Showing posts with label ARC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARC. Show all posts

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Writing About The Amish: A Memoir by Beth Wiseman

 

About the book

WHY DOES EVERY BETH WISEMAN BOOK INCLUDE A RED SUITCASE?

This is one of the many questions answered by an author who has sold over two million books. Beth has penned more than forty books about the Plain People in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Indiana. In this collection of essays, Beth gives readers a glimpse into her personal life and shares experiences she's had while writing about the Amish.

INCLUDES PHOTOS, AMISH RECIPES, AND A "BONUS" SHORT STORY!



My thoughts:

Beth Wiseman has been one of must-read authors for several years so I was super excited when I found out she was writing this book.  As a long time fan of her work, I knew she thoroughly researched the Amish communities she has written about and in this book, she shares her experiences with her readers.  I love that she has a great deal of respect combined with genuine interest when approaching the communities she is writing about. 

The author writes with such warmth and humor that time flew by as I read page after page.  I appreciated the photos and recipes she shares and I was very appreciative of the bonus short, An Amish Adoption .   Writing about the Amish would make a great gift for the readers in your life from the young to the young at heart. 
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own. 


Tuesday, August 4, 2020

The Dalmatian Dilemma by Cheryl Harper


About the book

She’s opened up to him…

But will he let her in?

Former air force officer Reyna Montero wants to become a firefighter, despite her family’s wishes. In a bid to impress the fire chief, Reyna agrees to train the station’s naughty dalmatian—and turns to fellow veteran and dog expert Sean Wakefield for support. As they work together, independent Reyna gradually lets Sean see her vulnerable side…until mounting pressures tangle with their dreams coming true.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author




My thoughts:

The Dalmatian Dilemma penned by Cheryl Harper was truly a heartwarming novel filled with fabulous characters, an interesting plot that held my interest throughout.  I genuinely liked Reyna Montero, she knows what she wants and she is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. Sean Wakefield became my favorite character from the beginning, he is such a sweet, kind guy who captured my heart.

There is an entire cast of characters to spend a few days getting to know because as I read each page, I could imagine the conversations they had, what was going on in their lives and how they felt about certain situations.  Oh and the adorable dog added to my overall enjoyment of this book.  This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Harper but it wont be the last.  I highly recommend this well written and delightful  romance.
I received an e-copy of this novel.  All opinions are completely my own.

The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox


Book Description

When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames--she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he's ever loved.

In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth--both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others--takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.
 


My thoughts:

The Edge of Belonging is the heart-stirring, dual-time line debut novel penned by Amanda Cox. I loved every single thing about this book from beginning to end. I fell in love with the characters, they are caring, selfless and they came to life before my eyes as I read their story.

I should give a heads up and let readers know to have a box of tissue handy because you will probably shed a few tears as you go on the journey with Ivy Rose as she discovers the truth behind her adoption. In addition to Ivy Rose, I absolutely adored Harvey James and the other characters so lovingly crafted by this talented author.

Overall, I thought this was an impressive debut novel that is beautifully written and deserves more than a five-star rating. This is a must read in my opinion and will go on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.



Monday, August 3, 2020

The Takeaway Men by Meryl Ain review





Book Details:

Book Title:  The Takeaway Men by Meryl Ain
Category:  Adult fiction 18 yrs +
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Sparkpress 
Release date:  August 4, 2020
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M because there are references to extra-marital affairs. There is no explicit sex in the book.

Book Description:

With

 the cloud of the Holocaust still looming over them, twin sisters Bronka

 and Johanna Lubinski and their parents arrive in the US from a

Displaced Persons Camp. In the years after World War II, they experience

 the difficulties of adjusting to American culture as well as the

burgeoning fear of the Cold War. Years later, the discovery of a former

Nazi hiding in their community brings the Holocaust out of the shadows.

As the girls get older, they start to wonder about their parents’ pasts,

 and they begin to demand answers. But it soon becomes clear that those

memories will be more difficult and painful to uncover than they could

have anticipated. Poignant and haunting, The Takeaway Men explores the

impact of immigration, identity, prejudice, secrets, and lies on parents

 and children in mid-twentieth-century America.


Now Available for Pre-order!

