Northern Lights Trilogy by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Description:  Three Historical novels for the price of one in this eBook-e-only omnibus.  From the hills of Norway to the coast of Maine, the streets of San Francisco and the Alaskan wilderness, comes this stirring trilogy about a group of Norwegian immigrants whose lives are forever intertwined. Set in the late nineteenth century, The Northern Lights series will captivate historical fiction fans. Lovers of family saga and adventure will be swept into the tender romances, as characters make important journeys toward growth and real faith.

The Captain's Bride

Leaving their home in Norway behind, Elsa and Peder Ramstad embark on a new life in with their closest friends, including: Kaatje Jansen, a woman seeking a new beginning for the sake of her marriage and for the child growing within her; Elsa's sister Tora, a sly young vixen who knows exactly what she wants--and exactly how to get it; and Karl Martensen, a man torn between his friendship for Peder and a forbidden, secret love for Elsa.
 
Experience an epic saga of perseverance and passion, faith, and fidelity.

Deep Harbor

Determined to live "the good life," no matter the price, Tora Anders weaves a web of lies that could cost her everything she cares for-including a successful future and the man she loves. Her sister, Elsa Ramstad, has everything her heart desires: a loving husband, a family she adores, and a fulfilling life at sea. Then tragedy strikes. Now, drawing upon her faith and all the strength she can muster, Elsa must once again discover the woman she is and who she chooses to be.

Four years after her husband's disappearance, Kaatje Janssen struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm. But when help comes from the most unlikely source, Kaatje faces both uncertainty about the future and a deep secret from her past. And after years of grappling with his feelings for Elsa and the mistakes he has made, Karl is caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Can he finally accept the reality of what he once lost and open himself up to the possibility of what could be?

Separated by physical distance and emotional boundaries, these four bound by friendship and family find each other once again and discover that some ties can never be broken in Deep Harbor.

Midnight Sun 

Desperate to know if her missing husband still lives, Kaatje Janssen hires the rugged, yet tenderhearted, James Walker to guide her through the perils of the Alaskan wilderness. What she finally discovers, however, is far from what she expected...and could well place her in the greatest danger of her life.

As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa Ramstad has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again?
 
Her foolish youth behind her, Tora Anders looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past--and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future.
Though widely admired, Captain Karl Martensen feels no depth of emotion for any of the women with whom his life becomes uncomfortably entangled. He has only tender memories of the love he once lost--a love who, by the grace of God, he may just find again.

Witness the glorious conclusion of The Northern Lights Trilogy as four bound by friendship journey out of the shadow of their darkest days into the bright future awaiting them in the land of the Midnight Sun.

My Thoughts:  Wow!  I love three-n-one books!  Why?  Because I can begin one book and without waiting can begin reading the next one!  

These books need to be read in order because they do overlap. So reading three-n-one is great!

I like all the books but my most favorite of the three is Midnight Sun. I liked the ending and the story line was a little different than the other two.

In The Captain's Bride, this is the beginning of the trilogy and gives a more introduction but the story is suspenseful because of Tora's attitude. There's a bit of a love triangle in this story.

In Deep Harbor there are a lot of secrets and it seems at times that the truth will never be forth coming.  This story is more about Kaatje and her struggles.  

Now, my favorite story, Midnight Sun, there was just.that.little.something in this story that resonated with me.  There is more emotion and romance.  Maybe I liked the romance {oh! so! good!} and I truly like the ending.  Tora has been quite a brat in the first read and in this read she comes into her own.  Tora, though, must make amends for sins in her past.  A great ending to a wonderful set of stories!

This is a great-tastic christian fiction trilogy!  If you like suspense, history and romance with a godly influence then this the read for you!!

*This ebook was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• File Size: 2770 KB
• Print Length: 991 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 23, 2012)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00957T4K6

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} 8 Can Taco Soup

I, again, found another grand recipe on Pinterest.                        It's fast and easy!

Now we like beef better than chicken so I changed it up slightly.  If you like chicken just follow the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 (12.5 oz.) can white chicken breast, drained  (changed to 1        package cooked ground beef)
• 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup (changed to cream of mushroom)
• 1 (10 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
• 1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth (changed to beef broth)
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

FREE EBOOK TO DAY ONLY!!

The Pelican Trees is FREE on Kindle today only!!

