"The Secrets of Paper and Ink" by Lindsay Harrel

The author has offered to give away a print copy of the book (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends March 8, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)  

How the story came to be written...

The first “story spark” for The Secrets of Paper and Ink came when I watched PBS’s show Poldark. I saw the gorgeous scenery of Cornwall, England, and thought, “I absolutely must write a book set there.”

Around the same time, I heard a radio story about a bookstore in Scotland where you can rent an apartment above a bookstore in exchange for working in the store. Of course, I immediately wanted to go rent that apartment! But since I couldn’t (you know, because that costs money), I wrote about a character who did something similar.

I’ve written stories about mothers and daughters, and sisters, but had never really written one about friendship and how God can put people in our path we didn’t know we needed. So I set out to write just such a book.

The very first draft of the book actually didn’t have Emily (the 19^th-century governess) in it at all! I started writing a very different story, but it just didn’t feel right. So I chucked the whole thing and went back to the drawing board. I’d been reading some books set in the 1800s during this time and had really fallen in love with the time period—but I was a bit terrified to write anything historical (What if I messed something up? Got something wrong? Used a word I shouldn’t have?). Still, I couldn’t let go of the idea. And that’s when Emily’s story just came to me. I actually sat down and wrote the entire historical thread in about a week or two.

Knowing her journey helped me to plot out what happened with Sophia and Ginny. I was then able to link all of their journeys together and figure out how they could all learn from each other.

Speaking of learning, I find that with every book, God teaches me something new. Throughout the writing of The Secrets of Paper and Ink, the theme of “story” kept coming back to my mind. The book obviously takes place in a bookstore, but the importance of story (and stories) in Sophia, Ginny, and Emily’s lives was even more than that. Figuring out what that meant exactly was not only part of their story, but mine as well. For me, it meant that my story (i.e., the story of my life) matters because God says it does—not because of what I achieve and not because of the labels others have put on me. And I think those things show in the characters’ journeys as well. 

Quotes...

“I have always believed that everyone has a story to tell. Story is sprouting up all around us, if only we have eyes to see it. Story forms the fiber of our being, and story is what will remain when we are gone.” 

“Something about the books, the stories—they spoke to her… Each one had something to say, and she longed to absorb the wisdom held in the secret places of each page. The ink soaked from the pages into her soul.” 

My review...

I was excited to read this book. How could I not be when the main character loves books and runs a bookstore!

Sophia Barrett has yet to return to work after the death of her abusive fiancé, so she heads to Cornwall, England in hopes of finding herself again, and perhaps writing her own story. She rents a place that also provides her with a job working in a bookstore, which is perfect for Sophia, a literary lover.

Ginny Rose is struggling to keep Rosebud Books, the bookstore she co-owns with her estranged husband, afloat as she tries to figure out how to save her marriage. She’s hoping that Sophia will be able to help.

Emily Fairfax knew she wanted to be a published author, even though that dream (as well as a future with her best friend, whom she loved) was out of her reach.

Sophia finds Emily’s journals from over a hundred years ago among the donations at the bookstore, and Sophia is determined to uncover all she can about the mysterious woman.

Harrel’s sophomore debut weaves together the lives of these three women in this dual-timeline novel. It is a powerful story, with themes of friendship, healing, and forgiveness, as well as having the courage to tell your own story. There were some unexpected twists along the way. The historical aspects were well researched and done in a way that makes the reader feel transported back in time. Vivid details make it easy to get fully immersed in this gem.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to write a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her atwww.LindsayHarrel.com.

Where you can find her online...

Website: https://www.lindsayharrel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayHarrel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindsayHarrel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayharrelauthor/

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"Am I Enough?" by Grace Valentine

My review...

My word for the year is “Enough,” so I was excited to come across this title. And after reading it, all I can say is if you have ever wondered if you’re enough (pretty enough, smart enough, good enough, or whatever), you need to read this book!

