Stop by to learn about this new release and enter to win one (1) of three (3) print copies (US ONLY). Click here.
Showing posts with label #Zondervan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Zondervan. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Sunday, December 8, 2019
NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Read with Audra blog tour)
About the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls
Created especially for girls ages 8 to 12, this beautiful Bible provides ample space for young artists to express themselves through coloring and journaling.
Girls can get creative with the detailed, ready-to-color line art surrounding the hundreds of inspiring versus in the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls. This Bible is a perfect gift for a special young girl in your life and will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith. Features include:
- Hundreds of verses illustrated in ready-to-color line art
- Thicker white paper for enduring note-taking
- Lined, wide margins for notes, reflections, and art
- Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
- Easy-to-read black letter text in single-column format
- Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
- Ribbon marker
- Beautifully designed Leathersoft-over-board cover featuring screen-printing and other cover embellishments
- 8-point type size
Using the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators, from a wide range of denominations in various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority. Every NIV Bible that is purchased helps Biblica translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world.
My review...
I own a few coloring Bibles, and I love them. Those are the
NLT translation, so I was interested in checking out one in a different
translation, in this case, the NIV Bible.
The Bible definitely catches your eye with its bright pink
color with silver polka dots. It will likely delight many girls, of varying
ages. There are numerous coloring pages. Some contain images, while others are
just words. They are easy to read and would appeal to young girls. However, I
am no longer a young girl, and I enjoyed them, too 😊
If a page does not contain an image to color, there are lines for journaling or
note taking. The target age is 8 and up, and I’m sure many adults would enjoy
using this, perhaps alongside the young children in their lives.
As is standard for a Bible, this one is somewhat heavy, and it
comes in at over 1,400 pages. When I looked at it, I propped it on my desk, as it is
a bit awkward for me to hold. I use colored pencils for my other journaling/coloring
Bibles, and they’d work well in this one, as well. The pages are a decent
thickness, but there could be some bleed through if using markers or gel pens.
This would make a lovely gift for girls of any age.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible for Girls from Zondervan (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) for this review. This post is sponsored by Zondervan.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
"An Amish Christmas Bakery" by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin
This charming novella collection is just in time for the upcoming holiday season. It releases on October 1, 2019. You can get your copy here.
Q & A with Amy Clipston...
Q: Congrats on the new novella collection. I've read it and really enjoyed it. Since this novella is one in which Alyssa works in a bakery, what's a baked good that just has to be in your house at Christmas?
A: My mom and I like to make cookies and cheesecake. I also love her lemon pound cake. Yum!
Q: All of those sound really yummy! In your story, "Cookies and Cheer," Alyssa came up with an incredible idea for a display. Have you ever seen a display like hers?
A: My mom and I brainstormed Christmas story ideas, and together we came up with the bakery display. I hope readers enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoyed writing about it.
Q: Did any of your own Christmas traditions get written into this novella?
A: The only tradition I included was writing Christmas cards, which the Amish do. I love to send out Christmas cards every year. Lately, I have ordered cards with cats on them. What a surprise, right? I send them out to friends and family members, and I always include a family photo that we had taken that year, along with the boys' school photos. I already have decided what photo to include in this year's card.
Q: We send out cards. It's fun to receive them. One final question. Do you have a favorite Christmas movie that you make sure to watch every year?
A: Yes! We always watch "Die Hard" (the first one, of course). It's been a tradition for many years. It was one of my father's favorite movies, and it always brings back happy memories. In fact, my son Matt and I pretty much know the lines by heart, and we like to quote them during the movie. (I'm sure that's annoying to the other watchers!)
Thanks so much for stopping by, Amy. I'm sure my readers will enjoy learning a bit more about your and the novella.
My review...