Release date: August 4, 2020

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   IndieBound   Add to Goodreads


My thoughts:

The story of the Lubinski family is interesting and quite touching.  I could imagine the the thrill and trepidation the family must have felt about starting over in an unfamiliar country as they migrated to America.  The storyline is at times sad as they adjust to their new lives but at the same time it was hopeful and I found my self rooting for them to live a good, peaceful and happy life.

Family plays a strong role in The Takeaway Men along with friendships, new beginnings but also realizing that there can be no real peace without truth and understanding which happens when Aaron shares his story with is two young daughters about the horrors of what happened when the Nazis invaded Poland.  This is an emotional read, one where truly care what happens to the characters and you become fully engaged in their lives.  Overall, I thought this book was well written and the author gave her characters interesting personalities which made me want to know more about them.  

I received a copy of an ARC of this novel from iReads Blog Tours.  All opinions are completely my own.

Meet the Author




  

Meryl Ain’s articles and essays have appeared in Huffington Post, The New

York Jewish Week, The New York Times, Newsday and other publications.

The Takeaway Men is her debut novel. In 2014, she co-authored the

award-winning book, The Living Memories Project: Legacies That Last, and

 in 2016, wrote a companion workbook, My Living Memories Project

Journal. She is a sought-after speaker and has been interviewed on

television, radio, and podcasts. She is a career educator and is proud

to be both a teacher and student of history. She has also worked as a

school administrator. <i><b>The Takeaway Men</b></i> is the

result of her life-long quest to learn more about the Holocaust, a

thirst that was first triggered by reading The Diary of Anne Frank in

the sixth grade. While teaching high school history, she introduced her

students to the study of the Holocaust. At the same time, she also

developed an enduring fascination with teaching about and researching

the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg case. An interview with Robert Meeropol,

the younger son of the Rosenbergs, is featured in her book, The Living

Memories Project. The book also includes an interview with Holocaust

survivor, Boris Chartan, the founder of the Holocaust Museum and

Tolerance Center of Nassau County, New York. Meryl holds a BA from

Queens College, an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an

 Ed.D. from Hofstra University. She lives in New York with her husband,

Stewart. They have three married sons and six grandchildren

Connect with the author:

Website    Facebook    Twitter    Instagram

Tour Schedule:

July 14  Book spotlight/guest post/giveaway

July 14 book review / giveaway

July 14 - book review / author interview 

July 15 book review / giveaway

July 16 –book review / author interview

 July 17 -book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

July 18 -book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

July 20- book spotlight / author interview / giveaway 

July 21- book review / author interview / giveaway

July 22 -book review / guest post / giveaway

July 23- book spotlight / author interview

July 23- book review / giveaway

July 24 – book review

July 27- – book spotlight / author interview
 
July 28- book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

July 28 - book review / giveaway

July 29- book review/giveaway

July 30- book review/giveaway

July 31- book review/giveaway

July 31 - book review

The Eclectic Review

Aug 3- book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

I'm All About Books 

August 3- book spotlight

Sefina Hawke's Books

August 4- book spotlight/giveaway

Library of Clean Reads

August 4- book spotlight/giveaway

Literary Flits

August 4- book review

Peaceful Pastime

August 4- book review/giveaway

Book Corner News and Reviews

 August 5- book review

August 5- book review/giveaway

August 5-book review/author interview

August 6- book review/giveaway

August 6- book spotlight

August 7- book spotlight/guest post/giveaway

August 10- book review

August 10- book review/giveaway






Tuesday, September 3, 2019

The Spice King (Hope and Glory #1) by Elizabeth Camden


About the book

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building a successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Tasked with gaining access to the private Delacroix plant collection, Smithsonian botanist Annabelle Larkin unwittingly steps into a web of dangerous political intrigue and will be forced to choose between her heart and her loyalty to her country.

My thoughts:

Elizabeth Camden has been one of my must read authors for quite sometime, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of The Spice King, which is the first book in her new series, Hope and Glory.  Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love the way the author takes a subject that I never considered interesting but after reading a few pages, I find it fascinating, especially in this novel.

