Can't Wait Wednesday

Joining Wishful Endings again this Wednesday for Can't Wait Wednesday. With Fall right around the corner I thought I'd look at a 2017 fall release that I am anxious to read.



Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano. This is her debut novel. Reading debut novels is a favorite thing of mine. I love being apart of an author's journey of publication from the beginning. It's fun to watch them grow as a writer.
Her debut is historical which is one of my absolutely favorite genre.

It is scheduled to release on October 3, 2017. You can preorder it here.

About the book:

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.
When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.
Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.


What book can't you wait for either to release or make it to the top of your TBR pile? Let me know in the comments.

Team Work, Favoritism, Competition. . . . .

In the last year I've noticed a sad trend within the in the Christian fiction blog reviewers community and it is breaking my heart. From my position it seems as though certain bloggers are receiving preferential treatment over bloggers with more knowledge and skill. Because of the preferential treatment some have thought it their job to correct others on etiquette when promoting authors.
If that wasn't bad enough the teamwork I remember between the bloggers is pretty much non-existent, and I believe it is because of the favoritism being shown, along with certain bloggers feeling as though they have to have the most followers, page likes, ect., there also seems to be the attitude that they know more about blogging/reviewing and are closer with authors, as if this is some competition. REALLY?!?!?!?
I thought the purpose of blogging and reviewing for authors was to encourage them, as well as draw new readers to their book(s).

I miss the teamwork among the bloggers and sadly I don't know how to fix that or get it back.

When I started blogging in 2007 Facebook was up and active but not to the degree it is now, ten plus years later. MySpace was still going pretty strong, I only know that because I was on it monitoring my teenagers. 😄 I point that out to say this, Christian Fiction author's weren't just hanging around on social media, like they are today, and if they were it was most likely on an author page, not their personal page like today.

I didn't even notice a lot of them there until 2008/2009. I remember when contacting an author meant you emailed them on their author website, prayed they'd get it and they'd have time to answer.
Thanks to the interactions between early blog reviewers and authors, they learned that we can be trusted. Loads of blog reviewers, I couldn't name all of them if I tried, paved the way creating the access to Christian author's through Facebook, and other social media platforms, which led them to feel safe enough to create Street Teams to promote their upcoming releases. They saw that bloggers could be trusted, we were out to promote their work, encourage them in their writing, with no expectation . . . except maybe the next book in the series. 😇😇 What I am attempting to say, and failing horribly, is that it took teamwork to create the kind of relationship between blog reviewers and authors, that is present today.

With the teamwork between bloggers pretty much nonexistent, it feels like a dog eat dog world, out for number 1.  I am incredibly saddened that something I love to do read, encourage, and promote authors seems to have turned into climbing the ladder of success.

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander - Review

About the book:

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn't tear them apart first.
Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancee—and what has broken her heart.
Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?
Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it.
Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.

This my absolute favorite quote from the book, and will be my top book rating on my blog. That page is still under construction, so look for the updated page soon.


My Thoughts:

This is book 3, the final book in Ms. Alexander's Belle Meade Plantation series. I am sad to see this series come to a close, but this was a perfect ending to a great series. With great attention to historical detail, Ms. Alexander weaves a story rich in characterization, romance, and even a little mystery. I enjoyed the historical story, learning more about the Belle Meade Plantation, the Fisk University, and the Jubilee Singers. The romance between Sylas and Alexandra was not rushed, it progressed ideally with the time period. The supporting characters added drama, and fun to the story to even it out completely.

You can order a copy of  To Wager Her Heart, here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own, I was not paid for it.

First Line Friday #31

The first Friday of August, really?! How did this happen? Seems like summer just started, at least the first football game of the season was last night. I figure if summer is going to end at least bring on the football!! Today I'm going to do something a little different. I'm going to feature Tamera Alexander's upcoming release but not the first line, instead I will feature my favorite quote from the book, that will be my 6+ review rating. 6+ review rating means the book is a must have, a keeper, one that evokes all the feels, has you thinking about the characters long after you've closed the last page, and my description is still growing.

About the book:

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn't tear them apart first.
Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancee—and what has broken her heart.
Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?
Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it.
Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.

My favorite quote from this book. . .

His voice sounded like the rich taste of chocolate on your tongue. 

Is that not the best line ever?!?!?! I love it! Here is the quote meme I made for it.

This book releases on Tuesday, August 8th. You can pre-order it here. AMAZON



Our little group just keeps growing! Last week we had two new members join us, today we have a new member. Welcome Nicole from Christian Fiction Girl to our ever growing First Line Friday gang!