This is a charming novella collection, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. (I read this in the middle of summer, and it was a welcome, though brief, reprieve from the summer heat and humidity.) All four authors are well-known in Christian fiction for creating strong characters, charming settings, and heartwarming scenes, and this collection is no exception. All of the stories are wonderfully detailed, and the authors do a great job of making the reader feel a part of the story. The stories help the reader remember the true reason for the season. I enjoyed the discussion questions, as well, which would make this a nice book to use for a book club. If you're looking for a book that's a sweet, quick read and easy to fit into a busy schedule, this is one to check out.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Be sure to check out the Facebook party!
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Release day review!
My review...
This is the final book in the series, though it could stand alone, and the focus is on Cindy. Returning readers will enjoy seeing familiar characters from the prior books. Things didn't go quite as I expected, but it was an enjoyable story and a nice conclusion to the series. Situations not always addressed in Amish fiction are tackled in this one (such as how the community may treat a member considering a relationship with an Englischer and how that comes into line with their personal and religious convictions). Characters are well developed. Clipston has a way with words that makes Cindy's struggles with finding where she fits relatable for many readers, who may find themselves crying, cheering, and laughing along the way. It's interesting to watch the characters grow spiritually, as well. Some parts were bit predictable, and there were a few lulls, but through it all, God's love and forgiveness is evident. This book is a good way to wrap up the series. On a fun side note, I loved Cindy's cows name!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required in a positive review.
Friday, November 23, 2018
"Simple Joys" by Candace Payne
My review...
Many people know Payne as "Chewbacca Mom," from the viral video. In her latest release, she infuses some of the joy found in that video in hopes of reminding the reader that we all struggle with being joyful (versus being discouraged or overwhelmed), but it is possible.
Overall, the book is a quick read that's easy to digest. The small size makes it extremely portable, and I really enjoyed the colorful illustrations throughout. The chapters are short and full of relatable stories and experiences. Each chapter ends with a place for the reader to journal about a question pertaining to the chapter, and there is a section at the end of the book for notes. Payne's humor is woven throughout this authentic book.
Some of my favorite quotes include:
- "My hope is that you begin digging in unearthed places to discover pure joy..."
- "When you feel safe, you allow space for you."
- "Simple faith fuels extravagant joy."
- "The most underrated tool we have at our disposal to shift our atmosphere of anxiety to one of joy is to speak out the good times."
- "Simple joys are always found in both adventure and misadventure."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy at part of the BookLook Bloggers program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
"The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World" by Alli Worthington
About the book...
How would your life be different if you were just a bit happier every day for a year? What would you do to enjoy life just a little more day by day? Take your first step toward increased happiness with The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World by Alli Worthington.
You do your best to live life well—you work hard to be present in the moment, take care of the people in your life, knock it out of the park at work and home. And yet somehow, you still have days (perhaps more than you'd like to admit) where you're simultaneously stressed and bored, and you wonder if you even know how to be happy. Is happiness a worthy goal? Does happiness matter to God, or does He only care about holier things?
Alli Worthington gets it. As a wife, mother of five boys, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, she knows a thing or two about being busy, stressed, and happy in the midst of a crazy world! Over the years, she's seen how happiness gets a bad rap in Christian circles, and now she is standing up to shout the good news from the roof (or the internet, as the case may be): You are allowed to be happy! Yes, you! You can be happy right now!
Get rid of the common Christian misconception that happiness is somehow not holy, and grasp God’s intention for His children—that happiness and holiness can coexist for a beautiful life.
Join Alli for The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World and find the roots of your happiest life yet! With 100 inspirational devotions, beautiful art, and journaling pages throughout, this gorgeous devotional offers practical ways to make your life happier day by day.
Don’t miss the great big beautiful adventure God has for you right in your own life. Let this be The Year of Living Happy!
My review...
I love reading devotional books, and I’m happy (no pun intended)
to add this one to my collection. The book is a collection of Worthington’s “favorite
and most helpful insights, research, and truths.” It’s designed to help the reader
find happiness, because God wants us to be happy.
