Book Review: A Woman Of Fortune

You never know what you're really made of until you lose everything.
Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream--designer clothes, luxury cars, stunning homes. But everything comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must face incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living.as "

My Reflections: 

This book captured my attention right from the cover, it is beautiful! I was drawn to the story line as it was something different than the books that I have reviewed as of late, and I was pleasantly surprised!

Coates Gilbert is a skilled story teller, with a background in Legal Investigation her knowledge and insight brings depth and life to her second novel. A Woman of Fortune is a stark reminder of what is really important in life, not riches, not fame, not worldly trappings. It made me take a good hard look at my life and the path I am following.

When Clair's husband a wealthy cattle broker is arrested, her life spins out of control. Everything Clair is accustomed to is stripped away. Tuck, Clair's husband is charged with cattle fraud, and in the space of days everything changes, and not only for Clair but for her three children as well.
Clair must stand on her own and face the accusations head on, will she be able to stand by Tuck or will the hurt, resentment and anger prove to be too much?

I loved how Clair's character was so utterly devoted to her family, and her ability to persevere in the midst of turmoil, and upheaval. It really brought home how important church family, and friends are in tough situations. Clair quickly found out who was going to stand by her and who was just along for the ride.

This book was a real treat to read, I often though "why couldn't chicken brokers do so well" Ah I am kidding for sure! Kellie Coates Gilbert did a wonderful job on this novel, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".


 About the Author: 

 

Kellie Coates Gilbert

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider's view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of...

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Book Review: Relaxing With God

 

From the Back:

Jesus didn't come to get you to do more or work harder. He came to give you rest!
Jesus calls us to exchange the heavy yoke around our necks for something he said is "easy" and "light." So why are many Christians feeling weighed down and burned out? The simple answer is that we're constantly being told we should "do more" and "be more" for God.

Bestselling author Andrew Farley calls this what it is--works-based religion--and presents us with a surprising paradox: good works spring from spiritual rest. So if you long to experience true release from the crushing expectations that the world--and the church--often throws your way, you'll find lasting hope in this unexpected message.

My Reflections:

The title of this book along with the inviting cover design is what lead me to want to review this book. I mean who wouldn't want to kick back and relax in gods loving embrace?

The beginning of the book was quite the eye opener, the author tells "his story" and the drive he had as christian trying to win people for the lord. I thought to my self wow I know people like this! I love when the author uses life stories to drive his message home, it lends a personal touch to the writing, especially when it is as important as your christian walk.

Relaxing with God will enlighten you to the gospel of grace, a place to rest in and a loosening of the reigns. A uniquely different take on God's grace and the freeing power that is ours simply by accepting his gift.

The real meaning behind resting in Christ is not a sermon you often hear and it was quite a refreshing concept to ponder. I quite enjoyed Farley's ideas and gospel inspired message, there are a few places that may need some more thought, and studying before I fully commit to recommending this book, but all in all it was a surprisingly easy book to read and quite enjoyable as well.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
About the Author:

Andrew Farley

Andrew Farley is a bestselling author and pastor of Church Without Religion (ChurchWithoutReligion.com). He serves as a faculty adviser for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and frequently speaks at churches and university groups around the United States and...

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Book Review: Becoming God's True Woman

ISBN:978-0-8024-0360-5

From The Back:

Have you ever wondered why God made both Male and Female? Have you thought about His purpose for you as a female? Have you considered the fact that God has intentionally planned everything about your life? Yes, yes, and yes?!
Then, join Bible teachers Susan Hunt and Mary A. Kassian in this 35-day devotional digging deep into God's Word, hearing what He says about your womanhood, and learning how to  live as a "true woman" day by day. Each day begins with a short devotion and then A Time For You section -- a time for you to read...to think..to pray...to live for God's glory Interspersed throughout are personal stories and thoughts from girls like you.
What you spend your time with and allow your mind to dwell on will be displayed in your life. Girls need to realize that they should only spend their time enjoying the words, sounds and images they want to become. (Allison, age 17)
The media encourages girls to be loud and bossy. In shows, the quiet girl is always picked on and ridiculed. (Connie Jean, age 13)
Modesty to me is beauty. It outwardly symbolizes what Christ has done to our hearts-made them new, clean and worthy of coming into God's presence . . . that's what modesty is about. (RuthAnne, age 17)

My Reflections:

I requested the book Becoming God's True Woman for my pre-teen daughter (12) to work through together, but after reviewing it I realized that this book will be perfect for when she is older and more mature. That being said I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to present this devotional to her when the time is right.

This devotional is teeming with wisdom, which is a perfect tool to help guide our young girls on the right path towards godly decision making and self reflective passages which can help our youth dig deep to find a more intimate spiritual life.

