Friday, June 30, 2017

First Line Friday #26





WOW! It's the last Friday of June! How did that happen?? It seems like just yesterday we started June, and 4th of July is Tuesday!!!

Today I am featuring High as the Heavens by Katie Breslin. I just received this book for review and am itching to start it, but I'm waiting until I finish one. The temptation is real folks! 😇





About the book:

In 1917, Evelyn Marche is just one of many women who has been widowed by the war. A British nurse trapped in German-occupied Brussels, she spends her days working at a hospital and her nights as a waitress in her aunt and uncle's café. Eve also has a carefully guarded secret keeping her in constant danger: She's a spy working for a Belgian resistance group in league with the British Secret Service.
When a British plane crashes in Brussels Park, Eve is the first to reach the downed plane and is shocked to discover she recognizes the badly injured pilot. British RFC Captain Simon Forrester is now a prisoner of war, and Eve knows he could be shot as a spy at any time. She risks her own life to hide him from the Germans, but as the danger mounts and the secrets between them grow, their chance of survival looks grim. And even if they do make it out alive, the truth of what lies between them may be more than any love can overcome.

First Line:

Brussels 1917

Like manna from heaven, the words fell from the sky. Evelyn Marche snatched at one of the blue leaflets fluttering down outside the Royal Palace and glanced at the message, though she already knew it by heart. 

I know it's more than one line, but I had to give you more. What's your first line? Leave it in the comments and visit my blogging buddies to read their first lines this week. If you'd like to join our First Line Friday group email Carrie at Reading is My SuperPower.

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Thursday, June 29, 2017

The Captain's Daughter (London Beginnings Book 1) by Jennifer Delamere - Reviewed & Giveaway




About the book:
Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

Purchase a copy here AMAZON

My Thoughts:

This is the first book of Ms. Delamere's that I've had the pleasure to read, and I'm so glad that it is the first book in a series. I hate getting in on the second or third book in a series of a new author to me. I always feel like I've missed so much!

In this sweet book, we get a look at the streets of London from an every day person's point of view which I really liked. Sometimes when characters are the cream of the crop the every day life that we all relate to can get lost. I also enjoyed behind the scenes at the theater. The romance between Rosalyn and Nate is sweet and happened gradually, it wasn't rushed. 

Overall this is a great beginning to a new series, perfect to stuff in your bag for the beach, park, or wherever you may be going this summer.



Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.




Book two in the series is set to release in 2018.

This cover is so pretty!

About the book:

Julia Bernay has come to London to become a doctor--a glorious new opportunity for women during the reign of Victoria. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick actions save the life of barrister Michael Stephenson. He rose above his family's stigma, but can he rise to the challenge of the fiercely independent woman who has swept into his life?


















Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Right and Wrong!




This post will be a RANT, so feel free to bypass it. If there is one thing that drives me nuts it is people who seem to think that the rules don't apply to them. It came to my attention yesterday that a reviewer has been selling the free copies of the books that she receives. That just chaps my hide! As a review/influencer who has been encouraging and supporting authors for ten years I can't even imagine the nerve to even think about this let alone do it. I believe as a reviewer/influencer my job is to help author's sell their books, not make money off of their hard work!

When you become a reviewer you know the rules, and you agree to them. You agree not to sell the products, so to turn around and sell a brand-new book and pocket the money is wrong on so many levels! It is stealing, plain and simple! Stealing from the author, the publishers, and making other bloggers/reviewers who do their job and sincerely care about the authors look bad. And if one thing ticks me off more than anything it's one apple making the whole bunch bad!

To the authors, I am so sorry that this has happened! Happening in the Christian fiction community makes it 100X worse. While I can't speak for the entire Inspirational blogging community, please know that from the depths of my heart that I love y'all, and what I have the pleasure to do. Holding your baby in my hands to read, be transported to another place and time, and meet people I never would have otherwise is a sincere joy. Each and every one of you have taught me something in one way shape or form and I value that lesson. I promise to never exploit you or your work for any financial gain.



Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday


           



Sorry I missed last week's Top Ten Tuesday. I had my granddaughter's on Monday so I was a little pre-occupied. I am joining Broke and the Bookish for Top Ten Tuesday, today's prompt is your top ten favorite books of 2017 so far.


Contemporary Fiction and Contemporary Romance


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Historical and Romantic Fiction

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This is also mystery, and fantasy.

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Biblical Historical Fiction


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Britallachian (Pepper Basham's own word) Romance


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Suspense/Thriller


This also could fit under Historical.

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What are your favorite books so far? Are any of mine on your list? Let me know in the comments.


Friday, June 23, 2017

First Line Friday # 25





It's Friday, time for no alarm clocks, late nights, days spent with friends and family, and reading.


Today I am featuring The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson. This fairy tale retelling is based on the goose girl, one I am not familiar with, but know that Ms. Dickerson will make it unforgettable.



About the book:

She lost everything to an evil conspiracy . . . but that loss may just give her all she ever wanted.
Since meeting Steffan, the Duke of Wolfberg, at Thornbeck Castle, Lady Magdalen has not been able to stop thinking about him. She knows—as a penniless lady with little to offer in terms of a dowry—she has no real hope of marrying such a highly titled man, so it comes as a great surprise when she receives a letter from him, asking for her hand in marriage.
But all is not what it seems at Wolfberg Castle. Steffan has been evicted by his scheming uncle, and his cousin has taken over the title of duke. Left for dead, Steffan is able to escape, and disguised as a shepherd, hopes to gain entry to the castle to claim the items that will prove he is the true Duke of Wolfberg.
Journeying to the castle, Magdalen has no idea what awaits her, but she certainly did not expect her loyal maidservant to turn on her. Forcing Magdalen to trade places with her, the servant plans to marry the duke and force Magdalen to tend the geese.
Without their respective titles—and the privileges that came with them—Steffan and Magdalen are reunited in the shepherd’s field. Together they conspire to get back their rightful titles. But they must hurry . . . or else they risk losing it all to the uncle’s evil plan.