The book is a nice size, and the cover is inviting. The
devotions are short, making them easy to fit into your busy schedule. Scripture
verse are mentioned in each one, as well. The author’s personal stories blend
with the verse to give the reader something to ponder. Each devotion contains a
box at the end for journaling/reflection.
Worthington’s latest is divided into twelve parts, and some
of the sections are: Choosing Happiness, Finding Your Happy Thought, Happy In A
Crazy World, A happy Heart Is Good Medicine, and Building a Happy Life. There
are one hundred devotions in all. An attached bookmark is also included, which
is always a helpful addition to a book. This would make a wonderful gift, as
well.
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy from BookLook Bloggers, but I wasn’t required to leave a
positive review.
About the author...
Alli Worthington is the author of Fierce Faith and Breaking Busy, she's a speaker, and a business coach. Her goal is to help women live the life they were created to live.
Alli is a sought after coach and consultant who has helped individuals, small business owners, and Fortune 500 companies be more successful.
Alli's no-nonsense, guilt-free take on motherhood, parenting, and balance has lead to appearances on The Today Show and Good Morning America.
She lives outside Nashville with her husband, Mark, their five sons, and the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve.
All spends way too much time on Instagram at @AlliWorthington, and you can find out all about her at AlliWorthington.com
Friday, January 19, 2018
"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.
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?
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/
Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin
Sunday, July 16, 2017
"The Writing Desk" by Rachel Hauck
My review...
Tenley Roth’s debut book was a bestseller, and she
fears that she will be unable to replicate that success…especially as she is
dealing with a massive case of writer’s block and a looming deadline. Her
estranged mother throws another kink in Tenley’s plans by asking her to come to
Florida to help her get through chemotherapy.
Birdie Shehorn comes from a privileged background. As
is commonplace in the Guilded Age, her parents have arranged a marriage for
her. Birdie longs to be a writer, but she feels that her dreams no longer
matter.
Though decades apart, Tenley and Birdie are tied together
in unexpected ways as they both search for their purpose and way in life.
This story uses a dual timeline to focus on two female
writers. The spiritual message is seamlessly woven in. The historical details
add to the enjoyment of this thought-provoking, entertaining, and engaging tale.
The paralyzing nature of fear is one which may resonate with many readers, as
well as cause them to consider how life’s failures can be something God uses
for His good.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. I was
not required to leave a positive review.
About Rachel...
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly in Tenderly," one of 2011's Top 10 Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy and a conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
You can find Rachel online at:
Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Link for blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
"Loveable" by Kelly Flanagan
My review...
The book is divided into three parts: Worthiness, Belonging, and Purpose. Each section includes an inspiring quote and personal stories, as well as (at least one) letters to his young daughter. The author points out that there's a little child in all of us looking for approval and acceptance, which is what he hopes to provide with this book.
As this book is published by Zondervan, a Christian publishing house, I thought there would be more of a Biblical tie-in, which isn't really the case. However, this is still a book which could be beneficial in reminding the reader that they are valuable.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Friday, March 3, 2017
"An Uncommon Protector" by Shelley Shepard Gray ... and a GIVEAWAY!
In celebration of her latest release, Shelley has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (US ONLY). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 10, 2017.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!
A word from Shelley...
Thank you for inviting me to your blog! Here’s a bit about
how the Lone Star Heroes Series came to be:
After writing the Chicago Mystery Series (Secrets
of Sloane House, Deception on Sable Hill, Whispers in the Reading Room),
I was anxious to begin another historical series. However, I wanted to write about something a little closer to home, a western series set in Texas. I lived
all over the United States and have lived in southern Ohio for almost twenty
years, but I grew up in Houston, and Texas still has my heart.
