Make Up by Michelle Phan

Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--ONLINE AND OFF is brought to the readers by the Youtube Beauty guru and author of the book herself, Michelle Phan.  In this updated "how to" book with tips on guidance on skin care, fashion tips and even modern manners for today's modern girl Phan has created something brilliant. 

What It's About 

Michelle Phan has believed in makeup since the first time she was allowed to try eyeliner. When she looked in the mirror and saw a transformed version of herself looking back, she fell in love with the sense of confidence that makeup could give her. Ever since she posted her first makeup tutorial on YouTube, she has dedicated herself to inspire millions by using makeup as a tool for transformation and self expression.

Now, Michelle has compiled all of her best wisdom into Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success--Online and Off. From creating a gorgeous smoky eye to understanding contouring to developing an online persona, Michelle has advice to help you transform every facet of your life. Make Up is packed with Michelle’s trademark beauty and style tutorials, stories and pictures from her own life, and advice on the topics she is asked about most, including etiquette, career, entrepreneurship, and creativity. From the everyday (such as how to get glowing skin) to the big picture (such as how to turn your passion into a profession), Make Up is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward.

My Thoughts  

I love Youtube just as much as the next person and I also love makeup.  Put them together and we're in business. I just recently subscribed to Phan's Youtube page and can say I watch with envious eyes as she applies makeup effortlessly.  Once I started to read this book I was pleasantly surprised by the little intro she gives to her readers.  It's a "how I got to where I am" and I was surprised by how open she was.  I felt it bridged any gap I had or any misconceptions.  Starting the book off like that was a well thought out plan that pays off big time.  

The presentation of the book is great.  For one: it's a hardcover book with over 200 pages.  The cover is beautiful, simple and elegant and really draws your attention.  The book is put together beautifully with helpful hints, little info bubbles about things her readers might not know about or of and as the reader it was enjoyable going from page to page. It feels like Michelle is talking to you through the book. If you watch her videos I think you'll agree. The pages are super glossy and this book screams "elegant". Michelle in no way in this book comes off as the all knower or as a snob.  It's not like "this is what you're doing wrong" if anything this book is a helpful GPS to the modern girl when it comes to everyday life.  

Phan has outdone herself with this book.  There are pages on how to do resumes, making healthy life decisions and even "wardrobe math", yes you read that right.  I loved the added element of personal photos, personal stories, and how she thought of every body type and face shape for her readers when she had tips on glasses to outfits. It shows that she cares a lot for her readers and subscribers on Youtube: the platform that skyrocketed her fame.  I don't think someone has to be a fan of Phan to really get a lot of use or enjoyment out of this book.  It wouldn't hurt, but I think Phan has made something really brilliant, and that's sharing with others what she has learned through the years of bumping and tripping to finding her groove (the smooth path) through style, fashion and life. 

This is a book I feel I can take with me into my transition from teen girl to growing adult girl who is trying to figure out still what her personal style is.  This is something that I will be excited to share with my younger sister. This book can be the perfect gift for that girl graduating from high school or college to someone getting interested in style and makeup.  Can't go wrong with this. ;)

Well done, Michelle! Thanks for being my first non-fiction book I've ever reviewed, it was a great experience!

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Here are some videos from Michelle Phan's Youtube account. 

One about her life  called "Draw My Life."

Another video with helpful hints on how to de-stress. 

About the Author 
   
Michelle Phan is a Youtube beauty guru and an entrepreneur. She has worked with companies such as
Lancôme and L'Oreal and has been featured in numerous magazines. Michelle Phan has come up with her own makeup brand emCosmetics and has almost 7 million subscribers on Youtube as of September 2014.

Link to her: Website, Youtube, Facebook,  Twitter 

Purchase her book at: Amazon, B&N 

Thanks for stopping by, happy reading! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Book Review #21: A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

In a long awaited review, fellow reiders, I present to you A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings. 

If you are in a reading slump make sure to pick up Regina Jennings' newest novel.  It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make for an enjoyable read.  Saddle up because this read is a wild ride full of mystery, romance, healing and forgiveness. 

Goodreads Summary 

A Marriage of Convenience Turns Most Inconvenient in this Historical Charmer

Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won't survive, the Confederate soldier's last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it'll be hers.

Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears--puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs. 

My Thoughts

I started this book last night at around midnight and finished when 4 o'clock started to appear on my phone.  Yes, my reading slump went from having not read in the last few months for enjoyment due to school, to binge reading Jennings' novel.  I'm not complaining though! 

