Ps 91 (NKJV)

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence.4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Horribly Behind

Due to the holidays and my busy January, I am horribly behind on the reviews I promised to write. So for the next few weeks, I will be posting a few at a time until I can catch up. I apologize to the authors for not doing these on a timely basis.


Blurb:
What happens when the matchmaker finds a match for herself?Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?

A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman was an interesting novel. I enjoyed the story and the writing was excellent and easy to follow. The characters came to life on the page. I wanted to know how Charlotte got her happily-ever-after, since she'd had a hand at providing it for several others. I loved Meredith's quirkiness. It made me smile.

4 roses

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Blurb:
A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house inhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?
What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a touching novel. It reminds us that sometimes we think we're doing a good thing for the right reason, but it's not always true. The characters were well-written, allowing me to identify with their struggles and, in the end, their triumphs. I enjoyed this novel a great deal.

4.9 roses

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Blurb:
In a world of fast-paced living and fly-by-night interpersonal ethics, Eternity exposes the lies behind relationships based solely on physical attraction.
Aaron Foster thought he had the perfect life until his fiancée walked out their door and then back in with his new roommate. In desperation, Aaron and his best friend, Harmony Jordan, devise The Plan, but when The Plan succeeds beyond their wildest expectations, it could spell heartache for them all.

I enjoyed Eternity by Staci Stallings. It was realistic and heart-warming. Staci did a good job expressing the reality that heartbreak fades with time. My biggest complaint was the amount of errors, especially in the first few chapters. It's still a good enough story that after a while you forget to pay attention to them.

4 roses

I hope you enjoy these first few reviews. More to come next week.

Blessings,
Ginger

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 in Review and What's New for 2014

What a year. This time last year I had no clue what the year would hold. It's been a time of growth, the end of seasons, and some heartache.

I posted two goals last year: "lose weight (which will require I get off my backside and exercise), and take the plunge by sending out my writing to agents." I'm sad to say that while I did lose fifteen pounds in the spring, I gained much of it back over the summer and fall, and I never did get my writing sent to agents.

However, I DID do a few things:

  • sold my horses - bittersweet
  • sold a novel - to be released in 2014
  • read over 200 new books - I lost track after August, so this is just an estimate
  • started my 16th year of homeschooling
  • went to Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference - had an absolutely wonderful time and met some new friends
  • joined Writing Prompts & Thoughts & Ideas... Oh My! as a co-blogger
  • found a wonderful critique group
  • loved my family
  • tried some new recipes - some winners, some losers
  • made new friends
  • started a Twitter account - @GingerS219
  • started a Pinterest account - GingerSolomon - it's still really new, so there's not much there

Some things I hope to do in 2014:
  • laugh more
  • love better
  • live life to the fullest
  • lose weight
  • lift up the glorious name of Jesus without reservation
  • leave behind the insecurities and send the MS I've been working on for eight months
Today is your last chance to comment to win books in my New Year Giveaway. If you haven't been keeping up, shame on you. :)  However, you can find out about the books and giveaway here.

What did you do in 2013 that you are proud to say you did or name one thing you'd like to accomplish in 2014?

Blessings,

Monday, November 25, 2013

One Month 'Til Christmas, Three reviews


Oh my word, as my grandmother used to say. While I wouldn't personally categorized this as a romance novel, it is certainly full of learning to love. And even though I've never made a quilt, I could envision each step as the stories were shared. Sometimes we can only live life one day at a time, and The Christmas Quilt  by Vannetta Chapman reminds us to enjoy each day as it comes.

Back cover:
Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the "boppli" arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.
Rating: 5 roses

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Sweet romances always make me sigh, and this one is no different. In The Christmas Promise by Kimberly Rose Johnson draws us into Keira and Pete's romance, and shows us how they dealt with their issues with trust and fear. Time changes things for them as they learn to release the past and move forward. I enjoyed Ms. Johnson's debut novel and look forward to her next novel.

