Book Review: Where Trust Lies

From the Back:

She loves her friends and students in the West, but family obligations have called her home. Where does she truly belong?
After a year of teaching in the Canadian West, Beth Thatcher returns home to her family. She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday--a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the United States. Hoping to reconnect with her mother and her sisters, Beth agrees to join them, but she quickly realizes that things have changed since she went away, and renewing their close bond is going to be more challenging than she expected.

There's one special thing to look forward to--letters and telephone calls from Jarrick, the Mountie who has stolen her heart. The distance between them is almost too much to bear. But can she give her heart to Jarrick when it will mean saying good-bye to her family once again--and possibly forever? And will she still want to live in the western wilds after the steamship tour opens up a world of people and places she never imagined?

Then comes a great test of Beth's faith. Someone in her family has trusted the wrong person, and suddenly everything Beth knows and loves is toppled. Torn between her family and her dreams, will Beth finally discover where her heart truly belongs?

A companion story to Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series!

My Reflections:

Janette Oke was my first taste of Christian fiction, having been brought up on contemporary fiction It was like a whole new world for me to read clean and wholesome books with a story line that supported my new found faith.

Oke's novels always left me with anticipation for the next book in the sequel. I would eagerly rush to the library and check out my book in a hurry then rush right home and get busy reading. Oh the care free days before responsibilities and deadlines :-)

Having missed out on reading book one, I felt a little lost on some of the background information, so I reading these books in order would be your best bet. I did however quickly find myself immersed into the story and was able to make perfect sense of the plot and cast of characters. It is a fairly quick and straightforward read, with everything you would come to expect with a Oke novel.
With this book you can expect solid morals, family unity, romance and of course the foundations of faith are strong throughout the entirety of the story.

 This book is co written by Janette's daughter Laural Oke Logan who must have the same writing genius flowing through her veins, because it reads just like I remember, seamless and satisfying.

Beth Thatcher grew up privileged but has spent time teaching in Coal Valley, the people of this small town have stolen her heart along with a certain young man named Jack she fondly calls, Jarrick. But upon her return home her mother surprises her with the trip of a lifetime. Is she ready to leave when she has just returned?

 Never the less, Beth is whisked away onto her adventure, along the way finding others to pass the time with. When the unthinkable happens Beth must find the courage to keep her faith intact, and support those who she loves most.

Truly a sweet read. I highly recommend purchasing this book for your Janette Oke collection. I know I will be keeping this book to pass onto my girls when they are ready for young adult fiction.

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf Martin Communications. Thank you Graf Martin!

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The Authors

1. 

   Janette Oke

   Bestselling author Janette Oke (pronounced "oak") is celebrated across the world for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. She is credited with launching the modern era of inspirational fiction with the publication of her first...
   

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2. 

   Laurel Oke Logan

   Laurel Oke Logan, daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novel Dana's Valley, which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and...
   

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Book Review: Sabotaged

From the Back:

Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena
Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest ThreatGrowing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life--but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

Pettrey is the Winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense

My Reflections:

The finale to the Alaskan Courage series is in my opinion a highly recommended read. This book wraps up the story of the McKenna family perfectly. Although I would certainly start with book one and work your way down, this could be read as a stand alone as the author does a superb job of filling in back ground details as the book progresses.

This last book focuses on Reef McKenna, although he is not the youngest of the clan he is certainly lacking in maturity. His footloose and carefree attitude often are to his detriment.
Reef's childhood friend Kirra find themselves once again thrown together, this time to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of Kirra's cousin Meg.

Kirra's uncle, Frank is forced to give up his place in the annual Iditarod race he is competing in to enter a whole new race to find his missing daughter Meg. Is there more to this disappearance than meets the eye?

 Kirra and Reef just so happen to be volunteering at this very race and decide to team up and investigate the disappearance of Kirra's cousin. Along with the McKenna siblings they head into uncharted territories to try to save the day.

Along the way the main characters experience an attraction to each other, and must overcome past hurts that get in the way.

All in all this book is a winner, the action is intense and the romance is clean, albeit a little sappy, but just the same, sweetly endearing. The plot is intricate enough to keep you entertained and it ends with a great message of faith. I must say I was a little sad to say farewell to this family, but I am optimistic that Pettrey may incorporate some of the McKenna characters into her new series... One can only hope!

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communication. Thank you so much Graf-Martin!

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The Author

1. 

   © Michael Pettrey Photography

   Dani Pettrey

   Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release,...
   

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Book Review: Deadly Echoes

From the Back:

After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school.

Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.

My Reflections:

Mehl has penned another roller-coaster of a suspense with her newest book "Deadly Echoes."

Her newest book was a complete hit with me, having read it in record time I could not wait to see how the book finished. Deadly Echoes has it all, heart tugging drama, romance, suspense, redemption and even a little small town Amish charm.

Sarah learns of her sisters death and not only has to face the fact that she will be her nieces only surviving relative, but also has to take up the torch of finding her sister's killer.

Sarah has never been able to shake the feeling that she was second best, overlooked by prospective adoptive parents, her sister Hannah was adopted effortlessly. Years later the hurt and past still plague Sarah. The chance to step out of her sister's shadow is just withing reach, but she must also find her sister's killer. Is the past tied to the present? Were her parents murdered by the very same person?

I so enjoyed all the characters in this novel, although I was able to suspect who done it, I was pleasantly surprised by a few of the plot twists. Overall a fabulous read!

Highly recommend this one, if you are looking for a little adrenaline and drama.

I was given this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications. Thank you so much Graf-Martin!

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The Author

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Nancy Mehl

   Nancy Mehl is the author of eighteen books and received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their...
   