Valentine has penned a book that is relatable and relevant to teens, young adults, and women everywhere. The author shares her own experiences, including her insecurities and struggles, and she mixes in Scripture verses and biblical truths along the way. This is an inspiring read, though some parts may challenge the reader to confront long-held (and possibly mistaken) beliefs. The book is designed to remind the reader that God made you just as you are, and you are enough! Nothing in the world can change that. You can learn to see yourself through God’s eyes.

The book addresses ten lies that many women are led to believe. Each chapter ends with “Real Talk,” where there are questions for reflection. Relevant bible verses and stories are referenced throughout. Valentine talks about the two races in life: chase the world or chase Jesus. It’s not possible to do both, and daily time with God will make the race a bit easier.

I love the end of the book, as well. Chapter thirty lists sixty-five tips to live the “I Am” life, and it’s something you may want to copy and place in a location where you can look at it on a regular basis. The conclusion included ten truths that the world doesn’t want you to know, but God does. Again, these reminders are worth reading daily. For instance:

·        “You are beautiful because God created you in His image.”

·        “Your weakness presents an opportunity for God to display His strength.”

·        “You are enough. God says you are.”

A few of my favorite quotes from elsewhere in the book include:

·        “God made you the way you are for a reason.”

·        “Comparison is the thief of joy because it tends to highlight others’ best moments while reminding you of your worst.”

·        “…the world does not define us. God does.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the HC BookLook Bloggers Program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Live Fearless" by Sadie Robertson

“The key ingredient to overcoming fear is not just speaking to it, it’s speaking to it in Jesus’ name.”

This quote sets the frame for the latest release from Sadie Robertson. Don’t let the fact that Robertson is young or that the book is geared toward the YA audience deter you in any way from reading this encouraging book. The information is useful for anyone or any age.

Robertson displays a vulnerability as she shares a number of personal stories mixed with Biblical truths to explain how she overcame her fears and why she believes anyone can do the same thing. It’s possible to live a live of power, passion, and purpose (the life God created for you).

There are a number of activities included to put the tips into action. Each chapter includes the following: questions, challenges, scripture verses, prayers, and journaling opportunities. (Warning: some questions require a bit of soul searching first. They may be difficult or unpleasant, but they’re necessary to move beyond fear.)

If you or someone you know struggles with fear, this is certainly a book to check out.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• “If you fear anything other than God, you’re giving it too much power in your life.” (Sadie’s mom)
• “The enemy is afraid of your becoming everything God wants you to be.”
• “Faith and fear both involve belief, and they both involve believing things we cannot see.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"The Heart Between Us" by Lindsay Harrel ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Lindsay has graciously offered to give away a paperback copy (US ONLY) of this new release. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends March 23, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Here's Lindsay...

The story behind the story...

The very first thing that sparked this story idea was a feature story I heard on the radio about a woman who went skydiving because her heart donor had always wanted to. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if someone fulfilled all the bucket list items on someone else’s list?” From there, Megan’s story began to form in my mind. I actually dreamed up her twin sister Crystal’s story much later, after my agent challenged me to make her more than an antagonist. Since I grew up with a mother who was chronically ill for much of my childhood, I was easily able to imagine what it was like to grow up with a sick sister—and how it might have affected Crystal in the long term. 

Q & A with Lindsay...

Q:  Let's start with a few serious questions. What message do you hope readers take away from your story?

A:   I truly hope everyone who reads Megan and Crystal’s story knows without a doubt that reconciliation is possible, that fear is a liar, and that we were made to experience freedom. In addition, I want readers to come away with a new desire to live their own lives to the fullest.

Q:  Definitely some important takeaways! What can you tell us about your next project? 

A:  I turned it in February 1, and it won’t release until next February (everything in publishing takes a long time!). It’s called The Secrets of Paper and Ink (don’t you just love that title?!) and it’s about a broken woman who travels to Cornwall, England—the setting of her favorite author’s novels—to find the courage to write her own story.