Back cover:
No matter how lovely Keira Noble's smile, or how adorable her four-year-old son. He's been down that road before and knows it can lead to a broken heart. But that doesn't mean he can't help the pretty widow find a puppy to put under the Christmas tree for her son…. 
Pete claims he only wants to help her find the perfect gift for Cody. Yet Keira can't deny the tender feelings in his eyes whenever he looks at her. Could this handsome Scrooge have a change of heart, and create a new family for Christmas?

Rating: 4.5 roses

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After several days of busy-ness, I decided to take the day off and enjoy a good book. I picked up High-Stakes Holiday Reunion by Christy Barritt. I have read several of her books in the past and knew I would enjoy it, and I was right. I read the whole book in a single day, and even when I walked away to do something else, I couldn't wait to get back to it.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, I think you'll like this too.

Back cover:
A CHILD'S LIFE IS AT STAKE 
When Christopher Jordan sees the fear in Ashley Wilson's eyes, he knows he can't let her request for help go unanswered. Despite their tumultuous history, he's the only person his ex-fiancée can trust to find her kidnapped nephew. But how can Christopher trust her when he finds out that Ashley's "nephew" is actually his son, the one she never told him about? With a terrorist cell convinced Ashley holds the key to accessing top secret government files, time is running out. And Christopher will stop at nothing to bring their little boy home in time for Christmas. 
The Security Experts: Defenders against danger?
Rating: 5 roses

Links:
The Christmas Quilt
The Christmas Promise
High-Stakes Holiday Reunion

Blessings,
Ginger

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Three Reviews: Dangerous Passage, The Governess of Highland Hall, & Kissing Frogs


Do you like suspense novels? Clean romance? Then Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris is the book for you. This is my first time reading anything by Ms. Harris and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to read, and enjoy. From the very beginning of the book, I was hooked, and until the suspect was revealed, I was clueless.

Kudos to Ms. Harris. I look forward to more titles from her in the future.

Back cover:
When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts. 
"Dangerous Passage "exposes a fully-realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. Romantic suspense fans will be hooked from the start by Lisa Harris's first installment of the new Southern Crimes series.
Rating: 4.5 roses

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The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is a touching love story which reminds me that love is more important than possessions or position.

Ms. Turansky wrote an excellent novel that had enough conflict to keep me reading to the very end, which was sweet. I would have preferred a little more closure, but that is a personal preference.

Back cover:
Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help? 
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey. 
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. 
While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

Rating: 4 roses
Release date 10/15/13

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I found Kissing Frogs by D.A. Featherling to be highly amusing. Em's need to be in control turns many normal events into humorous situations. If you need a laugh while reading a highly romantic story, this is the novel for you.

I have not read the first book, and didn't feel as though I were missing anything, so it can be considered a stand-alone.

Back cover:
Book 2 - Second Time Around Series Until she decides to look for a husband, Em Snider is so-o-o-o in control of her life. But her trip on the internet matchmaking highway soon shows her that she can't control the journey. Her first encounter is a warning. There are toads out there! A Christian internet matchmaking service provides Em a chance to discover Prince Charming, if she can survive the shocks. Em is soon ready to quit, or will she find true love if she'll get off the brakes and let God be in control?

Rating: 4.5 roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Review: A Little Bit of Charm by Mary Ellis


A Little Bit of Charm is the third book in The New Beginnings series. It is not necessary to have read books one and two to understand this novel. It actually has very little to do with those books except a few references to events in the past.

While I found the story charming, it was also a bit slow for me. The conflict was mostly internal, when it occurred. I didn't connect with Jake or Rachel--despite my love for all things horses--which made it hard for me to "get into" their story. Throughout the story, I kept wondering at the believability of the characters' actions and reactions.

All in all I enjoyed the book and look forward to Beth's story, which I assume will be the fourth and final book in this series.

