Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

About the book:

Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale.

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize that the truth is much darker. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together—in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancĂ©, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions—and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation . . . or redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.



About Lisa:

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the bestselling author of more than twenty novels. Her work has won or been nominated for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her work was honored by the Americans for More Civility for promoting greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa and her family live among the tall pines in the Ouichita Mountains.
http://www.lisawingate.com






My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Ms. Wingate's writing since I picked up one of her first books, and I look forward to the next one. When I saw the cover of her new book show up on Facebook I was immediately pulled to it and I jumped over to NetGalley to request a copy, and I was pleasantly surprised when I was approved. As I began the book I was immediately pulled into the story of the Foss children, and when I found out this story was loosely based on real life historical facts I became enthralled with it. I think I read it in two days. Being adopted this story evoked all my emotions. I cried, laughed, cheered, wanted to throw the book against the wall, thankfully it was on my kindle. I began searching Google for Georgia Tann and was utterly shocked at what I learned about this evil woman who stole children and sold them. I had always wondered how crazy Joan Crawford had been allowed to adopt children and boy did I found out. As I write this I am still experiencing the emotion from this book. I love when a book grips you and just won't let go. I have dreamt about these characters and I found myself praying for them as I read. I hate to jump the gun, but this will probably be my most favored book of 2017. This is a powerful book that will take you back into history, and it is a must read! I can't recommend this book enough!




Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday . . . Most Anticipated Reads for the 2nd Half of 2017



This is the third week that I will be joining Broke and the Bookish for Top Ten Tuesday. This week the prompt is the most anticipated reads for the second half of 2017.


I have 14 books in the graphic, and I'm sure others will poke their heads up as the year continues.

1. To Wage Her Heart by Tamera Alexander
2. Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey
3. How Sweet the Sound by Amy K. Sorrels
4. You're Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
5. Madman by Tracy Groot
6. Engaged in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones
7. The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
8. Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman
9. My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels
10. Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander
11. Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig
12. Blue Ridge Summer by Denise Hunter
13. Isaiah's Daughter by Mesu Andrews
14. His Steadfast Love by Julie Lessman and . . . . there will be a character named after me in this book which makes me super excited to read it!


Friday, May 26, 2017

First Line Friday #21





We made it! It's not only Friday, it is the beginning of a three day weekend, and also the kick off to summer! YAY!!! I've been waiting for summer since winter started. With summer around the corner, so is wedding season, I know because I am a June bride, so I thought I'd feature a wedding book that is a must read, and perfect for your summer reading.


About the book:


An old, forgotten chapel holds the key to love and forgiveness.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—building a wedding chapel for Collette Greer, the woman he fell in love with in 1949. But now a realtor wants the land the chapel sits on, and he sees no reason to hang onto the past.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s string of failed marriages. When she falls head-over-heels for Jack Gillingham, a top ad man, their whirlwind romance and elopement leave her with doubts. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to find the right way to show her he really cares.

When a post-mortem letter from Taylor’s Granny Peg shows up, along with an old photo, she is driven to uncover family secrets and the secret to her own happiness, starting with an assignment to photograph an unknown, obscure wedding chapel back in Heart’s Bend.

Taylor begins a mission to convince Jimmy that the chapel is worth saving—and that forgiveness and healing might happen within the chapel’s walls . . . for both of them.


 First Line:

Jimmy
Heart's Bend, Tennessee July 1948        

Jimmy's journey began with a photograph. One of two girls standing next to a slender bride gripping a weak cluster of flowers, the shade of a stone chapel falling over their faces. 

What's your first line this week? Reading something fun for the three day weekend? Let me know in the comments, and then visit my friends to see their first line.

As always mark your place, and keep reading!


Amanda at With A Joyful Noise 

Beth Erin at Faithfully Bookish 


Bree at Bibliophile Reviews  


Carrie at Reading is My SuperPower 


Heather at Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen


Jessica at  A Baker's Perspective  


Kathleen at Kathleen Denly


Katie at Fiction Aficionado


Lauraine at Lauraine's Notes 


Rachel at Bookworm Mama 


Robin at Robin's Nest 


Sarah at All The Book Blog Names Are Taken


Sydney at Singing Librarian 


Christina of Moments Dipped in Ink

Molly of Cafinated Reads

                                      
Trish @ Joy of Reading

Jeanette @ CJReads



Thursday, May 25, 2017

Survivor Game Changers . . . Spoiler Alert!!!!!