Q:  I love the title, and I can't wait to read it! Finally, what's your favorite writing-related book? 

A:  Anything by Susan May Warren is a goldmine. I learned how to write a novel primarily from attending My Book Therapy workshops and reading Susie’s craft books. The Story Equation is one of her best!

Q:  Now, a few fun questions. What's one thing about you that would surprise your readers? 

A:  It might surprise them to know that I was in a Christian rock band in college. J Now I’m more of a musical theater nerd, but I had some fun back in the day rocking out on the microphone!

Q:  Ooh, I wonder if anything can be found on YouTube 😃 Do you have any writing rituals (such as a particular pen, outfit, or music) you must have or do when writing? 

A:  Not really—I just really crave silence. I usually write when my kids are napping and I’m down on the couch curled under a blanket (if it’s cold, which it currently is!) plunking away on my laptop. I do always make sure I have a tumbler full of ice water and/or iced tea right next to me, as well as a notebook and pen on the side table in case any thoughts come to me. I process things better when writing them down by hand (though I’m not one of those people who writes an entire first draft by hand or anything like that!).

Q:  Who are three fictional people you'd like to meet? 

A:  Anne Shirley (for her spunk), Elizabeth Bennet (for her wit), and Melanie Hamilton Wilkes (for her ability to see the best in people)

Q:  Great choices! Thanks so much for stopping by, Lindsay. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and your latest release.

Link to my review on the RTBookreviews website

(I rated it 4.5 stars - TOP PICK!)

Amazon purchase link

About Lindsay...

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.

Where you can find her online...

Newsletter: https://www.lindsayharrel.com/contact/stay-in-touch/

Website: https://www.lindsayharrel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayHarrel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindsayHarrel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayharrelauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lindsayharrel/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lindsay-Harrel/e/B01LX6E90S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1517348391&sr=8-1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15808130.Lindsay_Harrel

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"Jesus Calling Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering" by Sarah Young

My review...

I love coloring, and I love devotionals, so this book seemed like a perfect choice for me when it was offered for review.

Young’s latest book brings together quotes from her Jesus Calling devotional, as well as Bible verses. The cover is foil-embellished, and it gives an idea of the illustrations found inside. There are over 100 illustrations which are beautiful, detailed, and include images such as animals, flowers, and random designs. The pages are even perforated, so they could be framed, if desired. This book is a bit different than most of its kind, as the author wants to help the user learn to do hand lettering. There is a page in the back designed for tracing upper and lowercase lettering, and that same thing is done with some of the messages and verses throughout the book. The drawings are not so small that they are impossible to color. Gel pens, markers, colored pencils, and even crayons could work to add variety. The paper is a bit thicker than in some books. However, markers and gel pens may still bleed through a bit, depending on how they are used. This book would be wonderful for individual use or even as a gift, as there is a place to list “To,” “From,” and the “Date.” Overall, I found this to be an encouraging and relaxing book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"Beneath the Summer Sun" by Kelly Irvin ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Kelly Irvin has graciously offered to give away a copy of her new release. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends January 26, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) 

The story behind the story...

The idea for Beneath the Summer Sun and the series around which it is built came from reading an Amish scribe’s blurb in the newspaper The Budget. The scribe gave annual statistics for her community that included births, deaths, weddings, number of adults, number of children, number of baptisms, number of graduates from school, and number of widows/widowers. The number of widows and widowers was important enough for her to include in her summary. That made me wonder how widows are integrated into a society that is centered around husband-wife family units.

From that seed, I developed a proposal for a four-book series. I wanted to explore the lives of Amish women and how it must be different to be a widow at twenty and at seventy. Beneath the Summer Sun is the second in a four-part series that examines those seasons in life. The first book, Upon a Spring Breeze, follows the story of Bess Graber, a young, pregnant newlywed who finds her life irrevocably changed after a terrible tragedy.

