Soul Whispers by M.K. Feese Reviewed

 

About the book:

Title: Soul Whispers

Author: M.K. Feese

A bold novel of pain and redemption takes a hard look at abortion and the aftermath for abortion survivors and their families.

1976 - Three women's worlds are on a collision course:
Wendy - birth-mother, having tracked down the baby she has learned survived her abortion attempt, is determined to be a part of her life.
Lorraine - unstable, reclusive adoptive mother whose long-buried secrets will out.
Lily Joy - 16-year-old abortion survivor, caught in the middle of a firestorm

Whatever happens, each of their lives will be forever changed.

Purchase a copy HERE.

About M.K. Feese

Can a former engineer and retired librarian find happiness as a writer? This one can.

Marcia’s fascination with the written word began as a child and her professional life always involved a degree of writing, including newsletters and local newspaper articles. Her alter ego is Minglement, a term which denotes an eclectic mix, a jumble of many genres, many voices.

Observation and empathy shape her stories and poems. Writing, photography, and art fill the nooks and crannies between home and family. All provide fodder and inspiration for her writing.

She has published articles, short stories, and poems in regional and local publications such as art magazine, Mississi Crow, and the Internet. She has also enjoyed ghostwriting, primarily for blogs and travel agencies. 

Her second novel is ‘KaleidESCAPE’, a tale of runaway teens in 1989, and their parents terrifying ordeal as they search for them. No one could have guessed the outcome. Published under her own imprint, ‘Cats Eye Press', it was released in 2014.

Achievements:

Founding member of Lucerne Valley Writers’ Ink, a California writers’ support group, earning their ‘Writer of the Year award two years in a row. 

Her first novel, 'Famished Heart' and her anthology ‘Gravity Sucks, have received high reviews on amazon and elsewhere. Both are available on Amazon.

You can connect with Marcia on Facebook ||

My Thoughts

Given the reversal of Roe v Wade this was a perfectly timed read.
As an adoptee, I completely identified with Lily.
As a mom, I understood Lorraine’s fear of letting Wendy get too involved with Lily.
Ms. Feese did a great job not only creating the characters but the dynamic surrounding them. It made me care about them and want them to find a way to have a relationship.
The spiritual thread wasn’t lacking nor was it overwhelming. Ms. Feese wove it in beautifully.
The open ending left a clear path to a sequel. Which I really hope she writes!

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Before I Called You Mine
Author: Nicole Deese
Publisher: Bethany House

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

Goodreads || Amazon  


About Nicole Deese

Nicole Deese's eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter 


My Thoughts

This book was so good! I read it in a day and a half. I have read many adoption books over the years as an adoptee myself and this has to be the best one I've read in a long time. 

The journey of international adoption was filled with both heartache and joy which Nicole Deese shows authentically having adopted her daughter internationally.

Lauren was my favorite kind of heroine! Not only was she a bookworm she wasn't afraid to be a fan girl around her favorite author. That's my kind of bookworm!

Joshua was quirky, funny, kind, and understanding. He was the perfect hero for Lauren and supported her through the ups and downs of her adoption journey.

Overall, this was a fantastic read from beginning to end. I experienced so many emotions as I read this book. I can't recommend this book enough! So, whatever you are reading right now put it down and grab this one!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank You For Making Me Who I Am

As a daughter, and mother I am the sum of these women.

My birth mother and maternal grandmother.

Me and my mom.


















Here I am with the young women who made me a Mom. In fact Stefani, she's in the reddish sweater, made me a mom 32 years ago just before Mother's Day. This picture was taken last weekend when we were all together which doesn't happen very often.

As an adopted child I think about my birth mother, who I lovingly call Mama, every year on Mother's Day, actually daily. Especially, since reconnecting with my sisters and learning that she has passed.

If you aren't familiar with my story, she was just 14 when she was raped and became pregnant with me. As a child I had a romantic notion that she was in love with her boyfriend, they made a mistake and had sex and she got pregnant. My romanticizing went further believing they'd married, lived in a big house, had children of their own and were looking for me.

The song really says exactly how I feel about my birth mother. She saved me from the death my maternal grandmother wanted. She not only gave me life she did the most selfless and loving thing possible by giving my parents the gift of a child creating a family. As a mother I couldn't imagine how difficult it had to be for a young teenage girl to give a baby she'd just carried and felt move inside of her to strangers to care for.

And my mom took responsibility and care for a child whose familial background she knew very little about. Even with a private adoption, there was so much information not shared in the 60's.

Both of my mother's made me who I am today. While I mainly got my genetics from Angelina, I also received a strong personality. Knowing how I was conceived and how on my birthday every year she celebrated with my sisters has influenced who I am. When you know that your mother made a decision to carry, love, and give you the gift of family when someone was wanting a family doctor to abort you, your birth takes on a whole new meaning.

