The Do-Over by Bethany Turner Reviewed

 

Title: The Do-Over

Author: Bethany Turner

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

Sometimes dreams come true. Other times, the best outcome begins with an epic fail.

Career-driven McKenna Keaton has devoted her life to attaining the senior partnership at her law firm. So asking a man on a date should be nothing. But the past four days have been the worst of her life and have called everything she thought she knew about herself into question. Besides, she can’t remember her last real date—one that didn’t involve using a blind date as an opportunity to get a stranger’s perspective on effective cross-examination techniques. (It’s like sharing fondue with a jury!)

But a real date? And with shy, nerdy Henry Blumenthal—McKenna’s high school rival for valedictorian who once took three hours to beat her at chess? Scratch that. He’s Hank Blume now, the famed documentarian, Durham’s darling son, who has attained all his dreams and more. He also happens to look like he stepped out of an Eddie Bauer catalog.

Whereas McKenna is a disgraced workaholic from New York on unpaid leave, accused of a white-collar crime she would never commit, succumbing to panic attacks, watching her dreams unravel. At age thirty-eight—and destined by the family curse to die before she turns forty—it’s absolutely the wrong time to have a major crush on a man. Especially one who treasures his memories of McKenna as the girl Most Likely to Succeed.

“Pitch-perfect comedic timing, a relatable heroine, and a refreshing sweetness elevate this novel above the sea of modern rom-coms. The rare author who can make me laugh-out-loud, The Do-Over is Bethany Turner at her best.” —Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author

“Bethany Turner has crafted a delightful, witty story with zippy dialogue, warmly relatable characters, and hilariously apt pop culture references. I found myself sneaking off to read just one more chapter. I’m still smiling thinking about this book. Reading it felt like eating a big bowl of Lucky Charms mixed with Fruity Pebbles. A colorful explosion of happy.” —Rachel Linden, bestselling author of The Enlightenment of Bees

Purchase a copy Amazon || Audible || Baker Bookhouse

About Bethany Turner

Bethany was born in the 1970's (but just barely!) and was influenced greatly by the pop culture of the 1980's. She is the wife of an amazing guy she met online in the 1990's, the mother of two amazing sons, and the creator of a fictional character named Sarah Hollenbeck, who introduced herself to her in the 2010's.

In 2014 she walked away from her career in bank management, and that meant walking away from security, and not just financial security (though that was no small concern, I assure you!).
Since then, God has taken her life and turned it into a living representation of His promise which is found in Ephesians 3:20. He truly is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!

You can connect with Bethany on these social media platforms. 

Website || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter     

My Thoughts

I have yet to find a Bethany Turner novel that I just didn't love, and The Do-Over is no exception! 

I have adored Will Whitaker, and Max Cavanaugh, but I have decided that Henry Blumenthal is my favorite. Probably because he was compared to my favorite actor of all time Robert Redford. And if that wasn't enough there were references to Up Close and Personal from the 90's so I spent a weekend indulging in that fabulous movie, and I blame it all on Bethany Turner. 😂😂😂

Quote: "Can you put feminism on hold for just a minute and focus on the all-that-is-good-and-wonderful-in-this-world beauty of Robert Redford?" 

While this was a contemporary rom-com Ms. Turner included an ancestry mystery around McKenna's family. McKenna's father, Scott, was a hoot with his research of their family tree.

All of the characters were fun, real, and engaging. The romance between McKenna and Henry was definitely Ms. Turner's signature swoony style. 

This is a first-rate read and perfect for the beach, so grab a copy and toss it in your beach bag!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

State of Lies by Siri Mitchell Reviewed

About the book:

Title: State of Lies
Author: Siri Mitchell
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Suspense
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

One woman is forced to question everything she knows in this domestic suspense novel from award-winning author Siri Mitchell.
Georgie Brennan may be a world-class quantum physicist, but she grapples with life as a single mother after her husband is killed. When she receives a message from beyond the grave, it leads her to question the details of her husband’s death.
As she follows the clues he left behind, her discoveries increasingly implicate those closest to her. When her father is nominated as the new United States Secretary of Defense, she must uncover the truth before his confirmation hearing—even as the same people who killed her husband are now after her. Nothing is at is seems. Lies are truth; enemies are friends. Even her child is at risk. As every possibility but one disappears, Georgie may find herself to be the antithesis of everything she’s thought herself to be.