I am a huge fan of Survivor, I've been watching it since the first season when Richard Hatch walked around the beach naked. That is still something I can't unsee! This season of Survivor had to be one of the craziest seasons ever, with Jeff Varner outing Zeke as transgender, the ridiculousness at tribal council, Michaela totally missing an advantage at her feet because she was so mad at not being chosen, Debbie blaming Brad about her inability to walk on a balance beam when she insisted she could do it so he let her at a challenge. Jeff encouraging Cirie yet again to jump off a pole after a challenge, and praising her for getting off the couch eleven years ago to play, however she literally moved from the couch to a hammock. Sandra droning on and on that she is the Queen of Survivor and won't be dethroned, yet she was this season, sent to the jury before we even got to the final six. Brad Culpepper being the only player to win five individual immunity's in one season. However, none of it could surpass what happened at tribal council last night.









Do not read past this unless you want to know about last night's Survivor finale.


Last night at the first tribal council, the most amazing game play happened. After the immunity challenge Brad Culpepper won individual immunity there was a scramble as to who of the six would be voted out. Aubry was the one talked about, everyone voted and Jeff returned with the urn. And this is when I found out my husband was right and Jeff does go through the votes and organizes them every other one. Brad has immunity, Tai plays both his idols, one for him and one for Aubry, Troyzan plays his idol, and Sarah plays her advantage which had to be played at six or five. Here's the play, all five are covered and can't be voted for, yet in the urn the only names are the four that just got covered with immunity, there is only one person who can be voted for and her name is not in the urn, that is Cirie, so since she is the only one that can be voted for, and without doing a re-vote and having five votes against her she is automatically voted out and sent to the jury. I've never been a fan of Cirie and I wanted her gone awhile ago, and a good number of fans are butt-hurt that she got voted out this way, but seriously what a way to go. I thought it was awesome! Here's the video if you missed it.
https://www.facebook.com/Survivor/

Now there are five, Brad, Troyzan, Aubry, Sarah, and Tai. At the next immunity challenge, Brad wins again, and Aubry is sent to the jury. I didn't want her to win either. Now we're at four, Brad, Troyzan, Sarah, and Tai. Brad wins immunity again and Tai is sent to the jury. I need to add that Tai was an emotional wreck, he felt as though Brad was intimidating him which is what led to him playing both of his idols. Tai had lied and played people against each other and therefore the remaining close three, Brad, Troyzan, and Sarah didn't feel like they could trust him, so Brad tried talking him into a deal of giving him one of the idols so that he couldn't play one for someone else which is exactly what he did. After Tai becomes the tenth member of the jury it really looks like Brad is a shoe in for the win and a good amount of the jury are on his side. Once again we have a change up at tribal but I thought what Jeff did was pretty awesome! He tells the jury that when they question the remaining three they must question them based on the three things Survivor stands for, Outwit, Outplay, Outlast. Tribal becomes somewhat emotional, especially when it came to Sarah's game play. On one hand she made friends with everyone yet she was instrumental in voting some of those friends out, and how could she be both a friend and then hurt those friends. She explained it quite well saying that as a police officer she has been under-cover as a drug dealer, prostitute, and when you are under-cover you become those things. It's like being two separate people. What annoyed me the most about the questioning of Sarah in this manner was, what was the difference between Sarah's game play and Cirie who manipulated, worked people behind their backs, attempted to control the game? Nothing really other than Sarah was in the final three and Cirie wasn't AGAIN! The members of the jury that liked Brad, which Ozzy was one of them, liked him because he played without getting his hands dirty, and thought he played an honest game. They felt that Troyzan was more of a rider than someone who made decisions and actually initiated game play.











AND THE WINNER OF SURVIVOR GAME CHANGERS IS . . . . . .

SARAH!!!!! 

She so deserved it! She played an awesome game and  was responsible for most if not all of the jury members. Heck she voted out Sierra and convinced her to give her the legacy advantage. That's SWEET game play!!


Becky Wade's 'True to You' Prize Pack and $100 Giveaway

About the book:
It's the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite!
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.
The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.
 Learn more and purchase a copy.                                                      





                                                           About the author:

Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She's the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.











