Book Review: The Bride of Ivy Green

From The Back:

Come home to Ivy Hill, where friendship endures, romance triumphs,
and mysteries are revealed in this eagerly anticipated conclusion. . . .

Spring is in the air . . . and change is too. Mercy Grove has lost her girls' school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires is out of reach. She contemplates leaving Ivy Cottage to become a governess--a decision with consequences she never imagined.

Meanwhile, her friend Jane Bell is facing a difficult decision of her own. Should she accept Gabriel Locke even if it means giving up her inn and destining another man to a childless marriage?

When a secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, Mercy, Jane, and the other ladies of Ivy Hill attempt to befriend her, but they soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be.

Together, the women of Ivy Hill look forward to one wedding, but surprises lie in store and dearly held dreams may yet come true.

My Reflections:
This is the third and final installment in the "Tales From Ivy Hill" and it most certainly is a nice way to end this charming cast of characters. At just over 440 pages you will feel satisfied with the way this author is able to weave and tuck every last detail snuggly into place. 

I loved the author's notes, her inspiration for this book, a real lion attack. wow! Her descriptions of this quaint town were spot on, I felt swept away and truly enchanted in the time I was immersed in this series. I am sad it has come to an end, but am eager to see what's next for this author! 

I was also so sad to see the end to Mercy's Girls school. This school was in her home and it was the perfect arrangement.
I love how God works in life, even though this was fiction I could very well imagine a scenario like this occurring. A person loses their coveted job and resigns them self to spinsterhood, (OK perhaps not in the modern day, but in 1820 sure) God always has a plan, never in our wildest imagination can we predict his marvellous ways. The roads we take are often more like hills with sudden drop-offs and mountaintop beauties, but never the less God has a plan. Sometimes we don't get to experience the full extent of it here on earth but I just know there will be many surprises waiting in heaven...OK, I digress. 

Back on topic. Mercy's brother has arrived and temporarily shut down her source if independence. Having to live with her brother is not exactly what she had in mind, especially now that he has his new wife. When Mercy gets relegated to the attic, so that her room can be turned into the guest suite she is more than ready to jump ship. Then an offer from Mr. James Drake falls in her lap the opportunity to be a governess to her beloved former student Alice. Is this the answer to her dilemma?

Mercy is not the only gal in transition Jane, has big decisions to make that will impact the rest of her life. Can she give up what she loves for Gabriel Locke? What about the new seamstress in town, what is she hiding?

Get ready to cry, Laugh out loud and shout for joy as you flip through to the last page with a satisfying sigh. 
This book was everything I expected and more, if you can start with book one and go from there, it will be a much easier read than agonizing over long wait times in between the series.

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

Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess,...

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Book Review: When Your Kid Is Hurting

From the Back:

No parent likes to see their child in pain.
But you can navigate even negative events with less drama, more resilience, and a positive attitude.Life isn't always predictable or safe, and today's kids live in an increasingly unstable world. Being bombarded by headlines highlighting school shootings, bullying, and ethnic violence is only the start. Add on peer pressure, a friend's betrayal, nasty jabs on social media, and being stuck in the middle of a divorce, and it's no wonder kids of all ages are facing significant trauma.

In When Your Kid Is Hurting, internationally known psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers practical, time-tested strategies to best help hurting kids, including

· what to say (and not say) when bad things happen
· how to get a hurting kid to talk to you
· when to intervene and when to let your child problem-solve
· how to turn trauma into teachable moments rather than fostering a victim mentality
· understanding the three greatest fears every kid has . . . and the biggest antidotes
· how being proactive can turn difficult situations around and provide future protection
· why the words you choose to use with your child are critical to their recovery

You can help your child get up after being knocked down. When Your Kid Is Hurting will help you not only be your child's best advocate in a healthy way but also reveal secrets for strengthening your lifelong relationship.

