Book Review~Out of the Ashes

Book Description: 
After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925. When an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel arrives, it seems like the perfect opportunity.

Young widow Katherine Demarchis is also travelling to the foot of Mt. Denali with her grandmother-a last trip before she retreats into a quiet and solitary life, finally free of the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Yet when she encounters there a Frenchman from her past, her plans for the future are thrown into question. 

Both haunted by the violence of their pasts, can Katherine and Jean-Michel rediscover the bond they once had? Or, when Jean-Michel's nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will it be impossible to heal what's been broken for so long?

My Review: 
Out of the Ashes is the second book in the Heart of Alaska series by authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse. Although I had not read the first book in the series, In the Shadow of Denali, I was told this book was able to be read by itself. I definitely agree with that, but now having thoroughly enjoyed Out of the Ashes, I want to read the first book to get more background on the characters and the hotel.

I enjoy historical fiction, and have read a few books by Tracie Peterson, and loved her writing style. I had not read anything by Kimberley Woodhouse before this book. I've never been to Alaska, but I'm fascinated by it and hope to visit someday, so Out of the Ashes was very intriguing to me.

Out of the Ashes captivated me from start to finish. I felt like I personally knew the characters and was travelling alongside them as they experienced Alaska. My heart hurt for Katherine and Jean-Michel, both with such good hearts but broken by past experience. As a Christian, I appreciated the focus on God and the use of scripture in the story. In both A Note from the Authors at the front of the book, and Dear Reader at the end, the authors explain much of their journey researching for this series. They also open up their hearts and share difficult times they encountered during the writing of Out of the Ashes. 

I highly recommend Out of the Ashes, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series, as well as more books from the authors!

*I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review~The Proving by Beverly Lewis

About the Book:
After five years as an Englischer, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What's more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind-or that the inn's clientele expect an Amish hostess? Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?

About the Author:
Beverly Lewis penned her first story at age nine while living near Lancaster County Amish farmland, where she grew up. She welcomes her many reader-friends each day on Facebook and personally replies to fan mail. Lewis lives with her husband in Colorado near their family. Visit her website at www.beverlylewis.com .

What I Thought:
Beverly Lewis never disappoints with her Amish fiction. The Proving was no exception. This story was unique with Mandy coming back to the Amish after years away. She then pretends to be Amish to make her guests happy, but it becomes comfortable for her over time. Although so much had changed with her mother's death and her sister's estrangement, the inn seemed to bring comfort to her. I enjoyed the relationship between Mandy and her sister and watching it be repaired. Although Mandy is determined to do her twelve months and move on, God had different plans for her and she has to realize that. It is a good lesson for all of us, to be open to God's direction for our lives.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review..

Book Review~The Ebb Tide

About the Book: 
From the back cover-Sallie Riehl has dreamed of traveling at least once before settling down to join church, so she is thrilled at an unexpected summer opportunity to nanny in Cape May for a well-to-do family. However, saying even a temporary good-bye to Paradise Township means forgoing baptism another year, as well as leaving behind a would-be beau. Yet the weeks in Cape May soon prove unforgettable as Sallie meets a Mennonite young man whose friendship she quickly begins to cherish. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will she only find what her heart is longing for back home? 

About the Author: 

Beverly Lewis penned her first story at age nine while living near Lancaster County Amish farmland, where she grew up. She welcomes her many reader-friends each day on Facebook and personally replies to fan mail. Lewis lives with her husband in Colorado near their family.
Website: www.beverlylewis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis/

What I Thought: 
In my opinion, author Beverly Lewis is the best of the best when it comes to Amish fiction. She has written so many fabulous books, it amazes me each time I read her latest release. She has done it again with The Ebb Tide. It is a beautiful romance with a theme of trusting God to lead you down the path He has chosen for you in life.

I enjoyed the setting of Cape May, which was different from the farms of most Amish stories. Ms. Lewis' descriptions of the ocean made me feel like I was right there on the sand looking at the waves. I loved the character Sallie-a sweet, loving girl who wants to please her family and community, but has such a strong passion for the beauties of the world around her. Her internal struggle between the two worlds was made clear with the author's talented storytelling. I read The Ebb Tide in record time-I did not want to put it down! I highly recommend it!