The Pelican Trees
link

The Pelican Trees {A Novel} by A Grateful Believer

Book Description:  Shelby McKinney thought she had it all—a great marriage, three wonderful children and a beautiful life in Summerville, South Carolina. On the surface everything seemed near-perfect, until her beloved grandfather Luther Mellon died and purposely left her out of his will. Everything quickly crumbles all around her, rendering her completely inconsolable. A few days later, she mysteriously receives a post-dated hand written letter from her late grandfather, stating that he hadn’t forgotten about her after all. But if she wants her inheritance, she must find it buried six-feet beneath the sand somewhere in the state of Florida. 

The only available clues, limited as they are, were stored in a bank safe-deposit box somewhere in the Sunshine State. Shelby is given ninety-days in which to locate the bank, decipher all clues and find her buried inheritance. If she doesn’t find it within the ninety-day time frame, she’ll be forced to forfeit it altogether. Facing insurmountable odds, she embarks on this exciting adventure which quickly turns dangerous when she discovers she isn’t the only one searching for the buried treasure chest. Six extremely dangerous, greedy men are carefully monitoring her every move, fully determined to use any and all necessary measures to steal it from her the moment she unearths it. Not only does this tumultuous voyage of self-discovery nearly cost Shelby her life, she is also confronted by the ever-present spirit world like never before! But in the end, with one-hundred and forty strangers constantly praying for her, she ultimately realizes the adventure her beloved grandfather sent her on was so much more than a personal quest to find her buried inheritance. In the end, Shelby McKinney finds so much more than that underneath the pelican trees....

My Thoughts:  I decided to read and review this book for one simple reason...I was intrigued that this book is authored by A Grateful Believer.  Interesting!  And one simply cannot find the author's name for he choses to remain anonymous.  "He believes the person responsible for writing any particular book is nowhere as important as the message contained in within the pages."  (from the last page of the book)

Shelby seems to have it all!  But when her grandfather, Luther, passes away she is not mentioned in his will.  Nothing!  

Shelby feels betrayed and goes into a slump.  Then a few days later she finds a hand written letter from her grandfather that is post dated.

This is where the intrigue, the mystery, the action begin.

This story reminds me of an allegory.  The characters or events in this story represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.  I'm probably reading between the lines but I see Shelby as me...you, the everyday person, the bank deposit box as the Bible, the six dangerous men as the evil that tries to so easily beset us, and the treasure as eternal life.  

I was a little confused by the title, The Pelican Trees, so when I studied this word, pelican, I came up with...the a symbol of self-sacrifice.  So, as I read this book I realized that Christ is our sacrifice and all.in.all this is what the total of this read is about...Christ, our Savior. Because as it states on the dedication page, "This book is dedicated to all who are diligently searching for the Truth."

This is one of those life changing reads written in story form.  A not to be missed read!

*This book was provided for review by the author*

Thank you Grateful Believer!

ebook format:

• File Size: 879 KB
• Print Length: 422 pages
• Publisher: For His Glory Production Company (July 1, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0059BU8VG
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Fun read at Easter!

An Easter book for little ones at Easter!

COTT {Clash of the Titles} The Q Manifesto by Alan Schleimer

Clash of the Titles presents...

 The Q Manifesto by Alan Schleimer.

A new Dead Sea Scroll stuns the world. Is it a forgery or the end of Christianity?

Not long ago, experts announced that an ancient papyrus referred to Jesus Christ as having a wife. It caused quite a stir before being quickly discredited. But what if an even more explosive papyrus was found that showed the gospels were faked and that document passed every modern test for legitimacy? That is the premise for The Q Manifesto. 

The story centers on Jay Hunt, who quit a lucrative Wall Street career to become a backcountry tour guide. Soon after, an ancient manuscript is uncovered that reveals the Gospels were an orchestrated fiction. Though its revelation stuns the world, Jay ignores it until his father, a retired Dead Sea Scrolls expert, gets in over his head investigating the scroll. Chased by assassins, Jay soon learns that the world’s only chance to survive Armageddon depends on him deciphering a cryptic trail of clues in his quest for the truth.

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

An Unlikely Prospect as an Author

Alan Schleimer wasn’t always a writer. In fact, he says that he was the least likely candidate to become a published author. About ten years ago, he was enjoying a career in the corporate world. The former energy trader and business development professional with a finance MBA claims he struggled writing a two-paragraph business letter. “I kept getting these cool ideas for a book. I thought some day, if I ever retired, I would write it. Well, I noticed that these ideas came more frequently while I was spending my quiet time meditating. Eventually, I became convinced it was a calling from God, and I began writing full-time. The story that started it all was a Christian fiction fantasy. It was a great learning process filled with numerous rookie mistakes. I took writing classes and attended writing conferences until deciding to write the kind of fiction I liked to read—mystery/suspense/thrillers.”

