Book Review: The Crimson Cord

From the Back:

"Rahab's story is one of the most moving redemption accounts in Scripture. The Crimson Cord perfectly captures all the drama of the original, fleshing out the characters with care and thought. Jill's storytelling skills kept me reading late into the night. A beautiful tale, beautifully told!"--Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the NightWife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.


Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

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My Reflections:

You won't want to miss out on reading Jill Eileen Smith's newest book The Crimson Cord. This author has really made this bible story come to life in a fictional account of what it may have been like to live in Rahab's time. You really see the dedication and effort put into this author's account, the research she must have done is astounding.

I absolutely love biblical fiction because it brings my favorite stories into focus, and sheds new light on aspects of the retelling that I may have not considered. Additionally these stories often encourage me to dig deeper into scripture to flesh out the facts.

You will be rewarded with a spectrum of emotions as you journey along Rahab and the abuse, hurt and devastation she experiences, her raw fear is palatable. This book is such a powerful reminder of God's love for us, no matter where we find ourselves in life, no matter the sin and destruction around us God is there in the midst of our propensity to fail, he forgives. period. No strings, no exclusions. God wipes our sins clean. That always astounds me, and causes me to rejoice. Because we all do wrong, no one is better than another, no ones sin is bigger, it is all the same in God's eyes. But I digress..sorry! I just get so excited about this stuff :-)

All in all go get the book, what more can I say? You certainly will not regret it, this author has such a fabulous way with words, she seriously has the gift of literary dexterity, not often displayed in writing today. So remarkable!

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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About The Author

1. 

   © Amanda Matilla Photography

   Jill Eileen Smith

   Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and the ebook novella The Desert Princess, book 1 in the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to...
   

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Book Review: The Trouble With Patience

From the Back:

"Maggie Brendan deftly captures the flavor of the Old West in a sweet love story filled with suspense and well-developed, interesting characters that will surely capture the hearts of readers."--Kathleen Morgan, author of the Brides of Culdee Creek series

Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.

Despite Patience's desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this "hanging lawman," Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye--and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.

With a keen eye for historical detail and a deft hand at romantic tension, Maggie Brendan invites you to a Montana gold rush boomtown, where vices and virtues are on full display and love is lying in wait.

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My Reflections:

The Trouble with Patience is a satisfying mellow read. It is Maggie Brendan's first novel in her new series Virtues and Vices of the Old West. Set in the old mining town of Montana we get the feel of how it may have been to be a single woman in this rough and untamed land.

After inheriting a boardinghouse from her deceased grandmother, Patience Cavanaugh is determined to make a go of it, even if she is young and unmarried. Going back and living with her overbearing mother is just not an option. Patience will have to overcome her lack of self worth and her impulsive impediments to make it in Montana's backdrop. Will she be able to hold on to the boardinghouse with such a huge task at hand? Is the fine sheriff, known for his insidious past of hangings able to lend a hand?

Jedediah Jones is the new lawman in town. Leaving behind the past reputation of the Hanging lawman he is hoping to start fresh, but can one really out run their past? Jedediah must chase down the bad guys and save the maidens in distress, that is what any good and upstanding Nevada lawman would do, right?

Rich with history and an intriguing plot mingle to make this a savory read. If you are in the mood for a heartwarming tale this one is a perfect addition to a cozy night wrapped up in a warm blanket and a cuppa tea.

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

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About The Author

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   Maggie Brendan

   Maggie Brendan is the bestselling author of several books, including the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a 2013 finalist for the Published Maggie Award of Excellence, a 2013 finalist...
   

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Book Review: The Fringe Hours

From the Back:

"The Fringe Hours is like one gigantic permission slip to carve out some space in your day for the things that give you joy and feed your soul."--Brigid Schulte, New York Times bestselling author of Overwhelmed


For the woman who is doing everything for everyone--except herself
Ever get to the end of the day and realize you did nothing for you? In this practical and liberating book, Jessica N. Turner empowers you to take back the fringe hours--those little pockets of time you already have in your day--in order to make time for your passions and practice self-care. Based on original research, The Fringe Hours helps you overcome common hurdles that prevent women from taking time for themselves regularly. You'll also discover tips for maximizing the time you have and discover how living this lifestyle makes you a better wife, mother, and friend.

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My Reflections:

Going into this book I was pretty excited to read a book that might help me carve out some much needed down time. Homeschooling my kids, working part time and running a small farm has definitely left me feeling drained and as limp as a wet rag. Time to reflect and spend with God was something I was craving, big time!

I loved the quote "time slipping through one's fingers like sand" that's just how I feel I thought to myself, that time is somehow sliding through my fingers, and no matter how hard I try to grasp it and hold on, the faster it rushes right on through. So this book was very timely and it's content so relevant to my life and stage.

The Fringe Hours offers hope for us time depleted moms, Turner offers suggestions on how to make every minute count in your day and how to turn wasted space into life giving manna. Who wouldn't want to rekindle passion for hobbies, health and spiritual well being?

My favorite chapter in this book was part three "Maximize" This chapter was all about prioritizing activities, using time efficiently, overcoming obstacles and embracing help if needed.
This chapter and honestly the whole book really spoke to my soul. I realized why I am feeling so burnt out and frazzled, I am not living the way God intended. I loved the reminder about how are time is spent, reflects what is really important to us. Wake up call...is Facebook really a reflection of  what I want to glorify in my life, I think not!

This book has many sections where the learning is reinforced with journaling and self reflecting questions to ask. Also included is a section labeled Motivation, who doesn't love to be motivated, right? A perfect blend of multi dimensional learning takes place just by reading the text, brilliant!

So if you are looking to refresh and carve out time for self growth, I highly recommend reading this book, you will most likely come away with tidbits that will encourage you to live a more fulfilled and glorifying life, I know there will be things I will be changing!

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest opinion from Graf-Martin Communications, thank you Graf-Martin!

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About The Author

1. 

   Jessica N. Turner

   Jessica N. Turner is the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative, where she documents her pursuit of cultivating a life well-crafted (www.themomcreative.com). Additionally, she is a writer for DaySpring's (in)courage, an advocate for...
   

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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

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   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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