Learn more about The Ebb Tide, author Beverly Lewis, and her many other titles, including purchasing information, at www.beverlylewis.com

* I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review~Treasured Grace

About the Book: 
From the back cover: In untamed Oregon Country, one young woman fights to keep her family safe. Grace Martindale has known more than her share of hardship. After her parents died, raising her two younger sisters, Hope and Mercy, became her responsibility. A hasty decision to head west seemed like an opportunity for a fresh start but has instead left Grace in a precarious position. When missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife agree to let Grace and her sisters stay at their mission for the winter, Grace is grateful. Until they hear from their uncle in Oregon City, the three sisters have nowhere else to go. 

As Grace adjusts to life in the West, she meets a fur trapper named Alex Armistead who intrigues and infuriates her in equal measure. But when a measles outbreak threatens lives at the mission and among the native Cayuse who live nearby, it is Alex who helps Grace use the natural healing remedies she learned from her mother to help where she can, despite Dr. Whitman's disapproval. As the death toll rises, so do tensions between the settlers and the natives, and Grace soon finds herself and those she loves n more danger than she imagined possible.  

About the Author: 

Tracie Peterson's love for history and research fuels the bestselling stories she writes. She is the author of over one hundred novels and the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award. Tracie and her family live in Montana. You can learn more about Tracie and her books at www.traciepeterson.com

What I Thought: 
I had heard of author Tracie Peterson, but had never read anything by her. When I first received Treasured Grace, I looked inside the front cover and was amazed at the number of books she has written! Now that I have finished reading Treasured Grace, I understand why she is such a popular author-what talent!

The character of Grace is an amazing, selfless, hard-working woman who is making sacrifices so her sisters can have a fresh start out West. The story is full of anguish, from the many deaths from illness to the Whitman massacre, which is a true event in our history. Grace is strong throughout everything, and relies on her faith heavily. She uses her midwifery skills to help many sick people, both white and Indian.  

Treasured Grace was a fascinating read; one I stayed up late into the night reading because I did not want to put it down. It is a clean story (no swear words or sexuality), with many Christian references and Bible verses. The topics of rape, kidnapping, and suicide are all touched upon, so it would not be a book for the younger crowd or those who might be sensitive to these subjects. I loved reading Treasured Grace, which is the first book in Tracie Peterson's new Heart of the Frontier series. I look forward to the next book in the series, and in the meantime I will be seeking out more of her books to read!

Treasured Grace is available to purchase at Baker Publishing Group.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
 

Book Review~Amish Sweethearts

About the Book:
Amish Sweethearts(ISBN 978-0-7642-1524-7) is the second book in author Leslie Gould's Neighbors of Lancaster County series.  It is published by Bethany House, and is 375 pages.

Description from the back cover:
For years Zane Beck and his Amish neighbor Lila Lehman were best of friends. But just as Zane gathered to courage to discover if their friendship could develop into something more, her controlling father arranged for her to be courted by their bishop's son. Zane, heartbroken and frustrated, joined the Army, running away from his shattered dreams. 

The passing of time and the distance between Zane and Lila haven't been enough to halt their-now completely hidden-feelings for each other. Any hope for their love grows even more impossible though as Zane's service takes a dangerous turn when he's deployed to Afghanistan. Being on the frontline, confronted with the hard choices of war, has him questioning everything, including whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences, and with Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?

What I Thought: 
Having read the first book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County series by Leslie Gould, I knew I was in for a treat. I have also read other books by the author, and always enjoy her writing. She is great at pulling the reader into the story and making you feel like you know the main characters personally.

In Amish Sweethearts, my heart broke for Lila, who has had so much responsibility on her shoulders taking care of her family since her mother died. Her father is gruff and not one to discuss feelings, and is determined to marry her off to a good Amish man. Lila and Zane have loved each other for years, but as Zane is not Amish they realize it is nearly impossible for them to have a future together.

