Book Review of Death at Thorburn Hall

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering is the 6th book in her Drew Farthering Mystery series.  Drew Farthering arrives in idyllic Scotland for the 1935 British Open at Muirfield hoping for a relaxing holiday, but he soon finds a mystery on his hands. Lord Rainsby, his host at Thorburn Hall, fears his business partner may be embezzling and asks Drew to quietly investigate. Before Drew can uncover anything, Rainsby is killed in a suspicious riding accident.
Thorburn Hall is filled with guests, and as Drew continues to dig, he realizes that each might have had a motive to put Raisnby out of the way. Together with Madeline and Nick, he must sort through shady business dealings, international intrigue, and family tensions to find a killer who always seems to be one step ahead.

I love a good mystery and I thoroughly enjoy the Drew Farthering series. Just like all the others in the series, this has twists and turns to keep the reader turning the page.  There is a bit of romance in the book as well as Nick and Carrie continue to grow their relationship.  I loved the book and highly recommend it!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection

Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection is the collection of four novellas by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings and Melissa Jagears.  The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer is the story of an unexpected package that Claire Nevin receives from her younger sibling.  The unexpected 'gift' and the man who delivers it threaten to upend Claire's life forever.  The Tangled Ties The Bind by Mary Connealy is the story of Connor Kincaid's homecoming. He discovers the woman he is determined to marry is training to be a doctor in a distant town, but he is about to settle on the ranch.  Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings is the story of Private Bradley Willis and Ambrosia Herald.  As a punishment for his recklessness, Private Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory.  The private doesn't know that the herd is a herd of camels or that the officer's daughter, Ambrosia, would be trying to undermine the whole enterprise.  Tied and True by Melissa Jagears is the story of how wealthy Marianne Lister proves to the man she loves business assistant Calvin Hochstetler that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside him. 

I was excited to read this book because it had novellas by some of my favorite authors.  I had previously read books by Mary Connealy and Melissa Jagears.  I enjoyed all of the novellas in this collection and look forward to reading more from Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings.  If you enjoy historical romance with some humor mixed in, I would recommend picking up this book!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of The House on Foster Hill

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright is the story of two women- Kaine and Ivy -who lived a century apart.  Two years after her husband's suspicious death and in need of a fresh start, Kaine Prescott purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown.  Once she sees the abandoned house, she questions her decision.  After Kaine begins to work on repairs for the house so she can move in, the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance.  A century earlier, the same house holds painful memories for Ivy Thorpe.  The death of an unidentified woman on the property causes Ivy to search for woman's identity.  Her search leads her into danger, painful memories and a reunion with the man who broke her heart. 

This book was hard to put down.  Suspense and romance intertwined perfectly.  The dual timeline in books can usually be confusing to me, but I think having the story from the past helped complement the story in the present.  If you like this type of genre, I highly recommend this book!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Book Review of May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible

When I saw the chance to review this Bible, I thought that this would be perfect for my Star Wars loving nephews.  It is actually more of a space theme which is still good for boys.

The 24 full color pages are actually sections called Ways of Wisdom, Master Moment and Use the Force with a space themed background.  The cover is a nice eye catching design.  I'd recommend it if you are looking for a Bible for a boy that would more likely pick up a Bible if it had a design like this. 

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.* 

Book Review of Brave Beauty

Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You by Lynn Cowell is a devotional for girls ages 8-12.  I was so excited for the opportunity to review this book because my daughter is 9 years old, and I am always looking for tools to teach her about God's love for her. 

This book is excellent.  It is divided into three sections: Section 1- I am Loved, Section 2-I am Brave and Section 3: I am Confident.  Each section has several subsections and chapters to show girls how they are loved, brave and confident.  The chapters have a Becoming Brave (a challenge) section and a Courageous Call (prayer) section. 

If you are looking for a good devotional that is easy for your girl to relate to and understand, I would definitely pick this up!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women

Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women tackles tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.  Each page has a verse, a devotion and a spot of journaling.  

I read a few of the devotions with my 9 year old daughter and found that she isn't quite old enough for the devotions to speak to her and for her to understand them.  I will save this book for her to read when she is a teenager because it is a really good book for teen girls.  

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of Blind Spot

Blind Spot is the 3rd book in Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series.  

The back of the book says: FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner. 

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors.  I have read the previous two books in this series, and this book was just as great.  While Declan and Tanner are working together, they grow closer.  In this book, there are also some answers to what happened to Luke!  I loved it and highly recommend this and any book by Dani Pettrey!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of All Saints

All Saints by Michael Spurlock and Jeanette Windle is the true story of how refugees from Burma brought life to a dying church. 

The back of the book says: Newly ordained, Michael Spurlock's first assignment is to pastor All Saints, a struggling church with twenty-five devoted members and a mortgage well beyond its means. The best option may be to close the church rather than watch it wither any further. But when All Saints hesitantly risks welcoming a community of Karen refugees from Burma--former farmers scrambling for a fresh start in America--Michael feels they may be called to an improbable new mission.