In Beneath the Summer Sun, I delve into Jennie Troyer’s life as a thirty-something widow with seven children. The third book centers around a grandmother and the fourth book, a great-grandmother.

Jennie is encouraged by her community to remarry, but she resists. She’s afraid of committing the same mistake twice. How can she trust her feelings when they led to her first marriage to an abusive husband?

Domestic abuse in Amish marriages is an anomaly, but the idea that it does sometimes happen made me want to explore the reactions and repercussions. The Amish don’t believe in divorce. Their vows are sacred and unbreakable. They believe that there’s nothing that can’t be forgiven. They also prefer to have as little contact as possible with the English legal system. Given those three facts, what happens when a woman goes to her bishop to seek relief from an abusive husband?

In The Amish by Donald Kraybill, Karen M. Johnson-Weiner, and Steven M. Nolt, the authors note that sexual abuse and domestic abuse likely result in the same challenges for the Amish, including the reluctance to report them to outside authorities. “Abuse is typically reported to church leaders, who are always male. Because the church, family, and community are knit together and the authority structure is patriarchal, male leaders may not be sensitive to the needs of female victims. Men may minimize the acts of a male perpetrator or blame female victims for the violations.”

The authors also touched on an article from Family Life in the mid-1990s when a group of Amish women calling themselves the Sewing Circle collected stories of domestic violence and printed them in a booklet to raise awareness of the problem. This bolstered my belief that there are Amish women who will stand up for themselves in these situations and reach out to others to help them heal.

We tend to over-simplify the lives of Amish families, and The Amish reminded me that these folks are human and face some of the same challenges and issues that we do in English society. Beneath the Summer Sun delves into one woman’s life and how she overcomes her fears. She learns that she deserves to be happy. She learns to be brave and grasp her second chance.

It’s a difficult topic and not one we find often in Amish romances, but I want to explore all facets of love and life, not just the easy, simple, sweet ones. I believe readers will be touched by Jennie’s story and there are those women who will see themselves in Jennie’s situation. It’s my hope that they’ll find some measure of healing and hope in her story.

Back cover blurb...

Jennie Troyer knows it’s time to remarry. Can she overcome a painful secret and open her heart to love?

It’s been four years since Jennie’s husband died in a farming accident. Long enough that the elders in her Amish community think it’s time to marry again for the sake of her seven children. What they don’t know is that grief isn’t holding her back from a new relationship. Fear is. A terrible secret in her past keeps her from moving forward.

Mennonite book salesman Nathan Walker stops by Jennie’s farm whenever he’s in the area. Despite years of conversation and dinners together, she never seems to relax around him. He knows he should move on, but something about her keeps drawing him back.

Meanwhile, Leo Graber nurtures a decades-long love for Jennie, but guilt plagues him—guilt for letting Jennie marry someone else and guilt for his father’s death on a hunting trip many years ago. How could anyone love him again—and how could he ever take a chance to love in return?

In this second book in the Every Amish Season series, three hearts try to discern God’s plan for the future—and find peace beneath the summer sun.

Amazon link for purchase

About Kelly...

Kelly Irvin is the author of Upon a Spring Breeze, the first book in the Every Amish Season series from Zondervan/ HarperCollins. It follows the Amish of Bee County Series, which included The Beekeeper’s Son, subject of a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, calling it “an intricately woven masterpiece.” Among her other works are novellas in three collections. She is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series, both from Harvest House Publishing. She has also penned two inspirational romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine.

Kelly’s novels, The Beekeeper’s Son and Love Redeemed, were finalists in the 2015 and 2016 contemporary romance category of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Carol Awards Contest. The Beekeeper’s Son, An Amish Christmas Gift, and An Amish Market are Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (EPCA) bestsellers. 