Police Academy

Besides studying writing, Alan is a graduate of Sugar Land’s Citizen Police Academy. He describes it as “A great program for anyone, but it was an ideal introduction for me to police procedures. You can read about police work, but the Academy brings to life the daily risks and snap judgments police officers must make to keep us safe.” Besides his Academy participation, he has studied martial arts, finance, and what he calls the divine source of all truth—the Bible.

Evidence that the Police Academy and other studies have enriched Alan’s writing is reflected in one reader’s review, which praised it as a “magnificent debut whose stunning depths, pivotal settings and tangible descriptions manifested themselves in imagery akin to an HDTV movie.” His storyline was cited as a “masterfully crafted, full-immersion thriller written with intelligence, heart and virtue, brilliantly plotted, and played out at machine gun pace.”  Pleased that his book is categorized as Christian fiction, Alan prefers to think of it as a family-friendly wild ride with a message of hope and a challenge to anyone’s faith.

Awards

The Q Manifesto was named the top inspirational/religious novel of 2012 by the national website Daily Cheap Reads. Previously the story garnered the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre. Schleimer’s debut novel is a suspense thriller and has been compared favorably to Dan Brown’s "Da Vinci Code" for its masterfully-executed twists and turns. 

Connect with Alan

The Q Manifesto is available as an eBook at Amazon and by month’s end at most online booksellers in a print edition. You can connect with Alan through his website www.alanschleimer.com and “Like” him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlanSchleimer.Author.

a woman's guide to reading the Bible in a year {a life-changing journey into the heart of God} by Diana Strotz

Book Description:  A Unique, Relational Way for Women to Read the Bible in a Year

Many women feel overwhelmed at the thought of reading the Bible in a year. Diane Stortz found that it is not only possible but life-changing. Her journey from initial reluctance to excitement about reading the Bible will inspire readers to try it for themselves.Part of a women's group that read through the Bible each year for ten years, the author discovered the value of reading the Bible to get to know God better rather than viewing it only as a book to study. This guide will give women tools to read and discuss the Bible together, drawing them closer to God and each other.Includes a week-by-week reading plan, discussion guide, lists of what to look for, and motivational quotes.

My Thoughts:  I confess that I am one of "those" women who feels overwhelmed AND who has meaning to read my Bible through in a year.  But, you know, the drill . . . the day passes so quickly that before I know it night has fallen and once again {sigh}  I have not read much of my Bible.

So, when I received a woman's guide to reading the Bible in a year, a life-changing journey into the heart of God, I was pleasantly surprised by the "easiness" of reading through the Bible.

For example, p. 56, week 14, is entitled hear me when I call, there are three short paragraphs explaining the Psalms.  Then on p. 57, there is a list of 7 chapters to read in Psalms with a checkpoint or bullet points on the opposite page that highlight these Psalms.  Beneath this is a quotation and beneath the quotation is a Share the Journey where the reader has room to answer questions about what was learned.

This is just what I need and was looking for.  Not only can I read the Bible through in year but I can "digest" what I read with the helpful notes.  Also, when I have a "guide" I am much more likely to follow through and read each day.  An absolutely wonderful book!

This book makes a great gift and the reader doesn't have to begin on January 1st since the book is divided into weeks one can begin any time of the year.  

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764210734
• ISBN-13: 978-0764210730

A Matter of Trust (A Mia Quinn Mystery) by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Book Description:  When life is murder, who can you trust?

One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.

Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.

Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.

My Thoughts:  I read all of the Triple Threat books by Lis Wiehl and April Henry.  The Triple Threat books are quite suspenseful!  

In my opinion, the reader will either love Lis Wiehl's books or she won't.  I love her books! 

In A Matter of Trust there aren't three friends working and collaborating together...there is just Mia, the prosecutor, and the good looking detective!  Mia is a strong person but now she's a mom, she also recently lost her husband, needs money, has a teenage son with some troubling issues and a four year old who can't sleep through the night without terrifying the whole house with her screaming.

Then when she is on the phone with her friend, Colleen, she hears shots and listens as her friend dies.

Now, that's quite a story line!  

This is quite a suspenseful, dramatic read!  

But, besides all the dramatic suspense, there are family issues that are quite realistic.  There aren't pat answers and Mia needs help.  And so detective Charlie Carlson investigates Colleen's death with Mia.  

If you like a book with some romance, quite a few twists and turns and a great suspense then this is the read for you!