When Lila enters into a courtship with Reuben and turns away from Zane, he enters the Army and is deployed to Afghanistan.  It was very interesting to have this element of war involved in the story as the Amish are pacifists. Along with other family drama with Lila's siblings and her ill grandmother, Lila's life is spinning out of control as she tries to deny her feelings for Zane.

I really enjoyed Amish Sweethearts-I spent several nights up too late because I didn't want to put it down! I look forward to the next book in the series.

Visit Bethany House for more information on Amish Sweethearts and to purchase your own copy.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Enter the Cold Shot Sweepstakes!

I am currently reading author Dani Pettrey's newest release, Cold Shot. It is a great story, and I'm excited to share it with you! Today I'm going to give you more information on the book, as well as how to enter the awesome sweepstakes going on through March 7th.  Be on the lookout for my review of Cold Shot March 6th, and hurry and enter the sweepstakes-there are some great prizes!

In COLD SHOT, the first book of author Dani Pettrey’s brand new Chesapeake Valor series, park ranger Griffin McCray and forensic anthropologist Finley Scott uncover buried remains near the Civil War battleground of Little Round Top. There’s only one problem: the bones aren’t Civil War-era.
Griffin just wants the case to go away, but when Finley discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper, the case connects them with FBI agent Declan Grey, and crime scene investigator Parker Mitchell, friends from a past Griffin’s tried to leave behind.
Soon the reunited friends realize they’ll need to confront the darkest days in their shared history if they–and those they care about–are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.
To celebrate the launch of this exciting new series, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the COLD SHOT SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.
Timeframe & Notifications:
This giveaway starts February 16, 2016 and ends March 7, 2016 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday, March 8, 2016, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

About the Prizes

GRAND PRIZE:

ROAD TRIP REUNION GETAWAY

In COLD SHOT, Griffin reunites with friends after they’ve drifted apart over the years. Do you have a friend you want to reconnect with? Here’s your chance to hit the road with them for a friend getaway!
Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com, good for reservations at lodges across the Continental US, plus a $50 Darden restaurants gift card, and a Chesapeake Bay tote bag, to pack your road trip essentials.


SECOND PRIZE:

FINLEY’S FAVORITES PACK

Finley has a lifelong love of travel and exploration, something captured in her cozy home decor, right down to her steamer trunk coffee table. This prize gives you a chance to have a steamer trunk just like Finley’s, and a coffee table book from the Chesapeake Bay to go with it.
Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 value cedar wood steamer trunk and vivid Maryland coffee table photo book.


TASTE OF MARYLAND KIT
THIRD PRIZE:
COLD SHOT is sure to leave you with a craving for the mouth-watering snacks Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew enjoy in the story. If you wish you could sample Chesapeake’s one-of-a-kind local fare too, this prize is for you.
Our Third Prize winner will receive: The beautifully lithographed, $50 value Taste of Maryland Tin, including the Chesapeake Bay Cookbook and famed local treats such as Old Bay Seasoning, Maple Syrup, Maryland crab soup mix, specialty dip, and Goetze’s Caramel Creams.

How to Enter:

Go to: http://www.danipettrey.com/cold-shot-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 16 – March 7, 2016.

Book Review~The Photograph

About the Book: When her sister Lily disappears only months after their widowed mother's passing, Eva Esch fears she has been wooed away from the people. Yet Lily's disappearance isn't Eva's only concern. She and her sisters must relocate once their older brother takes over the family farmhouse. Then Jed Stutzman, an Amish buggy maker from Ohio, shows up in Eden Valley with a photo of a Plain young woman. Eva feels powerfully drawn to the charming stranger-but the woman in the forbidden photograph is no stranger at all...

About the Author: Beverly Lewis penned her first story at age nine while living near Lancaster County Amish farmland, where she grew up. She welcomes her many reader-friends each day on Facebook and personally replies to fan mail. She lives with her husband near their family in Colorado. Visit her website at www.beverlylewis.com

What I Thought: The Photograph is such a sweet story about family, love, and following God's direction for your life. The Esch sisters have been through so much, and each of them are handling their grief in their own way.  When the youngest sister Lily leaves for the Englisch world, her family is shocked and worried. Jed Stutzman, a stranger from Ohio dealing with his own grief, carries a clue to their sister's location.  I have read many of Beverly Lewis' books, and have never been disappointed. The Photograph is another delightful story written by this very talented author.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review~Amish Promises

About the Book: When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home, they're looking for peace. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq but he needs time to heal, and the quiet of Lancaster seems just the place. They can't imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys.