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Book Review: Beyond All Dreams

From the Back:

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for their futures

My Reflections:

Beyond all Dreams is another winner form Elizabeth Camden! A wonderfully penned story centering on the struggles women had in the 1890's. Women fighting for what they believed in, at time when the Spanish- American relations were teetering on the brink of disaster. I so enjoyed the historical aspect of this story, it is a rare ability to be able to write with such clarity and keep the fictional aspect of the story engaging, and even adding humour to the mix.

Anna O'Brien the heroine of this story is an orphan. She has been reared by her aunt and uncle after her father was killed on the Culpepper during a fierce hurricane.
Anna finds satisfaction working in the map room, but one day in her usual duties she discovers an error on the reporting of the very ship her father was on when he died. Can she find the answers to her questions? who can she trust? with these startling discoveries Anna remains rooted in the past, will she ever be set free to life out the rest of her days in peace?

Luke Callahan is quite taken with quiet shy Anna, is it because he can see the pain that hides behind her eyes, and recognizes the hurt he also carries? Can this self assured congressman possibly attract  Anna?

Beyond All Dreams is a fetching, romantic historical fiction you will absolutely love to sink into. Perhaps this will be a cozy way to spend your valentines day? Fabulous!

I received this book free of charge from Graf Martin Communications in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Graf Martin!

About THE AUTHOR:

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Elizabeth Camden

   Elizabeth Camden is the award-winning author of four books, including Against the Tide (2012), winner of a RITA Award, Christy Award, and Daphne du Maurier Award. With a master's in history and a master's in library science, she is a research librarian by day...

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Book Review: Motivate Your Child

 

From The Back:

We need a parenting revolution!

Most parenting approaches end up encouraging children to ask the wrong questions about life: What’s in it for me? Are you going to pay me for that? What’s the minimum I need to do to get by?
But God’s Word gives us a better way to parent, one that builds strong internal motivation in children.

When parents change the way they parent, kids change the way they live. This practical book explores a theology of internal motivation and then gives parents real-life solutions to equip their kids for life.
You’ll learn . . . 

•  how to parent in ways that build internal motivation so that kids don’t have to rely on you to get things done.

•  the four promptings of the conscience and how to coordinate your parenting to take advantage of them.

•   ways to energize your spiritual training with fun and creativity.

•   how to help children respond to mistakes instead of blaming, defending, or justifying.

The greatest gift you can give your child is strong moral and spiritual development—this book shows you how. Every chapter includes practical examples of families applying the Bible to their current issues.
Join the revolution!

My Reflections:

I have read so many parenting books, really too many. Regardless I keep striving to build onto the skills I have, and learn new fresh ideas to inspire and motivate me to help launch my kids into the life God created them to live.

The principals of this book are biblical and seem to make sense to me on so many levels. There are practical examples illustrated with straight forward language.

Teaching kids to live with integrity and conscience are tools that every parent should have in their back pocket. This is a resource that hits the nail on the head, you won't want to miss out on the great advice and wisdom these authors have to share.

The beginning of this book focuses on moral development, and touches on topics like internal motivation, conscience, correction, integrity, compassion and consequences.

The second half focuses on the practical aspects of spiritual development. Topics like God's plan, Family time, Relationships, Leading children to Christ and more. It really brings it all together. I absolutely love how this book focuses on a family unit and on how we all need to work together as a family, no matter what YOUR family looks like. A very practical approach considering the world we live in today. There is no perfect family and I enjoyed the fact that this book broached the touchy subject of Solo parenting.

All in all a solid book with many great parenting ideas, I will be going through this one again and highlighting the dog eared pages for further study. You know it's a keeper when you read a self help book twice or more!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from  Book Look Bloggers Program, thank you so much Book Look!

About the Authors:

Dr. Scott Turansky

Scott Turansky has been a pastor and missionary for more than 33 years and is an author of several books. In addition to pastoring full time, Scott also conducts parenting seminars on Saturdays around the United States (http://www.effectiveparenting.org/). He is the cofounder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting (www.biblicalparenting.org) and has co-authored four books.

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Joanne Miller, R.N.
Joanne Miller is a pediatric nurse with 26 years of experience and the cofounder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting. She is the coauthor of seven parenting books.

Book Review: Esther Royal Beauty

From The Back:

When an ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews, an inexperienced young queen must take a stand for her people.

When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart.

My Reflections:

Angela Hunt is one of my favorite go to authors, and as of late her books tend to be geared more towards contemporary fiction. I was completely thrilled to see her newest book Esther Royal Beauty, be released this month.

Esther is one of my favorite stories from my youth, I mean what young woman doesn't love a story about a common girl becoming a queen?

Orphaned at a young age Hadassah AKA Esther, is yearning for something more. Esther's cousins Mordecai and Miriam try to shelter their young ward, and teach her their ways. We journey along side Esther as she transforms from a somewhat self centered and shallow youth to a blossoming woman who displays incredible strength and wisdom.

Though most people know this story Hunt has the unique ability to convey the facts, while bringing depth and vitality to her characters. I absolutely loved that this story is told by both Esther and Harbonah, (the kings eunuch.) With Harbonah's point of view we get details that would be impossible to weave into this story without his portrayal. This was a very creative and dynamic component to this book. Brilliant!

I would definitely recommend this book for enjoyment and reading pleasure. The story is factual and follows closely to the Biblical account, obviously embellished for fictional retelling you get the sense that Hunt has indeed done her research. Such a joy to read this one!

I received this book free of charge, from Graf-Martin communications in return for my honest review. Thank you so much Graf-Martin!

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About The Author:

1. 

   Angela Hunt

   With nearly five million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Tale of Three Trees, The Note, and The Nativity Story. Angela's novels have won or been nominated for several...
   

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