Book Review #13: A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

A Home for My Heart is Anne Mateer's third published book.

I am privileged to say that I have been following Mateer's stories since her first novel. In a way I feel more connected to an author's writing, especially, if I have read all of their novels (or close to it).

This book was a good read. Not my favorite of Mateer's, but still definitely a good one! Mateer is gifted at keeping her reader's engaged throughout the story. Never have I been fully aware of what was going to happen to the characters which makes me want to keep reading even more.

This story has all the twists, turns and surprises to keep readers thinking about this story. This ultimately is a story of love and finding the home we all long for. Which might mean finding out that the home is more about the inner meaning, and not the physical sense.

The backdrop for this story is a 1910 orphanage where Sadie Sillsby suddenly finds herself in line for the esteemed role of matron, which entails the overseeing of the orphanage. Sadie loves the children at the orphanage, but there is a catch to being the matron. You have to be single.

This puts a strain on Sadie and her beau's--Blaine-- relationship and future plans of marriage and starting a family of their own. Sadie is torn between the two choices set before her and constantly wonders if the choice she makes was the right one.

There was a lot of heart in this story along with compassion and loving for those who aren't freely given it. I loved how Mateer showed the different aspects that love can be demonstrated. Really impactful and full of truth.

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."] 
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 

Side note: This book become close to my heart in particular because my father was adopted 6 months after he was born. It puts in perspective the meaning of family and how deep and genuine love is. I find it inspiring to hear of adoption stories.

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

Melanie Dobson book giveaway!

Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.
 
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Courier of Caswell Hall (American Tapestry) by Melanie Dobson

Today, was the most perfect day to read Dobson's novel. It was raining and combining it with a cup of hot coco creates a delectable combination to get swept away in a new book. Seriously, best day and best atmosphere to read this book.

The Courier of Casewell Hall (American Tapestry) by Melanie Dobson 

This book blew me away. Being a history nerd and taking a few history courses this semester at community college myself; Dobson transported me back to the early years during the fight for independence in America between the British and English.

Dobson's writing had me by the prologue--which usually doesn't happen for me. Still, there was so much going in the prologue that it made me want to know how those characters got to that moment. By the end of chapter 1, I knew I had to keep reading. I finished this book in one sitting. It was seriously that great.

What I really loved about this book was that romance was not number one. Even though I consider myself to be a hopeless romantic, it can be refreshing to read about a strong heroine character that make decisions for herself and not for the man she wants to please in hopes of marriage. I want to point out though that there is romance and it did make my heart flutter a little. Again, it was just refreshing to read of two characters ready to put the independence of their country first, and their personal lives second. That sacrifice I feel made them stronger in how they felt about each other. 

The first character we meet is Lydia Caswell who comes from a wealthy Virgina plantation owning family of Loyalists. Lydia is twenty-five and has had an estranged engagement to Seth Hammond (a rebel) for the past five years (which the two become friends later on.) One night during a night walk, she hears a moaning sound of pain coming from the riverbank near her home, Caswell Hall. She finds it to be coming from a wounded man. Taking any sort of person into her care and not knowing what side he stands on could put Lydia's family in danger, but she takes him in anyways knowing she couldn't let him die. By saving this man's life, her life changes forever. I really liked Lydia. She was a strong woman figuring out what she believed in and what side she supported-- the Crown or Independence?

As the story progress the British and Continental armies are waging war in the year 1781. With all that is going on an unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in midst of it all.               
By nursing Nathan back to health-- the man Lydia found-- who is a Patriot, and also an enemy, forms a bond with Lydia. Lydia's sympathy slowing grows towards America and when British officers come to her plantation it's the final push Lydia needs to know she must help Nathan escape.

Lydia then takes on the former job of her friend Sarah Hammond which is delivering secret messages to the Patriots in Williamsburg. She soon learns of a plot to assassinate General Washington, and Lydia knows she must risk her life in order to alert Nathan before it can be carried out.  

There was so much depth and richness to this book that I felt like I was watching an HBO series about the history of America like John Adams or even the movie Lincoln. Dobson does a fantastic job at creating a plot that involves powerful women that helped form the country we now call America and its history.


If you love history this book is something you should add to your 'MUST READ' list. If you love spies, intrigue with a hint of romance this is also a must for you. If you just love a good read this is a must for you. Overall, I think it's a must read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5  bookshelves

If you would like to win a copy of this book there is a giveaway going on until the 30th of September of 10 copies on Goodreads.

Soon, there will also be more coming up at the Litfuse Group's website. You will not want to miss out!

Happy reading everyone!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid 
 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Are you FIRED UP for some FREE STUFF?

Hey fellow readers,

About two posts ago I shared a review on Mary Connealy's newest novel Fired Up. Just wanted to update you about some amazing giveaways that Litfuse is having next month for the book blog tour!

You can see in the right corner there is a new awesome little button! Basically, it's a free chance at winning some amazing goodies such as books, gift cards, a Kindle Fire and also a Live Webcast with the author herself

It's super easy to sign up! Just click on the link on the button with the cover of Fired Up and you'll be able to RSVP through Facebook.

Definitely don't want to miss out!!!!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

Book Review #12: Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

Getting a little sentimental as I write this post! This month is the one year anniversary of being a book blogger for Bethany House Publishers! Excuse me while I blow my nose and shed a tear. I'm just really grateful for this program, and all the amazing stories that I have been blessed to read and give my opinion on.

