Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Snow on the Tulips is a raw emotion filled story that will grip its readers from beginning to end. 

Goodreads 

In a time of unprecedented darkness and fear, Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own.

In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga—a man who puts God and country above all else—arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Her hope is to be free from her paralyzing fear.

Gerrit is a known and hunted Dutch Resistance member. When he comes to Cornelia’s home for shelter, he’s drawn to her strength and kindness. When he asks her to contact the local Resistance on his behalf, she refuses. Gerrit is determined to find a way to continue his underground work without putting Cornelia or her family in harm’s way.

When things start to unravel and Gerrit’s life depends on her actions, she must summon her courage and learn to depend on the perfect love that drives out all fear. But will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom? 

My Thoughts 

First off, if you are not a regular reader on my blog you won't know it but I am captivated by the front and back cover designs on books. 

As a reader I 100% believe that "yes, you can't judge a book by it's cover." But, I love love love love beautiful covers. It completely shows the thought and detail that went into its creation. I don't want to knock down any books that don't have beautiful or obsessive covers, but it just always makes reading a little more fun in public because it catches peoples eyes and brings up conversation. So yes I love this cover. I love the little windmill in the background, I love the flower design, the woman and the plane. It showcases so much! Beautiful cover!!!  

5 out 5 just on the cover alone!

The rest of the novel is just as well thought out as the cover. Tolsma gives her readers a riveting read and does not shy away from the hard stuff. This is the Netherlands during Nazi occupation after all -- which means that there was no easy life style in any way for those living during this time. 

It should be said that this book is not for the light of heart. It is not entirely gruesome or depressing, but as I stated before Tolsma does not shy away from the truth in her story. There were hardships. Many lost loved ones. However, if anything, through these trials and the grief the people kept trudging onward in hopes of freedom for themselves, their families and for their country. 

This was a beautiful book. I really admired that Tolsma placed her setting in a place that isn't written about much. Plus, who could think that romance could bloom in such a gloomy place? Well it can and I believe that it gave the book the sort of much needed lightness for the reader. The romance centered around two people who knew they might not get another day together. I honestly always looked forward to Cornelia and Gerrit coming together in a scene. They could be a comedian duo at times! I loved Gerrit's bashfulness and Cornelia's strength.

Speaking of strength there was so much courage and faith in this book. Puts into perspective the deep un-doubtful faith that these people had. Along with the courage and passion to fight for freedom, put one's own life in danger in order to get food stamps secretly to starving families, or even hide people in their walls is speechless. I guess what makes it even more speechless is that the people actually did these type of courageous deeds. 

I strongly recommend that if you are looking for a new book that this is one book that you look into! It's fantastic~!

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Purchase a copy here  

Learn more about Liz Tolsma

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Beloved (Where the Heart Lives #3) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Does my hint from my previous post make sense now? *Beloved author* Ha! I thought I was quite witty, maybe it was just me! But yes there will be info about a giveaway of two copies to two lucky individuals! So stay tuned to the end of this review and find out what you need to do...

Robin Lee Hatcher is at it again! Capturing her reader's hearts with a story of endearing love, growing relationships and the path towards healing for past mistakes.

 Goodreads Summary:
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for seven years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition----she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

My Thoughts:
I have always fancied  Hatcher's stories. Her characters have always felt real to me. They just come off with this sense of honesty that I find different from other stories. 

This story was a gratifying read. It kept me company on the bus to my community college and on the bench waiting for the bus to get home. I found this book to be a very easy fast read. I read it in under two days and only on the bus. (Fact: all readers read at different paces!) But the fact of the matter was that I overall beloved this book - ha, did I use that word correctly? This story showed growth in its characters personalities, emotions and relationships. 
  
There was also interesting points in the book where it would go back into the past which would explain to the reader why one character was acting a certain way or why he or she had certain feelings (good or bad) towards another character. It was definitely different at first, mainly because I would have to go back and remind myself the years of the present time. It's not that hard to get use to, just at first I was a little hesitant.  