Eve Lehman has run her brother's household ever since the death of his wife, but Tim's a stern patriarch. Despite his protests, she's drawn to the neigh neighbor, Shani, and the two begin to form a strong friendship forged o faith and family. Things seem like they've quieted down until Joel's single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve's attention-a man unlike any Eve has ever met. Suddenly life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts: Amish Promises is the first book in a new series, Neighbors of Lancaster County, by author Leslie Gould.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was an interesting blend of Amish and English trying to live next door to each other, with their lives intertwined through a series of events. The English family has so much they are going through, with the husband suffering from PTSD and physical injuries. The Amish family is struggling themselves, grieving the loss of the mother of the family.  Trouble within each family is heightened as trouble brews between the two families. Forgiveness, acceptance, and trusting God are strong themes in this story.

Amish Promises is available to purchase at Baker Publishing Group and retailers online.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review~The Love Letters

Marlena Wenger was soon to take Old Order Amish baptismal instruction so that she could marry her beau, when her grandfather died.  She was sent to live with her Mennonite Mammi (grandmother) to help her.  This meant her wedding would be postponed for a year, but she and her beau decided that this was something Marlena needed to do.  Marlena soon finds herself caring for her infant niece, Angela Rose, whose mother has passed away.

Marlena is struggling with her faith-going to her grandmother's Mennonite church has opened up her way of thinking, and she is growing spiritually.  Her beau back home is not pleased with the changes in her. Her Mammi's neighbors have befriended a homeless man who seems to have amnesia of some sort, and they try to figure out who he is based on beautifully written love letters he has in his bag.  Will they find out who this mystery man is?  Will Marlena discover the path for her life?

My thoughts:  I've always enjoyed Beverly Lewis' novels, and The Love Letters was no exception.  This was such a sweet story with quite a lot going on in it!  There were several different stories and issues going on in The Love Letters.  I enjoyed Marlena's character-she is a sweet young girl who has only known the Old Order Amish ways.  Now that she has experienced different ways, she has to decide which direction to take her life.    The Love Letters has romance, heartbreak, and mystery, and was hard to put down!  There is also a lesson about respecting those with disabilities in the character of Small Jay and his family.  I would definitely recommend this book!

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Enter the Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes Now!!

 

 

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and 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.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:
This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

GRAND PRIZE:

LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.
Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations

SECOND PRIZE:

PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.
Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice

THIRD PRIZE:
SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED
In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.
Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.


Good Luck!  Please come back and let me know if you are a winner!

Book Review and Giveaway~Sabatoged by Dani Pettrey

 

 

Book Summary:

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.
Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. 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. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.
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.

My Thoughts: I have read several of Dani Pettrey's books, including the first four books in this Alaskan Courage series.  I fell in love with this series in the first chapter of the first book, and have been hooked ever since!  The author is so talented in her beautiful descriptions of Alaska, her ability to keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns, and developing the characters so well that you feel like you know them personally by the time the story is over!  I have always had a love and fascination with Alaska, which was what originally drew me to this series.  This fifth book, Sabatoged, focuses on Reef and Kirra, both strong but afraid to open up after difficult pasts.  I've enjoyed that each book focuses on a different couple, with a different mystery, yet all tied together through the McKenna family.  Although I highly suggest reading the entire Alaskan Courage series, I think that you could read Sabatoged by itself without feeling like you weren't understanding who the characters are.  Trust me, you don't want to deprive yourself of these five books!

