Heaven Help Heidi by Sally John, A Review

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          Christian Book          Book Depository

Book Description

From bestselling Christian fiction author Sally John comes the second book in a series featuring new beginnings and unexpected romance.

Welcome to the Casa de Vida--eleven quaint bungalows located three blocks from the Pacific Ocean in tiny Seaside Village, California. Owner Liv McAlister never advertises vacancies beyond a small hand-lettered sign out front, preferring to trust that God will send the right tenant at just the right time. And He always does.

Heidi Hathaway's life has been turned upside down. After an accident leaves her injured, unable to work, and incapable of negotiating the stairs in her multilevel oceanfront condo, she leases her home and moves into a cozy little cottage in the charming garden complex where her friend Piper lives. There she finds so much more than a place to rest and recover.

Piper Keyes knows Jared is not coming back from Afghanistan. After making it through the fifth anniversary of his death, she wonders if she's at last ready to get on with life. She gingerly explores new avenues--photography, cooking, and buying her own boutique--and learns to open her heart again.

The most comforting thing about living at the Casa is that the women there become each other's mentors and confidantes, learning from their own mistakes and arriving at new, healed places in their lives.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it.  I don't recall why I didn't fall into it right away; it was interesting, especially with the opening car crash and then the switch to a different character's perpective.  I must have had a lot going on because when I picked it back up this week, I read it very quickly.

The romance is fairly average - I fully expected Heidi to end up with who she did at the end.  What really made this special for me was the character development and the exploration Heidi goes through in finding herself after her accident.  I like every character in this book. Every. Single. One.  Even those that are more tertiary characters rather than secondary characters.  I want to live at Casa de Vida.  The sense of community and love that flowed through that courtyard was tangible and inviting.  

I was very happy to see this is only the second book in the series; it will be easy to catch up and future stories to look forward to! 

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it 

The Amish Clockmaker by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, A Review

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 Christian Book          Book Depository

Book Description

From bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, The Amish Clockmaker (Book 3 in the Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Newlywed Matthew Zook is expanding his family's tack and feed store when a surprising property dispute puts the remodel on hold--and raises new questions about the location's mysterious past.

Decades earlier, the same building housed a clock shop run by a young Amish clockmaker named Clayton Raber. Known for his hot temper, Clayton was arrested for the murder of his beloved wife, a crime almost everyone--including his own family members--believed he'd committed, even after charges were dropped. Isolated and feeling condemned by all, Clayton eventually broke from the church, left Lancaster County, and was never heard from again.

Now the only way Matthew can solve the boundary issue and save his family's business is to track down the clockmaker. But does this put Matthew on the trail of a murderer?

A timeless novel of truth, commitment, and the power of enduring love, where secrets of the past give way to hope for the future.

Review

I was provided an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Here is my honest review.

I'm not sure how this book is classified: mystery, romance, romantic suspense. I am sure that it was very different from any other book I have read set in the Amish community, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much more than most of the books I read in that genre.

I found the plot to be really interesting and the writing/story to be incredibly authentic. The authors did a great job exploring how Amish people today work through situations that arise from the English community. 

I don't want to say much so as not to give away any spoilers; there are serious issues that are dealt with in this book (pregnancy, mental illness as well as trust and forgiveness). Oftentimes I read a romance book in the Amish genre and it seems so perfectly idyllic, which is unrealistic. 

The one scene that resonates with me is when Clayton is speaking to his mother after she expressed displeasure towards his wife. He reminds her that Jesus did not require us to be perfect before he sacrificed himself on the cross. He has a deep faith and his view of accepting his wife where she is while wanting peace for her was so touching. 

I enjoyed this story immensely - I practically couldn't put it down. Since this is the third book in a series, I will be looking to read the previous books and will watch for future books as well.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Want to Know More?

You can  pick up a copy of Lilies on Daybreak Pond, a short prequel novella in the Men of Lancaster series, at Amazon, free on Kindle,  as of the date of this blog post. 

Secondhand Cowboy by Lacy Williams, A Review

   Amazon              Goodreads   

This book releases on March 24, 2015 and is available for pre-order.