I truly enjoyed this wonderful cameo story with Mia! 

No need to have read the Triple Threat books, this is a whole new book and well written.

*This book was provided by BookSneeze*

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 19, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159554903X
• ISBN-13: 978-1595549037

A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description: There's more to the quaint northern Indiana town of Shipshewana than handcrafted quilts, Amish-made furniture, immaculate farms and close-knit families. When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, murder is also afoot. And Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect! Reuben refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn't commit. So, with her English friend, Callie---fellow sleuth and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop---Deborah sets out to uncover the truth. But the mystery deepens when an elderly man seeks Callie's help in finding his long-lost daughter, missing since the days of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes. An old man who has lost his past. A young man who may lose his future. Once again Deborah and Callie find themselves trying to piece together a crazy quilt of lives and events---one that can bring unexpected touches of God's grace and resolve the tragedy that has shaken this quiet Amish community.

My Review:  Having read Falling To Pieces the first book in this series, I was expectantly waiting for A Perfect Square to be released.  So when I received my copy I immediately dove into another mystery with Callie, Deborah and Esther.

I loved the mystery in Falling To Pieces and getting to know the three besties and Max but in A Perfect Square the reader quickly recognizes that Mrs. Chapman has "grown" in her development of a grand story.  A Perfect Square can be a stand alone read but I was so glad I read Falling To Pieces first....getting to know the "ins and outs" of Callie's life in this small community and understanding her friendships makes for a simply divine read!

In this cozy Amish mystery it seems that Deborah is the one to get into the mix of the mayhem!  I truly enjoyed this second Amish mystery and am {im}patiently waiting for the third read!  

Love good reads with a twist?  Then don't miss this grand-tastic cozy Amish mystery!

*Zondervan Publishing*

Meet the Author:

Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her first novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, quickly became a bestseller. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

For more information, visit her at
webpage -- www.VannettaChapman.com
blog -- http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com
facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks, and
pinterest -- http://pinterest.com/vannettachapman

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310330440
• ISBN-13: 978-0310330448

GOD IS my refuge {12 weeks of devotions and scripture memory for troubles times} by Kathy Howard

Book Description:  In this daily devotional, Kathy Howard combines Scripture reading, insightful commentary, personal reflection, and Scripture memory to help women draw closer to God and experience his help in the midst of life's trials.

''In this world you will have trouble.'' Jesus said it and our life experiences prove it. From financial need and illness to loss and broken relationships, every Christian woman encounters difficulties. Most believe God can help, but many don't know where to go in the Bible to find the comfort, peace, and guidance he longs to give.God Is My Refuge provides the direction Christian women need to discover, understand, and apply the ''ever-present help'' that only God can give.

Each devotional includes five components to guide readers through a well-rounded time with God. Through these components readers will have the opportunity to hear from God through the Bible, understand biblical truths, apply these truths to their lives, respond to God in prayer, and equip themselves through Scripture memory.

My Thoughts:  I enjoy devotionals.  Devotionals are encouraging, short and give the reader a daily "lift" of spiritual insight.  I like to have a devotional book on my bedside table, on my e reader and I even carry one in my purse for those times I sit patiently in the doctor's office or for those moments I wait for my child in the long car line.

I have quite a collection of devotionals.  But I must say that Kathy Howard's, GOD IS refuge, is by far one of the best I've yet to read.

The devotionals are in weeks, then the weeks are put into days.  A whole year of encouragement and scripture memory.

On p. 49, Day Two, Accept No Substitutions, really caught my attention.  The verse at the top of the page is Hebrews 13:5-6 and the weekly memory verse is Romans 8:39.  Then there is a short, encouraging devotional.  The next page continues with a Reflect and Apply, A Prayer Prompt and A Memory Minute.  I truly like the Memory Minute because putting the Word of God into one's heart is the most important aspect of studying God's Word.

This is not a big book but it is packed with mounds of encouragement and scripture.

It is a great devotional for gift giving.  I'm thinking it will make a wonderful gift for Mother's Day!  But if you love devotionals as much as I do I know you'll want to buy this book for yourself, too!

*This book was provided for review by Leafwood Publishers*

MEET THE AUTHOR: 

Kathy Howard calls herself a "confused southerner." Raised in Louisiana, she has moved with her engineer husband around the U.S. and Canada. She says "pop" instead of "Coke" and "you guys" as often as "ya'll." But those things are just superficial - she's still a southern girl at heart!