About the Author:   Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

To learn more information about Sabatoged, including a link to purchase your own copy, visit Dani Pettrey's website.  There are some fun things there-you can read an excerpt from the book, listen to a story soundtrack, meet the characters, and enter the Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes!  Later today I will be posting all the information on this great sweepstakes on a separate blog post. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

One winner will receive a paperback copy of Sabatoged!  Open to US residents 18 and older.  No purchase necessary.  Odds of winning subject to number of entries. Contest opens 2/10/15 and ends on 2/17/15 at 11:59pm MST.  Winner will be drawn randomly on 2/18/15 and notified.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or another winner will be drawn. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Book Review~The River by Beverly Lewis

The River is the story of two sisters, formerly Amish, who now live in the Englisch world. Tilly is now married with children, but Ruth is still single. They grew up in Lancaster County with their parents and siblings, but left their community to start new lives.  Their relationships with their family are now strained, Tilly's more so than Ruth as she was the first daughter to leave.  Her parents blame her for convincing her sister Ruth to leave as well.  The death of their baby sister Anna in a river  many years ago still haunts Tilly, who feels responsible for her death. 

When news travels of their father's declining health and an anniversary party for their parents, Tilly and Ruth make the difficult decision to return home to visit.  Will they be accepted and welcomed by their family, or will their family turn their backs on them?  Tilly especially struggles with many issues from her childhood, and just doesn't know if she can face her parents.  Ruth, having been hurt by her former Amish beau, is having feelings for him stirred back up again when faced with the possibility of seeing him again. 

Can this family work through their past and forgive and accept one another?

What I Thought: Beverly Lewis is a very talented author, and I have read many of her books. Once again, she has done an exceptional job of drawing the reader into a beautifully crafted story.  I was riveted from the first page to the last!  I've read many Amish novels, and found this story fascinating with the return of former Amish to their family.  Their was so much emotion in these girls wanting to be accepted into their family, but Amish take members leaving very seriously.  Often they are never spoken to again.  Tilly has many unanswered questions from her past, never understanding why she was treated harshly by her father.  There was so much pain from the past with the death of Anna and Ruth's broken relationship with her beau. 

If you are a fan of Amish fiction, you'll love The River by Beverly Lewis.  If you've never read Amish fiction before, The River will get you hooked!

Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review~Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl

Gathering Shadows is the first book in author Nancy Mehl's new series Finding Sanctuary.  I loved the author's Road to Kingdom series, so I was excited to review Gathering Shadows.  What could be better than a mix of romance and suspense, all set in a quaint Mennonite community?

Wynter Evans is an up-and-coming reporter for a television studio in St. Louis.  There is just one thing that haunts her-the disappearance of her brother nine years ago.  When she comes across a photo of a boy that looks like her brother, but in Amish-like clothing, she has to find out more.  With a photographer in tow under the guise of researching a story, she heads to the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary, Missouri. 

Once in Sanctuary, it is obvious someone does not want Wynter to find out any information.  She presses on, even though she is being threatened.  She begins to become close to the town's mayor, Rueben King, who is helping her find the answers she needs.  Is finding her brother worth risking her life?

I was sucked into Gathering Shadows immediately, and could not put it down.  Well, I had to get some sleep but every available waking moment I was reading.  The characters are so easy to relate to, and there are twists and turns through to the very end of the story.  Definitely a must read!!  I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Silenced-Book Review and Rugged Romance Sweepstakes!

About the Book: Silenced, by Dani Pettrey, is the fourth book in the Alaskan Courage Series. " A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route leads her to a face-to-face encounter with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something sinister? When the case is handed to the overburdened sheriff, he turns to Jake Westin. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again-–but he could never prepare for where the case will take him.

Kayden and Jake soon realize that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is on to them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger.

But the truth is far worse than either of them imagine."


My Thoughts: This book has it all-adventure, mystery, and romance!  I've read and reviewed the first three books in this Alaskan Courage series, and they were incredible!  You know how often in movies and books, the sequels aren't quite as good as the first book/movie?  Well, that's not the case with this series!!  Each book is just as exciting as the last!  Each book of the series focuses more on one of the siblings of the McKenna family.  Silenced is Kayden's book, and believe me I could not put it down!! 

Kayden McKenna is such a complex character-she has a wall up she is determined to not let down.  Family friend Jake has his own issues from his past, and the two are not close..  As they work together on a case, the walls start to crumble. 

