Monday 29 August 2016

Book Review: No Way Up

From the Back:

The Fight for the Cimarron Ranch Has Just Begun!
When Cimarron Ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, only the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Before leaving by train to receive treatment to save his leg--and possibly his life--Chance demands that Heath read the patriarch's will and see its conditions enforced immediately. If Chance's three bickering adult children, Justin, Sadie, and Cole, don't live and work at the ranch for an entire year, ownership of the ranch will pass to a despised distant relative.

Before long, however, Heath discovers that the avalanche may have been intentionally set--and that more danger lurks ominously. Finding his own future--and a desired future with Sadie--locked up in saving the Cimarron Ranch, Heath and the Boden siblings must work together against outside forces that threaten them all.

My Reflections:

No way Up is Book one in Mary Connealy's newest addition, aptly named The Cimarron Legacy. 
chuck full of sweet romance,  dust billowing action and laugh out loud humor this novel certainly lived up to my top favorite author list. Although I may be a tad bias as I have read every single book Connealy has written and loved each and every one of them. 

This author has a way of writing that pulls the reader in. She writes with depth and forethought as her novels are woven like a fine tapestry seamlessly meshing into the next books. This series is no different, you will notice subtle little clues dispersed throughout the story which I am guessing will be later foretold in future novels.

The dust gets kicked up from the get go when three grown siblings try to pull it together to save the family ranch.  
Strong and tough as nails Sadie, will not wait around for a man to do a job she can do better, even if that man has a tender heart for her.
Heath is such a fine example of a "hero." Good character, upstanding citizen, and fearless beyond reason, however, he must try and woo a damsel who wants to do everything on her own terms. No simple task, luckily Heath has enough to keep him busy, as this cowgirl will not be roped with the flick of a wrist.

Mystery surrounds the Boden family and it is up to Heath to unbind the noose that is entangling this family, can he figure out the source before it's too late? Can these siblings, Sadie, Cole and Justin  stop bickering long enough so that they can work as a family team?

I am eager to read book two in this series, well done Mary Connealy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc


THE AUTHOR


  1. Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

    Mary Connealy

    Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas,...
    Continue reading about Mary Connealy

Friday 26 August 2016

Book Review: What Matters Most

From the Back:

Just when she can't take it anymore, Leta finally catches a break. But when things seem too good to be true, they often are.
Finding her dream job went right out the window when Leta Breckenridge had to quit school to help care for her mother suffering from dementia. When a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta is thrilled to land a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her seemingly ideal job turns into a nightmare when she learns the firm is a front for a political opposition organization--and that the research she's been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she's swiftly falling in love with.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He's already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician's wife, but he's never met anyone like Leta. Could
 this feisty woman hold the key to his heart--and his future?

With emotional depth and keen insight into what drives us, Kellie Coates Gilbert offers a salient story that calls us to consider what we value most in this life.
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal and the author of A Woman of FortuneWhere Rivers Part, and A Reason to Stay. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband. Learn more at www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.

My Reflections:

Kelly Coates weaves a dynamic tale filled with suspense, political drama and a thread of scandal. 

Our protagonist Leta Breckenridge has relinquished her dreams of completing her education as a landscape architect, in order to take on unsatisfying low paying jobs to pay for a care home for her mother who is inflicted with dementia.

Struggling to make the payments she receives the news that her past due account at the care home will cause her to find other arrangements. 
Then she backs into a car. A car with a very handsome, important driver. One she hopes she will bump into again, perhaps with less damage! 


The light at the end of the tunnel seems to shine brightly when Leta lands a job at the Ladd Agency. A place where she can shine and show off her researching abilities. Although something seems to be off with her new job...