Kathy has been teaching the Bible for over 20 years to a varied audience - everyone from middle school students to teen moms to church leaders. She has a Masters in Christian Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary. Kathy served on a church staff in Midland, Texas for the last five years until her family's recent move to the Houston area.

Kathy and her husband have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandson. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix. Kathy writes to have something to do while she drinks coffee and eats chocolate. Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Leafwood Publishers (January 15, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089112330X
• ISBN-13: 978-0891123309
• 
  
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The Survivor (Crime Scene Houston) by DiAnn Mills

Book Description:  Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

My Thoughts:  After reading The Chase by DiAnn Mills which is also a part of the Crime Scene Houston "series"  I have been anxiously awaiting The Survivor!

I love, I mean absolutely love, a book where the action bounds of the pages and characters seem like real people who may be next door neighbors.  Well, The Survivor, is THAT kind of read!

In The Chase, Kariss is an ex-TV news anchor-turned novelist who wants to move from women's fiction into suspense against the wishes of her agent.  Now, Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett.  Dr. Amy Garrett survived a brutal attack in her childhood and wants Kariss to write a novel about her story.  A good idea or not a so.great.idea?  

Well, Kariss has broken off her relationship with Tigo Harris...A big disappointment!  I like Tigo!  Without Tigo to give her advice Kariss interviews Dr. Amy.  Did I mention that Dr. Amy's attacker has never been apprehended?! 

As Kariss begins her own search and research on this terrible atrocity . . . someone does not want this story "out!"

WOW! the action!  the danger!  and the very confusing relationship between Tigo and Kariss!  A great-tastic ending!

I loved this read!  Although I must admit I was afraid to read about the brutal attack before I began this story.  I just can't take "ugliness" against children or any other human.  But DiAnn Mills does an excellent job of writing with emotion without giving too much "ugliness."  The reader "gets the picture" without having to have all the ugly details.

*This book was provided by BookSneeze/Zondervan*

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310333229
• ISBN-13: 978-0310333227

{Kregel Book Tour} DAVID Sticker Book

Book Description:  The story of David, complete with four pages of sticker to help illustrate each page.

My Thoughts:  When my son was little, just in preschool, he loved sticker books especially the kind where the stickers are the shape of the outline where the sticker should be placed.  This is that kind of book.

Now that I teach Kindergarteners I love to use these Bible based books that are just right for little hands.  

This is a colorful book with the story of David and Goliath as well as the "entire" life of David beginning when he was a shepherd boy until he becomes king.  The child can easily place the sticker on the shape of the out line and then when the stickers are all in place the child has a complete book.  And he can feel an accomplishment because he helped "make" the book.

This is a nice book written by Karen Williamson and illustrated by Amanda Enright.

It's great for classroom center usage and makes a great gift for that special child in your life!

*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

• Paperback: 12 pages
• Publisher: Candle Books (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859859313
• ISBN-13: 978-1859859315

Amazon Sale of the Anniversary Waltz!

 The Anniversary Waltz paperback is on sale for $5.54 and the Kindle download is $2.99. So many raved about this book, we thought some of your readers would want to take advantage of the sale.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Anniversary-Waltz-A-novel/dp/1616387157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361028313&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Anniversary+Waltz

http://www.amazon.com/The-Anniversary-Waltz-novel-ebook/dp/B0088QCP10/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361027941&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Anniversary+Waltz

OUTRAGEOUS COURAGE {What God can Do with Raw Obedience & Radical Faith} by Kris Vallotton & Jason Vallotton

Book Description:  Bestselling Authors Share a Powerful Story of Raw Faith in Action

From the moment her motorcycle pulled up outside Kris Vallotton's small country church years ago, Tracy Evans has been impacting lives. Mentored by Kris, Bill Johnson, and Heidi Baker, Tracy has never been afraid of putting her life on the line repeatedly for Jesus--and God has used her repeatedly to do amazing things for him around the world.This is her story, as recounted to her closest friends. From treating rebel guerillas while captive on an Asian island, to having tea in a Mozambican hut with bullets whistling by, to caring for 900 HIV-positive orphans, Tracy's story will entrance readers, inspire in them adventurous faith, and challenge them to be radically obedient. "Every story in this book is true and unembellished," says Kris. "We hope and pray that Tracy will have the kind of impact on you that she has had on all of us. Put on your seatbelt and let the journey begin!"

My Thoughts:  This book is, well, uncommon!  Tracy Evans should be a house hold name in christian households.  Actually, I had never heard of Tracy Evans until I read this book, Outrageous Courage.  