My Reflections:

Kevin Leman's newest parenting book was not quite what I was expecting. This book is geared for parents trying to support the next generation to a successful, happy life. Our world is changing faster than ever, our kids are experiencing things we never had to deal with, which leaves me often scrambling trying to support the emotional and mental fallout. 

Hard experiences are an everyday battle we all face, and children are just that more vulnerable to the backlash of hurt and rejection. Kids can't escape from the pressure these days, with social media, net addiction and the ever constant connectedness kids don't get the same reprieve we did growing up. Faith, love, safety, understanding and acceptance are the scaffolding we all need. Sadly our children are often lacking on one or more of these essentials.

I found many very helpful topics in this book, after all, Kevin Leman is one of the leading Christian authours parents default to. However, I had to disagree with a few aspects of this book. I expected Leman to teach from a Christian worldview, however, this book seems to have a secular bent. I know our children face issues like gender identity, and adolescent pregnancy and many others, however, I expected Leman to address issues with a Christian perspective. This was not the case. I understand writing to all audiences but I was hoping for substance, good hard questions to be answered in a biblically sound manner. This was not my experience.

That being said I did glean much from the book, I found it to be a good refresher on parenting, and especially enjoyed Chapter five Getting behind your child's eyes, very thought-provoking.

In closing, though I didn't feel this parenting book lived up to the Christian standards I adhere to, and I will not be recommending it to my friends and readers. Some readers may find the topics enlightening and disagree with my opinions, as they are solely my own.

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

Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television...

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Book Review: Times Gone By

From the Back:

After giving up on love, she faces a dilemma of the heart.
After getting left at the altar, Kenzie Gifford flees to San Francisco to start her life over, determined never to love again. She's made new friends and has a good job in the office of her cousin's chocolate factory. The only thorn in her side is Dr. Micah Fisher, who insists on pursuing her despite her constant resistance.

Then the Great Earthquake of 1906 strikes the city, and everything changes. The devastation all around her makes Kenzie reevaluate her outlook on life--and possibly even her feelings for Micah. Her world is rocked again when her ex-fiancé appears, determined to win her back. But Arthur already broke her heart once. Does she dare trust him again? The sudden arrival of a hidden danger will expose the motivations of all involved, but it could cost Kenzie her heart--and her life.

My Reflections:
Tracy Peterson knows how to pen an engaging story, her newest novel is no exception. The plot is brimming with danger, intrigue and twists and turns that just might make your head spin.  This is the third book in the series "Golden Gate Secrets" and although the plot ties in nicely with the previous characters this novel has enough detail to be considered a stand-alone. 

I really didn't expect that I would so quickly be drawn into this story. I absolutely adore Tracy Peterson and her writing style but was not as intrigued by the last two novels. This one was by far one of my favourites. I'm not sure if it was the passion for the disenfranchised, which really hits close to my heart or perhaps the thread of three very different strangers meeting on a train, then forming an unbreakable bond. I found each story so unique since all three women have varying degrees of refinement, differ in their relationships with Christ and are not all equal in wealth and status. Each story has a love twist, which keeps it interesting as well! 

In this story focuses on Kenzie and Micah. I could very well understand why Kenzie had sworn off men, her hurt is completely understandable, however, I found Micah a tad too persistent for my liking. The whole relationship was perhaps a little drawn out. But I suppose this is true to life, right? I'm a hopeless romantic.. too many Hallmark movies this Christmas season! 

The plot was fascinating. I love that Tracy Peterson always does her homework and folds the story seamlessly around historical events. In this case the Great Earthquake of 1906.
It made me want to dig into some research of my own.

All in all a very authentic and thought-provoking book on so many levels. If you love historical fiction, coupled with heart pulling themes this may be your next read!
Well done Tracy Peterson!

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

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Book Review: The Reluctant Warrior

From The Back:

He Thought His Toughest Tests Were behind Him.

But Nothing Could Prepare Him for Trying to Win Back the Love of His Daughter. Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He's come to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and the stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he's worried may be trying to keep the children.