Such a fabulous book filled with twists and turns. I loved how the author Kelly Coates snags you from the first page. The book has a faced paced cadence, that seriously makes you want to put your life on hold until you flip the last page. If you enjoy contemporary fiction I would recommend you check this one out!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc




THE AUTHOR


  1. Kellie Coates Gilbert

    Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, and the author of A Woman of Fortune and Where Rivers Part. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas,...
    Continue reading about Kellie Coates Gilbert

Thursday 25 August 2016

Book Review: Miracle in Music City



From the Back:

In this third title in the Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series by Natalie Grant, Miracle in Music City, the Glimmer Girls are at it again—looking for a mystery to solve. Gloria wants her daughters to learn they aren’t too young to make a difference, so she gets them involved in her annual benefit and auction. But as things often do with the trio of smart and sassy sisters, they get themselves and their nanny Miss Julia involved in a lot more than just helping mom raise money for a worthy and wonderful cause.

My Reflections:

My little one loves her Glimmer Girls books and can't wait for the next in the series.


Book three has just as much excitement and adventure as Natalie Grant's previous 2 Glimmer Girls novels.

Mom Gloria Glimmer is a world traveling Christian Song bird. She gives the girls plenty of opportunity to travel and experience the life of a musician. This adventure leads the girls, Maddie and Mia to Music City, USA where the girls learn the importance of helping those in need and solving more than just mysteries. 

I love that these books promote my values. It is not over done, but subtly placed within the book so that kids see that prayer, living out our faith, doing good works and solving our family issues are of great importance in our lives. 

Overall a fabulous read for young girls, a good addition to your church library, school or personal book shelves. I am thankful for Writers like Natalie Grant, who make parenting just that little bit easier!

This book was provided free of charge in return for my honest review from Book Look Bloggers. Thank you Book Look!





Saturday 13 August 2016

Beautiful Hand Crafted Signs: WoodSea Creations

Ahh, vacations! This country girl does not get nearly enough of those in these busy months of chicken mania.
So you can imagine my elation of getting to go on a road trip with my good friend to La Conner. This quaint little town had the most antique and country style stores I have ever seen!

The start of my grand adventure started with this sign. I absolutely loved the look of it, the country feel, the ocean weathered wood...It seemed natural that I could plan a holiday around something so perfect, so we did. We saw so many wonderful pieces of art but nothing came close to this sign, I absolutely love it!

WoodSea Creations can custom make your next favorite decorative piece as well, at an affordable price.

Here are some of the signs Made by artist Janice Millar.







The quality is unsurpassed and you are guaranteed to get an original one of a kind pice of art. Janice is easy to work with and has fabulous ideas to make your custom artwork reflect your preferences and unique style.

Her work is often created from aged barn wood and weathered wood washed up on the shores of Vancouver Island beaches.

 Kids rooms, living rooms, laundry rooms, and cabin decor Janice can make your space reflect your values and sense of style!

When craving a change in decor give Janice Miller a call and see what she can create for you!

You can visit her at this Instagram link and see even more here:

https://www.instagram.com/wood.sea/






Wednesday 10 August 2016

When Calls the Heart Season #3


When Calls the Heart Season #3

Hello friends,

here is a great opportunity to get your When Calls the Heart fix. Clean, engaging movies with faith-based content. What could be better than that? 


You can watch the trailer here:


This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links


About the DVD set 

This 10 DVD set boasts the film version and the TV episode versions of the When Calls the Heart Season 3. 

10 hours of viewing pleasure, along with 5 feature films. 3 bonus discs with interviews that includes behind the scenes footage, interviews and so much more.

#Hearties fans will be thrilled to learn there is footage of a gathering that took place in Vancouver B.C. last January. Also included in this set is a trivia game devoted to the biggest /Hearties fans.


Free DVD Set for all Preorders


For everyone who preorders the Season 3 Collector’s Edition from FishFlix.com, you will receive Season 1 “Episodes” set as a free gift. 

This is a fantastic gift to give away to friends who are not yet familiar with the When Calls the Heart brand. 

With the release timed for October 11, this bonus item is a great Christmas gift for any fan of family-friendly romantic programming.



You can find the information on how to order here:





To check out this boxed set and so many more  Christian Movies   here.