My mom made me who I am. She taught me morals, how to read at 3, about Jesus who has been my Savior since I was ten. Each of these women had a lot, and I mean a lot to do with who I am. I am thankful for and love both of them, and so, today on a day when we honor our mother's I honor and celebrate what they both have given to make me who I am today. No one else but my Mom and Angelina could have made me, me.





I must have felt your tears
When they took me from your arms
I'm sure I must have heard you say goodbye
Lonely and afraid had you made a big mistake
Could an ocean even hold the tears you cried
But you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And you made the only choice you could that night
You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball in the yard with dad at night
Mom reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in my room
So if you worry if your choice was right
You gave me up but you gave everything to me
And if I saw you on the street
Would you know that it was me
And would your eyes be blue or green like mine
Would we share a warm embrace
Would you know me in your heart
Or would you smile and let me walk on by
Knowing you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And I hope that you'd be proud of who I am
You gave life to me
A chance to find my dreams
And a chance to fall in love
You should have seen her shining face
On our wedding day
Oh is this the dream you had in mind
When you gave me up
You gave everything to me
And when I see you there
Watching from heaven's gates
Into your arms
I'm gonna run
And when you look in my eyes
You can see my whole life
See who I was
And who I've become
You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball in the yard with dad at night
Mom reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in my room
So if you worry if your choice was right
You gave me up but you gave everything to me.
Copyright Mark Schultz

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Angelina

Today is my birth mother's birthday, she would have been 68. She passed six years ago, just five days before my birthday in 2013. I will never be able to repay her self sacrifice as a fourteen year old girl who had been raped to choose life for me instead of ending it like her mother wanted.

I located her and my younger siblings some time in 1992, I was pregnant with my youngest child and I felt an instant connection with all of them. Time and distance affected our ability to stay in touch. I do wish I had reconnected with her prior to her passing so I would've been able to meet her face to face and make sure she knew how much I loved her, and thankful I was for her gift to me.

I have to thank my siblings, Nikki and Tracy, for telling me how much she loved me, was concerned about me, wanted me to be happy, but most of all how every January 19th they celebrated my birthday.

Being adopted comes with it's pluses and minuses. For me as a pre-teen/teen there was a desire to know the woman who gave me life, and my story of conception to fill an empty hole. Finding out the trauma she'd endured was horrible. Yet, it showed me what a strong and self-less woman she was.
I thought once I knew those things the hole would be filled, and it was, until I found out she'd passed and what was once filled was now empty again. Last Mother's Day was the beginning of missing her all over again. Not because I don't have a mom to celebrate, I do, in fact her birthday is tomorrow, pretty ironic, huh? However, I will never stop missing Angelina, who I lovingly refer to as mama, she will always have a place in my heart. And I will forever be grateful for her love, sacrifice, and not being ashamed of me.

My baby sister, Tracy told me today that her heart was so big that she's probably up in heaven making someone a birthday cake instead of accepting one herself. I can actually picture that, and what a beautiful picture to think about on a day we should be making one for her.

Happy Birthday, Mama! I hope you let someone bake you a cake in heaven but I know you're probably happier making one for someone else.

I love you and miss you!!

Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Swimming in the Deep End
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Publisher: Kregel Publishers

A moving novel entwining the many faces of motherly love.
Jillian Cline has the perfect daughter: loving and smart, she's an Olympic hopeful with a bright future. But when Izzy becomes pregnant, Jillian fears that future is lost. Worse, she must confront her own secret past and hope the decisions she's made don't drown their whole family.
Izzy can't believe God let this happen to her. She knew the risks, but who thinks about that when they're in love? Now she has to face the consequences--and the disappointed stares from everyone who thought she was the perfect Christian girl. At least she has the baby's father, Travis. Nothing can tear them apart, right?
Margaret Owens had determined dreams for her son. She's furious that Izzy's pregnancy jeopardizes his college baseball scholarship and terrified that Travis will be trapped in a life of struggle and poverty--the life she's tried so hard to save him from. She'll do anything to protect him--even if it means forcing him to leave Izzy.
Stacey Frey is aching for a child of her own. But the son she was meant to adopt was taken before she could hold him in her arms. It feels like she'll never stop mourning; even the move to this new town hasn't distracted her from the pain. How can she and her husband find peace? Is there any hope of a family in their future?
And in the midst of all this . . . an unborn baby. Whose arms will hold him in the end?

Amazon || B&N || Christian Books || 

About Christina Suzann Nelson:

Christina Suzann Nelson is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Her essays have been published in the Cup of Comfort series. Nelson lives in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with her husband and four children.

