A Love So True by Melissa Jagears Book Review

About

"Jagears' first book in the Teaville Moral Society series has well-written characters, in addition to being an engaging and heartfelt read."--RT Book Reviews on A Heart Most Certain

Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen.

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all?

THE AUTHOR

Melissa Jagears
Melissa Jagears
Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a...


My review;
Evelyn Wisely is the kind of person who wants to help as many people as she can. While she is working with children who are orphans she starts to feel bad for others that also need help. These are women who also need a place to stay. She has asked her boss to help but, he doesn't want to do it all alone. He wants also to contribute, also. David Kingsman has started to like Evelyn and he is not sure what he really wants. This is a novel of faith and love. Will they have enough faith and love to make their ideas come to life? I give this book a 5/5. I was given a book. These are my opinions.

The Proving by Beverly Lewis Book Review

About

"Mandy, you are to inherit the farmhouse, including the business of the inn."

She could scarcely find her voice to respond. "Ach, this must be a mistake," she told him, shaking her head as she talked into the phone, feeling befuddled. "The house . . . and everything related to the inn . . . shouldn't that go to Arie Mae?"
After five years as an Englisher, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind--or that the inn's clientele expect an Amish hostess! Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?

My Review:

Author Beverly Lewis writes very beautiful stories and this is another very enjoyable one. "The Proving", is about a young lady who decided to leave her Amish family and become an Englisher.  She has been gone 5 years when she learns her mother has died and left her an Inn. Amanda  has to show that she is able to run it or she will lose it and she only has a year to do it. Everyone loves this Inn. Will she be able to run it? Will she know what to do? What happens if no one will accept her anymore because of what she has done? What was her mother even thinking? I give this book a 5/5. I was given this book for a review and these are my opinions.

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THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis (www.beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New...

   
   

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere Book Review

About

London, 1879

Forced to Leave All She Loves Behind, She Seeks a New Life in a City Bursting with Opportunity, But Fraught with Danger
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don't catch up with her.

After a hand injury forces Nate Moran from his army regiment in India, he returns home to London, a place that holds bitter memories. He agrees to fill in temporarily as a stagehand while his brother recuperates from a broken leg, but Nate is counting down the days until he can rejoin his regiment. His future is decided--until he meets a beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate yearns to leave behind.


My review;
Nate Moran was in the army in India but when he is hurt he is sent home. He decides to help his brother because he has broken his leg and then he wants to go back in the service. He happens to meet Rosalyn Bernay and his life is going to change. She has nothing but thank goodness she is able to get a job. She likes to sing and she also is a musician so she really starts to like it. What will happen when they meet and they are from 2 different worlds. Will they find each other? Will they have a future/ I give this book a 4/5. I was given a copy. These are my opinions.

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THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Jennifer Delamere

   Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award...

   Continue reading about Jennifer Delamere
2. 
   

The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis Review

About

Oh, to see the ocean, Sallie thought. And to spend the summer as a nanny. She shook her head in amazement. This seemed too good to be true, but she really must talk it over with Dat and Mamm, especially since she'd be gone so long. 
And after I promised Mamm I'd take baptism classes this summer . . .
The Ebb Tide

Sallie Riehl has dreamed of traveling at least once before settling down to join church, so she is thrilled at an unexpected summer opportunity to nanny in Cape May for a well-to-do family. However, saying even a temporary good-bye to Paradise Township means forgoing baptism another year, as well as leaving behind a would-be beau. Yet the weeks in Cape May soon prove unforgettable as Sallie meets a Mennonite young man whose friendship she quickly begins to cherish. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will she only find what her heart is longing for back home?

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THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis (www.beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in twelve languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New...

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

.

My Review:

This is a great story about not knowing what you miss until it is gone. I liked that she gave up her dreams to help others in need. It was really a sweet gesture in the beginning of the book that set the tone for what kind of character Sallie was going to be. The job as a nanny is not always fun. I was recently asked if I would ever foster kids, and I said that I did not want to have to say goodbye. I do not know how Sallie decides what to do. To stay in Cape May or go back home? There was a part that I thought was obvious. Of course her beau would be someone that would be a perfect fit for her, and I guessed as much. I did not guess how their "courtship" would be and if they would make it. With family on her mind, love in her heart and a new family that she has come to love all on the line, what will she choose? Who else will it benefit? Who will it hurt? This was a great story, and the title is also a great fit. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy, however all opinions are my own. 