      

Sunday 7 August 2016

Book Review: No Other Will Do

From the Back:

A Ladies of Harper Station Novel
She Trusts Him for the Job, 
But Can She Trust Him With Her Heart?
Men are optional. That was the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts taught her and why she established Harper's Station, a women's colony that offers a fresh start to females in need. But when a dangerous and shadowy assailant tries repeatedly to drive the women out, Emma is forced to admit they might need a man after all. One who can fight. And there is only one man she trusts enough to ask.

Malachi Shaw has finally earned the respect he's always craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's telegram arrives, he rushes back to Texas to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, Emma, Mal, and the ladies of Harper's Station must choose safety or whether to risk everything to fight for their future.
My Reflections:

As you may be aware if you follow my blog, I am a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer. Her books never disappoint, me her novels are always filled with quirky characters, engaging plots and daring drama. Her newest release "No Other Will Do" will certainly delight Witemeyer fans. 

Emma Chandler has been raised by two loving aunts who are suffragettes. The aunts help shape Emma's passion for helping women in need of love, protection, and self-reliance . 
During Emma's youth, they also take in a young boy named Malachi, a hurting and desperate youth who was fighting just to survive. 
Years later Emma is all grown up and managing a bank and a town filled with independent women seeking to better their life. When someone tries to threaten her town and terrorize the residents she calls on Malachi to come and help protect the women she feels responsible for.

Will Malachi be able to protect the town? Will he be able to keep his true feelings hidden from the only girl who holds his heart?  Will Emma figure out who is responsible for the recent attack on her little village of women? Why does being near her good friend Malachi once again feel so perfect?

An endearing story, a relaxing read. I'm not sure I would say this is my favourite read from this author but I did enjoy it never the less. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc


THE AUTHOR


  1. Photo courtesy of Amanda Carpenter

    Karen Witemeyer

    Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three...
    Continue reading about Karen Witemeyer

Friday 5 August 2016

Book Review: 21 Myths (even Good) Girls Believe About Sex


From the authour's blog:

​Are you a teen girl who is starting to date? Do you want to be in a serious relationship? Do you think you won’t be tempted to have sex, or do you think you know it all about guys and dating?

Are you a young woman who wants to save sex for marriage?  Who wants to protect your body but you don’t know how … or even why? Maybe you’ve made some choices you regret and are wondering if you too can start over.

or ….

Are you a woman facing a painful situation right now? Do you come from a broken past and need some hope for a new day?


My Review:

Written by a former model Jennifer Strickland addresses 21 Myths about sexuality in her newest book geared for young adults. 

In our culture we are steeped in sex, it is spoken, written and depicted in our environments daily sometimes hourly, from movies to magazines in the checkout, it is pretty hard to ignore the messages we absorb on such a frequent basis.
For this reason I am making it a priority in our family to openly discuss the topic of sex and our families stance on morality. 

This is by no means a guarantee that my kids will follow what we believe, our children will have to make their own way in the world, that my friends is where GRACE comes in!  

This book is definitely for teens, but reading it along with them may foster a deeper connection and results.

Jennifer Strickland offers her readers straight forward explanations to many questions teens may have, however I did feel the answers to be basic in nature, but a great starting place. There seemed to be numerous testimonies of the authors own experiences and advice which I enjoyed reading.

Lots of material is covered in 21 Myths, including Premarital sex, promiscuity, abortion, STD's,  love and more.
If you are looking to broach the subject of purity and sex with your young adult this may be a good tool to help you have an open and honest discussion, and grow into responsible adulthood.

I received this book free of charge from Babour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you so much Babour Publishing and Jennifer Strickland.



Then #21Myths is for you!

About the Author:

​Jennifer Strickland is a blessed wife and mother of three, author, speaker and founder of U R More, a ministry that teaches people their value, identity, and purpose in Christ. For fifteen years, Jennifer worked as a professional model, but the superficial world of modeling left her disillusioned and lost. While living in Europe, she found Christ, and left modeling in search of a more authentic life. Since then, she has become a dynamic conference speaker and has written several books and Bible studies, helping women of all ages find their true value. Learn more about Jennifer atwww.urmore.org.

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