Book Review: Praying for Girls

From the Back:

What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Daughter?

Do you feel uncertain about what or how to pray for your daughter? You're not alone! Praying for our daughters can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This easy-to-use book features 200 Scripture-based prayers that cover key areas of every girl's life:

Her identity--finding her security and strength in God's love and acceptance
Her heart--pursuing a life of purity and devotion to the Lord
Her mind--committing to growing in wisdom and discernment regardless of her circumstances
Her relationships--developing skills and attitudes to foster healthy relationships
Her purpose--trusting God with her life, gifts, and passions

With simple ideas to nurture your daughter's faith from toddler through teen, this encouraging book will equip you to pray with more confidence and power.

My Reflections:

Teri Underwood has hit the mark with her newest book, "Praying for Girls."

We all want to pray for those special girls in our lives, you could be a mother, aunt, grandmother, friend or church leader. This book is for you. 

Often times we have good intentions about prayer, but may become stuck in the same old day to day prayers. Underwood shakes things up a bit.

This book shares 5 main areas we may want to pray over our girls (and boys). Each of these has little sub areas where we can dig a little deeper. (see above)

I love praying scripture over my children, husband, and home. There is comfort and peace in the process, God always hears us even when our prayers are less than inspiring or just one word. Our hearts reveal more than words can ever uncover, and I know God hears all my prayers spoken aloud and in private. 

This book is a wonderful tool to deepen our prayer life and give us ideas that we may not have thought about before.

Tenderly written, Teri Underwood invites her readers to journey along side her as she covers every aspect of your girl's life and heart. I would recommend this book not only to parents of girls but parents in general as it can be applied to both boys and girls equally. Well done!

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

Teri Lynne Underwood

Teri Lynne Underwood leads Prayers for Girls, a popular online community for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to invest in praying for the girls in their lives. A frequent contributor to parenting blogs, Teri Lynne lives in northern...

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Book Review: High As The Heavens

From the Back:

A British nurse in WWI German-occupied Brussels, Evelyn Marche spends her days at the hospital and her nights working at a café . . . or so it seems. Eve's most carefully guarded secret is that she also spends her nights carrying out dangerous missions as a spy for a Belgian resistance group.

When a plane crashes as she's en route to a rendezvous, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to recognize the badly injured pilot as British RFC Captain Simon Forrester. She risks her life to conceal him from the Germans, but as the secrets between them grow and the danger mounts, can they still hope to make it out of Belgium alive?

". . . Breslin creates a tale difficult to put down until its touching, soul-satisfying ending."--RT Book Reviews on Not by Sight

My Reflections:

Kate Breslin has done it once again! The pages came alive, bringing history to life and giving this reader no rest until the last word was devoured.

The story has been told a thousand times over, the theme written about countless times, this one, however, is different. It is expertly penned. A widow longing for more of the precious time she shared with her dearly departed. That very dear dead husband showing up ...alive. 

A dangerous game to be sure, because so much had happened in the span of time when Eve thought she had lost Simon Forrester..can Eve keep the dark and profound secrets from the ones she loves because everything is on the line!

Mystery, deceit, intrigue..tragedy. If you like a book with these elements, then you will just love this one.

A heart wrenching, complex and raw read. Breslin has done a splendid job with this redemptive story centering around World War one. Perfect end of summer read!

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

Kate Breslin

A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

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Book Review: Heart On The Line

 From The Back:

When Danger Arrives, It's More Than Just Her Heart on the Line
Grace Mallory is tired of hiding. She hungers for a normal life, perhaps even a suitor like two of her friends in Harper's Station have found. But when the man she believes responsible for her father's death discovers her whereabouts, survival takes priority.

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His fellow telegrapher, the mysterious Miss G, has been the ideal companion. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--over the wire has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intends for him. However, when he intercepts an ominous message and discovers her life is in peril, Amos must shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

My Reflections:

This book has it all, romance, mystery and suspense. Witemeyer once again crafts a story that is not only enjoyable but also unfurls the image of our Father's faithful love and guidance through all life's trials and joys. The choice to follow his prompting can be fraught with doubt but the end results always bring joy and peace. I loved how Witemeyer portrayed the situation Grace found herself in and the journey that ensued. Such a complete story!