When danger descends on the cabin where they're huddled, Cam is hurt trying to protect everyone and now finds Gwen caring for him too. He soon realizes why the kids love her so much and worries that it might be best for him to move on without them. When she sees his broken heart, Gwen decides to help him win back their affection--and in the process he might just win her heart as well. 

My Reflections:
Another winning tale penned by Mary Connealy!
This second book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series starts with heat and keeps readers burning the midnight oil to its very conclusion. 

The characters are what you would expect from this authour, well rounded, filled with bravado, spunk and a whole lotta heart!
Hold onto your hats because this book is a whirlwind ride the action is non stop and the landscape unrelenting, and the characters just as engaging as ever!

The character development is done brilliantly, as well as the plot that moves with breakneck speed. I enjoyed watching the changes between Gwen and Cam, Gwen certainly knows how to soften up this tough as nails Union army officer! But will he be able to win the hearts of the children as well?

Connealy certainly has done her research with this time period, and the demographics make this book stand out just that much more. Well done!

I can't wait to read the second installment in the series, this novel sets us up well, I'm eager to find out more about Penny and John's life and journeys! 

If you are in need, and I mean in need of a whole lotta action and a little romance this is just the book for you, but please read book one (The accidental Guardian) first so that you get the full flavour of this wild adventure!

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

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,...

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Book Review: The Christmas Heirloom

From the Back:
Four Festive and Heartwarming Romance Novellas That Celebrate the Magic of Christmas Perfect for the Christmas season, four beloved authors bring their bestselling, award-winning talents to a multigenerational collection of romantic holiday novellas. In stories ranging from 1820s Regency England to present-day Washington state, readers will be treated to Christmas tales of an heirloom brooch passed from mother to daughter for almost two hundred years. Will the family legend claiming the brooch brings love to its recipient hold true for these women separated by the years but bonded together by the ties of family?

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson. While he may be far above her station, she can't help but notice that his desire to make this Christmas special for his grandmother matches her own.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Fulbright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from a wealthy resort owner. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love as the holidays draw near.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her mother's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance one December.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My Reflections:
Christmas is just around the corner, are you in the Christmas spirit?
I have to admit I am not feeling the warmth of the season this year, however, this novella set my spirits just a tiny bit brighter! 

All the tales have the connection of a central theme, the legacy of a brooch. 
Each and every story in this four is so different the reader will have no problems with getting mixed up or the stories melding together into a soup of sappiness. 
The plots, in fact, are all so wildly different that it made me smile and laugh out loud in many places! You can't even count on the time period or setting to be consistent in these novels.  We go from England (1827); Texas (1890): West Virginia (1958) and back to the present time in Washington! I was contemplating which of the novellas was my favourite, and I simply can't choose just one. All these authours, each and everyone are on my favourite lists. They differ in writing styles and intensity but are similar in quality and sweetness.

I don't think I have read a more cohesive novella, every story different but tie-ins to each one. I also found it so clever that we see so many connections to the author's series as well, brilliantly executed!
If you are looking for a completely unique read that will engage not only your heart but also your sense of tradition, look no further. Christmas is fast approaching, run don't walk. 
This is the perfect cozy fire, hot chocolate Christmas day read.
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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Kristi Ann Hunter

Kristi Ann Hunter (www.kristiannhunter.com) graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is a RITA Award winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for...

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Sarah Loudin Thomas

Sarah Loudin Thomas (www.sarahloudinthomas.com) is a fund-raiser for a children's ministry who has time to write because she doesn't have children of her own. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the...

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Becky Wade

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market,...