My Thoughts:

If you've followed my blog for any amount of time you know that Becky Wade is one of my favorite authors. I can't believe I am going to say this, because I loved her Porter family series, but True to You has to be one of my absolute favorite books of hers to date. This will be on my top reads of the year. Yes, I am calling that now! I could relate to John's story in so many ways, I can't say anymore or I'll give too much away. In her new book Ms. Wade takes her writing up a notch with a plot twist that you will never see coming and other little surprises that follow right along the way. I loved Nora because she is a bookworm, works at the library, and researches genealogy. The entire Bradford family has quirks, and a true family spirit of supporting each other. They have quite the crotchety grandmother that adds spice to the family dynamics. The book has laugh out loud, tearful, and shocking parts that round out the story perfectly. This book needs to be in your bag for the beach, park, cruise, airplane, whatever you will be doing this summer.
Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book compliments of the publisher, through Litfuse blogging program. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Do opposites really attract? John and Nora might just be the perfect match. Find out in True to You, book one in Becky Wade's new series! Genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.




Celebrate the launch of Becky Wade's new series by entering to win a fabulous prize pack and $100 cash card!





 



One grand prize winner will receive:



  • A copy of True to You

  • A $100 Visa cash card

  • A prize pack hand-picked by Becky


 



Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 30. The winner will be announced May 31 on the Litfuse blog.





Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday - Summer Reads Freebie






Welcome to another edition of top ten Tuesday. This is my second week hanging out with Broke and the Bookish.  This Tuesday prompt is a summer reads freebie, books to go in your beach bag, books set in summer, books with summer-y covers . . .etc.
I chose books that I am anxiously looking forward to reading this summer. 

I am a huge fan of summer, especially after the frigid winter we had, and besides good books I am looking forward to summer fruit out of our own garden.










What books would you put in your beach bag, or are looking forward to reading this summer? Let me know in the comments.

















Friday, May 19, 2017

First Line Friday #20




It's Friday! Which means it's time for another edition of First Line Friday. We have two new ladies joining us today, Christina of Dipped in Ink and Molly of Cafinated Reads. Welcome ladies! If you would like to join us for First Line Friday, please send Carrie of Reading is My SuperPower an email.
Have a wonderful bookish weekend!





About the book:

Allegra Spencer has been living a careful life. Her safe job as an accountant is book-ended by going to church and the gym. Okay, sometimes the gym. Fine. She goes to church. And the coffee shop. She avoids risk at all cost, preferring to stay safe in her cozy condo. Until her accounting firm goes belly up and she's out of a job.
Tyler Hawk had a glorious career as a star NFL tight end. He retired on a high note and now lives a second dream of owning his own business and leading others on extreme outdoor adventures. But he needs help with his books—and his heart. When Allegra takes the job, sparks fly.
It’s a case of safety zone versus danger zone, and in their minds, never the two shall meet.






First Line:

The little hairs on the back of Allegra Spencer's neck stood at attention. He was behind her. She could feel his presence as sure as she could smell the beans being ground by the barista on the other side of the reclaimed wood counter. 


As always mark your place and keep reading!

Please visit my other blogging buddies to see their first line, and leave yours in the comments.

Amanda at With A Joyful Noise 

Beth Erin at Faithfully Bookish 


Bree at Bibliophile Reviews  


Carrie at Reading is My SuperPower 


Heather at Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen


Jessica at  A Baker's Perspective  


Kathleen at Kathleen Denly


Katie at Fiction Aficionado


Lauraine at Lauraine's Notes 


Rachel at Bookworm Mama 


Robin at Robin's Nest 


Sarah at All The Book Blog Names Are Taken


Sydney at Singing Librarian 


Trisha @ Joy of Reading


Jeanette @ Jane Reads

And please welcome . . .

Christina of Moments Dipped in Ink

and

Molly of Cafinated Reads



Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Idaho State Semi-Truck Driving Championship




About the truck championships:

Ready for some friendly competition?

The annual Idaho State Truck Driving Championship is here again. The Truck Driving Championships was established in 1937 and spotlights the unique skills of the professional truck driver.  This fun, two day event is designed to select all-around champions who are more than just “good drivers”.  For participants, this is the culmination of thousands of hours of their own time spent sharpening their everyday skills and knowledge.