Website || Facebook || Twitter

My Thoughts:

From reading other reviews it seems as though I am in the minority when it comes to my thoughts about this book. First, this is the first book by this author that I've read. I was originally asked by Kregel publications to review this book and then signed up for the review tour with Just Reads because I already had a copy.

Overall this is a good read. Ms. Nelson pulls at the heart strings which keeps you reading. Hidden secrets create an intrigue to find out what drives the women in the book to make the decisions they have and do.

With that said. It is my opinion that Ms. Nelson’s use of words such as put up, and placed are an attempt to be politically correct. The usage of these terms are offensive to me as an adopted child.
I was not put anywhere, nor was I placed on a shelf and forgotten about. I wasn't given away either.

My birth mother gave me, a precious child to my parents as a gift because they could not have a baby on their own. She also gave my parents the gift of family. Using those words and phrases in my opinion takes away the beauty of adoption, and devalues the love the birth mother has for her child.

Close to the end of the book Ms. Nelson calls the pregnancy a mistake. God allowed the pregnancy which doesn't make the pregnancy a mistake. By calling the pregnancy a mistake you are then saying the baby is. My youngest daughter got pregnant in her final year of high school, she married the father and we have a beautiful eight year old granddaughter who is the apple of our eye. She was not a mistake. The timing of the pregnancy wasn't perfect but the she wasn’t a mistake because God ordained her life.

My review may sound as though I am being overly critical of this book, but being adopted, having found my birth mother, knowing the truth about my conception which mirrors one in the story, and how much my birth mother loved me gives me a completely different perspective than an average reader. I have also committed to being truthful with my reviews for both the reader and author without being mean or hurtful.

This is a good emotional women's fiction novel with the themes of hope, forgiveness of others and self, how the pain keeping secrets cause not only to the one keeping the secrets but those that love them run vividly throughout the book. Be aware that the subject matter includes pre-marital sex, abortion, adoption, child loss, and grief.

Legacy of Mercy ( Waves of Mercy #2) by Lynn Austin - Review and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Legacy of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #2)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

She Knew Her New Life Would Not Be Easy,
But Nothing Could Prepare Her For What Waits Ahead

Having returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can't seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she's learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.

But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God's purpose for her life isn't as simple as she had hoped.

When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje's been helping new Dutch immigrants--including a teen with a troubled history--adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

Praise for the Book

"Varying points of view, well-placed clues, and an interesting subplot about Anna's grandmother welcoming Dutch immigrants to Michigan keeps the story interesting. Austin skillfully embeds her strong spiritual message into the actions of her characters, creating a wonderful historical tale that is naturally inspirational."--Publishers Weekly starred review

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│Kobo│Bethany House

Other Books in the Series

Waves of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #1)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 4th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts,
Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

Praise for the Book

"Interlacing the past with the present-day lives of Anna and Geesje, Austin compassionately delivers a moving tale of family bonds, tests of faith, and abiding love."--Booklist starred review

"Austin has crafted an interesting, historically accurate portrait of two profoundly different characters: one looking back at life, the other taking her first faltering steps toward independence."--Publishers Weekly

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│Kobo│Bethany House

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

My Thoughts:

I haven't read book one, Waves of Mercy. I do have it so there is no excuse. However, I didn't find myself lost in the story line. I will be reading book one very SOON!

Anna and I have a lot in common. I'm adopted and the story of my conception is not a happy one, so with every discovery she made about her family my heart cheered for her because she was answering questions about herself. William's family were annoying yet for the time period their behavior was spot on.

I'm not a huge fan of first person stories yet I didn't even pay attention to that because I was so drawn into the story.

Lynn Austin is a great storyteller and I enjoy each one of her books. She seamlessly weaves the two stories of Anna and her recently found grandmother, Geesje from Holland.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Prism Tours. I was not required to write a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.


Tour Schedule

October 15th:
Launch
Cover Lover Book Review
An Indie Adventure
Author Kelly D. Scott
October 16th:
Romancing History
Uplifting Reads
October 17th:
The Power of Words
Hearts & Scribbles
October 18th:
Fiction Aficionado
Splashes of Joy
October 19th:
Wishful Endings
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Rockin' Book Reviews
October 22nd:
Among the Reads
Book by Book
October 23rd:
Jen Around the World
Heidi Reads...
October 24th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Radiant Light
October 25th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Locks, Hooks and Books
October 26th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Remembrancy

Check out the Bookstagram Tour schedule October 22 - 26 here!

Tour Giveaway

One Grand Prize Winner will receive Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin and tulip notecards.

Two additional winners will receive Waves and Mercy and Legacy of Mercy.

For US winners only—international readers may enter, but a $35 gift card will be substituted for their prize if they are chosen as winners.

