“An Unholy Communion” by Donna Fletcher Crow

May 6, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

My Review

I had a super hard time reading this book. I so badly wanted to like the book because I love a good mystery but I got lost when reading this book. I did enjoy the authors way of talking and how she made me at times feel like I was right there with the characters but I got lost in all the history that is in the book. I really like the characters and the setting of the book. I just found that I was lost while reading the book because I didn’t know any of the history that they were talking about so a lot of the book went over my head.

About The Book

The newest offering in The Monastery Murders series, AnUnholy Communion (Lion Fiction).

Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college’s tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words. But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?

About The Author

Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for “Best Inspirational Novel” from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group, and Sisters in Crime.

Find out more about Donna Fletcher athttp://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

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Quote Of The Week-Winston Churchill

May 5, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Quote Of The Week, Quotes, Winston Churchill Tagged With: Quote, Quote Of The Week, Winston Churchill

Duchess by Susan May Warren

May 3, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Books, Duchess by Susan May Warren, Review Tagged With: Book Review, Book Tour, Duchess by Susan May Warren, Good Book, Online Book Tour

Here is another book review. I am sure you guys are tired of seeing them and to be honest I am tired of writing them. This week I think I have had 5 or 6 of them alone. I promise I am getting to end of my stack of books so the reviews will be slowing down greatly in a month or so. Anyway on to the review.

My Review

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think that was because I haven’t read the other books that were before this one so I felt kind of lost when it came to reading this book. I know when I go and read the other books in the series that it will make more sense. So me having a hard time reading it has more to do with me than the authors writing. I love the authors writing and all the details she puts into her books. I really liked Rosie and I loved how it all worked out in the end. I love to read books that work out great and this one is for sure one them. I spent the whole book hoping that things would turn out good for Rosie so when they did it was the perfect ending to the book.

About The Book

When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices-and grief-of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies-plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness.

About The Author

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com

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FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in this book are 100% mine.

Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins

May 2, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Books, Books I Love, Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins, Review Tagged With: Book Review, Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins, Good Book, Online Book Tour, Review

My Review

I enjoyed this book even though it took a minute for me to get interested in the book but once I got into the book I couldn’t put it down. I could see a lot of myself in Meg and that did help me understand some of the choices that she made. I don’t know how I would react if the same things happen to me. The author did a great job of making me understand the things she did and also making me feel like I was there with her throughout the book.

About The Book

Will grief push Meg over the edge?

On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’s husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life—and Meg’s future—forever.

Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court’s decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

About The Author

Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels “Swope’s Ridge” and “Words of the Father,” as well as the nonfiction “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas”; and “Lassie: A Dog’s Life”. His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Learn more about Ace at: http://AceCollins.com.

Where To Buy The Book

Amazon

Things I Would Do Differently

May 2, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Blogging, Change The Past, Prompts, Social Media, Things I Would Do Differently, Writers Work Shop, Writers Workshop Tagged With: Blogging, Change, Change The Past, Prompts, Social Media, Things I Would Do Differently, Writers Workshop

This week for the writers workshop I wanted to write about things I would do differently if I started blogging again.

I think the first things I would have to do differently is not care about numbers. As I look back now I see how much time I spent worrying about numbers and followers. I spent a lot of time when I started blogging worrying about how many followers I had and the number of comments I would get on posts. I have since learned that for me watching and worrying about numbers took the fun out of blogging for me so I try not to focus on those things anymore.
I also would have picked a name and tagline for my blog in the beginning instead of waiting a few years before I picked one.
I wish I would have done more research before I started blogging. When I started I had no idea about how big the blogging world was and things like that. It took me a couple of years before I realized just how big blogging was and where I wanted to go with my own blogs.
I also wish I would have spent less time worrying about offending people and more time being true to me and who I am. I am at a place now with blogging where I try not to offend anyone but I also am not going to not write about something in fear that it will offend someone.

Those are the only things I can think of that I would change if I could start again.

What would you change?

“A Noble Groom” by Jody Hedlund

May 1, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: "A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund, Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Books I Love, Review Tagged With: "A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund, Book Review, Book Tour, Great Book, Online Book Tour, Review

My Review

I loved this book. From the moment I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. I fell in love with the main character and saw so much of myself in her. I find it sad how things were back and then and how hard the people had to struggle. I felt like I was there with her and I understood everything she was feeling. The author did a great job of explaining things and making it all come to life in my head. I can’t wait to read more books from this author.