Michael must choose between closing the church and selling the property--or listening to a still, small voice challenging the people of All Saints to risk it all and provide much-needed hope to their new community. Together, they risk everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.

Discover the true story that inspired the film while also diving deeper into the background of the Karen people, the church, and how a community of believers rally to reach out to those in need, yet receive far more than they dared imagine.

This is an amazing, inspirational story.  If you are looking for a real feel good story (and one that is true!), this is a great book to read.  

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of The Legacy by Michael Phillips

The Legacy is the 3rd and final book in Michael Phillips' Secrets of the Shetlands series.  The back of the book says: 
The Dramatic Conclusion to Michael Phillips's Shetland Islands Saga

Loni Ford's unexpected inheritance of substantial real estate--not to mention a title--in the Shetland Islands has caused more than a stir in the quiet fishing hamlet of Whales Reef. How is life ever to be the same with an outsider--and a woman, at that--playing such a pivotal role in the life of this conservative community? But it isn't just the locals who have deep misgivings about the current situation. Loni herself never imagined this in her wildest dreams. 


What Loni is more sure of, however, is that she is falling in love--with Whales Reef, with its hardy people, with its simple, peaceful way of life, and with local chieftain David Tulloch, whose inheritance she has usurped, at least in the eyes of some. 


But life in Whales Reef is not without drama. Deep rifts exist between certain lifelong residents, and when one local resident turns up dead, suspicion is cast in the direction of the island's most prominent family. How Loni and David deal with this challenge will go a long way in determining their future, and that of the quaint island community.

In my opinion, this book is actually several stories in one, and it could be confusing and hard to follow at times.  We see Loni and David's relationship grow as they get to know each other better.  We see more of the story of Loni’s great-grandparents, Brogan Tulloch and Emily Hanson.  There are some other story lines that are weaved into the book as well, but if you are planning to read it, I don't want to give it away.  It took me longer to get into the book with the switching back and forth of the story lines, but I did enjoy it once I got further into it.  If you have read the other books in the series or are a fan of Michael Phillips, I would definitely recommend it! 

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

The NIV Kid’s Visual Study Bible is especially geared for kids from 8 to 12 years old. This hardcover study Bible has over 700 images inside. Each book of the Bible has a page that tells who wrote the book, why the book was written, what we learn about God in the book, who the key people are in the book, where it happened and what some of the stories are in the book.  Almost every page has verses along the side with an explanation about the verse. 

I think this Bible would be an excellent one for anyone that is looking for help studying the Bible.  I really like the set up, and I also showed it to some other adults that really liked it as well.  

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book review of Praying for Girls by Teri Lynne Underwood

Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They need Most by Teri Lynn Underwood is an excellent resource for praying for the girls in your life.  It covers key areas of every girl's life: her identity, her heart, her mind, her relationships and her purpose. 

This book is set up into parts with prayers for each of those key areas.  Each of the parts has chapters.  For example, Part 1 is Prayers for Her Identity and the chapters in Part 1 are Image-Bearer, Loved, Known and Accepted.  Each chapter has an anecdote from Underwood's own life along with lots of scripture and the following sections: Prayers, Just for Mom and Girl Talk (this is separated into three groups depending on the age of the girl you are talking with). 

I love the way the book is set up and have found it to be a very useful tool in praying of my daughter.  I highly recommend it!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

Dark Deception is the 2nd book in Nancy Mehl's Defenders of Justice series. 

In this book, Kate O'Brien is living in witness protection in a small town in Arkansas.  Four years earlier, she and her sister were attacked by a serial killer, and only Kate survived.  When new evidence suggests that the convicted man wasn't the killer, Kate is subpoenaed to testify in the new trial.  She only agrees if Deputy Marshal Tony DeLuca will escort her because he protected her during the original trial.  When Kate's safety is threatened again, Tony must do all he can to keep her alive and solve this case before anyone else gets killed.

This book was great!  I didn't want to put it down and finished it in two days.  I loved the characters and the storyline.  Definitely recommend for those who enjoy reading suspense.

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson

I have been really loving the legal suspense novels lately!  If you enjoy them, I highly recommend Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson. 

In this book, Ian Wells is a young lawyer struggling to keep his law practice afloat while caring for his mother with Alzheimer's.  A new case with the promise of a fee of two hundred thousand dollars seems to be the answer to Ian's stress and mounting bills.  All Ian has to do is judge if three men qualify for nine million dollars trust funds by determining whether they have been involved in any criminal activity.  Ian accepts the job, but he realizes too late that this "simple" job is out of control and threatens his career, future and his life.

This book kept me guessing along the way.  It kept engaged me from the very beginning.  I highly recommend it!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Deadly Proof is the first book in Rachel Dylan's Atlanta Justice series.  

From the back cover:  

"Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company's dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved. 

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He's still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything--even commit murder--to keep the case from going to trial. 

As danger closes in, Landon can't help but admire Kate's courage and resolve--but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?" 