Anyway, while doing research, I discovered that there was a
Confederate Officer POW camp in the middle of Lake Erie. That really intrigued
me! I couldn’t imagine how difficult it would have been for those men to be transferred by train to Sandusky then marched across the ice to Johnson’s
Island in the winter. A few weeks later, my husband and I drove up to Sandusky
and visited a veteran’s home where the whole third floor was a museum about the
camp. From there, we made our way to Johnson’s Island and explored the cemetery
that is still standing.
My mind kept coming up with stories about the men, so I made
up my own band of brothers, led by Captain Devin Monroe. I decided to have
these men make a pact to help each other during the war … and then I was off and
running!
The first book, The Loyal Heart, took place in
Galveston. I loved a lot of things about that book, including how vulnerable
the heroine was. For the second book, An Uncommon Protector, I wanted a
different tone because my hero in the novel, Thomas Baker, was a rather
rough-around-the-edges man. I thought he needed a situation where his
impulsiveness and hard edges would come in handy. I also wanted him to have a
woman who was as tough and brave in her own way as he was. I was a big fan of
Laurel Tracey! I liked how she never took the easy route, even when she was
scared to death! I found a lot to admire about her.
I hope everyone will give the book a try and perhaps find
something that they like about this couple, too!
The third book in the series, Love Held Captive,
comes out in November. Get ready, because it takes place in San Antonio and
features two storylines … one with Major Kelly and one featuring Captain Monroe
himself.
Thanks again for inviting me to visit, and I hope y’all
enjoy the books!
My review...
Thomas Baker has had a difficult life. Though he was
once a war hero, he is now serving time for an inability to pay off gambling
debts. His life is about to change after he is “purchased” by Laurel Tracey to
work for her for one year.
Laurel is in over her head. Her parents left Red Roan
Ranch to her, and she is determined to keep it running. She lost her father and
brother in the war, and her mother and stepfather died soon after. She has
step-siblings, but they want her to sell. She hires Thomas to help at the
ranch, particularly in relation to the problem she is having with squatters.
Someone is determined to run Laurel off, and they are
willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Will Thomas be able to
help her save the ranch, or has Laurel made a serious mistake in trusting a
criminal?
This is the second book “Lone Star Heroes” series, but
it can be read as a standalone. Fans of historical fiction, particularly the
Civil War era, will certainly want to check out this book. Laurel is a strong,
compassionate heroine who sees the best in others. Thomas is flawed but relatable
and has strong character development. Overall, this is a story of love, loss,
redemption and how love makes all the difference in the world. There is even a
bit of mystery woven throughout.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive
review.
About Shelley...
Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish
romances for Harper Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire, and historical
romances as Shelley Gray for Zondervan
and Thomas Nelson. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and
Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have
appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
To date, Shelley has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR, as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor's degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master's degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full-time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and is an active member of her church. Shelley is active on Facebook and Twitter.
Readers can find me at: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/
Or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray
Or follow me on Twitter @ShelleySGray
Sunday, December 4, 2016
"365 Devotions for Rest" by Christina Vinson
My review...
If you’re looking for an easy and encouraging way to
fit some positivity into your day, this devotional may be just what you need.
Many people are looking for rest in their lives, and
this book can help the reader achieve that, if only for a few minutes each day.
Everything about this book is designed to promote rest from the title, to the
purple cover, blue-accented pages, beautiful ribbon bookmark, and devotional
titles.
The devotions are short, making them easy to fit
into a busy schedule. Each devotion contains a title, Bible verse, message, and
a brief prayer. The author uses various Bible versions, and a verse index is
included. This is a devotional book to be treasured and used for many years.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers Program. Opinions
are my own.
Amazon link for purchase...
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
"The Wedding Shop" by Rachel Hauck
My review...
Cora Scott inherited her aunt’s wedding shop and is
biding her time until her love returns so they can marry. However, things are
not going quite as she planned. Many years later, Haley Morgan has her heart
set on reopening Cora’s wedding shop, in fulfillment of a childhood dream. It
appears that this task is going to be much more challenging than she
anticipated.
