{Revell Blog Tour} Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Book Description:  When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

My Thoughts:  An eccentric read or a romance?  What about both!

This is a fun, if not, romance at it's best type of read.

A story of tea unlikely people-a confirmed bachelor and a fun-loving, free floating sort of gal.

It's not love at first sight but there's something about George Emerson, aka Mr. Emerson that stirs Willow West's heart.  And it's not a heart throbbing, won't quit beating sort of interest.  Willow thinks that Mr. Emerson needs to loosen up, enjoy life.

On the other hand, George Emerson thinks his life is just fine and he thinks that Willow is a bit of an irritation at times, even though, he likes to be around her.  But why does he ned to expand his horizons and make new friends?  His life is pretty good the way it is.

This is a fun, light hearted read and is written in a voice that only Melody Carlson can write in.

I truly enjoyed this book.

*This book was provided for review by Revell Publishing*

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (March 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800735277
• ISBN-13: 978-0800735272

The Witnesses by Robert Whitlow

Book Description:  Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.

Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.

While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.

Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.

My Thoughts:  Oh, My!  What a read!  

It's been little while since Robert Whitlow has had a new story.  So, when I saw this book, The Witnesses, I grabbed it!

This story is all about a fresh.faced.new.lawyer.

Parker House is gaining ground as a wonderful lawyer....And then it all seems to unravel around the edges.  

Is it because of Parker's secret inheritance or because of his grandfather's mysterious past.

In a small town courtroom Parker tries to direct politics and dark secrets.

Of course, with so much going on in his life, Parker finds a woman of his dreams.  But can those dreams become nightmares.

This is one fantastic novel with quite a few twists and turns, romance sliced in the niches and a caring heart for an aging grandparent inter woven into the fabric of the story.

This is a great summer read!  Simply because you may need to stay up past your bedtime to finish it!

*This book was provided by BookLook*

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140168890X
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688905

{Barbour Review Crew} Convergence by Ginny Yttrup

Book Description:  Psychology professor Dr. Denilyn Rossi contends that the past is either a shadow that haunts us or a force that propels us. The choice is ours, she tells her students. What she doesn’t tell them is that her own past is a shadow she can’t seem to shake. Fear has immobilized her and is taking a costly toll.

Adelia Sanchez, however, has embraced Dr. Rossi’s teaching. She is ready to confront fear and render it powerless—using the trauma of her past to propel her to entrap the man who stalked and brutally attacked her.

As Denilyn’s past and Adelia’s present converge at the Kaweah River, a dangerous man bent on destruction threatens them both. Will he uncover the secret Deni and Adelia have fought so hard to protect?

My Thoughts:  I was SO excited to see that another book was written by Ginny Yttrup.

I love her stories!  

And this story did not disappoint.

There are two women with pasts that include alot of fear.  Two women trying to get over their past.  And both women have a secret.

Oh.my!  The twists and turns in this suspenseful read had me at chapter three.  It took two chapters for me to get into the story and "see" what was going on.  But I know how Mrs. Yttrup writes so I was willing to wade into the story.

Once the reader gets into the story there is no going back.  Kind of like the two women in the story...once they were in ..... in for a penny, in for a pound.

The reader is taken on a trip of sorts.  It's a thrill of suspense and a pondering of mystery.  

Loved, loved this read so much so that I read it all cover to cover in one afternoon.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing 

and was under no obligation to post a review*

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (March 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683227883
• ISBN-13: 978-1683227885

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday} Chocolate Muffins

Sometimes I just need something chocolate! 

 And this is one of the best chocolate muffin recipes I found on Pinterest!

*of course, I didn't have some of the ingredients so changed it up a bit =)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, warmed (No coconut oil so used canola =)
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 cups white whole wheat flour (I just used regular flour, turned out fine)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped dark chocolate ( I didn't have dark chocolate so used chocolate chips =)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand-up mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine juice, oil, and brown sugar. Blend on medium-low until mixture is well-combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
4. Add flour mixture to oil mixture and blend on low to combine. Scrape down bowl and blend again until moistened. Stir in chocolate.
5. Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched.
6. Place the muffin pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Invert muffins onto the wire rack to continue cooling or serve them ooey gooey warm

The White City: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Grace Hitchcock

Book Description:  While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to learn that there will be a bevy of books, each with a different color about historical true crimes in America and by different authors.  How exciting!

So begin with is White~White City.

This true crime takes place at the Chicago World's Fair where a lot of people including criminals will come to see and steal.

As Winnifred Wylde (gotta love her name) is having tea with a "possible suitor" it becomes quite apparent to Winnifred that this suitor just isn't going to work for her so as she is daydreaming and looking out the window at the crowd she sees a man grab a young woman's arm and pull her into a deserted alley.  Because the young woman was fighting for her arm to be released, Winnifred realizes that this is not good.  So, she takes after the people with the possible suitor following...the possible suitor can't keep up and sits down to rest.  Winnifred keeps going but loses the couple in the crowd.

When she realizes she can't find the couple Winnifred goes to her father, Inspector Wylde for help.  Her father dismisses her notions as silly and wants to get back to work.  

But her father is worried about her and asks his newbie, Jude Thorpe, to go keep an eye on his daughter-without being seen.

This is a fantastic read!  I loved, loved it!  

And am anxiously awaiting the next true colors mystery!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing 

and was under no obligation to post a review*

• Series: True Colors
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683228685
• ISBN-13: 978-1683228684

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 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089112330X
• ISBN-13: 978-0891123309
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The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Book Description:  As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature. 

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance. 

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch. 

My Thoughts:  Three people, three stories and a bookstore.  

A new to me author and a wonderful read.

This novel is all about a charming bookstore in an English village.  The bookstore though is a catalyst for people who need each other and need "something" in their lives.

Sophia moves from the States to England to live  above the bookstore .  She is seeking peace and needs to make amends with her past.

Ginny owns the bookstore but due to unforeseen life changes...her husband needs break form their marriage....Ginny isn't sure she can handle everything.  But then her friendship with Sophia changes her outlook on life.

Then from the far past, when Sophia finds a journal in the bookstore, and reading begins reading it so many things come together and makes sense.

This is kind of like three books in one since three are three people involved in different years.  The author does a great job of keeping the stories flowing and relatable.

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 26, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718075722
• ISBN-13: 978-0718075729