Purchase a copy HERE.

About Siri Mitchell

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

She is also published under the name Siri L. Mitchell & Iris Anthony.

Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram 

My Thoughts:

This was a very smartly written book. The attention to military protocol, war, and our government was spot on. You could tell that Ms. Mitchell did her homework.

I'm not a huge fan of first person narratives but Georgie was crafted so well I didn't even notice it anymore. 

This thrill ride of an adventure takes you right into the heart of our nation's capital. Having lived in the DC area as a child I knew about some of the places mentioned. That's always fun to have a book set in an area you're familiar with. 

The scary part about this book is how well the truth is perceived as a lie and a lie is perceived as the truth. Add in not knowing who your friend is and who's an enemy.  As each piece of the puzzle begins to be added you think you've got it figured out but then a supposed truth is revealed as another lie.

I was sucked into this book from the opening scene, which I have to say made me giggle. As I read it all I kept seeing was how creative parents of small children have to be when they want to have a sliver of intimacy. I thought it was done classy, and tastefully.

This is the first book by Siri Mitchell that I've read in a long time and I am so glad that I did. I highly recommend it!

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

 

Spotlight: The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden . . . Hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: The Enlightenment of Bees 

Author: Rachel Linden  

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: July 9, 2019  

Genre: Women's Fiction

Sometimes a shattered dream leads to an amazing journey.

At twenty-six, apprentice baker Mia West has her entire life planned out: a Craftsman cottage in Seattle, a job baking at The Butter Emporium, and her first love—her boyfriend, Ethan—by her side. But when Ethan declares he “needs some space,” Mia’s carefully planned future crumbles.

Feeling adrift, Mia joins her vivacious housemate Rosie on a humanitarian trip around the world funded by a reclusive billionaire. Along with a famous grunge rock star, a Rwandan immigrant, and an unsettlingly attractive Hawaiian urban farmer named Kai, Mia and Rosie embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

From the slums of Mumbai to a Hungarian border camp during the refugee crisis, Mia’s heart is challenged and changed in astonishing ways—ways she never could have imagined. As she grapples with how to make a difference in a complicated world, Mia realizes she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the life unfolding before her.

In a romantic adventure across the globe, The Enlightenment of Bees beautifully explores what it means to find the sweet spot in life where our greatest passions meet the world’s greatest need.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Ascension of Larks, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and The Enlightenment of Bees. Currently, Rachel lives with her family in Seattle, Washington, where she enjoys creating stories about hope, courage, and connection with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL: Website | Facebook | Instagram  

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Memory House by Rachel Hauck ... Review and Giveaway

About the book:

Title: The Memory House
Author: Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click HERE to read an excerpt.
Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Christian Books  

About Rachel Hauck:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

You can follow her on these platforms:
Website || Facebook|| Twitter || Instagram

My Thoughts:

The Memory House is a great dual time novel. It follows the lives of two women who are torn apart by loss and ‘what if’s’, and the people who are or were affected by those choices. I enjoyed the exploration of how a traumatic event could cause someone to lose memories. One of my favorite threads through the book was that of Bruno being a football sport’s agent. Both Ms. Hauck and I are huge college football fans so this thread was especially fun.
Faith and healing were the main themes throughout the book. The beauty in reading is watching characters resolve the pain and find true happiness. It shows us we can too and true to Rachel Hauck she writes a story that is faith based and not only shows us we can but points us directly to the One who is the source of our healing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Read With Audra. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Giveaway

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Castle on the Rise (Lost Castle Book #2) by Kristy Cambron Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Castle on the Rise
Author: Kristy Cambron
Series: Lost Castle
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

A storied castle. A band of rebels. And a nation chasing the centuries-old dream of freedom . . . What legacy will they leave behind?
When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend's vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks--a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple's fledgling marriage--it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend--and once, for herself--is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.
With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom's family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to upend the trip from the start. It's in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland's majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own--and a heart afraid to trust again--Laine must determine how much she's willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself, and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.
Set in three time-periods--the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland's turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day--Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin's storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland's stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: given the choice between the fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith--which legacy would you choose?

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Christian Books || 

About Kristy Cambron:

KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. Kristy is a Women's Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway. 

Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working in partnership with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read. 

The most important thing? Jesus is everything— let her tell you about Him sometime.