It's definitely been a growing period this past year. I've learned a lot about myself as a reader, blogger, and as a person.

DEBUT NOVEL BY MELISSA TAGG 

Made to Last is one of the best contemporary Christian romance book I have read so far this year. It was spunky, humorous, full of emotions that will ache your heart, and written with characters you won't want to say goodbye too.

I would recommend this book to my friends, because it's really relate-able. Whether you've disappointed family, someone dear to you or even yourself this novel uses those issues and paints an endearing image on how these characters deal with the secrets we never want to share.

The story starts off with Miranda Woodruff, the star of the homebuilding show "From the Ground Up". Miranda is a passionate woman when it comes to what she does best: working with tools and wood. She is also very passionate about her job and will do anything to keep it from getting booted off air. Miranda has a secret through: she's not the Miranda Woodruff her fans have came to love. Well, actually, there is only one big difference between the Miranda on t.v. and the real-life Miranda. T.V. Miranda is married and real-life Miranda is still nursing an 3 year old broken engagement wound.Yet, Miranda is determined to keep her show from getting canceled and through this a pretend husband is supplied to boost ratings.

The one question that scares Miranda the most though is will the life she has come to built and depend on come crashing down? What about a chance at real love?

Then there is Matthew Knox, the reporter looking for the story that will change his status from total failure to big time journalist. So it's no surprise that he jumps on the opportunity to do an online blog feature on the popular Miranda Knox. This is when things get complicated. Matthew is talented at what he does, and from his observing Miranda comes to the conclusion she is hiding some skeletons in her closet.

Add in some romance, crazy shenanigans produced by an odd and very full of life fake fiance, and everyone keeping their eyes on Miranda this book packs a punch!

Oh I just want you guys to read this book so much! I have done my best to not give too much away or too little! This book is just a feel good book. It's a feel great book! Seriously, the development spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically for all of Tagg's characters was genuine and honest.

Definitely keeping a look out for Tagg's newest novel!!! Her writing was fantastic! Highly recommend.

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 

[Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]

Links to purchase: 
Amazon 
Christian Book
Barnes and Noble

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Fired Up by Mary Connealy

First off, I just want to share that I am super excited that I got to be a part of the review blogging tour put on by Litfuse Publicity Group for Mary Connealy's newest novel, Fired Up (Trouble in Texas, Book 2). Also to add, this is not a first read by Mary Connealy for me. I read her Montana Maraiges Trilogy a while back and I thoroughly enjoyed that trilogy. Once I found out I was getting this book I was intrigued to find out what Mary Connealy had "cooked up" for her readers.
 
If there is one thing you need to know about Connealy's novels it is that: (1) there is always a heartwarming romance and (2) there is always a group of handsome  cowboys.

Fired Up is full of romance, cowboys, adventure and a story that reveals the healing of past wounds and learning to forgive.

Being the second installment of the Trouble in Texas, readers can be reassured that this novel can easily be read as a stand-alone. Personally, I did not read the first novel, yet, Connealy is able to tune her readers into the lives of her new and previous characters. Clearly, the two main characters of this story were present in the first novel, but each character is given an introduction and a little background story. This helps considerably for someone who didn't read the first book to feel much more comfortable to continue with reading without feeling left out.

 But, enough talk about it being the second book! On with the rest of the review! 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 bookshelves 

Set in the wild terrains of Texas in the year 1868 a doctor who attracts danger falls for a cook determined to make it on her own.

Dare Riker -- one of the most coolest names for a doctor -- saves lives, yet, instead of battling to keep his patients alive, Dare finds himself fighting for his own life. A persistent force seems to want to get rid of him-- permanently. Dare Riker has a story that includes physical scars and seeing things that can't be unseen. He is also a passionate, determined and honorable man ready to fight for the people he loves. I liked Dare from his first line. He is a likable character. He is the type of man you would want by your side if you lived in rural Texas. Even if he doesn't consider himself a "certified" doctor he definitely knows more than most. What's also really admirable about Dare is the challenge he took on when it came to trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer also has a story. It all started when she came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in one bad situation to the next. Burying two husbands can be a damper for some people. Not for Glynna though. She pushed through it all. Through all the pain -- emotionally and physically. The will of a mother was motivation enough to make a life that wasn't dependent on men who have done well in failing them. In order to support her son and daughter she opens a diner. Even though she can't cook worth a dime, the men of Broken Wheel, Texas, are desperate enough to overlook the "dried-out beef and blackened biscuits."  

Glynna is unsettled by her feelings for Dare for a couple of reasons. One, she doesn't want to be trapped in another marriage. Two, she can't help but notice that danger and Dare seem to go hand in hand. There's an avalanche and then a fire, and things really get chaotic when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are all of these plotted by past enemies or new ones? And can Dare live long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love? 

As you can tell there is a lot that goes on in this book! So if you are one of those readers that wants something to happen every few chapters this book does exactly that. For me it was almost a little overwhelming at times. There also is the fact that Mary has a lot of characters that I can tell are being set up for the next book which she is great at doing! Personally, I'm just one of those readers that really likes to see a few characters (at the least) evolve from point A to point B. If anything I wished for more one on one between Dare and Glynna and her children.

Nonetheless, Fired Up is an enjoyable read, and if you also enjoy Mary Connealy's previous works I think you would take a liking to her newest trilogy as well.  

Fired Up (Trouble in Texas, Book 2) hits stores September 15, 2013!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.