Annabelle Larkin is such a great character, she is sweet, kind and tenacious. She's a botanist at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and when she begins a correspondence with Gray Delacroix to see his private plant collection, she shows just how determined she can be.  Gray is equally determined so I knew these two would become near and dear to my heart. I'll be honest here and admit that I never expected the world of spices and politics to work so well into a storyline but the two merged spectacularly. 
They are both fantastic characters and I could easily imagine them spending time together,

Another character who held my interest is Elaine, Annabelle's blind sister who works at the Library of Congress which I think would be an awesome job for anyone. I was glad to learn of her experiences with coping with her disability.   

Overall, The Spice King is impeccably written and is filled with instantly likeable characters and also has a few twists that I didn't expect.  A definite must read in my opinion.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  Opinions expressed are my own. 


Listening to Love (An Amish Journey #2) by Beth Wiseman


About the book

He’s Amish. She’s Englisch. They are best friends, despite what the gossips say. But could the rumor mill know more than they do?
Englischer Natalie Collins looks forward to Friday night suppers at Levi and Mary Shetler’s house every week: delicious food, wonderful conversation with her Amish friends, and, best of all, the presence of Levi’s older brother Lucas. Natalie and Lucas have become best friends despite their different backgrounds. They share a love of books, and he is teaching her about God in a way that she can understand.

But the closer they become, the more opinions everyone seems to have. Levi and Mary, Lucas’s family, and even Natalie’s mother—whose own life is a mess at the moment—have concerns about their relationship. Why can’t everyone understand that it’s possible to just be friends? Besides, they couldn’t be together even if they wanted to be. Lucas would never leave the Amish faith, and Natalie is Englisch and pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.

But when a terrifying accident happens, Natalie and Lucas are forced to confront their true feelings and decide if they can stay true to themselves and each other. 

The second novel in the Amish Journeys series by bestselling author Beth Wiseman explores the compromises and sacrifices it takes to truly listen to love. 

My review:

Listening to Love is the 2nd book in Beth Wiseman's new series, An Amish Journey and what a journey she takes her readers on. I loved reconnecting with all of the characters in the first book but I was really curious to see what had planned for Natalie and Lucas.   
The one thing that remains the same are the Friday night dinners that Natalie who is English shares with her three Amish friends, Mary, Levi and Lucas. 

I loved how Lucas and Natalie grew closer through their love of books and most importantly with him teaching her about God in a way she could understand.
Just when I thought I knew what direction their relationship would go, something or someone would interfere and throw everything off but it was realistic for their family and friends to voice their concerns given the stark differences in their lives.  They were both levelheaded by maintaining a close friendship and not automatically going the romantic route immediately which I totally respected.

Okay, I'm going to be honest here and say that I was completely caught off guard by Natalie's mother and her storyline but I really enjoyed it.  That is one of the many things that I have loved in this series, the relationships are believable and the characters are likable and genuine. 
Ms. Wiseman continues to impress me with her writing with each and every book. One of the many qualities she possesses is her ability to make a story feel fresh to me even though I have read this genre for many years which is why she has become one of my must read and favorite authors.

Overall, this book has everything a reader could want, characters you  will love, a perfectly  paced storyline with surprises galore. Time flew by while I was reading this book because it is just that good. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed are my own.

      








Friday, August 23, 2019

Under Moonlit Skies (Prairie Sky Series Book 3) by Cynthia Roemer


Book Description

Her life was planned out ~ until he rode in ~ Illinois prairie ~ 1859

After four long years away, Esther Stanton returns to the prairie to care for her sister Charlotte’s family following the birth of her second child. The month-long stay seems much too short as Esther becomes acquainted with her brother-in-law’s new ranch hand, Stewart Brant. When obligations compel her to return to Cincinnati and to the man her overbearing mother intends her to wed, she loses hope of ever knowing true happiness.

Still reeling from a hurtful relationship, Stew is reluctant to open his heart to Esther. But when he faces a life-threatening injury with Esther tending him, their bond deepens. Heartbroken when she leaves, he sets out after her and inadvertently stumbles across an illegal slave-trade operation, the knowledge of which puts him, as well as Esther and her family, in jeopardy. 