Diana is a firm woman with qualities anyone would admire. She freely gives her love to others even with the hurt she had experienced. I felt Hatcher did splendidly at helping me (the reader) come to understand why Diana wouldn't be over the moon that Tyson (he dead husband) was alive. There was a lot of development shown in both Diana and Tyson through their actions that helped them get over the hurdle that was preventing them from having a loving and redeeming marriage. 

I felt this book was a feel good book. Something to help pass time and pass on to others to read as well. 

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Speaking of Litfuse they are hosting a fantastic giveaway which involves an IPad Mini! Here is the link to the page or you can also click on the beautiful button on the right hand top corner of this page! Check it out because there are even more fantastic prizes you will not want to miss out on entering in a chance to win!

GIVEAWAY INFO TIME~!!!  Contest ENDS: November 16, 2013 at midnight
  
Contest time here we go! Disclaimer: still figuring this stuff out so I am so super appreciative for your patience! For this time I'm just going to ask a question instead of using the rafflecopter! I learned that not all people have Google+ and couldn't enter the last contest. I wanted to make this more accessible for others to have a chance to win! Please make sure to leave an e-mail address and or some way to get in contact with you with your comment. Books can only be sent to addresses in the United States and or Canada.

Here is the question: What or who is your most beloved? 

Maybe it's a necklace from a loved one or your dog or maybe just quite time with the Lord. It can be anything! There are no wrong answers! Looking forward to those responses!  

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid  

My First Giveaway Winner Annoucement!!!!!

Attention: I have some more exciting news about a future giveaway! That will be at the end so read all the way through! ;)

First off I want to thank everyone so much for all of the positive feedback I received after putting a little link to this giveaway on Facebook! I was blown away and extremely grateful that someone would take the time to read my review, answer my question, and even those who shared my post! It has been an amazing ride with you guys!

Secondly, I would also like to thank those of you who signed on to follow my blog. That made my day, seriously, from the bottom of my heart thank you!

I loved all of the answers I received from all the entries! I now have a little list of a few songs I have never heard. Super pumped to start listening to them!

Now what you have been waiting for! The winner!

(I am so nervous haha!)

And the winner is: Laura Pol!

Congrats! I have contacted you via Facebook! ;) 

MORE NEWS! 

After the amazing turn out I had I want to do another giveaway and continue the blessings! It so happens that Litfuse accidentally sent me an extra copy of another book I reviewed! Deja vu right? So to make the second giveaway even more terrific than the first one I will be giving away both copies! That means there will be two winners! TWICE THE CHANCES!

The two copies are of a new book by a *hint* beloved *hint* author of mine. I will be posting about the details soon once I finish writing my review and post it here on my blog! So be on the look out!

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Gunpowder Tea (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #3 ) by Margaret Brownley

Would you like a cup of gunpowder tea? I promise you its divine!

Margaret Brownley's Gunpowder Tea hits off with a bang! Brownley effortlessly grabbed my attention by the end of Chapter One.

Goodreads Summary

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them. But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait. 

My Thoughts 

This was on my "To Be Read" list for a while, and when I got a copy I was really excited. 

For some reason I got the idea in my head that I had to read this book.

I think it had a lot to do with the cover. Covers can tell so much and sometimes nothing at all. I absolutely love covers that give a glimpse into the story while giving almost nothing away. It's so much fun to read and find out! Seriously, just take a gander at this fantastic cover. There is a man giving a sideways glance to the woman who is serving him tea. Oh, and that same woman is holding a gun behind her back with a smile on her face. Slap on top of that a title such as  "GUNPOWDER TEA" and the only thought going through my head is, "I have to read this book and find what is going on! ASAP!" 

I was not disappointed to say the least. Actually I was pleasantly surprised by almost every little thing. Trust me by the time you get halfway through this book you will understand the title. (Unless of course you are well associated with tea and its history.) On the other hand you will most likely be surprised as was I.

Gunpowder Tea's heroine Miranda was a strong lead that I really liked. She was out in the world accomplishing what she loved and she was actually good at it too. I loved her softer side and her special quirks. Also, her relationship that bloomed with Jeremy was at times hilarious and precious.

FYI: This book can be read as a stand alone! Yay!