Hauck is a master at dual storylines. Though years
apart, both women encounter similar relationship challenges along the way to
following their dreams. The past and present are seamlessly woven together. This
book is part of Hauck’s “Wedding Collections” series, and it was truly a joy to
see characters from The Wedding Dress
and The Wedding Chapel included with
the latest cast. While the character’s lives parallel each other, the reader is
able to see God’s grace at work. Themes of love, forgiveness, hope, and faith
are key to the message in this beautiful tale.
Disclaimer: I received a
complimentary copy of this book as part of the BookLook Bloggers program. A
positive review was not required, and the views expressed are my own.
Amazon link for purchase...
About Rachel...
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly in Tenderly," one of 2011's Top 10 Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy and a conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
You can find Rachel online at:
Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Link for blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/
Thursday, July 21, 2016
"Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream" by Scotty McCreery with Travis Thrasher
My review...
Scotty McCreery captured America’s attention with
his appearance on American Idol. This
book captures his journey from North Carolina to the big stage as he follows
his dreams. The reader gets an insider look into Scotty’s life, and they may
feel like they are just hanging out with the boy-next-door. They will likely feel a bit more inspired
after reading this book.
The book is divided into two parts: American Idol and
Life After American Idol. The writing and tone is down-to-earth, and it is
apparent that Scotty is well-grounded. He realizes his talent is a gift from
God. His biography is a quick, easy read, and it contains numerous photos.
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy as part of the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for
an honest review.
Amazon link for purchase...
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Rachel Hauck’s "The Wedding Chapel" $100 Giveaway (Litfuse Blog Tour)
Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping!
One grand prize winner will receive:
My Review…
This is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck, but I will definitely be adding her books to my TBR pile! "The Wedding Chapel" is told by alternating characters: Jimmy, Collette, Taylor, and Jack. The story shifts between the present and the past (1948-1951), seamlessly blending everything together to create a beautiful story. At times, the Taylor/Jack storyline is pushed to the side, but stick with it as there is a reason. The characters become more alive to the reader as the story unfolds. While complex, it is very easy to follow and each character is well-developed. This multi-generational tale is full of intricate details and vivid images. It is an uplifting and engaging read which will remind the reader that love requires honesty and risk
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of The Wedding Chapel
- A $100 cash card
My Review…
Years ago Jimmy Westbrook put his heart and soul
into building a wedding chapel outside of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee to be used
for his marriage to Collette Greer. However, that wedding never occurred. For
60 years that chapel has stood as a testament to his love. He feels it is now
time to move on and sell it.
After a whirlwind romance, photographer Taylor
Branson married Jack Forester. While Taylor’s business is slowly growing and
Jack is a successful ad exec, their marriage is strained and in need of repair
after only six months. Both are dealing with past secrets and demons. Taylor
will have to face hers when she accepts a photo shoot of the chapel in Heart’s
Bend, Tennessee.
Despite Jimmy’s insistence on selling, Taylor
believes it is the wrong decision and is determined to change his mind. She
knows that she feels the heartbeat of God there and is pretty sure Jimmy does
as well. Both will soon find that they must confront their pasts to move
forward. Along the way, secrets will be uncovered which could change the lives
of many.
This is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck, but I will definitely be adding her books to my TBR pile! "The Wedding Chapel" is told by alternating characters: Jimmy, Collette, Taylor, and Jack. The story shifts between the present and the past (1948-1951), seamlessly blending everything together to create a beautiful story. At times, the Taylor/Jack storyline is pushed to the side, but stick with it as there is a reason. The characters become more alive to the reader as the story unfolds. While complex, it is very easy to follow and each character is well-developed. This multi-generational tale is full of intricate details and vivid images. It is an uplifting and engaging read which will remind the reader that love requires honesty and risk
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review.
About Rachel…
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly in Tenderly," one of 2011's Top 10 Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy and a conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
You can find Rachel online at:
Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Link for blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/
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