First Line

The year 1365, Barony of Mallin, the Holy Roman Empire

"Where do you think you are going looking like a beggar?" Mother asked 
Magdalen's hand was on the door. "Just walking."


What is your first line? Leave it in the comments and then go and visit my friends to see their first lines.
If you'd like to be apart of our First Line group, send Carrie from Reading is My Superpower an email.


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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Joyful Inspirations Coloring Book by Robin Mead and A Giving Heart Coloring Book by Stephanie Corfee

The adult coloring book market keeps blooming with new themes and pages to color. FaithWords a division of Hachette Book Group asked me to review these two coloring books, and I of course said "Yes!"



About the book:

Color uplifting depictions of God's creation--from blossoming gardens to smiling children--and vibrant cityscapes, with illustrated scripture and quotes to inspire and encourage.
Do you delight in spying cheerful birds outside your window? Are you awed by God's creativity as your eyes scan the fields alongside a road of quiet beauty? If your soul craves more moments like these, you'll experience endless joy through coloring the intricate pictures and illustrated scripture in this book. Excite your creativity by filling in creatively rendered cities, gardens, and seas. Reinvigorate your spirit through the uplifting messages of these pages. As you do, you'll feel happily reminded that God is ever-present and looking out for you, because His love touches everything and everyone.

About Robin Mead:

ROBIN MEAD is an artist who combines her background in social work, studies in Fine Art, and love of expression to create joyful depictions of life. Using insight and intuition she translates positive emotions onto paper, canvas, and the digital screen. A native of New York, Robin and her husband of 27 years now reside near Athens, Georgia, where she delights in seeking inspiration outdoors. Look for her Joyful Inspirations Coloring Book

Here is the page I colored from this book....
                                      
                                          Click on my picture to order your copy.


The pictures in this book are big and easy to color. Coloring is a stress reliever for me, and I color at least once a day. 




About the book:

A beautiful artist-drawn coloring book with Scripture created to encourage, inspire, and delight Christian mothers. 
This beautifully rendered adult coloring book will offer Christian moms a perfect way to enjoy moments of peaceful creativity as they color 46 gorgeously intricate pictures and meditate upon God's word. Filled with lovely botanical scenes, charming designs, and intricate patterns, the images and words of this book will remind mothers of their special place in the hearts of their loved ones and the wonderful purpose God created in them. 

Here is the page I colored out of this one.

                                          Click on my picture to order your copy.


The pictures in this book are smaller and more intricate, but very pretty and I love the quotes that are patterned with them.


I enjoyed coloring in both of these books and will have many more hours of coloring pleasure.










I received these books from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, June 16, 2017

First Line Friday #24


YAHOO!!!! It's Friday, time for a weekend of reading and celebrating our dads and our husbands!
If you've followed my blog for any length of time you know that Julie Lessman is my absolute favorite author. I fell in love with her writing in 2008 when I read her debut, A Passion Most Pure. I was in the midst of my divorce and her book spoke to me on so many levels. While the book does not deal with divorce it showed me that as a single woman seeking God I could stay pure whether God brought another man into my life or not.
She has a new book releasing in August, His Steadfast Love, book three in her Isle of Hope series, which I am going to feature here today.

AMAZON PRE-ORDER




About the book:

Cat O’Bryen is the prodigal daughter unhappy with God. First, the father with whom she reconciled dies of cancer and now her twin sister and best friend marries, leaving Cat at home with a newlywed mother, her new husband, and a little brother. But when Cat moves in with a roommate of questionable morals, her family is worried, certain she’s on a path that could damage her faith forever.
Reluctant to get involved with a woman like the one who destroyed his life, ex-Navy SEAL Pastor Chase Griffin steers clear of the attraction he feels for Cat O’Bryen. Until her family begs him to take her under his wing, hoping he can draw her back into the fold. But when the draw she has on him proves too strong to resist, he must rely on the strength of God to offer a friendship as steady and strong as the God whose love is wooing her home.





First Line:

Isle of Hope, Georgia, Early Spring

The winds of change are blowing . . . and it's a category five.

Catherine "Cat" O'Bryen plopped her chin in her hand on the linen-clad table, grateful for the low lighting of the candlelit ballroom while she battled another onslaught of tears. 


Quite a line, huh?!?! A true first line that grabs you and propels you to read more. What's your first line this week?? Leave it in the comments and visit my friends to read theirs. As always mark your place and have a great weekend!

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday . . . Father's Day Related



I am joining Broke and the Bookish for Top Ten Tuesday. 

I am a true daddy's girl so I love Father's Day and being able to honor my dad. For this post I'm going to feature favorite dads in books.







Frank Gilbreth in Cheaper by the Dozen. He was a strict time keeper and dad who was completely, and udderly involved with his kids.  

Patrick O'Connor in Hope Undaunted. Katie is growing up and Patrick is the dad she needs not the friend she wants.
Mr. Bennet who raised five daughters in Pride and Prejudice.




 Pa in the Little House series. I loved how Laura talked about Pa playing his fiddle.

Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables. He was a sweet "dad" figure to Anne.                                                                        


Atticus Finch.
I read this book to my girls, and I always thought it was sweet how the father and daughter would go looking for owls at night.
















A true example of a father and daughter repairing their relationship.


















I don't have ten today. I had a long day yesterday and my brain is still tired. What are your favorite literary fathers?

Me and my daddy.




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...