Brownley has crafted a truly enjoyable read from beginning to end with a mixture of mystery, romance, and women powerfully wielding guns! What more can a reader ask for? You'll be on pins and needles wondering who and how close the mysterious Phantom is to the legendary Last Chance Ranch. 

A must read and addition to your ever growing "To Be Read" list! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

Attention:  Over at the wonderful Litfuse website this book is being showcased and they're giving a KINDLE FIRE~  Sound pretty awesome right? All you have to do is go to this link and follow from there! There will also be a button in the side bar as well!

Happy Reading Everyone~ 

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Glittering Promises (Grand Tour Series #3) by Lisa T. Bergren

Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren is a sensational conclusion to the Grand Tour Series. Lisa's writing shines (or one could say glitters) in her final installment. Readers are given one last chance to revisit old characters for a proper farewell.

Goodreads Summary

Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are track the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try...

My Thoughts
I have been a fan of Bergren's writing way back when I read her other trilogy The River of Time Series. After reading the first book of the Grand Tour Series I was excited to see where Bergren was going to take her readers. There were a lot of qualities I liked about this book and then there were a few parts I skimmed. Only because I wanted these two certain characters to be honest with one another -- but I blame that partly because of my impatience. Sometimes when I -- as the reader -- know more than the characters it kills me. Haha!

However, this was a satisfying conclusion to Cora's growth into her new identity as a woman, sister and daughter. I really enjoyed getting to see her relationship with her siblings grow and become more intimate. It demonstrated that despite the truth of one's birth, family is family. And you should love your family.  Always. Even if it's hard! I also enjoyed to see her wrestle with deciding Who defines her as a human being. With all that money and people telling you who you are can be confusing. Cora, I felt was relatable at that point in the book.

Bergren's attention to detail is extravagant. Even though I have never been to Italy, Bergren convinced me through her writing that I was in Italy. Love that descriptive writing!

Romance-wise, this book gives and takes. So light-hearted be warned! I don't know if this is spoilerish, but Cora and Will have a few falling outs. But they get resolved -- eventually. Still, to be fair, Cora and Will go over a lot of issues that I'm sure that couples go through all the time. I understand that not all relationships are perfect, but for me being a hopeless romantic, it's always hard for me to accept!

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

News: If you are a book behind in this series, currently, the second book Grave Consequences is free for a limited time for the Kindle. So I suggest picking that one up and Glittering Promises together. Fills up your kindle with two books for the price of one! 

Happy Reading! 

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid   

Nancy Moser’s The Journey of Josephine Cain 5 book giveaway!

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Journey of Josephine Cain (American Tapestry) by Nancy Moser

As you can tell I've been doing a lot of book reviews. I have been extremely blessed this month to say the least. Lately, I have been deeply impressed by the authors writing for the  American Tapestry novels. There are eight total in the series  I previously read and reviewed the fifth in the series  The Courier of Caswell Hall and that one was just as great as this one.

The Journey of Josephine Cain (American Tapestry) by Nancy Moser 

Having the Wild West as a backdrop to this novel enhanced its life leaving me captivated. Moser's talent for writing shined in this book and proves to be a great escape for readers alike.

Set in the late 1860's in the aftermath of the Civil War,  reader's are given a glimpse into the life of Josephine Cain and her journey at a crucial time in her life. Being a young socialite and unmarried from Washington D.C. Josephine feels it is time for a change in her life. She is ready to be married, but she most of all is ready to finally have a little excitement in her life and to be reunited with her father whom she misses dearly. 

Josephine has a great relationship with her father who has been given the important task of overseeing the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Her relationship with her mother is more one-sided she feels. After the death of her brother and cousin in the Civil War her mother and aunt have taken to morning every single day. For Josephine, she is ready to move on with her life. But some would argue that the Wild West-- a place populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians-- is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. Josephine is spirited and determined enough to make the trip. 

Hudson Maguire works on the railroad with his brother Raleigh to save up money and send some back home to their family. I liked Hudson. He was an honest hardworking man who anyone would admire and put their trust in. Hudson becomes Mr. Cain's most trusted and valued worker, and this puts him in the position of always being around Josephine. These two have a interest in each other even though they don't want to admit or address their feelings. Mainly because both are engaged to other people, but that doesn't mean they're in love with their significant others.