I love Alaska (haven't been there yet though), and the description of the scenery just makes me feel like I'm there with the characters.  With each new book, I feel like I get to know the family even better.  I love series, and usually the series I read  have three books at the most, so I am thrilled that there is a fourth book in the Alaskan Courage Series, with a fifth on the way!!

Author Dani Pettrey is a talented writer, one of my favorites, and I highly recommend reading Silenced and the entire Alaskan Courage Series!  Believe me, you will not be disappointed!

For more information on author Dani Pettrey and her books, click here.  To purchase your own copy of Silenced, visit these online retailers:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Indiebound
Books-a-Million
Christianbook


Rugged Romance Sweepstakes!!!

 

 

To celebrate the release of Silenced, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are having the Rugged Romance Sweepstakes!! 

 

 

*Grand Prize: $250 certificate to Alaska Airlines, good towards travel to multiple destinations across the Continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii.

 

 

 

*2nd Prize: This beautiful Framed Art Print, 'The Kiss at Wonder Lake', 31"x23"

 

*3rd Prize: The ultimate picnic pack for a romantic afternoon. This insulated backpack includes silverware, plates, napkins, plastic long-stemmed glasses and a wide selection of gourmet picnic snacks. 

Enter the Rugged Romance Sweepstakes by clicking the banner above, or go to http://www.danipettrey.com/rugged-romance-sweepstakes/ 

Sweepstakes is open to US residents only through May 21st.  Winners will be selected on Friday, May 23rd, 2014 and announced at www.DaniPettrey.com   Good luck!!



Book Review~Minding Molly by Leslie Gould

Molly Zook is a young Old Order Amish woman who likes to be in control of everything in her life.  So,, after her father's death she is having a hard time holding everything together.  The family is in trouble financially, and they may lose their farm.  Molly is doing everything she can to figure out how they can keep the farm, and her mother thinks she has the best solution-to marry neighbor Mervin and combine the two farms.  The problem is, Molly doesn't love Mervin.  But, the more she thinks about it, he is a good man and would make a good husband.  She could grow to love him. 

An Amish man from Montana named Leon arrives in town for a temporary job, and Molly is instantly attracted to him.  Her mother is against her having anything to do with him, because she is afraid Molly will move to Montana and marry him.  Molly's mother begins having serious health problems, and Molly needs to make a decision: marry for love or to save the family farm and make her mother happy?

Minding Molly is the third book in The Courtships of Lancaster County series by author Leslie Gould.  The first two books are Courting Cate and Adoring Addie, both of which I have read and enjoyed.  Leslie Gould is a great storyteller with a lot of knowledge of  the Amish, evident throughout this book.  She did a good job of making me feel the turmoil that Molly was going through, with the pull between love or family. 

To learn more about the book and author, visit www.lesliegould.com

*Disclosure: I received a copy of Minding Molly free from Bethany House in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Book Review~Adoring Addie

Adoring Addie, by author Leslie Gould, is the second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.   I did read the first book,  Courting Cate, and loved it-so I had pretty high expectations of Adoring Addie.  Once again, the author did a wonderful job with this story and I enjoyed it as much as the first!

From the Back Cover: The Cramers and Mosiers have been angry with each other for as long as anyone can remember.  Things had cooled to a simmer...until Addie Cramer and Jonathan Mosier fell head over heels for each other.  Now old tensions are renewed, and Addie's parents insist she marry stolid and uninspiring Phillip Eicher. 

Distraught at a future apart, the two decide their best hope is to reconcile the two families...but that means digging into the past to see what tore them apart.  Will their love be enough to keep them together or will long-held secrets ruin their chance at happiness?

Adoring Addie is full of drama and secrets, family issues and love.  It is similar to Romeo and Juliet, and is hard to put down once you start reading it.  My favorite character was Addie, she wants to do right by her family but also wants to follow her heart.  I definitely recommend reading Adoring Addie!

I was given a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review~Though Mountains Fall

Though Mountains Fall by Dale Cramer is the third book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series.  It is inspired by actual events!