This book is fast-paced, and I didn't want to put it down.  It has the perfect mixture of suspense, romance and God.  The characters are well developed and interesting.  I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Love Letters from God: Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart by Glenys Nellist

This book is a collection of Bible stories about women in the Bible for girls ages 4-8.  Each Bible story is on a two page spread.  Most of the stories have the story on one page and illustration on the next with a lift the flap 'Love Letter from God.'  My daughter's favorite part was lifting up the flap to read the love letter from God.  Each love letter has a spot to right your little girl's name to personalize the letters. Each story has a section titled 'God's Wonderful Words to You' with a Bible verse.  This is a great book that tells each story in the author's own words, but there is also a scripture reference where you could go in the Bible and read the story from there as well.  I highly recommend this book!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of Hello Stars by Alena Pitts with Wynter Pitts

Hello Stars is the first book in the Lena in the Spotlight series by Alena Pitts and Wynter Pitts. Eleven year old, Lena Daniels auditions for a movie part so that she can meet her favorite Christian singer, Mallory Winston.  She never dreams that she would get the part, but that is exactly what happens.  Now that she has gotten her wish, she realizes that being a part of the movie is much harder than she expected.  In order to start filming the movie, she has to leave before the last week of school, miss out on a trip with her best friends and spend her whole summer filming the movie instead of what she had planned.  She doesn't like being in the spotlight.  She learns that being in a movie and meeting Mallory isn't just glamour and fun, but a lot of hard work and responsibility.  

I thought this book was good.  The characters are well developed and the story kept a steady pace.  I loved that Lena talked to God when she had a problem.  There were lots of Christian values as well as scripture references throughout the book which I also liked.  I also liked that there was a lesson to be learned in the book.  I think that girls 8-12 would enjoy this book.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.*

Book Review of True to You by Becky Wade

True to You is the first book in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance series.  Nora Bradford is genealogist and historical village owner who went through a devastating breakup three years earlier.  Since her breakup, she has buried herself in her work and tried to convince herself and her sisters that she is content with being single.  However, that changes when she meets John Lawson, a former Navy SEAL.  John hires Nora to help him search for his birth mother because he is looking for a medical history after being diagnosed with an inherited condition.  When Nora and John first meet, John has a girlfriend, but he and Nora become quick friends.  As they spend more time together, they both feel like they could be the perfect match.  Lots of surprises along the way, but I promise the ending is absolutely worth it!

I just finished the finished this book, and it was amazing!  Becky Wade is one of my favorite authors, but I have to say that this book surpassed my expectations, and I think I can say this is by far my favorite that I have read by her.  I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the lessons she taught through Nora and John.  I absolutely LOVED IT! I smiled, I laughed, I cried.  I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Long Time Gone

Long Time Gone is the second book in Mary Connealy's The Cimarron Legacy series.  This book picks up right where the first book ended.  Cole is on the mend after being shot with the help of the doctor and Angie Dupree's help.  The Bodens thought that the trouble had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but they may have uncovered the real plot to take their ranch.  Everything that has happened could be part of a bigger plot that goes back to a decades old secret.  While Cole and their father continue to heal, Justin and the rest of the family work to put the pieces together but there is danger along the way.

This book is full of suspense and romance.  I've become of a fan on Mary Connealy's writing.  I loved the twists and turns in this book.  The characters are interesting and well developed.  I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Angie and Justin develop in this book.  I would suggest reading the first book in the series to be able to follow the story completely.  I highly recommend this series.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Quick Tips for Busy Families by Jay Payleitner

This is a description of the book, Quick Tips for Busy Families by Jay Payleitner on Amazon: 

"Parenting can be hard work, and our lives continue to get busier and busier. Is it possible to lighten the load but still raise great kids?

From his experiences as a dad as well as interacting with countless other parents, Jay Payleitner has gathered scores of secrets worth passing along--simple things veteran moms and dads have learned over the years. Things as simple as passing along truths during TV commercials. Or connecting with your children as you tuck them in at night. Or learning how to laugh over spilt milk.

Some of the ideas are old-school secrets that were passed from one generation to the next; others deal with issues that would have never crossed Grandma and Grandpa's minds. All of them are easy to implement. 

This book is designed for a quick, breezy reading experience, letting parents pick and choose those ideas that will make their lives easier, their kids happier, and their futures even brighter."

I liked the set up of this book.  Each tip is about a page long--a few are longer.  There are 144 topics.  You can look in the topical index for something you would like to read about it you don't want to read the book in its entirety.  I sort of expected the tips to be more spiritually based, and there are some there, but the majority are just basic tips which is fine.  We can all use some parenting tips and this is a book that would be good if you aren't interested in reading a super long book.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Book Review of Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Still Life is the second book in Dani Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series.  Avery Tate attends a gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, Skylar, who modeled for the show.  The only image displayed in the photography exhibit is a chilling one of Skylar posing as dead and the photographer insists it isn't the photo he took.  Skylar is missing.  As Avery works together with Parker and his friends to solve Skylar's disappearance, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite authors.  I'm so happy that I can say that I loved this book!  It was a little darker subject than her Alaskan Courage series (think Criminal Minds), but I still enjoyed it.  I loved the suspense and the relationship between Avery and Parker.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*