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Book Review: Unexpected Blessings, The Joys and Possibilities if a life in a Special-Needs Family

From the Back:

When someone in your family is diagnosed with a special need, it can be difficult to move past the pain and confusion. Why did this happen? What will our lives look like now? But living in a special-needs family can be a special blessing! Are you ready to face the future with hope? Speaking honestly about the challenges that accompany a variety of disabilities, author Sandra Peoples shows you how to
· let go of false beliefs that hold you back,
· work through the cycles of grief,
· focus on self-care and healthy routines,
· rebuild a strong faith foundation, and
· create support systems for yourself and others.

Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when you see your new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for you all along.

My Reflections:
Can I just start by saying "AMEN" Sandra Peoples addresses so many issues I face on a daily basis! This book was a breath of fresh air to read. I didn't tackle it like I normally do- focused sit down get er done kind of approach. I savoured each and every healing encouraging page. 

Peoples comes alongside parents with gentle encouragement and a shining light of hope. A diagnosis is just that, a label, a way of organizing help so desperately need as parents with blessed kids.
I have two children with such labels, so I know a little about this walk. It's tiring, and some days even discouraging but it is also one of my biggest blessings. My loves are perfect. They are God-given miracles. God does not make mistakes, he makes us perfect and unique in our own right.

Another aspect of this book that I found helpful is how Peoples addresses the issues of well-meaning people who try to say the right things, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or "How do you do it every day?" To quote another book I recently reviewed, its Okay not to be Okay!  God gives us peace and sincere hope coupled with love to get us through all circumstances in our lives.

Peoples encouragement is sure to uplift and motivate all parents facing a new (or old) diagnosis.
If you are looking for that last minute gift idea, or are a parent with a special child of your own this is definitely a must read.

Thank you Sandra Peoples for putting a voice to so many of those questions and issues we all face as parents. Your God-centered book was just what I needed to read in this season of my life! 

Sandra Peoples

Sandra Peoples, MDiv, (www.sandrapeoples.com) is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010...

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Book Review: Jerusalem's Queen

From the back:

Born in the small village of Modein, a town made famous by the warrior Maccabees, Salome Alexandra knows better than to harbor grand dreams for her future. She pales in comparison to her beautiful older sister, and though she learns to read at an early age, girls are not valued for their intellectual ability. But when her father and sister are killed, John Hyrcanus, a distant relative, invites Salome and her mother to live with his family in Jerusalem, where her thirst for knowledge is noticed and indulged.

When her guardian betroths her to a pagan prince, she questions HaShem's plan. When Hyrcanus finally marries her to a boy half her age, she questions her guardian's sanity. But though Salome spends much of her life as a pawn ordered about by powerful men, she learns that a woman committed to HaShem can change the world.

My reflections:
Angela Hunt's third book from "The Silent Years" was everything I expected from an Angela Hunt novel and so much more. Packed with historically accurate details and a complex plot that keeps you guessing. This is the exact reason why I love Hunt's books so much. Written from the two main characters point of view we were given insight into the inner workings of the palace. While this was enlightening, this aspect of the book could be a little confusing in the first couple of chapters. 

Shelamzion starts off as a young girl and as the book progresses she grows into adulthood gaining in both wisdom and grace. From a young age, she upholds truth and isn't afraid to speak out against things she knows is wrong. Shelamzion has a thirst for righteousness and even being a girl studies the Torah. Stuck in an unequally matched marriage Shelamzion struggles to stay true to God while leading her husband in the ways of the Torah. 

Kissa is Shelamzions faithful servant who stands beside her throughout the whole book. Her level-headed view of the world and life experience shaped Kissa into the perfect mentor to guide Shelamzion into the spotlight. Kissa's role as a gentile allows her to ask key questions that shape Shelamzions beliefs. Her traumatic past helps her decern dangerous situations and warns her friend of impending danger. 

Over-all I thoroughly enjoyed this novel devouring it in only two days. I would recommend this to anybody who loves historic biblical fiction. I feel this book is appropriate for early teens and up. The only suggestive scene is on their wedding night, and although it wasn't explicit the reader is aware of what's happening. If you are looking for a thoughtful well-written read then this may just be the book for you. 

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

Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic...

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