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

My Thoughts:

First, is that cover not breathtakingly beautiful? When I saw this cover back last summer I just wanted to walk right into the cover and linger there. Which is exactly what this story does. With her creative skill Ms. Cambron transports you to Dublin, Ireland into three different time periods giving you no reason to leave. I easily could've read this book in one sitting but it begs to be savored and enjoyed like a good meal. Each of these time periods weave together seamlessly making you truly feel apart of the story.

I am not even going to attempt to choose a favored heroine. Each were crafted just beautifully. Oh, those heroes! Swoon-worthy are the only words to describe them. I was partial to the pirate. 

I have been a huge fan of Kristy Cambron's since The Butterfly and the Violin.  Her writing just continues to get better and her research is phenomenal! 

I literally knew nothing about the historical time periods in this novel but I walked away with some understanding of the time periods, which is just one of the many reasons I love historical fiction. 

I highly recommend this novel. I do recommend that you read the first book, The Lost Castle just because you'll understand the story better.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Thomas Nelson/Zondervan in association with Ms. Cambron's street team. I was not required to write a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck - Review

I haven't used one of my rating meme's in a long time but I just had to pull one out for this book. I need to make a Ten star review meme for books now because this is a definite TEN in my book. You can see my rating meme guidelines here.

About the book:

 With the colonies at war and his country divided, Hamilton Lightfoot must choose sides:
Fight for the British Crown or for the Independence of America. But after witnessing the death of his family at the hands of redcoats, he fears he’ll fight for revenge instead of honor. On the verge of a great battle, he pens a letter to Esther, the woman he loves.
Esther Longfellow is in love with Hamilton, but her father is a loyalist, living in upcountry South Carolina and working for a wealthy British lord. When the Revolutionary War comes to her doorstep she is forced to choose between devotion to her father and her love for Hamilton.
Chloe Daschle is the daughter of Hollywood royalty—a great director and an Oscar-winning actress. Yet her career has taken an unexpected turn: She’s the queen of death scenes. Trying to break out, she accepts a supporting role in a revolutionary war film. But she longs for the perfect role and the perfect real-life romance. Does happily ever after only exist in the movies?
After a life-changing tragedy, MIT graduate Jesse Gates decides to leave his life behind and move to LA to try his hand at acting and screenwriting. When he finds a page from one of his ancestor’s letters, he becomes consumed with the love he finds there. Determined to help his grandfather find happiness at the end of his life, Jesse writes and sells a screenplay based on the events surrounding the lost love of previous generations.
When Jesse meets the woman he has cast to play Esther Longfellow—his grandfather’s one true love—the stories of all four collide across time and space. The love letter from the past might have more power to affect the future than any of them could have imagined.

Amazon || B&N || Audible || Christian Book Distributors ||

About Rachel Hauck

What's Your Dream:
Dreams are tough. Hard to define. Hard to achieve. Costly. Time consuming.

Yet dreams are worth our time and our effort.

I had several dreams growing up. But the one that surfaced the most and stuck around the longest was to write novels.

In ’93, as I approached my first wedding anniversary, the Lord tugged on my heart to quit my day job. My well paying day job, mind you, with benefits. Little did I know the Lord was whispering the same thing to my husband.

I thought I’d quit and work with him in ministry. Maybe have a baby or two. Instead, I stepped up my reading of the exploding Christian Fiction Market and in ’94, I started my first novel, a WW 2 epic set on the Aleutian Islands.

The book was never published in complete form, though aspects of it showed up in my book, Love Starts With Elle.

See, my whole life I’d been telling stories. Playing make believe with my friends. Creating 4,254 diary entries, pouring out my heart, detailing my life.
Thinking and imagining on the long drives from Tallahassee to Ohio State University where I studied Journalism.

I wrote stories in my heart while traveling all over America as well as Australia, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Ireland and Canada in my post college job as a software trainer.

Growing up Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Florida and being the second oldest girl of five children, stories formed in my heart. Next came my married life, decades of youth ministry, leading worship and helping other writers as a writing coach…  Every aspect of my life is the underlying tapestry of my novels.

You see, everything is… story.

Yet, what really moves my heart is the pure power of story itself. One reader wrote to me and said, “I work at a bridal boutique and after reading The Wedding Dress, I’m going to change the way I do my job. I’m going to see each bride as beautiful and unique.”