From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling Book Review

The final novel in the bestselling Blessing, North Dakota, saga! When the women of Blessing decide to give Toby Valders a push to propose to Deborah MacCallister, their matchmaking scheme yields unexpected results. Facing a crossroads in her life, Deborah finds she is no longer certain which path she should choose.

My review;
Toby Valders has been told that he should propose to Deborah MacAllister but maube it is not should a good idea after all. The is the last book in this great series. Blessing, North Dakota is a wonderful place to live. How is she going to decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life? Maybe Toby has waited to long and he has lost her forever? I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for a review and these are my opinions.

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan Book Review

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

When Beth Thatcher returns to Coal Valley, she has much to be thankful for: her school is expanding, and she hopes to marry the man she loves in the spring. But soon, a new teacher who openly rejects God gives her cause for concern, as do new challenges in her relationship with Jarrick.


My review;

Authors Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan have written another great story. Elizabeth Thatcher has come back to Coal Valley after she has been with her family who are somewhere else. She is going back to her students and her friends. One of them is Jarrick Thornton a Mountie who she thinks is going to ask her to marry him. She does not like the fact however, that he is always away from home. Beth believes that he should be around more. Beth is not at all certain what she is going to do. Beth is trying to be strong but, will that be enough for them to have any kind of future? I am giving this book a 4/5, and all opinions are mine.

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould

Amish Sweethearts by Leslie Gould

Best friends and high school sweethearts Zane Beck and Lila Lehman may be neighbors, but they come from different worlds. When Lila’s father arranges an Amish suitor to court her, Zane enlists in the army—unwilling to watch. Although separated by years and distance, their feelings, now hidden, never fade. But will these two ever find a way to be together?

This book called "Amish Sweethearts" by author Leslie Gould answers a question. Can people love each other even though they have both gotten older and had different experiences? Zane has always loved Lila but, when it looked like they would not be together Zane goes in the army. Years and years have gone by. They are two very different people, even more so now. Can two hearts heal and get back to each other? What will their future hold? I really liked this book and so will any reader who believes in second chances. I give this book a 4/5, I was given this book for a review and these are my opinions.

From the Start by Melissa Tagg Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley. Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before. While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she's also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever (not that she's biased), watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next story. She's passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

My review;

I just finished reading "From the Start" by Melissa Tagg.  Kate Walker writes  screenplays for made-for-TV movies. Her own love life has been horrible but, she always thought that happy ever after was true. She decides to go home to Maple Valley and try something different.   Colton Greene used to be a NFL quarterback until he was injured. He is staying in Maple Valley with a  friend.  Colton does everything in a big way and Kate is slower. They start to work together and try to do things in a new way. Can this be the beginning they both need? I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for a review and all opinions are mine.

The Love Letters by Beverly Lewis Book Review

About

Marlena needed time to let things sink in. It was beyond her how all this could possibly work out--adding the care of an infant to her daily routine. Fortunately, it would just be until Luella returned home from the hospital and was stronger.No more than a couple weeks, surely.

Marlena Wenger's life takes an unexpected turn on the day she learns she must care for her estranged sister's baby. Spending the summer in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, to assist her Mennonite grandmother, and miles from Marlena's Old Order Amish beau, she feels out of her element in nearly every respect. Yet Marlena determines to do her best and stay focused on her future, even as those hopes become drastically altered.

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THE AUTHOR

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has...

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

My review;



I just finished reading, "The Love Letters" by Beverly Lewis. This novel is a story of family love, loyalty and faith. When Marlena Wenger has to go and take care of her sister's baby after she has a car accident,  she cannot wait to go back home. But, what will she do if that doesn't happen? Will her life ever be the same? I  really love all books by Beverly Lewis and I liked this one to. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

The Secret of Pembooke Park by Julie Klassen Book Review

As secrets come to light at the abandoned manor house Pembrooke Park, will Abigail find the hidden treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?

My review;

I just finished reading, The Secret of Pembrooke Park and I really liked it. I have read other books by author Julie Klassen and I liked all of them. I love historical romances and this one was great. The novel has both mystery and romance, a great combination. Abigail has always felt that she might end up a spinster. She even thinks that if she can help save her families financial problems and gets a bigger dowry she will finally get married. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review from Bethany House and all opinions are my own.

