Intriguing Premise, Disappointing Details

14353_CountedWiththeStars_sliderThe Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, as told through the eyes of a young Egyptian girl… Truly, Biblical Fiction doesn’t get any more unique than this! “Counted with the Stars”, the first book in the “Out from Egypt” series, was written by Connilyn Cossette and published by Bethany House in the spring of 2016. As you step into the pages of the story, be prepared to witness the historic plagues of Exodus, and the fascinating culture of Ancient Egypt, as never before. Continue reading

Contains (Deeply) Buried Truths

Distinctly You image“Free yourself from the burden to compare and compete.” With a tagline like this, and the title of “Distinctly You: Trading Comparison & Competition for Freedom & Fulfillment”, who wouldn’t be interested in picking up this book and seeing what it has to say? I know I couldn’t resist. Written by Cheryl Martin and published by Bethany House in the spring of 2016, “Distinctly You” attempts to teach readers how to “thrive in [their] God-given uniqueness”. The question is, does it succeed? Continue reading

Michael Phillips NEVER Disappoints!

14354-INHERITANCE_sliderThe Inheritance image“Past and present collide in master storyteller Michael Phillips’ dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace.” Undoubtedly, this beloved author truly is a master storyteller. With decades of experience and dozens of unforgettable novels to his name, it is always a pleasure to read a new book with “Michael Phillips” written on the cover. Classic, timeless tales that slowly and meaningfully unfold into incredibly detailed, interwoven, faith-filled stories are his specialty, and his newest book from Bethany House entitled “The Inheritance” is perhaps one of his finest accomplishments yet. Continue reading

Just in Time for Mother’s Day…

61j98q32hjL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_With Mother’s Day swiftly approaching, it is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the women who characterize the word “Mother” for each of us. As a tangible symbol of some of the many facets that mothers everywhere represent, a delightful little gift book has been published by Revell, and written/compiled by Amber C. Haines and Seth Haines, just in time for the special day. Looking like a little handmade scrapbook, the content of “The Mother Letters: Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggles, and Hope” is the truly precious part. As the back cover explains: “After Amber Haines had given birth to three boys in three years, her husband Seth realized the day-to-day details and drama of child rearing were overwhelming her. He secretly began collecting letters from other mothers across the world and gave these ‘mother letters’ to her as a gift.” Obviously, this book is the result. Continue reading

A Fun Choice for Country Girls at Heart – a guest review by Hayley

That's Not Hay in My Hair imageImagine moving from downtown New York City, to a middle-of-no-where Texas longhorn ranch. Sound pretty extreme? Well, that is precisely what Jules O’Connor and her mother do between the pages of Juliette Turner’s brand new novel, “That’s Not Hay in My Hair”. Continue reading

The Final Story is Always Bittersweet…

The Midwife's Dilemma imageThe bittersweet moment has come. At least, that is how I always feel when I reach the final book in a beloved series. Naturally it holds both sweetness and a touch of sorrow, good-to-see-you-agains and final goodbyes. Delia Parr’s “At Home in Trinity” series, published by Bethany House and comprised of “The Midwife’s Tale”, “The Midwife’s Choice”, and now, finally, “The Midwife’s Dilemma”, is just such a series. It draws you in, envelops you with the love and warmth of the tiny town of Trinity, and is very difficult to say farewell to. Continue reading

A Pleasant, Enjoyable Surprise!

Like Never Before imageAlthough Contemporary Romance isn’t a genre I read all the time, one new title caught my eye, and I am so glad it did! It was sweet! It was witty! It was compelling! “Like Never Before” by Melissa Tagg is actually a book from the middle of “The Walker Family” series, but I didn’t realize this when I selected it. Thankfully though, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone novel. Published by Bethany House in the spring of 2016, this enjoyable story will hold your interest throughout a uniquely woven storyline before ultimately causing you to sigh at the happily-ever-after ending. Continue reading

A Poetic, Seasonal Journey

Purifoy_RootsandSky“Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons”… In all truth, this title pretty much describes the book perfectly. Written by Christie Purifoy and published by Revell in the spring of 2016, “Roots and Sky” is indeed a “journey home”. Naturally, this journey occurs through the four seasons of a year, beginning with Fall and progressing gently, peacefully, and naturally through Winter, Spring, and Summer. Continue reading

A Sparkling, Comedic, Winsome Story

Flirtation Walk imageDo you like surprises? I know I do, if they are pleasant ones! When I first discovered Siri Mitchell’s new Historical Romance novel from Bethany House entitled “Flirtation Walk”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Delightfully, it turned out I was in for a sweet surprise. Within the first few pages it captured my imagination, and by the end of the book it had become one of my favorite historical novels so far this year. Just what was so special about the story? Well, let me share 3 of my favorite aspects with you… Continue reading

5 Reasons to Read “A Fool and His Monet”!

A Fool and His Monet header“A Fool and His Monet” is a DELIGHTFUL new book written by Sandra Orchard, and published by Revell in the spring of 2016. But don’t just take my word for it, keep reading for 5 reasons why you can’t miss this new release!

1. The storyline is unique. After all, it’s not every day that a new FBI agent must solve a dead-end case with the advice of her special-agent-wannabe Aunt Martha, a protective coworker, a mysterious yet helpful apartment superintendent, and a mother who wishes she would leave her dangerous job and work at a TUMS factory.Orchard_FoolandHisMonet

2. Simply put, the characters are practically REAL people; well drawn, quirky, and compelling, they are often hilarious in their words and mannerisms. Continue reading