Back cover:
A Little Bit of Charm, the third book in bestselling author Mary Ellis's New Beginnings series, is about fresh starts...and how faith in God and His perfect plans provide the peace and joy all long for.
After the death of her parents and then watching both of her older sisters find happiness in homes of their own with husbands who adore them, Rachel King yearns for a new beginning. Her cousin Sarah lives near a thoroughbred stable in Kentucky, and working around beautiful horses is Rachel's dream come true. She leaves Lancaster County to find a job at Twelve Elms Stables and believes God has answered her prayers.
And then she meets Jake, an attractive and charming Englisch man. At first she refuses to go out with him, but he eventually convinces her to give him a chance. When Amish men who also wish to date Rachel start encountering strange mishaps, she wonders if Jake is really who he seems to be.
What does a young woman do when her heart is pulled in two directions?
Rating: 4.0 Roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Wednesday Review: Romantic Suspense, & Historical Fiction

Yes, I know I'm posting this on Thursday. It should have been done yesterday, but I forgot it was Wednesday since I had Monday "off".  LOL  I know ya'll will forgive me though. :)

I'm reviewing three books today: Lifeline by Christy Barritt, a romantic suspense; Trouble in Store by Carol Cox, and Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, both Historical Fiction with hints of romance.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

PS. I'm also adding decimals to my rating system. Some books deserve 4's but may not be as interesting as others, so I needed to add a way to differentiate the almost 5's from the barely 4's. :)

~~~


Lifeline by Christy Barritt was so good I stayed up until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. When I woke the next morning, after only a few hours of necessary sleep, I had to finish it.

Ms. Barritt rolled all the suspense and romance you could want into one excellent story. The question of who-done-it is left hanging throughout, and you're never quite sure if you have the answer or not. At least I wasn't.

How many ways can I say I loved it?

Back cover:
"I did it for you."
The chilling words in the text message have Julianne Grace fearing for her life. She's sure that her abusive ex-fiancé has killed two people—and that she's the next target. But will anyone believe that her presumed dead ex is really alive? The only man who can help Julianne is cool, aloof security specialist Bradley Stone. Not only does she need his protection, but he's also the link to finding answers about her ex-fiancé's death. And the closer Bradley and Julianne get to the truth—and to each other—the angrier the madman after Julianne becomes. One wrong move and they could both fall prey to the killer's deadly scheme.

Rating: 5.9 Roses (since 5 is the highest I can go, LOL)

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Carol Cox brings us another wonderful story. Trouble in Store takes us back to the 1880's when women had few choices. So what did feisty women like Melanie Ross do? They winged it, and sometimes managed to land in an excellent situation that also allowed for love.

From page one, I enjoyed this novel. The story line kept me riveted to my seat and the banter between Caleb and Melanie made me smile on more than one occasion.

Back cover:
Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he's worked for. He's determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry up with any of them. He's drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.
But someone doesn't want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps--and the man obviously didn't die from natural causes--things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb's business--and romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

Rating: 4.5 Roses

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While I thoroughly enjoyed Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, it was a bit slower paced than I typically prefer. Ms. Camden did an excellent job of showing us the fear and confusion generated by the Chicago fire. I'm thankful I wasn't there. She also did a wonderful job of portraying the difficulties of women doing business in that time frame. Having a man in her life, whether a friend, brother or husband, allowed greater access to many necessities. I'm glad times have changed so much--thanks to the many people like Mollie Knox.

Back cover:
As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.
In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

Rating: 4.2 Roses


Blessings,
Ginger

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Review: Raspberries and Vinegar by Valerie Comer

I'm incredibly late getting my Wednesday review out. I apologize.



I found Raspberries and Vinegar by Valerie Comer to be incredibly funny, but also enlightening. There were a few moments when tears coursed down my cheeks, but I smiled through most of the book. Domino stole my heart from the very beginning. Valerie did an excellent job, and I wish it were still raspberry season here in the south so I could try the raspberry vinegar recipe that she included at the back of the book.

I look forward to her next installment in the Farm Fresh Romance series.

Please visit Valerie's post this past Monday to find her contact information and her website.

Back cover:
Josephine Shaw: complex, yet singleminded. A tiny woman with big ideas and, some would say, a mouth to match. But what does she really know about sustainable living as it relates to the real world? After all, she and her two friends are new to farming. 

Zachary Nemesek is back only until his dad recovers enough to work his own land again. When Zach discovers three helpless females have taken up residence at the old farm next door, he expects trouble. But a mouse invasion proves Jo has everything under control. Is there anything she can't handle? And surely there's something sweet beneath all that tart.

Rating: 4 roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Friday, May 10, 2013

Review: No Way Out by Susan Sleeman


No Way Out by Susan Sleeman...in one word, riveting. This is the third book in The Justice Agency Series and lives up to its predecessors: Double Exposure and Dead Wrong (click the titles for my review, scroll down on the second one).

I was hooked from page one. I found it hard to set aside once I started and I expect you'll have the same trouble. Even though it's the third in the series, reading the first two are not necessary to understand the story line. I just love series' like that.

Back cover:
Who can she trust?Alyssa Wells has uncovered evidence that her police officer husband was murdered by his partner—a dangerous claim in a small town. After two tours in Iraq, protecting Alyssa and her children shouldn't be a problem for private investigator Cole Justice. Alyssa feels drawn to him, but how can she trust anyone after everything she's been through? Cole's sure his heart is closed off to love, but Alyssa and her children seem to have found a way in. As the killer draws closer, Alyssa realizes she's trusting Cole with more than her safety.


 5 roses



Blessings,
Ginger

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Review: The Good Girl by Christy Barritt


I don't typically care for first person point-of-view novels, but something about The Good Girl by Christy Barritt just kept me engaged and wanting to read more.

This book had a great story line, but what sticks out most is the spiritual theme Ms. Barritt was able to weave into it. Christianity is not about rules and regulations, or dos and don'ts. It's about having a relationship with a loving God, and sharing that love with your neighbor.

Back cover:
Tara Lancaster can sing Amazing Grace in three harmonies, two languages, and interpret it for the hearing impaired. She can list the Bible canon backward, forward, and alphabetized. And the only time she ever missed church was at seventeen because she had pneumonia and her mom made her stay home. 
But when her life shatters around her and her reputation is left in ruins, Tara decides escape is the only option. She flees halfway across the country to dog-sit, but the quiet anonymity she needs isn t waiting in her sister s house. Instead she finds a knife with a threatening message, a fame-hungry friend, a too-hunky neighbor, and evidence of...a ghost? 
Following all the rules has gotten her nowhere. And nothing she learned in Sunday School can tell her where to go from there.


Rating: 4 roses


Blessings,
Ginger

Monday, April 29, 2013

Review: Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson


Well-written. Good story. Believable characters. Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson had all these things, and I yearned for more. I don't mean it didn't have a satisfying ending. It did. I enjoyed Ms. Hodgson's writing and Maren and Wooly's story grabbed me from page one and I wanted to read more.

Back cover:
Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt, can be pieced together by God’s love.
When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. 
But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond their past hurts.    
Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost such decisions demand of her heart. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?

Rating: 4 roses

Blessings,
Ginger

Friday, April 26, 2013

Review: Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman



Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman is packed full of good writing, like-able characters, and an easy to follow plot, but for some reason I couldn't get involved in the story. If there were a point system with the stars, I'd give it 3.9, simply because I didn't fall in love with Sarah and Daniel's tale.

Back cover:

In 1882, Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah's son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house, place Sarah's life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man's heart-and they both learn that love is finer than any gold.

Rating: 3 Roses (hey, if others can change the stars to something else, so can I. LOL)

Blessings,
Ginger

Monday, February 25, 2013

Review: Key Witness by Christy Barritt AND Something Beautiful by K. Dawn Byrd

I'll be honest...and you know this is true because I've said before...I LOVE to read. I would be happy to have a stack of books beside me, a nice cup of hot tea in one hand and a book or my iPad loaded with a book in the other hand. Who cares what the weather is outside? Eating? Not necessary. Communication? Over-rated. Just give me a book.

Unfortunately, I can read books faster than I can write the reviews I promised. I have a number of volumes sitting on my desk, waiting for me to fulfill my obligations. So today starts that responsibility. Join me as I review a few of the books I've been reading lately.