Heaven Touching Earth by James Stuart Bell Review

Heaven Touching Earth: True Stories of Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters compiled by James Stuart Bell God Is Closer Than You Might Think A thin curtain separates the physical world from the unseen spiritual realm. And sometimes God pulls it back to give us a glimpse of the other side. In Heaven Touching Earth, ordinary people share more than forty all-new stories of miracles, healing, divine provision and protection, and encounters with angels and demons. These true, uplifting stories will remind you that even when you don't see obvious evidence of God at work in your life or get quick answers to prayer, there is a loving Father who protects and provides and is always working on your behalf in the invisible realm. Whether you're simply curious about the supernatural world or longing for a fresh experience of God's presence, these inspiring stories will touch your heart and strengthen your faith in the God of miracles. My Review: This was a wonderful book that inspired me. My dad has died and I loved reading the stories about angels and encounters. I feel as though my dad is always with me and this book confirmed that. My favorite story was Angel on route 495. I believe in angels and after reading this book you might too. What is nice is that there is a story for everyone. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Bethany House, however all opinions are my own.

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden Review

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

In the shadow of the nation's capital, Kate Livingston holds a respectable position as a government statistician when she encounters a rival from her past, the insufferable Trevor McDonough. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and she's bewildered at the way he suddenly seeks her out. Surprising even herself, Kate agrees to Trevor's entirely unexpected and risky proposal to work side-by-side with him in his quest to rid the world of tuberculosis, a contagious and deadly disease.

As Kate begins to unlock the mysteries of Trevor's past, she realizes there is much more to him than she could have imagined. His hidden depths may fascinate her, but his most closely guarded secrets and a shadowy enemy lurking in the background carry a serious threat to their future.

When the truth of the past comes out, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear, how will Trevor and Kate ever overcome all that stands in their way?

My Review:
I started reading Elizabeth Camden this past year or so, and I am so glad I did. This author rights about love stories that are affected by history. However she does not take a general war or era. She takes a specific cause and integrates the area, time period and characters seamlessly. I love that this book was about people trying to find a cure for an illness in a time before hospitals (at least not like what we think of today), and before such medical discoveries as tetanus vaccines, the pacemaker, and even before Aspirin. The author did a great job of keeping in the period and I learned a lot about what doctors and nurses went through to help others.
That is not all. This book also had a love story between 2 characters that seemed destined to be together. I am a competitive person and I was hoping that Kate would win the competition against Trevor. It was like reading an episode of Jeopardy. When they meet up again Trevor asks for her office skills and Kate is not sure she wants to go down that road again. Fate has other plans and these two souls end up working together. There are so many good moments in this book that I could go on forever. I do not want to spoil it. I do want to mention Trevor's secret though. It made me mad, like Kate, but it also made me respect him! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from Bethany House, however all opinions are my own.

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering Review

Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering

Answering a plea for help from an old flame, Drew and his fiancée Madeline discover murder—and more—behind the scenes of a theater production.

My Review:
The mysteries of the 1930's at their best. The characters are appropriate and so is the plot. I can not wait to read more from this author. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis Review

Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

Desperately clinging to the hope of finding her long-lost daughter, will Kelly miss out on the chance to find love—and a family—once more?

My Review:

This book was written by that fantastic authors Beverly Lewis and David Lewis.  What a nightmare Kelly has had to endure for many years. Her infant daughter was taken away from her and sold.  Everywhere she goes, everything she does is all because she is trying to finally find her daughter.  What mother would not move heaven and earth to find their child?  While she is trying to find her daughter there is mystery, suspense and romance. What will Kelly do if she cannot find daughter, what will she do when and if she does?  I give this book a 4/5.  I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

The Princess Within for Teens: Discovering Your Royal Inheritance by Serita Ann Jakes