My thoughts:

This entire series has been a favorite of mine with each and every novel surpassing the one before it.  I have been waiting for this one and boy was the wait worthwhile.  Ms. Roemer has a knack for crafting characters who I truly care for, I celebrate their happiness and share in their sorrows.  
This storyline was captivating because I didn't expect some of the plot twists so that added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

Watching Esther grow and mature has been wonderful and I was so glad to reconnect with not only her but with Charlotte and Chad, too.   Meeting Stew was a pure delight, he is a selfless, wonderful character who deserved all the good life had to offer him.  I have loved this series and will think of the characters fondly from time to time, but I'm excited to find out what the author has in store for her readers in the future. The Prairie Sky series has been such a joy to read and I think fans of Historical and Christian fiction will enjoy the three novels as much as I have.

I received a complimentary but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.



Friday, August 16, 2019

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano


Book Description

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

My thoughts:

I was in the mood for something different so I was glad to have the opportunity to read an ARC of Finding Lady Enderly.  This is the first book that I have ready by this author so I had no expectations although I have heard wonderful things about her writing and after reading this book, I have to agree with other readers, Ms. Politano is truly gifted.

Raina Britton is a unique character and that's why I liked her so much.  She's much more brave than I would ever hope to be but our circumstances are different.  I have never been in her situation so I have no idea how she desperate she must have been to escape her life as a rag woman and to accept the offer of a stranger to provide an adventure she would never have had if she chose to stay in her neighborhood.  Would I have had the nerve to throw caution to the wind and go off with a complete stranger?  No, I would not but I'm sure glad she did!

Raina has lost her one true love, Sully who was killed at sea so she figures she has nothing to lose as she embarks on her new adventure.  Sometimes things aren't what you expect them to be but you sure meet a lot of interesting people along the way.  This novel is filled with mystery, secrets, and incredible characters.  Finding Lady Enderly is a cleverly written novel which I enjoyed immensely. 

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley,  All opinions are my own.







Sunday, August 11, 2019

As the Light Fades by Catherine West


Book Description

Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.
Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.
Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three. 

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.

***NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR***
As the Light Fades is published as a standalone novel, but features some characters from one of Catherine's earlier novels, The Things We Knew, published in 2016 by Thomas Nelson.

Paperback

Expected publication: September 10th 2019 by KDP

Buy a copy on Amazon 

My thoughts:

I expect to be fully engrossed in any novel penned by Ms. West so I will just let you know, this one exceeded my expectations.  Yes, it really is that good and the author is a masterful storyteller!  Set in Nantucket, we reconnect with the Carlisle family, but let me perfectly clear, this is a standalone novel  so if you haven't had the opportunity to read the novel, The Things We Knew, I honestly don't think it will take away from your enjoyment of this book.

Ms. West tackles some pretty heavy topics in this heartrending story, important topics that may have touched our families or friends but they are so realistically written I felt like I was  involved in their lives and I wanted the best for them.  From Drake, the artistic patriarch who suffers from Alzheimer's  to the young troubled teen, Mia who has a lot to overcome in her life, there are just so many well defined and wonderful characters to love. Give me a story with strong family dynamics such as this one and I will be a very happy reader.
There some humorous parts that put a smile on my face making me love this book so very much.

Overall, As the Light Fades is a must read in my opinion which is why I highly recommend it.  The characters are ones that you won't soon forget and if you are like me, you'll hope there will another book with some of the same characters.

I received a copy through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.












Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham


Book Description

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

My thoughts:

Rachel Fordham is becoming one of my favorite authors.  I loved her debut novel The Hope of Azure Springs and hoped I would love this one just as much which I did!

Penny works in the Dead Letter Office where part of her job is looking for anything valuable for the Government as she opens mail day after day.  When she opens a letter from Thomas,she finds something more meaningful and precious than she has found during the three years she has worked there. His letters have a profound effect on her which is frowned upon but she is determined to get his letter to the intended recipient if possible. After reading the letters Thomas wrote I cant say I blame her for trying to help him.

After much searching she winds up in Azure Springs where we reconnect with some of my favorite characters and meet Thomas who wrote those heartfelt letters. Penny is not only caring but I think she had a lot of spunk in her to go in search of a perfect stranger the way she did.  Not only does she find Thomas, she finds new friends, a bit of mystery and more action than she ever could have imagined as she is drawn into a long held grudge that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. 

Out of the many things I loved about this book is when Penny finally receives letters of her own which is something she has wanted for a long time. It's the little things that mean a lot, right?
Yours Truly, Thomas is a poignant and wonderfully written novel which is why I recommend it.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.