With A Joyful Noise   Faithfully Bookish   Bibliophile Reviews 

Reading is my SuperPower   Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen  

A Baker's Perspective  Kathleen Denly   Fiction Aficionado  

Bookworm Mama  Robin's Nest  

All the Book Blog Names are Taken  Singing Librarian  Moments Dipped in Ink  

Cafinated Reads   Joy of Reading   CJ Reads   Romances of the Cross 

Reviews by Van Daniker   Iola Goulton  Christian Fiction Girl

God's Mercies After Suicide - Singing Librarian Blog Hop

 About the book:

Genre: Adult, Christian, Non-Fic, Memoier/Devotional
Publisher: Love Truth
Publication date: November 5, 2016

What if your child shot himself while you were in the next room? What if you held him as his heart beat for the last time? What if Satan whispered in your ear, “Now where is your God?” Find out how Jean Ann Williams reached out with her spirit and mind to the one true Father. Discover how the Lord God answered her, and walked alongside her in the most difficult grieving journey of her life.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Jean Ann Williams is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes regularly for Putting on the New blog and Book Fun Magazine on the topic of child suicide loss. Her book “God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart” started out as a blogged book on her Love Truth blog. Jean Ann and her husband of forty-six years have thirteen grandchildren from their two remaining children. They reside on one acre in Southern Oregon where they raise a garden, fruit orchard, goats, and chickens. Jean Ann’s favorite hobbies are practicing archery, hiking through the woods, and big game hunting with her bow.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | BLOG

1. What did your writing process look like for God’s Mercies after Suicide?
The book began as short articles, which I wrote for opentohope.com. At about the same time, I started my Joshua-mom blog and wrote articles there. Those articles became a blogged book in the format the print version and e-copy is today. God’s Mercies after Suicide: Blessings Woven through a Mother’s Heart released in September 2016.

2. What type of research did you do to help in the writing process for God’s Mercies after Suicide?
Research came from years of experience walking through the loss of my son, Joshua, by suicide. When necessary for factual information, I read books and articles on the topic of suicide.

3. What inspired the idea for God’s Mercies after Suicide?
A preacher asked me to counsel a grieving mom during my own early grief years and, after this mom to mom encounter, I discovered God planted in my heart a desire to help other mothers who have lost children.

4. What do you want readers to take away from reading God’s Mercies after Suicide?
They are not alone, and there is hope even after a child has died.

5. What other “hats” do you wear when you are not writing?
I’m married to Jim for 46 years, a mom of two other children, and thirteen grandchildren. I enjoy the outdoors, hunting with my bow in the mountains every fall. I’m also a small-time farmer with goats, including a milker, and a flock of chickens. In the winter months, I read several dozen books by authors who write well and tell powerful stories.

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July 24--cherylbbookblog
July 25--Singing Librarian Books
July 26--Debbie's Dusty Deliberations
July 27--Cordially Barbara
July 28--Mel's Shelves
July 29--
July 31--
August 1--
August 2--Remembrancy
August 3--Breaking Ordinary
August 4--Radiant Light
August 5--

Interview and Giveaway . . . Steffani from The Cozy Life Etsy Shop

Today, I thought I'd do something a little different an interview not only a reader, but someone who creates these fun cozies to put books in. They are not only pretty, and functional, they scream book lover!!

Let's meet Steffani . . . by the way, her name is spelled almost exactly like my daughter Stefani's only she has one more f.

The cozy that is up for giveaway. Isn't it pretty?!

Hi Steffani!

How about we break the ice first . . .

Mountains or Beach?   

Steffani: That’s a touch one! I love both!

Andi: I'm a beach person, but I have to admit that I do enjoy the mountains. Kinda hard to admit that since I complain about not being back in Florida.

Iphone or Android?  

Steffani:  Iphone

Andi: I had an Android and liked it, but I like the ease of the Iphone and being able to FT with my kids and grandkids.

Water, Sweet Tea, or?  

Steffani: Water or Hot Chocolate

Andi: Water and sweet tea, and every once in awhile a Dutch Bros. grasshopper mocha. I like hot chocolate in winter, definitely!

 Kindle or Book?   

Steffani: Definitely a book! I much prefer to hold the physical book rather than an e-reader

Andi: I like both, I prefer a physical book, but I read faster on my kindle, no clue why. So, when I'm behind in reading for reviews I am always thankful to have an e-copy.

Summer or Winter?  

Steffani: WINTER! I’m sorry, did I yell that? It feels like I yelled it. I’m just not a fan of any kind of heat, haha. Bring me cold days and rain/snow!