It's time to get ready for the ball. Girls of all ages want to feel like Cinderella at the ball. But maybe you feel more like Cinderella before the ball—overlooked, inadequate, hurting, maybe even used and abused. Sometimes it's hard to feel beautiful, in God's eyes or your own, when something or someone has robbed you of your inner beauty. Serita Ann Jakes understands those feelings. She knows how past failures and present hurts can prevent you from realizing your true identity in Jesus Christ. She has helped hundreds of girls work through personal struggles, and now she wants to help you. Whether you're struggling with poor self-esteem, difficult friendships, family problems, secret shame, or something else, above all, she wants you to know, You are a princess—a daughter of the King! Serita Ann's insights and encouragement will give you the courage and strength to shed your tattered rags and find your inner princess—and to walk in confidence as a young woman who knows her true beauty comes from a Christ-honoring life. My Review: I never thought of myself as a princess, however like the author says we are all daughters of the King. This is a great book for all teenage girls. Being a teen is hard, and this author wants you to be an inner princess, so you can have a princess life. This book had great ideas and I even am going to use some of the author's suggestions. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Bethany House, however all opinions are my own.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson book review

What would you do for $10 million?
What would you do if your parents left you a deposit slip with a $10 million deposit on it?
What would other people do to get your $10 million?

I asked myself these questions as I read this book. This book is about a woman who finds a Deposit slip on it from her fathers safe deposit box in the amount of $10 million. However when she goes to the bank they tell her it is a fake.
She left town only to come back and deal with all this drama. She starts looking for an attorney and someone recommends the account to lawyer Jared Neaton. Jared is not financially stable and has just lost a very big case. He was also from the same town where the bank is, but he took left only to come back for this deposit slip.
If Jared can win the case, then he will use the money to stabilize his firm.
Jared uses everything his has in his reach to win, he even moves back in with his estranged father.
As the judge allows a trial and the trial gets closer, the town's web of lies starts to come undone. Jared stays awake many many night to prepare for depositions. Finally Jared's secretary finds a huge break in the case, but will everyone survive to prove it to the judge?

I liked this book. It was a good mystery and I never thought of what the big break was. I was surprised. I also liked that there were no loose ends and the end of the book answered all of the questions I had.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House to review. However all opinions are my own.

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox book review

Can a woman in 1881 help the Pinkerton Detective Agency solve a crime? Ellie Moore proves to the agency that she can trick them, so they give her a chance to solve a real crime. Ellie travels to Arizona to help miners find who is stealing from them. However she is not herself. At first she uses her skills as an actress to be Lavinia Stewart. As Lavinia she plays a gray haired widow that gets into everyone else's business. She asks questions and and most people think that she is just lonely.  When the agency contacts her about the person she was supposed to be traveling with, Ellie decides that she can be more then just Lavinia. She then disguises herself as Jessie Monroe, a much younger and daring character. Jessie goes places that Lavinia would not dare to go. Jessie also gets more information out of the men of the town, because of her beauty.
One of the Mine owners Steven Pierce is indeed attracted to Ellie, but he does not know her true identity. As Ellie uses both characters to get more and more information, she puts herself in more and more danger.
This was a very nice romantic suspense novel. It was also nice to go back to 1881 Arizona. The thieves try to scare Ellie at first, but then they get more assertive. Ellie is not safe, no matter who she dresses as. Without giving away the end of the book, I must say that it had a non climatic ending. Old enemies proved helpful, and Ellie told certain people who she really was.
All in all this was a very fun to read book. I enjoyed when Ellie had to use both characters in a short period of time.
I was given a copy of this book to read by Bethany House. However all opinions are my own.

Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters book review

I was given the book Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters; Real-life Stories of Supernatural Events compiled James Stuart Bell for the purpose of this review from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It was uplifting and reminded me that there are angels out there watching over us. Even though we do not see them. The book has 44 different short stories and is very easy to read. whether you have time to read 5 stories at once or just one, you are able to read at your own pace.

My favorite story was The Lasagna Multiplication Miracle by Beverly LaHote Schwind. This is a story about a community that is deep in superstition and is not ready to go to church and embrace God. So missionaries go to them and host a Lasagna dinner that will also give clothes and shoes to the needy. Because there is such a lack of church involvement only 1 tray of lasagna is made, enough to feed 20 people.
People kept coming and coming. Workers ate, and ate. The clothes and shoes were gone. Over 60 people had ate out of the lasagna tray for 20. There was also enough left over for the servers at the end. God had once again multiplied food for his followers, like the bread and fish from the Bible.
I liked this story because it reminded me that the Bible is accurate.

I also liked this book because it is a compilation from different contributors. Each story is told from a different view, and keeps the book interesting.