“Pastors’ Wives” by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen

May 18, 2013 By

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In Pastors’ Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen you follow 3 women as their lives join together when they are all members of a mega-church called Greenleaf.  I had a hard time with this book and I am not sure why.  I loved the writing in the book and all the characters but it just wasn’t for me I guess.  I did love how the the author had the chapters broken down into the different ladies talking.  I am for sure going to check out other books by her because she is a great author this book just wasn’t my personal favorite.

About The Book

What’s it like when the man you married is already married to God? asks Pastors’ Wives, an often surprising yet always emotionally true first novel set in a world most of us know only from the outside.
Lisa Takeuchi Cullen’s debut novel Pastors’Wives follows three women whose lives converge and intertwine at a Southern evangelical megachurch. Ruthie follows her Wall Street husband from New York to Magnolia, a fictional suburb of Atlanta, when he hears a calling to serve at a megachurch called Greenleaf. Reeling from the death of her mother, Ruthie suffers a crisis of faith—in God, in her marriage, and in herself. Candace is Greenleaf’s “First Lady,” a force of nature who’ll stop at nothing to protect her church and her superstar husband. Ginger, married to Candace’s son, struggles to play dutiful wife and mother while burying her calamitous past. All their roads collide in one chaotic event that exposes their true selves. Inspired by Cullen’s reporting as a staff writer for Time magazine,Pastors’ Wives is a dramatic portrayal of the private lives of pastors’ wives, caught between the demands of faith, marriage, duty, and love.

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About The Author

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen was a longtime staff writer for TIME magazine. She now develops TV pilots for production companies and recently sold her first pilot for “The Ordained” to CBS. Born in Japan, Cullen lives in New Jersey with family.
Find out more about Lisa at http://lisacullen.com.

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FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.  The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
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“The Cat That God Sent” and “The Dog That Talked To God” by Jim Kraus

May 16, 2013 By

As everyone is aware I love animals so when I saw the chance to review ”The Cat That God Sent” and “The Dog That Talked To God” by Jim Kraus I jumped.  Look below for the reviews of both of these books and I know if you are animal lovers like I am you will love these books.

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The Cat  That God Sent Review

This was one of the cutest books I think I have ever read.  I am a total cat person so from the moment I started this book I was hooked.  I can totally see the parts where the cat is “talking” happening and I often wonder if my own cats don’t think the same things when they look and interact with me.  You follow along with Jake during this book as he arrives at his new assignment and everything that goes on with him and Petey the cat.  I don’t want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away but this is heart warming story that I know everyone will love if you are an animal lover.

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The Dog That Talked To God Review

I really enjoyed this book.  In this book you are following along with Mary Fassler as she is dealing with the loss of her family.  She adopts Rufus who is a Miniature Schnauzer.  She gets him when she needs him the most and he talks to her and God.  I really enjoyed this book but I did’t like it as much as the cat book but I know that is just because I am such a cat person and not a huge dog person.  The dog helps her heal and “move on” with her life.  I know that animals can help you heal just like Rufus helped Mary heal.  If you love sweet stories and dogs I know this book is for you.

About The Books

The Cat  That God Sent

Meet Petey, your not-so-average cat-on a mission from God

Disillusioned young pastor, Jake Wilkerson, has just arrived at his new assignment in the small rural church of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Also new on the scene is Petey, acat of unknown origins and breed-but of great perception.

As Jake sets about doing the business of ministry, Petey’s continued interference brings chaos to thecommunity of curiously off and eccentric people-residents like the faith-avoiding veterinarian Sally Grainger and Tassy, a young runaway with a secret. An expert at hiding his fears, Jake wonders if all this-and the cat to boot-is more than he can handle. What is Petey’s real “mission”? Perhaps something larger than Jake—or even Petey—can possibly know.

The Dog That Talked To God

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways inthe midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to takethe leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus…and God…knows.

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About The Author

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has spentthe last twenty years as a vice president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than twenty books and novels, includingthe best-selling The Dog ThatTalked to God. He and his family live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature Schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat named (of course) Petey. www.jimkraus.com

Buy The Books

The Cat  That God Sent

 The Dog That Talked To God

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“Dream Student (Dreams #1)” by J.J. DiBenedetto

May 14, 2013 By

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My Review

This is one of the strangest books I have read in awhile and surprisingly enough to me I couldn’t put it down.  This isn’t the usual type of book I read but I am glad that I agreed to review this book because I now have found another author to add to my list of books I want to check out.  The author did a great job of sucking me in and then keeping me reading until the very last page.  I don’t even know how to describe this book to anyone because it is so different and yet it is still one of the best books I have read in a long time.

About The Book

Paranormal Romantic Suspense Categories: Mystery/Thriller Publisher: Self/Indie Release Date: April 2, 2013   Heat Level: Sensual Word Count: 94,000

What would you do if you could see other people’s dreams? If you could watch their hidden fantasies and uncover their deepest, darkest secrets…without them ever knowing?

Sara Barnes is about to find out. She thought that all she had to worry about was final exams, Christmas shopping and deciding whether she likes the cute freshman in the next dorm who’s got a crush on her.

But when she starts seeing dreams that aren’t hers, she learns more than she ever wanted to know about her friends, her classmates…and a strange, terrifying man whose dreams could get Sara killed.

Dream Student is the thrilling first installment of the Dreams series.

About The Author

J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.

He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he’s not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.

The ‘Dreams’ series is James’ first published work.

Connect with J.J. DiBenedetto

Email: jamesd@elevendayempire.com

Website

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Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Series by Evangeline Kelley

May 10, 2013 By

This review is a little different I was sent two books in the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Series by Evangeline Kelley to review so there will be two review in this post.  I really did enjoy both of these books and I am sure you will enjoy them as well!

Seaside Harmony

Seaside Harmony Review

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the third book in the series.  In this book they mainly focus on Caroline and her getting her sisters on board with buying the Misty Harbor Inn that their mother took them to when they were children.  It was also their mothers dream to one day own it and run a bed and breakfast there with her daughters.  The author does a great job of making you feel as though you are there with the characters and you also can understand where each of the sisters is coming from.  I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending of this book but there are still 2 other books so it can still get better and I am sure it does.

Sunflower Summer

Sunflower Summer Review

This book mainly follows Gracie around when she comes back in the summer in time to open up the Inn for the summer with her sisters.  I saw so much of myself in Gracie and I feel I could relate to her the most.  I feel like I am repeating myself from the review of the first book so I am just going to say that I loved this book and I really can’t wait for the 3rd book to come out in August so that I can read it as well!

About The Books

Seaside Harmony

Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!

When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.

Sunflower Summer

Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.

About The Author

Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Andrews & Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.

Find out more about Evangeline at http://amzn.to/10d3FZM.

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“An Unholy Communion” by Donna Fletcher Crow

May 6, 2013 By

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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?

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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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Duchess by Susan May Warren

May 3, 2013 By

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.

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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.

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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.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Margaret Margaret

Darkness Before Dawn by Ace Collins

May 2, 2013 By

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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?

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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

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“A Noble Groom” by Jody Hedlund

May 1, 2013 By

A Noble Groom

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.

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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.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Margaret Margaret

“The Heiress Of Winterwood” by Sarah E. Ladd

May 1, 2013 By

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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.

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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.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Margaret Margaret

Dead Light by Mike Pace

April 29, 2013 By

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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!

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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

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

 Excerpt

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