From the Back Cover: 
"Now in its fourth year, the Amish settlement in Mexico is thriving. But as new settlers arrive, sons and daughters marry, babies are born, and crops grow thick, a storm looms on the horizon. And Caleb Bender knows--perhaps better than anyone--that the worst of storms don't come from the western skies.

They come on horseback.

When their very existence is threatened, the Amish turn to the Mexican government for help, only to discover that the rulers of men are fickle and security is an illusion. Tried by fire and riven by war, Caleb and Domingo come to understand that the kingdom of God is not to be found in land or buildings or gold or armies, but in the hearts of peaceful men trying to feed their families.

Watching helplessly as daughters Rachel, Miriam, and Emma are drawn inexorably toward their separate destinies, Caleb is forced to confront the most important decision of his life."

What I Thought:
The Daughters of Caleb Bender series has been one of my all-time favorite Amish series.  The beautiful setting in the Mexican mountains is unusual-not your ordinary Pennsylvania or Ohio in this book.  I could not put Though Mountains Fall down!  The storyline is full of adventure (of course with some romance), and will keep you on the edge of your seat.    

Disclosure: I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  

Book Review~The Air We Breathe

From the back cover: "Molly Fisk needs the courage to face her fears.  What she finds instead is a most unexpected friendship.  Seventeen-year-old Molly Fisk does not go outside.  For so long she has run away from a moment long in the past, but she's not running anymore.  She's hiding.  Ruled by anxiety, she can only stare out the window of the tiny tourist-town museum she and her mother call home, longing to go outside-to maybe take a walk with the cute boy who works in the pizza place across the street.

Then the chance arrival of a woman Molly knew years ago changes everything.  Back then, Claire Rodriguez was an empty shell.  Only in the unique friendship she struck up with a little girl-a silent girl who would only talk to Claire-did she see the possibility of healing.  But one day the girl and her mother vanished, their house left abandoned.

What happened that drove them away? And how can Claire now offer Molly the same chance at finding life anew?"

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book; it was a great story.  The characters were very real and my heart ached for the pain they were going through.  There were several unanswered questions that kept you wondering and guessing throughout the story.  The only problem I had with the book was the way the chapters were written, going back and forth in time based on the two main characters.  That was confusing for me.  I can understand why the author wrote it that way, though, for maximum impact of the storyline.  The Air We Breathe is definitely worth checking out!

*Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review~When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Description: Amy Knackstedt hopes a new start in Weaverly, Kansas, will help heal the pain of losing her husband and provide a better future for her children. But her neighbor, Tim Roper, is not pleased to have a Mennonite family living next to his apple orchard—he left the Mennonite faith years ago and doesn’t want any reminders of his former life. Yet Amy and Tim find their paths colliding far more often than either could have foreseen. Will this tentative relationship blossom into something more?

My Thoughts: I've enjoyed Kim Vogel Sawyer's books in the past, but I think When Hope Blossoms has to be my favorite book authored by her.  Reading about the Mennonite community was an interesting change from my usual old-order Amish fiction.  Some heavy subjects were dealt with in this book, and it was so full of emotion.  The characters were deep and real, and I didn't want the book to end!  To learn more about author Kim Vogel Sawyer and her books, go to her website. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review~Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Submerged is author Dani Pettrey's debut novel.  In my opinion, she hit the jackpot!  This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a while.  It is the first book in the Alaskan Courage series, and it will keep you turning pages late into the night!!

Bailey Craig used to live in Yancey, Alaska and vowed never to return.  She has a sketchy reputation that the residents of the small town have not forgotten.  The death of a loved one forces her temporary return, and she becomes involved in investigating the possibility of a murder.  Also involved in the investigation is her former boyfriend Cole McKenna, who is a deep sea rescue diver.

Submerged is a great book!  The picture painted of the Alaskan scenery made me feel like I was there, and I felt a connection to the characters. It is a clean read-no profanity. God and a Christian lifestyle are also part of the storyline. Click here to read the first chapter and purchase Submerged.  To read more about author Dani Pettrey, go to her website.  While at her website you can read about the second book in the Alaskan Courage series, Shattered, which will come out February 2013.  I can't wait to read the next book!

*Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.