romance, intrigue and forgiveness.  It drew me in from the very first page all the way to the last page.  I felt the struggle, pain, and joy of each character, as well as the blessing of God’s amazing forgiveness.

Love by the Numbers will hook you from the very first page.  Once you start, you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve read all the way to the very last word.  You won’t be disappointed.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Monday, January 29, 2018

Grow Confidently in Your Faith: A lifelong journey to becoming more like Jesus by Carol Round

Book Description:

“An inspiring and practical primer to Christian growth, Growing Confidently In Your Faith is easy-to-read and enjoyable; the narrative is laced with creative anecdotes, and punctuated with pointers to gently push the reader forward into spiritual maturity.” --Janey DeMeo, founder of Orphans First, Bible teacher, author "With depth, Carol shares the truths of God’s Word in a manner that will pierce through doubt, shame and pain." ~ Dixie Diamanti, Life Purpose Coach & Author “Chock-full of spiritual truth, Godly wisdom, and tips for practical application, Carol's devotional book is sure to bless its readers.” ~ Linda W. Yezak, Author/Editor/Speaker Do you want to grow more confidently in your faith? In Carol Round's latest book, "Growing Confidently in Your Faith: A lifelong journey to becoming more like Jesus," the author brings the principles and teachings of Jesus into our lives with practicality so readers can apply them to their daily lives. With depth, the author shares the truths of God's Word in a manner that will pierce through doubt, shame and pain. She leaves you with a comforted heart and a real hope for the future. You will walk away each week with greater inspiration, wisdom and peace as well as a greater understanding of God's love for you and how He walks us through every hurt and pain, turning them to victory for His glory.


Author Biography:

CAROL ROUND, self-syndicated international columnist, Christian author and inspirational speaker, began her journey with the Lord in October 2001 when she admitted her need for His guidance. Since that time, she has sought a deeper relationship with Him through reading scripture, Bible study and the personal discipline of keeping a daily prayer journal. After being encouraged by other Christian women, she penned an encouraging book on journaling called “Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God” and the companion workbook, “The 40-Day Challenge.”

Prior to writing her books on prayer journaling, two collections of her weekly faith-based column, A MATTER OF FAITH, and FAITH MATTERS, was released by Buoy Up Press in book form. A third collection, SOLA FIDE: by FAITH alone, debuted in 2012. She has been writing her weekly faith-based column which runs in 14 Oklahoma newspapers and at http://www.assistnews.net/, since the fall of 2005.

“The most amazing part of this journey I'm on is that the California publication carrying my weekly column is their international presence,” she says. “Because of this worldwide exposure, my column has been picked up by different foreign newspapers and magazines across the world. I'm truly humbled by the feedback I receive from my readers, including those from around the world--India, Uganda, Belfast, Australia, Great Britain, France, Kenya and many more. It is truly God at work in my life!” 

Carol’s writing has also led to a speaking ministry as well as nine books, including her latest, "Growing confidently in your faith: A lifelong journey to becoming more like Jesus."

“When I speak to women, I tell them God has a sense of humor. While I could get up in front of a classroom full of teenagers when I taught, getting up in front of my peers was another matter for this woman who made a "C" in college speech--the only "C" I might add. I've learned that God doesn't call the equipped but equips the called. I say all of this in humility because this was not my plan for life after a public education career. But I love it!

Carol’s books, all available on Amazon, include the following:

A Matter of Faith
Faith Matters
by FAITH alone
Journaling with Jesus: How to draw closer to God
The 40-Day Challenge: a companion workbook to Journaling with Jesus
Nana’s 3 Jars: Giving Generously
Nana’s 3 Jars: Saving Pennies
Nana’s 3 Jars: Spending Wisely
Growing confidently in your faith: A lifelong journey to becoming more like Jesus


Carol earned her undergraduate teaching degree in journalism from Oklahoma State University in 1975 and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in English in 1981 from Northeastern State University, the same year she discovered she was pregnant with her second son. She also received her library media certification in 1993 from Oklahoma University.

After 17 years in the high school classroom and 13 as the library media specialist, she retired in 2005, knowing God had other plans for her life. Did you know you won’t find the word, “retirement,” in the Bible? Carol calls it redirection and reminds others who are close to “retirement,” to seek God’s redirection for their lives.

She is the mother of two grown sons, six adorable and talented grandchildren and the obedient owner of a spoiled rotten dog named Harley.

When she isn’t writing or speaking, she loves spending time with her grandchildren, shooting photos, volunteering at her church, going on mission trips and getting her hands dirty in her flowerbeds and hiking.



To learn more about Carol, you can visit her website at http://carolaround.com/. You can also find her on the following social media sites:

Personal Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/carolaround

Contact Carol via email at carol@carolaround.com



My Thoughts:

Truly Inspiring

I just can’t seem to stay away.  Every year I do the same thing.  I look at the devotionals online, in the bookstore, and recommendations from friends.  While I like looking at the new ones, I have my favorites which I use year after year.  They’re just that good.  And I know that I’ll definitely be adding Grow Confidently in Your Faith to my favorites, because, as I’ve said before, it’s just that good.

This book offers truly inspiring passages, thoughts, and reflections for every week of the year.  It’s broken down by months and weeks.  Each week has Bible passages, thoughts on the topic of the week, and encourages the reader to follow through with the 3 R’s:  Renew, Recommit, and Rejoice.  It is a timeless devotional in that it can be used over and over again.  This book is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that it will encourage you as you continue to grow confidently in your faith.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All viewpoint and opinions are my own.