After reading the book, I now understand what the author was saying when she penned the following in the foreword of this book, " . . . there are few people in the world that I fear as much as Tracy." She goes on to explain that she doesn't fear tracy but ". . . yet the honest expression of my heart is 'I fear God in Tracy."  These two quotes captivated me!  Oh! What is like for people to "see" Jesus in me!

Tracy's faith is truly outrageous!  She reminds me of the Apostle Peter, the late David Wilkerson and Andrew van der Bijl (Brother Andrew, God's Bible Smuggler) all rolled into one courageous lady.

This is the most refreshing read!

I was most encouraged when reading chapter 8, Wild Trust.  Tracy is so close to Jesus that she hears Him say, "This time next year, go to Syrian and Iraqi borders of Turkey.'  It was clear as a bell." (p.97)

Outrageous Faith inspired me and made me want to draw closer to my Lord.  I want to have a love for people like Tracy, Bev, Helen and Judy.  Women who love Jesus SO MUCH they trust Him explicitly and are drawn to live as He lived.

Another inspiration from this book was that when God calls you to a place or situation He will keep you from all harm.

Grab this book!  And be encouraged to trust God as He leads you!

*This book was provided by Bethany House*

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chosen Books (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800795547
• ISBN-13: 978-0800795542

The Tudor's Daughter by Julie Klassen . . . A great Valentine's Read!

Book Description:  Award-Winning Regency Romance from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration? The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame...and which brother to trust with her heart?

My Thoughts: I've read a couple of books by Julie Klaussen and have greatly enjoyed reading them. 

The Tutor's Daughter  is  a historical romance; therefore, it's not fast paced and is "slow" in places simply because the author is setting up the history.  

Emma is a sweet person and a loving daughter so she agrees to accompany her father to the coast where he will be with the baronet and teach the younger sons.  It seems that as soon as they arrive mysterious "things" begin to happen.

The mystery of this book is well written.  Of course, I had my thoughts about who the culprit is...but no spoilers.  The top questions to me was  Who would do these dirty deeds and why?

This is a fun romance because there are no "icky" scenes.  And of course, there is Emma's reliance on God.  I like Emma.  She reminded me a lot of Jane in Jane Eyre.  Yes, it's that kind.of.good.read!

If you like historical romance then this is a must read for you!  A wonderful read for Valentine's Day!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764210696
• ISBN-13: 978-0764210693

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Valentine's Treat

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For a great Valentine's Treat I'm making Inside Out Chocolate Strawberries!  Simply cut tops off strawberries, hull, and fill with melted chocolate.  When filled, place in egg carton and chill for a couple of hours.  YUM!

Secrets {Book One in the Glenbrooke Series} by Robin Jones Gunn

Book Description:  The Glenbrooke Series

Jessica ran from her past...but can she hide from love? Jessica Morgan wants desperately to forget the past and begin a new life. She chooses a small, peaceful town tucked away in Oregon’s Willamette Valley as the place to start over—Glenbrooke. Once there, Jessica conceals her identity from the intriguing personalities she meets—including the compassionate paramedic who desires to protect her and the jealous woman who wants nothing more than to destroy her. Will Jessica’s deceit ruin all hope for the future? Or will she find a deeper peace that allows her to stop hiding the truth from those who love her most of all? This heartwarming bestseller, book one in the Glenbrooke series, introduces the fascinating people of Glenbrooke in a compelling tale of romance and spiritual truth.

My Thoughts:  Robin Jones Gunn is one of my MOST favorite authors, ever!  The Glenbrooke Series may be an "oldie" but it is definitely a "goodie!"

In Secrets, the first book in the Glenbrook series we meet Jessica.  The first chapter of this book begins with a lot of action and excitement.  So true to life.  

Jessica is and wants to begin a new start in life so she has chosen Glenbrooke.  However, as with any new move there are a few glitches and Jessica is hiding her true identity.  Only one person in town knows  the "real" Jessica.  Many secrets abound!  Sometimes when there are secrets it makes it hard to keep up with the truth.  Robin Jones Gunn brings out biblical truths in a great fiction read . . . there are no secrets with God.

I loved this book.  It's a light read and can be read in one setting...say on a cold, dreary winter day.

I plan to read the other books in this series.  From my understanding each book is a stand alone read and each is about a different person but since all the books take place in Glenbrooke I think it would be best to read them in order.

Cuddle up with a great book!

*This ebook was provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah*

• File Size: 2561 KB
• Print Length: 290 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (February 16, 2010)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0036S4CDO