Andi: LOL, yeah kinda. But, I totally understand. I feel that way after winter and things start to warm up. 

I love your name, my daughter’s name is Stefani, with just one f. Was your name misspelled and pronounced wrong when you were growing up?

Steffani: Thank you! I did/do get a lot of people pronouncing it like Gwen Stefani’s last name and if I don’t spell it out for people they will get it wrong 100% of the time. But I don’t remember ever caring that those things happened. I enjoy having my name spelled differently. It makes me feel unique.

Andi: You're welcome! After Gwen Stefani gained in popularity people seemed to pronounce her name more correctly. All of my girls have unique names with unique spellings, I wanted them to be unique and special. I had a lady at church tell me after the birth of my last child, "So, I hear you had another girl, and gave her a weird name with a weird spelling." First, I couldn't believe she said that to me, and my reply "Like your boys names took any imagination." LOL

Are you a reader? What do you enjoy reading?

Steffani: Yes!! I love reading! Hands down, my favorite author is Ronie Kendig. I adore everything she writes. I also love Dani Pettrey and Jaime Jo Wright!

Andi:  I remember the first book of Ronie Kendig's that I read and I fell in love with her writing. Being a Navy brat/wife, had nothing to do with it, right?! 

How did you come up with Cozy’s? 

Steffani:Well, there were already other makers of book sleeves but I started making mine because some of my friends could never get the ones they were after. The name book Cozy was created during a brainstorming session with two of my closest friends!

Andi: I adore the name and the cozies! I want one of each of them. My husband not knowing what they were said they looked like book pillows. 

Have you always enjoyed making things?

Steffani: Not so much. I took sewing lessons when I was a kid but I hated it. It’s only been very recently that I’ve actually enjoyed it.

Andi: My grandmother taught me to embroider, and I still enjoy doing it, but since I have carpal tunnel it's hard at times.

When you aren’t making cozy’s what do you like to do?

Steffani: I love reading or writing Christian fiction. I started writing when I was eight and fell in love with it. My Grandma and Dad also enjoy writing so I guess it was bound to grab a hold of me sooner or later. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and my Belgian Malinois, Apollo!

Andi: Two wonderful past-times. I am constantly reading, and I have been working on a novel for a few years, I think loving the written word draws us to write it in story form. 

I guessed that a Belgian Malinois was a dog, but I looked it up just to make sure. Pretty dog. 

Why did you choose an Etsy storefront?  What are the drawbacks to Etsy?

Steffani: I chose Etsy because it seemed like a straightforward way to do business. I’m not very tech savvy so I needed something I could figure out quickly. So far I haven’t come across any drawbacks. 

Andi: It does seem like a pretty easy site. I have a couple of friends who also sell from it and like it.

Thanks for chatting with me today, is there anything else you’d like to tell me about yourself or store? Thanks so much for offering to giveaway a cozy to one of my readers.

Steffani: Thank you for having me. It was a fun interview!  Good luck to the entrants! 

Steffani is a born and raised Northern Californian. Married to her college sweetheart, she’s a mommy to three kiddos and her Belgian Malinois, Apollo. She learned how to sew at a young age and now runs her own business, The Cozy Life, where she creates bookish Cozies. She lives by the idea that everything should be cozy, even books! She has a penchant for collecting copies of Pride and Prejudice, loves going to the movies, and writes romantic suspense in her spare time. You can visit her shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCozyLifeShop and her Instagram: www.instagram.com/livethecozylife

GIVEAWAY


Cozy for the book . . .











                               








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Can't Wait Wednesday

Joining Wishful Endings for Can't Wait Wednesday today. The book I am going to feature is biblical fiction by Mesu Andrews due out on January 16, 2018. My new year list is getting quite long, and we have four months left of 2017. I see lots of reading in my future.

You can pre-order the book here  AMAZON

About the book:

In this epic Biblical narrative, ideal for fans of The Bible miniseries, a young woman taken into the prophet Isaiah's household rises to capture the heart of the future king.
Isaiah adopts Ishma, giving her a new name--Zibah, delight of the Lord--thereby ensuring her royal pedigree. Ishma came to the prophet's home, devastated after watching her family destroyed and living as a captive. But as the years pass, Zibah's lively spirit wins Prince Hezekiah's favor, a boy determined to rebuild the kingdom his father has nearly destroyed. But loving this man will awake in her all the fears and pain of her past and she must turn to the only One who can give life, calm her fears, and deliver a nation.

What book can't you wait for? Either an upcoming release or one waiting on your TBR to read.