Book Description

Iris Tatum hasn’t seen her high school sweetheart Callum Stewart since he left years ago without a single word. Then she witnesses an horrific hit-and-run accident, and comes face to face with her past–and Cal’s triplets. A volunteer paramedic, Iris can’t walk away. No matter how much she wants to. 

Bull rider Callum Stewart was run out of town at age twenty and vowed never to return. Only one thing could bring him back: building a future for his sons. Now, thanks to the accident that left him with a broken leg—he needs help to care for his boys. He has no choice but to accept Iris’s grudging help. 

As they rediscover a friendship–and the sparks that never faded between them–Callum’s secrets are brought back with a vengeance. How can they keep the past from destroying their future?

Review

I would like to thank Redbud Press for sending me a copy to review.  Here is my honest review.

I utterly adored this book.  It is a formulaic romance and I enjoy those types of books, typically giving them a three star rating (I liked them, but they didn't stick with me).  I gave Secondhand Cowboy four stars, I enjoyed it that much!

This book had so many elements that I enjoy in a romance: cute cowboy, rowdy boys (in the form of toddler triplets who stole my heart right along with Iris'), a second chance at love, and a small town.  I really enjoyed the theme of forgiveness that Williams weaves into the story.  Callum was convinced that he wasn't worthy of Iris' forgiveness yet she gave it so easily.  I loved that she took time to reflect on what he meant to her and fought for him.

Since this is a formulaic romance, there  are no big surprises, a guaranteed happy ending and it won't cure a world problem; it did however, put a smile on my face and leave me with a warm fuzzy feelings throughout.

I really, really hope that Williams writes stories for Jilly and the dress shop owner.  Sam. And even Mike, who is already married but I have a feeling there's a story there as well.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Want to Know More?

Visit Lacy Williams website to learn more about books she has written.  I joined her mailing list; I definitely will be looking at past books she has written and look forward to reading her new works as well.
Kissed By A Cowboy, a novella by Lacy Williams is currently offered for free at Amazon(paired with another Redbud Press book).  As I was looking up other works by Williams, I noticed she had a story (which happens to be Kissed by a Cowboy) in the First Kisses anthology which I reviewed last year; I looked it us and that just happened to be my favorite in the anthology. I love it when I think I've found a new author whose work I enjoyed only to realize that I actually had read their work before.

Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennett, Blog Tour & Giveaway

Devon’s Choice

Life holds no surprises for Devon Murphy. Her life consists of keeping tabs on her aging Irish father, working part time at a coffee shop, and building her online graphics design business. Devon’s only tricky situation is a shallow relationship with the pampered and affluent Michael Turner, who sees her as just another woman to conquer.

Following his father’s death, Brandon’s only goal is to expand the family business and live life on his own terms. That is, until he walks into the coffee shop one snowy evening and meets the enchanting, red-haired barista behind the counter. But can Devon and Brandon’s attraction for each other be strong enough to help erase their deepest disappointments and renew their faith in God?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords 

My Review

Let me begin by saying that I was in a very funky frame of mind when I read this book.  I did receive a copy for the tour to review and I am thankful to have been included; but I am going to share some honest thoughts about this book.  I encourage you to check out other reviews as it has received many ratings higher than mine.  

I had a very difficult time getting drawn into this book.  It wasn't the writing, which was fine and even though I thought the character development was fairly shallow, it was fine too.  The story premise is cute so I'm attributing it to my physical and emotional exhaustion of the week*.

By the last quarter of the book, I was hoping Devon would make a smart choice but honestly, she drove me so crazy I wasn't sure I would get a happy ever after - kudos to Bennett for keeping up the suspense on that end.  Devon's Choice definitely followed the formula of a feel-good romance

This is promoted as a book where faith factors in and it is in this that I found my biggest disappointment.  I felt like Devon's and Brandon's faith journey was shallow and would have liked to see more depth in this area.  I did think Bennett did a nice job of portraying how one can feel desire (usually is lacking in a Christian romance) and how to fight to maintain purity in a relationship.  This is probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.

