I’m Nuts About Books – Are You?

Recently Stephanie from Graf-Martin Communications and the Nuts About Books program shared a video and a question with bloggers in the monthly newsletter.  First, here is the video by Jocelyn Green, author of “The Mark of the King” (read my review for this book here).  Isn’t it a delight?!

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Certain to Become a Classic

From the moment I saw the title and read the synopsis, I was enthusiastic to read “The Mark of the King” by Jocelyn Green, and could hardly wait for Bethany House to release it. When the opportunity came to review the novel, I was delighted! While it wasn’t quite what I had been expecting, in many ways it was even better. Powerful and engaging writing, vibrant imagery, and unforgettably dynamic characters combine to make this book a classic in the making. It wasn’t an easy story to read, nor was it a light, humorous, or “happy” novel, but it was powerful. Oh my, was it powerful. . . Continue reading

Disappointing, To Say the Least

When the first two books in a series are enjoyable, humorous, inspirational, and contain clean Christian content, isn’t it a logical conclusion to assume the third book will continue in a similar direction? I thought so… But I was proven wrong – quite wrong. “An Uncommon Courtship” is the third book in the “Hawthorne House” series written by Kristi Ann Hunter and published by Bethany House. Because each of these books are closely connected with each other, and the characters are recurring, it is easy to imagine the excitement of a new release. Equally easy to imagine is the disappointment when expectations remain unmet. Continue reading

A Beautiful Conclusion to a Fantastic Series – guest review by Hayley

img_0142Oh dear… the time has come. The last book of the “Waves of Freedom” series has finally been released, and what a finale it is. But – that’s just it. It’s the end to a series that truly does proud the Christian fiction genre. While I’ve “patiently” waited for this book ever since reading the previous two in the series, it is heartbreaking to realize that the stories of Jim and Mary, Arch and Lillian, and Dan and Quintessa have come to a finish. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and these books were definitely a very good thing. Continue reading

Julie Klassen’s First Series

289895_innkeeperofivyhill_slider“Welcome to the English village of Ivy Hill, where friendships thrive, romance blossoms, and mysteries await. . . .” With these words, celebrated Inspirational Regency Romance author Julie Klassen invites us to step into the world of her first-ever series entitled “Tales from Ivy Hill”. The first book of this much-anticipated new series, “The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill”, released in December of 2016 from Bethany House, with sequels to follow in December of 2017 and 2018. If you have previously enjoyed such memorable Klassen novels as “The Dancing Master” and “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”, let me just say this series is one you won’t want to miss… Continue reading

Great Writing + Humor + Mystery = A Delightful Story!

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What fun it is to read a novel by a new-to-you author, enjoy the story immensely, and then discover that author has already written numerous other books! This was the case for me with a new Bethany House book entitled “For the Record”, written by Regina Jennings. Set in the fictional town of Pine Gap, Missouri, this book is filled with the unique flavor of Ozark mountain life in the 1880s. Despite the unique setting, however, it still contains all that fans of Inspirational Historical Romances love and expect from their favorite genre. Continue reading

A Fascinating but Violent Conspiracy

conspiracy-of-silence-headerThe first book in Ronie Kendig’s new series, “The Tox Files”, is not for the faint of heart. “Conspiracy of Silence” is a heart-thumping book packed with action, surprise, and extreme danger on nearly every page. Of course, when the back cover of the book states “This is the way the world ends”, excitement should be expected. Adding a unique twist, this novel integrates history, specifically Biblical history, as well. “Study the past to define the future” is a quote by Confucius, and as an epigraph before the prologue, it opens up “Conspiracy of Silence” with on-target precision. Continue reading

Live Life “Without Rival”

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Do you want to live a life without rival? Although I had never identified it in quite those terms before, a new book from Revell helped me realize that my answer was, indeed, yes! “Without Rival: Embrace Your Identity and Purpose in an Age of Confusion and Comparison” is the newest book written by bestselling author Lisa Bevere. With love, humor, and an upbeat writing style, “Without Rival” drew me in from the first page and helped me look at many aspects of Christian life with refreshing and often exciting insight. Continue reading

An Unforgettable Story of Faith

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Lynn Austin is a master at the art of writing. Her newest Christian Historical Fiction novel from Bethany House to showcase her skills was released in the winter of 2016. “Waves of Mercy” is a sweeping tale of love, loss, and faith that spans multiple generations and captures the hearts and minds of readers from the first page. Continue reading

Book #2 of an Unforgettable Series

the-cottage-imageI just finished one of the best books I’ve read in 2016, written by my all-time favorite author Michael Phillips. This story will hold a treasured place on my bookshelf, as well as in my heart, always. What book am I referring to? Well, it is the second in a Bethany House series called the “Secrets of the Shetlands”, which began in May 2016 with “The Inheritance”. The newest installment, which I just finished reading, is called “The Cottage”. Finally, the series will be wrapped up next summer with “The Legacy”. (And I can’t wait!) Each of these books is very closely interwoven, and picks up almost immediately after the previous book comes to a close. Continue reading