Some of the safest and best drivers compete in the championships every year.  The competition tests the drivers’ industry knowledge with a written test, ability to catch potential problems with a pre-trip inspection drill, and safe driving skills as they navigate a course with six-problems reflecting everyday driving conditions.  The winner of each class has the opportunity to advance to the ATA National Truck Driving Championships.

The Truck Driving Championships benefit companies by creating a more safety-conscious driver. Drivers always have the championships in the back of their minds and try to stay as safe as possible throughout the year.  That’s because drivers must be accident-free during the 12 months preceding the championships in order to compete.


On Saturday, May 13, 2017, my husband, Mark competed in the 5-axle truck and trailer in Idaho's State Truck Driving Championship. 
Friday the entrants did a pre-inspection on the truck and trailer, and took a written test. On Saturday the entrants drove the course with their specific truck, flat-bed, delivery step-truck, truck and trailer. This was Mark's first year competing and he was super nervous, even though he's been driving for thirty years. I didn't make it to his driving portion of the competition, they changed the time. I got there in time to be able to see the step-truck and delivery truck (think UPS and FedEx) compete. During the entire time they were driving Mark went over every detail of his drive and what he did wrong. During the awards ceremony he said he'd be happy if they just mentioned his name, no sooner did he say that then the lady giving out the awards said "This is the first year in thirty years where the competition in 5 -axle trailer was so tight. It literally came down to seconds and there were only two points separating first and second place." After that was said, Mark figured he wasn't getting anything, not even a mention. After she called the third place winner she said "and one of our new drivers this year, his very first time here, from OffSpec Mark Tubbs." Mark was beyond floored and I was trying hard not to cry. We're waiting to hear if he will go to the National Truck Driving Championship, first thru third place in each class are supposed to go to the national competition.

My hunky driver is in the middle.

See, I do do other things besides read books and write reviews. :)


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Book Spotlight Mighty to Save by Caryl McAdoo



 Click here to purchase your copy.





About the Book  


Book: Mighty to Save  

Author: Caryl McAdoo  

Genre: Christian Historical Romance  

Release Date: May 15, 2017

Contrary to her parents’ wishes, Evelyn married a nonbeliever, but it all works out . . . or does it? Not only did the love of her life accept Christ, Nathaniel got baptized by fire and became a minister of the gospel. Woven into the breathtaking tale of love and redemption are two additional stories, Evelyn’s novels of faith, family, and forgiveness.


About the Author

Caryl McAdoo loves writing stories for all ages that glorify God and is thrilled Christian fiction fits her life purpose so well. Bold not bashful, she’s quick to share the Bible principles she lives by through her characters and hopes each title ministers His love, mercy, and grace. Known as the “Singing Pray-er”—with a YouTube channel to prove it—the prolific hybrid author also loves praising Him with new songs He gives her. Her high-school-sweetheart-husband moved the family from the DFW area—home for fifty-plus years—to the woods and seat of Red River County. After Ron, Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings. The McAdoos live a few miles south of Clarksville in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.


Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

Mighty to Save, book nine, is unlike all the other stories in the Texas Romance family saga as the heroine, Evelyn Eversole—you’ll remember her as little Evie in book eight, Covering Love—and hero, Nathaniel Nightingale, are already married in Chapter One. Where’s the romance, Caryl? You may ask. But I think you’ll see that Mighty to Save is brimming with all the stuff love is made of!


The depth of the Nightingales’ love is revealed and tested, and because Evelyn is a novelist like her MayMee (May Meriwether), we are privileged to experience the love of another couple whose progeny is intertwined with the Nightingales’ lineage. (knowing the characters of the next novel Chief of Sinners that was written over twenty years ago and served as the foundation of the Texas Romance series, it’s been a labor of love, tying all these characters together.

And while a very few have remarked that it’s a little hard jumping back and forth in time, the majority of readers have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for getting to know the backstories in such a fun way. This tale deals with imperfect people—as we all are. I hope my characters come across as real, someone in your family or who might live next door.

In this world, we will have tribulation . . . but being of good cheer isn’t always so easy. Sometime those trials knock us off our foundation, and we find ourselves in an ocean of mire, like trying to swim through jello . . . weary of it to the point where only God can save us. And so we cry out to Him. And He does.