It was fantastic to revisit Harper's Station once again, the characters and setting were picturesque! The story centering around the telegraph station was such an interesting concept, what a talent the operators had to hold to converse back then.
If you are looking for a heart warming novel that will keep your interest this may just be the book you are searching for.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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...

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Book Review: The Captain's Daughter

From the back cover

London, 1879

Forced to Leave All She Loves Behind, She Seeks a New Life in a City Bursting with Opportunity, But Fraught with Danger
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don't catch up with her.

After a hand injury forces Nate Moran from his army regiment in India, he returns home to London, a place that holds bitter memories. He agrees to fill in temporarily as a stagehand while his brother recuperates from a broken leg, but Nate is counting down the days until he can rejoin his regiment. His future is decided--until he meets a beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate yearns to leave behind.

My Reflections:

The Captain's Daughter was a sweet historical fiction, laced with danger and hardships. I quite enjoyed the pace of the novel and was never left feeling bored.

I found the main character, Rosalyn Bernay to be endearing yet a tad naive considering the hardships she had faced in her life. She seemed to make the same mistakes with men over and over again. However, It all works out in the end and I suppose this progression is good for character development. Having been raised in an orphanage Rosalyn is no stranger to overcoming tough situations, she continues to bravely move forward in her life despite her many struggles.

Nate Morgan is still reeling from a past relationship, yet he is a steadfast and honorable character. I loved the stability he brought to the story. He was definitely the character you could count on to pull Rosalyn through her hardships. Nate's family was another win. They were ultra supportive and I loved their cohesive matchmaking schemes. Will Nate be able to overcome his hurt and guilt from the past in order to fully embrace his future?

This book was filled with interesting historical facts and people from the 1879's. I learned so much about the early days of theater and enjoyed delving into a subject I had not previously explored. This novel was quite a nice change of pace, a splendid summer read!

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

Jennifer Delamere

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award...

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Book Review: With You Always

From the Cover:

Could Following the Opportunity of a Lifetime Cost Them the Love of Their Lives?
One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

My Reflection:

If I did one-word reviews, this would be my word: PERFECT!

Since a one word review just can't do this book justice, I shall commence. 

Jody Hedlund's newest book series "Orphan Train" has to be the best book I have read this year! I was so taken with the drama and plot that I simply could not put this one down! The characters were endearing and oh so perfect for the era. The setting was also so interesting, I know even the setting! If you have to pick just one book for this summer, I highly recommend it be this one!

Elise Neumann has the world upon her shoulders. Tasked to care for her younger siblings and two other orphan children she must do everything in her power to protect and care for the ones she loves. She does not want to find her wee family on the streets again. For a spell, the small family takes refuge with the Seventh Street Mission, where the kindhearted Miss Pendleton takes them all in and provides them with seamstress jobs, shelter, and warm food. The Seventh Street Mission was opened to provide prostitutes with more options to better their lives. Though Elise has not yet had to degrade herself in this way, she finds it hard to fit in with the other factory women as they feel her judgment keenly.

When the economic crisis hits and seamstress jobs dry up, Elise has no other option than join the trains heading West. Armed with a good reference of character Elise joins the New York Children's Aid Society and boards a train heading to newly built towns.

Thornton Quincy's only desire is to be found acceptable and pleasing to his father. His twin brother Bradford is everything Thornton is not. This is his last chance to prove to his father that he can be just as good if not better than his brother and perhaps win his approval just this once. 

However, the "challenge" is more than he imagined, to build a thriving town, marry someone he truly loves and do all this in six months! Will Thornton actually be able to win his father's approval before it's too late? Will his heart be able to fall in love with his high class intended, or will a poor German immigrant turn his world upside down and make his look deep inside himself for the answers?

I loved everything about this book and cannot wait until Hedlund's next installment is released! I am so intrigued with the subject matter of this new series and even enjoyed reading the author's note at the back describing the era of the Orphan trains. Oh please hurry Jody Hedlund, as I don't think I can wait for your next novel! What are you doing still reading this go order your copy today!

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

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a...

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Book Review: A Stranger at Fellsworth

From the Back

Could losing everything be the best thing to happen to Annabelle Thorley?