About The Book

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner’s hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That’ll be enough. A marriage for love…that’s something she’s given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.
Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher—or so he says. He’s looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there’s more to this man than he’s admitting. He’s also gentle, kind, charming—unlike any man she’s ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

About The Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of “The Doctor’s Lady” and “The Preacher’s Bride”. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find out more about Jody at http://jodyhedlund.com/.

FTC: I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions posted here is 100% my own.

“The Heiress Of Winterwood” by Sarah E. Ladd

May 1, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: "The Heiress Of Winterwood" by Sarah E. Ladd Tagged With: "The Heiress Of Winterwood" by Sarah E. Ladd, Book Review, Book Tour, Good Book, Review

My Review

This book was a little slow in the beginning but once I got a couple of chapters into the book I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and I loved how the author made me feel like I was there in the scene with the characters. There were a few times that I didn’t agree with the characters but that is just part of reading a book. The author does a great job of making the reader understand how the characters are feeling and what they are going through.

About The Book

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word-even to the point of proposing to the child’s father-a sea captain she’s never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

About The Author

Sarah E. Laddhas more than ten years ofmarketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Heiress ofWinterwood was therecipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find out more about Sarah athttp://www.sarahladd.com.

FTC: I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. The views expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Favorite Way To Take Care Of Myself-#Band Back Together

April 30, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Band Back Together, Stress Relief, Taking Care Of Me, What is your favorite ways to take care of yourself? Tagged With: Band Back Together, Stress Relief, take care of myself

I am not sure how many of you read this post where I talk about volunteering for The Band Back Together project. I am still helping them out and they have started a new thing where on Friday’s that post a question for people to answer and since I am always trying to find things other than book reviews to write about I am going to start writing about them.

Today I am going to answer the question that was asked in this post of theirs: What is your favorite ways to take care of yourself?

I have found that lately my favorite way to take care of myself is once I leave work I don’t turn on a computer and I try not to use my phone. I find that if I am always connected to social media I tend to get burnt out super quick. When I am home from work I don’t turn on a computer and I just relax so that maybe I will be able to sleep without taking any medication.
Another way I like to take care of myself is to read books and as I am sure you can tell I have no shortage of books to read right now.
I also take the time to laugh. My grandma and I are always laughing about something. Laughter can brighten any day and make a bad day better. I have learned to not take the world so seriously and laughing helps me do that.
I also get my nails done ever 3 weeks. Which is a great way for me to relax and change things up. I have started to post what my nails look like after I get them done so if you are interested you can check out those post right here!

What do you do to take care of yourself?

Dead Light by Mike Pace

April 29, 2013 By Margaret Tidwell

Filed Under: Book, Book Review, Book Tour, Dead Light by Mike Pace, Review Tagged With: Book Review, Book Tour, Dead Light by Mike Pace, Online Book Review, Online Book Tour, Review

Review

I am sure as most of you know by know that I love to read and I read all kinds of books and I have to say that this was one of strangest books I have ever read. It was so different that I actually couldn’t put it down because I had to know how it was going to end and what was going to happen through out the whole book. I liked the author’s writing but I had a really hard time getting into it and sticking to it. It did keep me wondering what was going to happen and I think I am going to check out more books by him when I get a free second to read.

About The Book

…a matter of light and death…

In the sleepy college town of Cumberton, MD, an old cemetery must be moved to make room for a new dormitory, and an ungodly Light, buried for centuries, escapes. A rash of gruesome student suicides rocks the town. Sheriff Estin Booker teams up with former Baltimore homicide detective Anna Tucci to investigate the deaths. What neither expects is to have all roads point to a 2000-year-old legend which, if true, could lead to the destruction of mankind.

The most frightening account of the power of evil breeching our world since The Exorcist, DEAD LIGHT will teach you the most improbable lesson you will ever learn:

FEAR THE LIGHT!

About The Author-Mike Pace

Mike Pace was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Illinois on an art scholarship, and graduated with a BFA degree. He taught public school in Washington D.C.’s inner city, while attending law school at Georgetown University. As an attorney, he prosecuted numerous cases, including those involving murder and rape. He resigned in order to practice law part time, thereby allowing him the time to devote to his first love, creative writing. He lives on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife and two dogs, Blueberry and Scout. DEAD LIGHT is Mike’s first novel.

Website- http:// Mikepacebooks.com

Twitter- www.twitter.com/MikePacebooks