Kelly is currently working on the third novel in the Every Amish Season series. Additionally, she is contracted for novellas in two anthologies to be published by Thomas Nelson in 2018 and 2019. She recently announced that she has signed a contract with Thomas Nelson for two romantic suspense novels. The first one, Tell Her No Lies, will debut in January 2019.

The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for more than thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter. She recently retired after working twenty-two years in public relations for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. Kelly is married to photographer Tim Irvin. They have two young adult children, two grandchildren, and two ornery cats. In her spare time, she reads, blogs, and writes articles on being a cancer patient for Cure Today Magazine.

Where you can find Kelly online...

Website:  http://www.kellyirvin.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kelly.Irvin.Author/

Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin

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"Get out of that Pit" by Beth Moore

Everyone likely knows that life is full of pits, and Moore points out the three ways we end up in one: pushed in, fall in, or dive in. With down-to-earth and relatable stories, the author sets out to show the reader how to tell if they’re in a pit, as well as how to get out of them. It’s obvious that Moore has “been there, done that” before. Since we all get stuck at times, this book is a good resource for when you’re struggling. The key is learning that we can’t get out of the pit on our own. I’ve heard some of this content before, but the book still contains some good reminders. Relevant Bible verses are woven throughout.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Blogger program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

"The Illusionist's Apprentice" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her latest release, Kristy has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 24, 2017.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

My review...

Wren Lockhart is a rarity. Not only is she a female illusionist, but she trained under Harry Houdini. She is approached by Agent Elliott Matthews, who wants her help in debunking Horace Stapleton’s claims of bringing a dead man back to life. As they work together on the case, secrets are revealed as suspicious events increase. Will they be able to uncover the truth?

Cambron’s latest takes the reader back to the roaring 20s/vaudeville era in this well-researched historical novel full of complex characters. While Wren is a bit difficult to like at times, as the story unfolds, the reader gains a greater appreciation for this independent character. An intriguing mystery adds to the enjoyment of this tale which looks at light/truth versus the dark side of society.

One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Truth is the illusion we seek.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to leave a positive review. 

Amazon purchase link...

http://amzn.to/2mPJi9S

About Kristy...

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

website: https://kristycambron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcambronauthor/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/

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"The Ringmaster's Wife" by Kristy Cambron ... and a GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of her latest release, Kristy has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends June 17, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!

My Review...

Prepare to go behind the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth with Cambron’s latest. As the daughter of an earl, Rosamund Easling has lived a comfortable life. However, things are about to change when she learns that her father plans to sell her prized horse to an American entertainer, John Ringling. Looking for a little adventure before the arranged marriage which awaits her, Roseamund decides to follow the horse to help with the transition. She soon discovers new plans for her own life as well. While in America, Rosamund meets Mable Ringling, whose story is unconventional, to say the least. The women find a connection, courtesy of their unconventional life choices, and a friendship develops along the way.

Cambron's fans will find this book to be quite a departure from her first two books, The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin, which had connections to World War II. Her latest focuses on the English countryside and America in the roaring 20s. The topic is a bit nontraditional in its magical setting. It does give a wonderful portrait of the real Mabel Ringling and the influence she had on others. The story develops over the course of many years, following both Rosamund and Mabel, and there is even a bit of mystery involved as both women bravely follow their dreams to pursue God’s purpose in their lives. The reader may wish there had been a bit more depth to Rosamund and Mable at times, particularly in comparison to the lead characters in Cambron’s first two books. However, both women are strong characters who add life to this tale. Cambron is a master storyteller and the reader will enjoy their journey behind the scenes of circus life, where they are transported courtesy of the author’s attention to the most minute details. The cover is the perfect complement to this story. A helpful historical timeline, places to visit, and books to read are included.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Kristy...

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster's Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10 and set for release on June 7, 2016 from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson). Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books and RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best lists and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel.

Kristy is a Speaker and Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

website: https://kristycambron.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcambronauthor/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KCambronAuthor/

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