In the fallout of her deceased father’s financial ruin, Annabelle’s prospects are looking bleak. Her fiancé has called off their betrothal, and now she remains at the mercy of her controlling and often cruel brother. Annabelle soon faces the fact that her only hope for a better life is to do the unthinkable and run away to Fellsworth, the home of her long-estranged aunt and uncle, where a teaching position awaits her. Working for a wage for the first time in her life forces Annabelle to adapt to often unpleasant situations as friendships and roles she’s taken for granted are called into question.

Owen Locke is unswerving in his commitments. As a widower and father, he is fiercely protective of his only daughter. As an industrious gamekeeper, he is intent on keeping poachers at bay even though his ambition has always been to eventually purchase land that he can call his own. When a chance encounter introduces him to the lovely Annabelle Thorley, his steady life is shaken. For the first time since his wife’s tragic death, Owen begins to dream of a second chance at love.

As Owen and Annabelle grow closer, ominous forces threaten the peace they thought they’d found. Poachers, mysterious strangers, and murderers converge at Fellsworth, forcing Annabelle and Owen to a test of fortitude and bravery to stop the shadow of the past from ruining their hopes for the future.

My Reflections:

This is the third book In the Treasures of Surrey series. Although I have not read each one, this book was easy to follow and had just enough detail that I never felt lost or uninformed in the plot.
I love Sarh E Ladd, her writing style is oh, so enjoyable, with equal parts romance and mystery. Also, the storyline never comes off gushy, or over the top, it leaves just enough to the imagination. Balance this with the exact amount of mystery, and you have a well-proportioned novel that keeps you flipping the pages well into the night. I also enjoyed Ladd's characters they are self-sufficient, strong and not overly generalized.

Annabell was a genuinely sweet character, she was courageous and adaptable even though she was accustomed to living a pampered life.
After fleeing from a deplorable situation under the provision of her uncaring brother, Annabell must learn to adapt to a whole new lifestyle. With the help of Owen Locke, she escapes to her uncle's school at Fellsworth. Finally feeling like she has found a home and family she must gain her bearings and adapt to her new role as a teacher, and work for the first time in her life.

Owen Lock wants to live a quiet, peaceful life raising his daughter and perhaps purchase a piece of land of his own. When poachers threaten to ruin everything he has worked for and a certain maiden in distress snags his attention, his whole life is set on a path of twists and turns, can he catch who is responsible, keeping Annabell safe in the process?

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good Regency-era tale!


Book has been provided courtesy of Book Look Bloggers.

Book Review: Wings Of the Wind

From the Back:

Can vengeance give way to forgiveness when one woman's destiny becomes entangled with the very enemies she sought to destroy?
Motherless and raised alongside her brothers, Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting. When her father and brothers are killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving.

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, has spent his share of time on the battlefield and is shocked to find an unconscious woman among the casualties. Compelled to bring her to a healer back at the Hebrew camp, he's unprepared for the consequences of what he intended as an act of compassion.

In order to survive, Alanah must unite with her enemy. But will a terrible revelation drive her toward an even greater danger?

My Reflections:

I was overjoyed to receive the third and final edition in Connilyn Cossette's, "Out From Egypt" Series. It was a pleasure to be reacquainted with some of the characters from her previous books (Counted with the Stars, book one, Shadow of the Storm, book two). Shira, Kiya and Moriyah to name are some of my favorite characters in these past books. This book centers on a Canaanite woman named Alanah. Alanah is a woman determined to exact revenge, but the very people she is pursuing show her grace beyond anything she could ever imagine. 

Tobiah rescues Alanah off the battlefield out of protection and honor, not as a war spoil. The ramifications of his choice will be felt by many. (Deuteronomy 21: 10-14) 

 It is abundantly clear that Cossette does her research with these novels, she truly brings to life the essence of theses old testament stories with depth and imagination. 

I am overjoyed to have learned that Connilyn is already well on her way into another biblical series. I can't tell you how happy this makes me because these books really bring to life the actual biblical account. Her books spur me on to get out the Bible and devour the whole story in its entirety to back up the fictional account.

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

Connilyn Cossette

When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better...

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