Key Witness by Christy Barritt

This is the second Christy Barritt book I've read, and I was not disappointed. Key Witness had plenty of the romance I love, and was jam-packed full of suspense from the very first sentence.

I read it straight through. The thought of putting it down never crossed my mind and I look forward to her next novel.

About the book:
When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle's father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton's desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal desires cloud his judgment—judgment he'll have to rely on when the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.
Rating: 5 stars


Something Beautiful by K. Dawn Byrd

Opposites attract. It's been proven over and over. When they do, it's not always easy to make the differences less important than the similarities.

In Something Beautiful, K. Dawn Byrd has two people, who happen to be opposites, falling in love. However, the trials they face might keep them from their happily-ever-after. Antony and Lauren's story challenged me to consider how I view other people. Very enjoyable.

About the book:

Lauren Milton has always followed the rules, but when she meets Antony Marcos, she discovers just how much fun it is to do her own thing. When Antony, the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, professes his love for her, her life is complete. He's her soul mate, but when she finds that he's harboring secrets, can she forgive him? 
Lauren has PTSD from the car accident that killed her boyfriend and her mother. Can she face her greatest fears while risking everything for the guy she loves? Can they overcome the obstacles facing them to find their happily ever after?
Antony is terrified that his secrets will destroy their relationship when Lauren finds out the truth. Does he tell the truth and face losing her or continue his activities, possibly placing her in danger? Can they make things work even though her family and friends are against him? 

Rating: 4 stars

Enjoy these two books. Come back in the next few days for more reviews from this insatiable reader.

Blessings,
Ginger


Monday, February 4, 2013

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl, review




Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl plops us down in the remote Mennonite town of Kingdom. Though this is book two in the Road to Kingdom series, it is not necessary to read book one to enjoy it. I do suggest you do so, however. You can find my review of Inescapable here.

Trouble has come to Kingdom and the residents are divided on how to proceed. Hope Kauffman understands both sides, and ultimately questions her belief in the old ways. She also finds herself with trouble of her own. Two very different men have declared their love for her, but she can only choose one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense and look forward to any books by Ms. Mehl.


Back cover:

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller. 
Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence. 
When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

Rating: 4 stars

Blessings,
Ginger

Friday, October 28, 2011

Book review - A Summer In Oakville

A Summer in Oakville 
by Lisa J. Lickel and Shellie Neumeier

Hello, readers. I have a new book to recommend to you today. A Summer in Oakville is an interesting look into four people's lives one summer. I enjoyed each person's point of view and their stories. It was well-written and allowed me to take part in each person's feelings and actions.

Unfortunately, I found it a little disconnected in one particular scene. It was not a big deal, just set my brain to thinking (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Since I know there were two writers in this work, I am surprised there was only one mistake obvious enough for me to catch. It is so awesome that they worked together to make this such a good book.

Despite my uncanny knack for ferreting out useless tidbits that are inconsistent, I found A Summer in Oakville an entertaining read. It will make you smile and, if you're given to sympathizing with the characters as I am, you will cry. I think that's what a good book does. It gets you to "feel" what the character feels and pulls you in to his or her life.

Here's the blurb on the back cover:
One Magical Summer in Oakville, Wisconsin, Love Finds its Way through Four Entwined Lives.

Meet Tessa, Lindsay, Art and Andy.

Tessa Hasmer Murphy has a secret. Estranged from her husband, will she let a past love and a fight to save the family farm destroy her marriage and daughter Lindsay’s happiness?

Lindsay Murphy plans to live on her grandparents’ farm until she can find a job, but developer Brandon Calloway has other plans for the property. As she wages war against him, will she lose her heart and the farm both?

Widower Arthur Hasmer’s life and that of his son, Andy, spiral out of control. Then old friend, Dana London, reenters the picture with the power to help them all back to love, joy and faith.

Andy Hasmer has the ultimate bummer life. No mom, not much of a dad, no future. When he’s sent to the farm and wrecks the truck, nothing could be worse than the lousy job he takes to pay Grampa back—except maybe putting up with the pastor’s daughter, Ella.
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As always,
under HIS wings,
Ginger

Thank you to Lisa Lickel for the preview copy of this book. I received no compensation for this review and it is my honest opinion.