So what’s your dream? Whatever it is, partner with the living Lord.

My first novel was published in 2004, and since then my books have won awards, hit bestseller lists and hopefully helped readers escape into worlds where they can breathe in the fragrance of Jesus’s love. My hope is my novels take what is true in heaven and imitate it here on earth, in the form of story.

My prayer is that you will know true JOY and the pleasure of your dreams coming to life! And if my stories can ease your heart for just a moment from what ever load life is laying on you, then I am honored and blessed.

Rachel's Favorite Things:

• Exercise.

• Watching the Buckeyes and college football. It’s a “season” in our house.

• Worship/Singing (I’m the worship leader at our church)

• Movies (like Remember The Titans, The Proposal, Notting Hill, It’s a Wonderful Life)

• Love stories (real and made up!)

• Photography

• A good prayer meeting!

• Family and friends – the spice of life.

My Thoughts:

Now that I've finished ugly crying after finishing this book I think I can write a review.

The Love Letter takes us from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to stage of the Hollywood of today. 

As with previous historical time slip novels by Rachel Hauck her research is impeccable and her timing in switching from past to present day is done smoothly. I was so completely engaged in the story that I only noticed the time change because the characters changed.

I thoroughly enjoy time slip novels, especially historical ones and Rachel Hauck does them so well. This is now my favorite novel of Ms. Hauck's and I will most likely be cuddling up with it again sometime this summer.

My Bottom Line:

The Love Letter is a deeply moving story with themes that focuses on guilt, the power of love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. You will want to stock up on tissues because you will need them. 

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.

Review of The Word Of Promise New Testament Audio Bible

Book Description
Hear the Bible Come Alive in Dramatic Audio Theater™!

This multi-voiced, scripted dramatization of the New King James Version (NKJV) features a star-studded cast of actors, an original music score, and incredible feature film quality sound effects. This world-class production creates a dramatic audio theater experience that makes you feel like you’re really there with Jesus and His disciples. Listen in your car, on your MP3 player, or with your family or small group to gain a new perspective of the Bible.

The cast includes Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Stacy Keach as Paul, Louis Gossett, Jr. as John, Ernie Hudson as Peter, Michael York as Narrator, Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Mary, Mother of Jesus, Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdalene, and many others.

The Word of Promise® New Testament Audio Bible is a 20-CD set and includes a bonus “Behind-the-Scenes” DVD

My Review:

Over the years I have listened to several different "dramatic" readings of the Bible and this surpasses them all! I felt as if I was right there amongst them. The audio is superb with noises such as crowds, drinking, walking etc. The cast couldn't be more perfect. The musical score is awesome as well. Not only is this great for just listening to if you want to get more in depth into the Bible. This would be perfect for a road trip, to put on during the day while your doing household activities, it is just that good! I highly recommend it!

FEARLESS BY MAX LUCADO

Book Description: Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?
Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.
Can you imagine your life without fear?

My Thoughts: Unfortunately I think Max Lucado missed it this time. I have no idea why he would tackle a subject like fear for Christians and come from the POV that ALL Christians have fear. Especially when we're taught That perfect love Casts out all fear. I John 4:18

In chapter 2 - Fear Of Not Mattering - In this chapter he makes the comment on page 21 that we wear our college rings on our fingers because we covet some stilts, meaning being noticed. He takes it a step further on page 22 saying that having children gives meaning to ourselves. I was really shocked that he would use these examples. For me, I wear my high school ring because it is very dear to me and holds a lot of memories; and with my children that wasn't even a thought in my head.

There was one chapter that I did identify with and that was Chapter 5 My Child Is In Danger. I could relate to it as a parent from jr. high on. I say that because when their little they need you for everything. Once they become teens your not needed unless it's a crisis, and then we can't protect them from their heart getting hurt, making the wrong decision, it's all up to them. We have to trust what we've done.

Overall, this was not a homerun for me. I found it to be very depressing rather than encouraging and uplifting; which is a real shock coming from Max Lucado. I say read with caution. I don't have fear in my life and yet I'm going through a huge life changing situation. I would like to add this. I would recommend this book not for a seasoned Christian or one that has grown up in the church surrounded by encouragement and has had the chance to have the growing pains that all Christians go through. I would however give this book to a new Christian or that one who is new in their faith and going through something like a divorce, bankrupcy, death of a child or the like. I believe they would benefit from it greatly.