I liked the bantering between Devon and Brandon.  I liked not knowing where the story was going; there were a few times when I was worried that the story would take a twist I did not want it to take.  I don't find a lot of formulaic romances to have unexpected twists and turns that keep me guessing - that was a refreshing treat.  I would have loved to see more of Meg and Brandon's mom (adored her so much from the little glimpse)

Overall, I am giving this 3 stars.  This is a fairly good read, I did enjoy it, I don't regret reading it and I think it is definitely a great read for the price.  If Bennett wrote Meg's story, I would definitely pick it up to read!  Again, read other reviews as my experience with the book fell at a really emotional time for me.  You will find the blog tour schedule below which will list all the blogs posting a review or an excerpt.

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

 Praise for Devon’s Choice
5 Star Review on Amazon
“Devon’s Choice is an enjoyable Christian Romance. I was hooked from the first chapter. Devon is a strong, independent young woman who is not afraid to stand by her beliefs. The characters are very believable, and the story contains some surprise twists and turns. I would recommend this book to all readers who like Christian Romance. It is an excellent read.” ~ Review by Sharon B.
4 Star Review on Amazon
“This book is an enjoyable read. Moving along with Devon and her choices opens oneself to feeling with her the good and bad consequences of those choices. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Devon and her dad. How she handles herself and all life throws at her makes for a good read.”
~ Review by Robin
5 Star Review on Amazon
This is a very emotional story of friendship, relationships and loss. Devon Murphy is a woman with strong morals. She loves and cares for her aging widowed father, works a part time job at a coffee shop with her friend Megan, and is putting her graphics art degree to work building a business. She is dating Michael Turner, who is egotistical, self-centered and treats her like a business deal. Brandon Forrester seems to have the same strong characteristics as Devon, family devotion, business ethics, healthier lifestyle and respecting other people. Devon knows that Michael is wrong for her and when she meets Brandon, they seem to have a connection. This story is about taking a hard look at your life and goals and making plans and changes. About dealing with the loss of a parent and knowing how to move on and putting your faith and trust in God and allowing Him to lead in your life. ~ Review by RedRabbitt

5 Star Review on Amazon
I really enjoyed this romance, the characters and their journey. It was very moving, endearing and engaging.
I appreciate the writing style, the emotional pull, the way the story unfolds.
I love to feel satisfied after reading a book, and this one does just that!
Very enjoyable read.
Highly recommend!
~ Review by Kimberly

Want to Know More?

Author Catherine Bennett

I grew up in Ohio where I currently live with my husband and our two rescue Labradors. Some of my favorite things include reading, shopping, pepperoni pizza, Hershey bars and hanging out with my two grown sons. I also love dogs; so going to the dog park is cheap entertainment for my husband and I!

Growing up an only child, I had many imaginary friends. I believe this – and a love of books – fueled my desire to write. It was many years later that my dream of becoming a published author came true.

I’m grateful to God for always keeping a story in my heart and hope you are blessed and entertained by my book.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Blog Tour Schedule

March 2nd
I Am A Reader – Interview
Jessie’s Random Place – Review
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Spotlight
Lori’s Reading Corner – Interview
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight

March 4th
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review
readalot – Review
StoreyBook Reviews – Review
Her Book Thoughts – Spotlight
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through The Ages – Spotlight

March 6th
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
Tifferz and Her Sisterz Book Reviewz – Spotlight
Bound 4 Escape – Review
Author Tianna Holley – Spotlight

March 9th
{A Leisure Moment} – Review
Getting Your Read On – Review
Mythical Books – Review
Diana’s Book Reviews – Review
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight

March 11th
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Min Reads and Reviews – Spotlight
More Than a Review – Spotlight

March 12th
My Life. One Story at a Time. – Review
Book Butterfly in Dreamland – Review
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Spotlight
BookHounds – Spotlight
A Casual Reader’s Blog – Review

March 13th
For the Art of It – Review
Mom With a Reading Problem – Review
My Own Little Corner – Spotlight
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Mommabears Book Blog – Spotlight

Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennett Blog Tour

I have a post for the blog tour today for Devon's Choice.  I am having issues with it posting properly so will be back in a bit.  I hope you'll come back this afternoon!

Winter Reading Challenge Final Update

I stumbled across Semi-Charmed Kind of Life's Winter Reading Challenge sometime in January. With such specific categories, I knew it would be fun to find books to fulfill each one and that I would certainly find some gems hidden in my library!  I was able to complete all but two of the categories; I just simply forgot to pick up books and then ran out of time this week.  I had to really be focused to squeeze in the last book but I managed to read it all in one day by grabbing every spare minute I could (read while hubby drove on errands, read while cooking, etc).  I will definitely participate in future challenges that Megan hosts. 