Life working alongside the construction of the railroad is a far cry from the "civil" and proper life Josephine is use to back in the nation's capital. She faces gunfights, harsh weather, vigilant uprisings and witnesses a different side of life some live that might not be considered moral. As time progresses, Josephine is challenged in what she thinks she knows or understands. This leads her to finding a new and unique purpose for her life and maybe even true love. 

This book was delightful and as beautiful as the sunsets that Hudson and Josephine share a love for. I was also quite intrigued by the usage of the Native Indians in the book. It has ignited a curiosity for me to research more on the topic in general. If you want to know what I'm talking about you're just going to have to read the book to find out. Sorry! 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid 
 

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

Book Review # 14: A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Melissa Jagears steps out onto the christian fiction prairie with her tender tale of love. Along with her promising writing technique she'll be sure to have grabbed a bandwagon full of readers ready for her next book! 

A Bride for Keeps is a charming read with a new take on marriage of convenience.

Everett Cline might be drowning in the demands of owning a farm, but won't humiliate himself by looking for a wife ever again. Especially after being jilted three times in a row by mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor takes it upon herself to bring another mail-order bride to town. Cline has reason to doubt it will work out, and with her being the prettiest woman he has ever seen it makes it harder to believe she would be content for her to marry a simple man such as himself. 

Julia Lockwood has only been a pretty face. Her father used her for a business acquisition and her former fiance showed his true intentions and colors before they were even married. By working out a way to leave her life in Massachusetts, she resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas. All in hopes that she will meet people that care about more than her looks. 

The pacing was a tad bit leisure. There were times I wanted both characters to just sit down and talk instead of playing the cat-and-mouse game. Other than that it was an endearing read and Jagears has a promising career I feel.  

What I did like about this book though was that Julia wasn't pinning herself as "woe is me because I'm beautiful." It was more of a "I hope people see the inner me." It reminded me of the Proverbs31 verse that beauty is fleeting. I don't know if Jagears was going for that, but when I was reading Julia's character I really appreciated that character choice for her because 1) it was true and 2) it had biblical meaning behind it.

Looking forward to future material from her. 

Rating: 3 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 

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Return to Me by Lynn Austin (The Restoration Chronicles)

 Attention: If you would like to win a copy of Lynn Austin's "Return to Me" read this review and follow the instructions in the rafflecopter! More information below...

Return to Me is enchanting, astounding, remarkable and radiant!

Do not feel intimidated by the 459 pages! Lynn Austin has given life to the old Testament books Ezra and Nehemiah where the Israelites are released from Babylon  and travel back to Jerusalem in order to rebuild a temple for God and return to Him and His love.

Of course it's all fiction. Yet, Austin has truly done a splendid job at digging deeper and making this story captivating for her readers. 

I was honestly taken back that I found this book so precious. This book  illustrates all of the qualities one experiences with his or her walk with the Lord - love, redemption, self-doubt, perseverance, and a lot more. Every character is at a different place in their faith and loyalty to God when the book starts, and from there each character deals with their own struggles that commonly happens while walking with the Lord.  

As I touched on previously, this book takes place during 539 B.C. and a twenty year journey continuation throughout the story.

Iddo's prayers are finally answered, after years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith. King Cyrus is allowing God's chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Iddo, joyfully prepares for his family's departure, only to learn that his family is comfortable living in the culture of Babylon and wishes to remain there instead of leaving.

Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers. 

"Return to Me" tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 

Return To Me by Lynn Austin | Kindle Fire Giveaway & Facebook Party

So grab your copy of "Return to Me" or enter in for a chance to win one from my first contest that I have ever done! I'm looking forward to joining Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

GIVEAWAY TIME! Yes, this is my first giveaway ever! Please be patient with me as I try this Rafflecopter thing out! The reason for this giveaway is because I ended up getting a second copy from Litfuse on accident and they said I could do whatever I wanted with it. The only thing I could come up with was doing a giveaway. I have been truly blessed by receiving books so I want to pass it on. The giveaway is simple: leave a blog post comment as the Rafflecopter says and on Oct. 22 a winner will be drawn and I will announce and contact the winner! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid

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