Should that mean what waylaid us no longer has any effect on our lives? Not every time.

I pray that you will enjoy Mighty to Save. This story is another reason why I’m so blessed that God led me to publish independently of the traditional houses, as I’m most certain it would definitely not fit their pigeon hole titled Christian Romance. Life offers hills and valleys. Could we truly appreciate one without the other?

Fair warning, don’t be expecting same-O same-O!

Thank you so much for being a part of my Celebrate Lit Blog Tour Launch! Bloggers, readers, reviewers, and visitors all—everyone at the awesome Celebrate Lit Tour Company, too—y’all are such blessings to me! So much so, I could never repay your kindnesses, encouragement, and support. But my Father can, And I pray He will send every blessing back to you a hundred fold!

Blog Stops

May 17: Carpe Diem
May 20: A Greater Yes
May 20: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
May 21: Radiant Light
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 27: Mary Hake

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away:
Grand Prize: ALL NINE books in the Texas Romance series!
1st Prize: Four first books in four of Caryl’s series
2nd-6th Prize: Print Copy Vow Unbroken
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Moms in Books


Today I am joining The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday list. Today's prompt is a Mother's Day freebie, favorite moms in literature, books about motherhood, best mother/daughter or son relationships, books to buy your mom, worst moms in literature. 

Favorite Moms in books. . .

Molly Weasley from Harry Potter. Molly Weasley is one of those fun moms that is where all the kids hang out.












Marcy O'Connor from The Daughter's of Boston series by Julie Lessman.

Marcy is a mom who teaches biblical precepts to her children, her love is unconditional, she supports her children and their dreams, and she is still madly in love with her husband, Patrick.











Marta from Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers.

Marta is harsh and abusive, which is not the ideal mother, however she wants what is best for her daughter and she will fight for what she wants.


















Marmee from Little Women.

For me, Marmee is a true example of a military mom doing all that she can to take care of her girls during post Civil War era.

















Caroline (Ma) Ingalls from the Little House series.

Ma Ingalls is a real mom who guides her children during both good and bad times. She also has a smile on her face, no matter the circumstance.












Lillian Gilbreth from Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth.

Lillian Gilbreth is smart, has given birth to a dozen children, a feat in itself. Manages a huge household along with managing her husband's business. While a book was written about them by two of her children, she was a real person, like Caroline Ingalls.












 Marilla Cuthbert from Anne of Green Gables.

I adored Marilla's response to Matthew when he brought Anne home, "Where's the boy?"












Charlotte from Charlotte's Web.

Charlotte is the sacrificial mother, giving all so her children could live.













Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible.

Mary, endured ridicule, disbelief, humiliation for the sake of being the mother of Jesus.








And the worst Mom . . . . 

Joan Crawford, need I say more!

She had no business adopting any children and I have no idea how she was even able to.















Who are your favorite or worst moms? Please tell me in the comments.


Friday, May 12, 2017

First Line Friday #19







About the book:

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize that the truth is much darker. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together—in a world of danger and uncertainty.
Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancĂ©, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions—and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation . . . or redemption.
Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.


First Line:

Aiken, South Carolina, Present Day

I take a breath, scoot to the edge of the seat, and straighten my jacket as the limo rolls to a stop on the boiling-hot asphalt. News vans wait along the curb, accentuating the importance of this morning's seemingly innocuous meeting.

Please visit my other blogging friends, read their first lines and leave yours in the comments. If you would like to join our little group please shoot, Carrie of Reading is My Super Power a email.

As always mark your place, and keep reading!

Amanda at With A Joyful Noise 

Beth Erin at Faithfully Bookish 


Bree at Bibliophile Reviews  


Carrie at Reading is My SuperPower 


Heather at Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen


Jessica at  A Baker's Perspective  


Kathleen at Kathleen Denly


Katie at Fiction Aficionado


Lauraine at Lauraine's Notes 


Rachel at Bookworm Mama 


Robin at Robin's Nest 


Sarah at All The Book Blog Names Are Taken


Sydney at Singing Librarian 


Trisha @ Joy of Reading

And welcome 

Jeanette @ Jane Reads






First Line Friday Featuring Riot (A Breed Apart: Legacy #3) by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles

  Happy Friday!! Welcome to the weekend!!! Today I am featuring one of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig. I loved A Breed Apart series and I...