I ended up earning 165 points out of a possible 200.  Below are the challenge categories along with the books I read for each one.  The link will take you to my review (using that word loosely as most of them are just quick thoughts really) on Goodreads.  Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these books and what your thoughts on them were.

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that fits the general rules.

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things by Sara Hagerty 

10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books.

  The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell  

10 points: Read a book of short stories.

 My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you (so no rereads for this one!)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language.

 Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

15 points: Read a book written by a local author (either from your state if you live in the United States, or in your country if you live somewhere else - note: author must be from where you currently live).

Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas

20 points: Read a "bookish book" (in which books play an important role, e.g. the setting involves a bookstore or library, a major character is an author, or a book that celebrates reading and books.

Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay 

20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title (e.g. north, south, east, west or any combination of those).

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Elwell Hunt

25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Be sure to tell us the song name and artist as well!

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren

 "It Had to be You" by Gus Kahn, 1924

30 points: Read two books with a different meal in each title.

 

Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

10 points: Read a book with a food (not a drink!) in the title.

Didn't complete this one. I picked up The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen at my library; perhaps I'll read it in March.

25 points: Read a book from a genre you don't usually read.

Didn't complete this one.  The two genres I read the least are poetry and science fiction.  My library shelves Science Fiction books all together so I just browsed the shelves for a title that stood out.   I picked up The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen; I thought the title seemed different from the other titles I was seeing, more like contemporary fiction so I figured it would be a good one to try.  I'm intrigued by the premise so I will definitely be reading this one in March.

Two Quick Reviews

At Bluebonnet Lake (Texas Crossroads #1) by Amanda Cabot

Amazon         Goodreads

My Review

(Source: borrowed from library)

Sweet contemporary book about finding your purpose and being willing to take risks. I liked the story, the characters, the setting. There isn't anything that I didn't like. It's hard to explain but I liked the story, I just didn't love it. It did take me until a little over halfway to really feel pulled into the book. The secondary characters were delightful and I look forward to reading other books in this series to see how their stories play out.

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it


Free to Love (Inspiration Point Series #1) by Kelsey MacBride

Amazon         Goodreads

My Review

(Source: bought)

I'm completely flabbergasted by this book. And I'm not entirely sure how many stars to give it.
I like Julie (really liked her) and several other characters in the book. I don't like the fiance but I do think his character was well-written.
The premise is interesting.
The writing - is just okay, for the most part. There were a few places where it was great but not throughout.
I feel like for all the good things that I liked in this book, there was something not to like. The mother - made no sense to me. At times it seemed like details changed (person's name or something along those lines). I was especially annoyed that the story seemed to abruptly introduce an entire new cast of characters in a completely new setting only to end and prompt me to buy the next book to find out what happens to Julie. It seemed to me that the author wasn't sure what Julie's story was so she gave her another one. 
ARGH!!! 
I like series where there is resolution; there might need to be further resolution -- but I like to be able to walk away knowing that things will be trucking along in that world for a bit. (Harry Potter would be a great example. I'm currently reading through The Selection trilogy and book one wrapped up very nicely even though it was obvious that there was more to the story.)

I like Julie and want to know what will happen to her; I'm not sure if I'm curious enough to buy the next book.   That being said, it does get better reviews on Goodreads and Amazon; I encourage you to check them out for a differing point of view than mine. 

I can loan this book on Kindle once; if you would like to read it, please let me know.

I gave this book: ★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Every Bitter Thing is Sweet:Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things by Sara Hagerty, A Review

Amazon         Goodreads

Book Description

In the age of fingertip access to answers and a limitless supply of ambitions, where do we find the God who was birthed in dirt and straw? Sara Hagerty found him when life stopped working for her. She found him when she was a young adult mired in spiritual busyness and when she was a new bride with doubts about whether her fledgling marriage would survive. She found him alone in the night as she cradled her longing for babies who did not come. She found him as she kissed the faces of children on another continent who had lived years without a mommy s touch.

In Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet, Hagerty masterfully draws from the narrative of her life to craft a mosaic of a God who leans into broken stories. Here readers see a God who is present in every changing circumstance. Most significantly, they see a God who is present in every unchanging circumstance as well.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

While I have not walked a path of infertility and adoption, this book has greatly impacted me.  I was able to relate to Hagerty on a faith level and there is so much in this book that resonates with me.  Years ago in a Bible Study, someone asked, "Do you know Jesus or do you know Jesus?"  That simple statement set off a desire in me to know Jesus in a deeper way than just being able to recall a Bible story.  Hagerty captures this in her book - she knows Jesus and shares how knowing Him in a deep way rests not just in believing in His truth that is laid out for us in His word but recognizing Him (his face, scent, touch) just as we do those who are most precious to us in earthly form.

This is not a "how-to" book with detailed steps that one can check off.  Hagerty doesn't spell it out in her book, but I would guess that if asked, she would simply tell you to start: talking to God, reading His word, spending moments in your day that you can turn your focus and thoughts to Him rather to other things. This book will show how even in the midst of despair, God is seeking you and that finding peace and joy is possible. 

I highly recommend this book.  I plan to purchase a hard copy of this book to read again at a later date.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Want to Know More?

You can visit Sara's website here: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet
Download the Book Discussion Guide.
She also has a wonderful resource titled Adoration; each month she has compiled a list of ways that we can adore God - one for each day.

The Jewel by Amy Ewing, Quick Thoughts ~ 365 Days of YA Reading Challenge

The 365 Days of YA Reading Challenge is having a link up for January reading.  If you haven't seen this challenge yet, you really should jump over and check it out.  The graphic is amazing and full of book recommendations.  What is really neat about this challenge is you could read 4 books up to 365 books if you were able to read a book a day.

Source: library book

The January recommendation was The Jewel by Amy Ewing.  I like books with girls in fancy dresses on the cover even though I know many readers are over this style of cover art.  I had no idea what the story was about.  Very interesting plot line; hubby and I both remember watching a movie with some similarities many years ago that was based on a book but we can't remember what it was now.  This is a young adult book so one big difference is the age of the main characters.  It's a little - okay, a lot, insta-lovey but I think in this plot framework, it makes sense (plus, teenagers in general I think are prone to insta-love.  In my day, we called it a crush.)  I appreciated that it was a pretty clean read; I would be comfortable with a teenage girl reading this book.  Yes, sex happens, but there are no details and it would easily open discussions on how do you deal with lust?

I liked it but I didn't love it. I definitely want to keep reading to see what happens to each of the characters -- and oh my word - that ending. A little bit cruel to the reader.  Just a little.  

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Best Book I Ever Read {Vampires}

Liza at Reading with ABC just started a feature titled The Best Book I Ever Read on her blog.  She will have a variety of themes/topics for several months.  I thought it sounded like a great way to share books outside of a typical review.

The topic this week is {Vampires}.  I don't typically read books about vampires so please know that I do not have a very long list to pull from.  I recall reading some romance that had a vampire in it; it was okay but was so cliche (or at least felt that way) that I didn't really like it and wasn't inspired to pick up another vampire book.*

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

A friend recommended A Discovery of Witches to me during the summer.  I do not know (in real actual life) that many people that love to read as much as I do.  She is one of them and so I immediately looked this book up at the library.  The story follows a witch and a vampire that fall in love.  Harkness creates this amazing world within our familiar world that is completely tangible.  The characters are rich and deep, flawed yet seeking to do the right thing.  The twists in the plot - oh my! 

I don't want to say much because I don't want to give anything away in the form of a spoiler.

I devoured the first two books and then had to wait for the final book to come out in the Fall.  I was very happy to see that it was chosen as best in its category at Goodreads.  Just read them;  especially if you want a grown-up vampire story.  They are adult fiction, but absolutely on par with the Harry Potter franchise in terms of an amazing world and a cast of characters that you will want to know as well as miss once you reach the end of the series.

*Until the Yearathon March challenge last year which was to read Twilight.  I have no desire to read that series so I found another book at Amazon -- you can still pick it up for free here if you are interested.  I picked up Captured by Erica Stevens.  I rated the first book 2 stars, it was okay.