“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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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

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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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Pain and Gain by Marc Schiller

April 23, 2013 By

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My Review

From the moment I started this book I couldn’t stop reading it.  I personally have never heard of the movie or the tv show that was about this so when I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading this book and lets just say I was shocked.  If this book had been fiction I would have stopped reading it because some parts of it are so far out there that is insane.  I am actually at a lose of words to describe this book.  I liked the book and the fact that it is a true story made me like it even more.  This is for sure a book for people who love to read true crime stories like I do.

About The Book

Memoir/True Crime  Date Published: 1/25/13

‘Pain and Gain – The Untold True Story’ is a gripping memoir that tells the true story behind the Paramount film Pain and Gain. Written by the real Sun Gym Gang victim, Marc Schiller, ‘Pain and Gain – The Untold True Story’ will take readers on an adrenaline rush with a shocking ending.

This is the untold true story of one citizen’s pointless torture and month-long captivity. The story, formerly mistold if not utterly overlooked, has been made into a feature film. Even as a dark comedy, there is little amusement to be found in human suffering. The sick and twisted minds of Mr. Schiller’s captors would be fodder for the Darwin Awards if the results were not so alarmingly inhumane. Physical, mental and emotional torture, as well as sensory deprivation and starvation, the prisoner of war like conditions differed only in the fact that Mr. Schiller was completely alone during his extended stay at the warehouse he refers to as Hotel Hell. An early victim of identity theft in the years following Hurricane Andrew in Miami, Mr. Schiller chronicles his story in tortuous detail. His humiliation, pain and suffering at the hands of these perverted social misfits is a shocking revelation.
What is it like to be imprisoned in near dungeon-like conditions? All this mayhem on American soil toward the end of the last millennium.
Greed, lust for power and the desire to inflict pain and misery were the apparent motivating forces behind this gruesome incident.

Truly a harrowing tale and one that you won’t soon forget.

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About The Author

Marc Schiller was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina immigrating to Brooklyn, NY with his parents when he was seven years old. An early entrepreneur, he started several small businesses by the age of nine. He attended high school in Brooklyn, participating in sports and was member of the school’s track team.

Marc received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a MBA from Benedictine University. Marc has had a long and diversified career both as a professional and entrepreneur. His professional career has spanned the U.S. as well as internationally. On an entrepreneurial level, Marc Schiller has launched several successful businesses including two accounting practices both in Miami and Houston, a delicatessen in Miami and an options and stock trading company.

Marc Schiller currently works as an accounting and tax resolution specialist for a national tax resolution company. He has two grown children: his son graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a degree in economics and his daughter currently attends Loyola Marymount University in California.

‘Pain and Gain – The Untold True Story’ is Marc Schiller’s first literary publication.

http://www.painandgainbook.com

Twitter  @painandgainbook

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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Margaret Margaret

A Beautiful Struggle by Lilliana Anderson

April 10, 2013 By

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My Review

I liked this story but at times I did find it hard to follow because of the slang used in the book isn’t what we say here but other than that I loved it. I still gave it 5 stars because I really enjoyed it and read in a day. The author does a great job of making me feel out the main character feels and making me see things how she saw things. I loved how it worked out and I can’t wait to check out more books by her.

About The Book

Katrina Mahoney has a very full life attending university to study a law degree, training for triathlons and now she is working part time as well. She couldn’t possibly find time for a relationship, especially after her last one ended so catastrophically.

Right now she is content focusing on work, study and training while hanging out with her best friend David Taylor, a womaniser with a heart of gold that would do anything for Katrina – except watch her get hurt again.

That is, until the dashing Elliot Roberts, a junior solicitor from her work, shows an interest in her despite their office’s ‘No Dating’ policy.

Katrina struggles with following her heart or following her mind and has trouble seeing where her heart truly lies.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

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About The Author

Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien’s biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all set within Australia.

When she isn’t writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.

She currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

Connect with Lilliana Anderson

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lilliana.anderson.12

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Confidante_Lili

Blog: http://lillianaanderson.weebly.com/blog.html

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6533406.Lilliana_Anderson

Buy Links

Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Struggle-book-ebook/dp/B00ATC7GLU/

Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-Struggle-book-ebook/dp/B00ATC7GLU/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-beautiful-struggle-lilliana-anderson/1114142438

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268557

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Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings

April 1, 2013 By

LoveintheBalance

 

My Review

I read this book in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down. I loved the author and I saw so much of myself in the main character that I had to know how it ended. This is the first book in a long time that I couldn’t figure out how it was going to end and I love that about the book. The author does a great job of describing the places and also talking about what the characters are feeling when they are feeling it. Everything about this book was amazing!

About The Book

Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon.
How’s a Girl to Choose?

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey’s poor prospects, she just can’t fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town-and her life-and for the first time Molly wonders if she’s met the man who can give her everything. But he won’t be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can’t quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What’s a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

 

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About The Author

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.
Find out more about Regina at
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