Ends October 26, 2018

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Freedom's Kiss (Carrington Family #3) by Sarah Monzon Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Freedom's Kiss (Carrington Family #3)
Author: Sarah Monzon
Publisher: Radiant Publications

They were both prisoners of their past. Could legacy be the key to setting them free?
Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.
A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

Florida, 1816
Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the west shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?

Amazon || 

About Sarah Monzon:

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram ||






My Thoughts:

I loved this book! It's set in Florida, where I call home. It's a dual time novel, and it has an adoption thread. A perfect trifecta for me!

This book is about being lost, not knowing who and whose you are. Adam has walked away from his calling as a lawyer because he feels responsible for a case. Olivia discovers a family secret which throws her into a tailspin.

Olivia is spunky. I loved how she just walked into Adam's food truck and just started preparing food. Something I would do.

Olivia's parents drove me crazy after she discovered the secret they'd kept from her. I wanted to strangle them both. With that said, Ms. Monzon got Olivia's emotions on point. I've always known that I was adopted, but I have friends who didn't and it literally tore them apart.

The historical thread of a runaway slave and the Seminole Indian War fuses into the present day story like a grandparent telling a child their family history.

My Bottom Line

This is the first book of the Carrington family that I've read. While this was book three in the series, I wasn't lost at all. Sarah Monzon creates family sagas similar to Julie Lessman and Pepper Basham.

Ms. Monzon portrays characters in spiritual need, and through a series of events shows that God is the only answer for that need.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher as apart of a street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Favorite Book of the Year 2017

I've been hinting about having a favorite book of 2017 for a few weeks now.

In the eleven years that I have been reviewing this is the first time I've ever had a book that I still think about, and has an impact on me, months after I read it. That is not to say that my other favorite reads didn't impact me, there is just something about this book.

So, are you ready to find out my absolute favorite book of 2017?

Are you sure????

Here you go . . . . .

 I wish I could adequately put words to how much I adore this book, but I woke up sick this morning and sadly the words just aren't there. You can read my review here, and below will be some of my favorite quotes from the book. If you have not read this book this is a must read. It has everything that makes a book an experience. 

Happy New Year, and here is to more books to experience, characters to meet, and places to go.

Adoption . . . Did A Birth-Mother Give a Gift or Is a Title More Important

About a month ago I read an article titled Please Don't Erase Birth Parents From the Adoption Narrative. After reading this article I used the phrase "gave up" in talking to my daughter about her son that she placed for adoption four years ago. He was four months old at the time and she felt this was the best thing for him. She has an open adoption with his parents. She's friends with the mother on Facebook, talks to him, gets picture updates, the whole nine-yards.

Here is my issue, first I am adopted, and second I believe giving birth to a child no more makes you a parent than turning eighteen makes you an adult. I understand that my views are not PC or popular. However, I am the type of person that is not swayed by popular opinion, and while this may sound harsh I won't placate someone to stroke their ego or make them feel better about a choice they clearly made.

As an adopted child I always knew I was adopted, my adoption was private and I have my adoption papers with my birth-mother's name on them. I found her in 1992 when I was pregnant with my third child and within the last four years I have found more historical information regarding my Italian/Cajun French heritage.

In the course of my fifty-one years I have met other adoptees and have heard their stories. Most who were adopted in the late 60's, early 70's have always known they were adopted. It was never a secret and their parents have a lot of gratitude and love for the woman who loved her child more than herself and gave her baby to a couple creating a family. 

My issue with this article is simple, what does the biological mother, who claimed she wanted to give her child a better life, something she believed for whatever reason she could not provide at the time or in the future, be known for?

As the woman who gave a self-less gift, assisting to create a family for a couple who couldn't on their own.

OR . . . . .

As the MOM?

There is only one answer . . .

Biologically a birth mother will always be a "mother." Biology can't be erased, but biology is just blood and DNA. Yes, the child may have the same eyes, smile, or hair color, but what makes the child a person is what the parents, who are raising him/her, pour into them, not whether they have any physical similarities.

I know this first hand. I was not raised in a big Italian family, taught to cook Italian food, or heard the stories about my grt. grandparents coming to America from Bologna, Italy. I was raised in a Navy family. We moved around. I went to two different high schools, one in California and the other in Florida. Went hunting with my cousins, and grandparents. Lived in suburban America. That's my history not looking like my birth mother, or biological siblings. If you looked at a picture (see below) of myself, my brother and my parents (my husband is in the cowboy hat)  you'd never guess that we are not biologically related. God's great at assisting in that area.

                                       

For me, it feels as though biological mothers want some badge for their chest, to be acknowledged for the self-less act they made in choosing to give a better life to the baby they physically gave birth to. When you give a gift that's what it is, a gift. No credit, or reward is expected. It can't be considered a self-less act if a pat on the back or constant acknowledgement is needed or required. My belief will always be that my birth mother gave my parents a self-less gift out of love for me, not herself.