The devotional is laid out well and is visually pleasing. It may seem a little girlish to some youth with its pretty pink pages and butterfly art. My husband commented that he felt our youngest 6 year old would enjoy the way it was presented more than a teen, but I could see where a young woman could appreciate the beauty and read and write in this handy little resource, it is pretty and not overly busy with unnecessary script. The book is divided into well thought out sections. These start with a discussion topic and is then divided into a work book/ journal space, where girls are encouraged to make notations on the topic at hand. Some of the headings in this writing space are listed as: think, pray and live for God's glory.

I feel girls could benefit from the "real life" stories that are interspersed throughout the study as well. Though the study is short and not as in depth as you would hope for, I feel it could be a perfect "supplement" to your regular devotional times.

I would recommend this devotional to any parent looking to engage their child in a thought provoking, and fun teen study, relevant to your youths life stages.

This book was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest review, from Moody Publishing. Thank you Moody!

Book Review: Child of Mine

ISBN # 9780764212543

From the Back:

From Bestselling Authors David & Beverly Lewis 

Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.

Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile. 

Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

My Reflections: 

Beverly Lewis need I say more? 
This is obviously one of my top ten authors, her work is varied and dynamic, affording the reader a story unparalleled and en-capturing.

This book started out very contemporary, not your typical Amish story line. Of course it had it's Amish elements and drama, instantly netting my full attention.
I so enjoyed savoring the mysteries about the characters lives and the reasons for their drive and life choices.

Nine long years have passed and Kelly Maines has relentlessly kept up the search for her precious child, doing what it takes to continue to raise funds to pay for a private investigator. One lead after another falls through, leaving Kelly emotionally and financially drained. Challenged by her sponsors to change her work ethics Kelly is forced to try "new tactics" to obtain the DNA that will determine if her prospective leads will turn up her beloved daughter. What happens when her heart leads her astray, and a new twist throws everything  out of her control.

Jack Livingston is the sole guardian of his niece, Nattie. Balancing his career in the aviation business and nurturing Nattie's needs. Nattie being a determined list maker and unrelenting matchmaker covets the security of a full family namely a mother. This leaves Jack in the sticky position of looking for love, for the sake of his precious girl.

When Laura learns that Nattie may be her daughter, she strikes up a relationship with Jack, not entirely the ethical approach her sponsors were looking for but in Laura's eyes better than "stealing" DNA.
Her heart may have other plans...

Laura the Amish nanny has cared for Nattie for years, her judgement and attention to detail have been unparallelled. Laura is shunned from her community but yearns to return to her people. Will her secrets be discovered, and her carefully constructed life fall apart around her?

This isn't your typical Amish story, the plot will wrap itself around your heart and keep you completely engrossed until the last flip of the page. I highly recommend this book, great for Amish and non Amish fans alike.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"


About the authors:

1. 

   David Lewis

   David Lewis is the bestselling author of Coming Home, his first solo novel, as well as a keyboard artist and pilot. He is the first editor for his wife, Beverly Lewis, as well as research partner and manager. David was born in Minnesota, grew up in the...

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2. 

   Photo courtesy of Gene Photography

   Beverly Lewis

   Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has...

   Continue reading about Beverly Lewis

Book Review: A Place in His Heart

From the Back: She could cross an ocean, but could she ever win his heart?

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother. 

With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas's secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary's world is upended. How could she possibly leave her papa and her dear sister? 

And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband's broken heart?

My Reflections:
One of my favorite subjects to read about right now is the rich and colorful heritage of our settlers. I mean how brave and exciting it would be to come to a new place and start fresh. This is probably on my heart as I feel like to a lesser degree I have come to a 'new land' and "settled" in a wild and untamed place. OK well.. maybe not, but it sure felt like it when I first moved from the city to the lush forest meadow, I now call home. Let me tell you the things we read about are so much more imaginative than actually experiencing them. Take fetching water from the river for example, picturesque right? Not so much. Those jugs of water get heavy and by the time you get to your destination, most of the water has ended up on you or the ground! 

Enough of that lets get to what I loved about this book.

This is the DeMarino's debut novel, and let me tell you what a talented writer she is. I really enjoyed getting into the characters lives and the way she painted the scenery of all the places you travel in this novel, from England, to boarding a ship to America, it was all so intriguing. 
This story opens with Mary Langton having just been stood up at the alter and the family trying to repair the damage from this fallout. Mary heartbroken, and desperate not to marry the man her father has set out for her, rather suddenly falls for the baker, Barnabas Horton. Mary must decide if she can love a man whose heart is devoted to another. 

Barnabas Horton grieving for his beloved Ann, must move on for his children's sake. When he sees Mary he decides that she would make a suitable helpmate and mother for his young sons. He realizes that he will never love another woman, like he did Ann..but he is not able to manage alone.

Mary's father has reservations of such a union, least of which the differences of their religion. The Langtons are devout Anglicans and Barnabas is a Puritan, and in the mid 1600's this is dangerous a situation to say the least! To seek a safer environment Barnabas considers moving his small family to the New World, where they are free to worship without condemnation. 

I quite enjoyed watching the transformation of these characters grow and seek God in order to make right a situation filled with broken hearts and newly sprouting dreams. This book will tug at your heart and keep you interested with beautifully written scenery and rich historical facts.. This book is based on the Authors own ancestors who were some of the first settlers on Long Island. I found myself unable to put this one down, I can't wait for the second installment to the Southhold Chronicles. 
Bravo DeMarino, you are sure to make a mark among the best Christian fiction authors!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

About the Author:

1. 

   © Something Blue Photography

   Rebecca DeMarino

   Rebecca DeMarino is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and The Southold Long Island Historical Society. She was a 2011 Genesis Award semi-finalist. Rebecca is retired from a major airline and lives in the Pacific...

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Book Review: A Moment in Time

 From the Back:

Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.

Texas seems to be an answer to Alice's prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, Robert Barnett captures her attention. Unlike any man Alice has ever known, Robert doesn't worry about the obstacles that stand in their way--and he hardly seems to notice the scar she bears.

But there are storm clouds gathering; devastating information about her family comes to light, threatening Alice's peaceful sanctuary. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future...and for her heart.

My Reflections: 

This is Tracy Peterson's book #2 in the Lone Star Brides saga. I would highly recommend you read the first book in this series (A Sensible Arrangement) to get the most out of your literary enjoyment. I don't feel this book is a good fit for a stand alone, the story is too interwoven with book number ones facts and characters.

Peterson writes a sweet tale of forgiveness and redemption, and the utter beauty of life when we let go and let God pick up the pieces of our brokenness.

Alice fighting scars, both physical and mental from her past must learn to trust once more. She has survived an attack that left her father dead. The threat is still very real and the assassin is determined to get what he thinks Alice has.

Marty Wythe, Alice's friend and former employer is forced to return to Texas because of the economic collapse. Alice thinks this may be the fresh start she has been praying for and agrees to venture along with Marty.  Upon arriving she meets Robert, Marty's nephew.... it is sparks from the start. Unfortunately there is a hitch, isn't there always?

Robert must convince Alice she is worthy of his love, scars and all. They will have to put their trust in God to get them through, because it looks like trouble is on the horizon. Alice thought she could leave her past behind, but it seems to have followed her to the Barnett Ranch, all the way to Texas.

I really enjoyed Alice's character, she is uplifting, encouraging and faith driven. She reminds us that anything is possible when we give all our hurts, fears and dreams to God, because in his perfect timing beauty can come out of the ashes.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"


About the Author:

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in...

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Book Review: Full Steam Ahead

ISBN#978076420973

From the Back:

When love simmers between a reclusive scientist and a wealthy debutante, will they abandon ship or is it full steam ahead?

Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.

Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans.

After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world.

Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?

My Reflections: 

Full Steam Ahead is not Short Straw Bride, one of my favorites from this author. 
What this book does have is Witemeyer's trademark of weaving history, romance, humor and comical characters together to produce a story with non stop drama and no nonsense romance, that will surly keep you entertained and guessing all at the same time.

I was not overly interested in the history of steam ships and boilers, but having read just about every Karen Witemeyer book out there I knew if I stuck with the story I would not regret it. I was not mistaken.

Nicole seeks to please her father, she is not the boy he so desired but she is definitely brave enough and clever enough to outwit any man who dares to get in the way of her mission; to find a husband and heir to pass the shipping business onto. This heroin is not like any you have read about before. She is smart with numbers and science able to fend off the bad guys and does all this with flair and a spunky determination, not often seen in the time period of the 1800's.

Darius is also a determined, quirky character, although he is batting an entirely different set of challenges; to rid the world of dangerous, and often deadly boilers on steam ships. He uses unconventional means to experiment with his outlandish inventions, which causes a few sparks to fly. Can Nicole soften his heart, can Darius learn to forgive himself and find his faith once more? And what to do about the precious heirloom, and her promise to her ill father?

Full Steam Ahead is a delightful read, with a satisfying conclusion. If you can get past the logistics of steam ship boilers, and dagger throwing Southerners, I am certain you will enjoy Witemeyer's newest edition. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

About the author:

Karen Witemeyer is a confirmed bookaholic who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Christian Manifesto's Lime Award for Excellence in Fiction. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.