Let's see... 
This is not my first novel by Jennings that I have read.  I really love her novels, she blends so well the themes of comedy, drama and romance and presents it in a package that is perfect for readers both old and new.  I love mistaken identity stories, it's just another added element to the story that I know will unfold and keep me guessing because I always try to figure it out before it's revealed. I'm happy to say I caught it (but of course I'm not going to tell you.) 

The symbolism with the horse shoe on the cover I thought was minimal. Like "Oh, a horseshoe because she is on a ranch." But once reading, it clicked for me. The horseshoe has so much more meaning that I started to beamed inside with joy knowing how well this cover was put together.  When a cover is more than being pretty, but has meaning and parallels well with the story it makes me much happier as the reader!  And no, I'm not going to reveal the meaning to you because it's that great, and I want you to have a similar experience and not rob you of it.

Abigail Stuart is a likeable character.  She is dependable, responsible and deals well with what is given to her.  I loved her sense of humor!  Nothing is worse than reading with a  protagonist that takes on sooooo much responsibility that she starts to become victimizing of herself.  I love characters that take a stand and keep walking forward and if they have humorous qualities as well, that is even better. 

Jeremiah Calhoun is the most stubborn, stuck in his ways, likeable character I have read this year.  Definite 180 for him from his entrance to his ending moments in the story: he goes from being stubborn to being more open to the new things happening in his new life, which includes Abigail.  When we meet Jeremiah he has a lot to deal with: regret, guilt and a pack of men loose in his land taking animals from his neighbors are just a few things to list.  So it is easy to say this guy has a lot on his plate.  But with Abigail riding alongside him they balance each other out, and both take on roles that help conquer the hurdles in front of them. 

The character's that accompany these two in the story from the rowdy neighbor kids, to Jeremiah's mother and ailing sister all have qualities that make this book that much better. This is not a book you should miss out on! So put it on your 'MUST BE READ' list, ok?

Truly an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I was smiling, I was crying, I was laughing, I was sighing.  This is why I read: for these exact moments!  Thank you, Regina! Thank you!

Highly recommended. 
Wanna read a preview? Click here
If you would like to see my review on Jennings' other books here is one and the other one.

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. 

Links to Jennings: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads 
  
Purchase a copy of her book from: Amazon and B&N

Thanks for stopping by, oh and MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Daughter of Highland Hall  is the second installment for the Edwardian Brides series by Carrie Turansky. Get ready to be transported back into the lives of the characters you fell in love with in the first book! There's more secrets, scandal, romance and intrigue awaiting you in the pages! A wonderful addition to your library this coming fall.

Here is the link to my review of the first book

Summary

Fans of Downton Abbey, Jane Eyre, and Pride & Prejudice will enjoy this pure and inspiring romance taking place in Edwardian England amid a clash of cultures and changing times.

Eighteen-year-old Katherine Ramsey travels to London with her family to make her debut into society and hopefully find her future husband. Her overbearing aunt insists she must secure a proposal from a wealthy young man who is in line to inherit his father’s title and estate. But Katherine questions her aunt’s plans when she gets to know Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student and strong Christian who is determined to protect the poor and vulnerable in London’s East End. 

When a family scandal puts a damper on Katherine’s hopes for the season, she has time to volunteer with Jonathan, caring for children in one of London’s poorest areas, and romance blossoms. Katherine’s faith grows and she begins to envision a different future with Jonathan. But when Katherine’s work in the East End puts her in danger, Jonathan distances himself from Katherine to protect her. A wealthy suitor reappears, and Katherine must choose which path to follow.

My Thoughts 

Set in the early 20th century Turansky has again painted a wonderful story for her readers to enjoy. This novel focuses on Katherine Ramsey, William's cousin, and Jon Foster, Julia's brother. I like how Turansky uses characters from the first book to develop more into the second book and most likely we will see more of these characters in the further books coming soon. 

There is a lot to obsess about with this book. First, Jon is a keeper and Kate is a debutante that I actually like. Also, the drama that ensues that connects and brings these two together is Downtown Abbey worthy. Some authors aren't as talented as Turansky is at having more than one story line in a book. There are about four different stories lines that interconnect characters that can leave you fast reading through the book. I really liked the theme of family in this series. I can relate and understand each character who feels responsible and or trying to find a way to help their loved ones. 

Nothing is lost in this novel. You get it all! It feels as if you have a little piece of England on your bookshelf. The cover is gorgeous. Plus, the romance is clean enough to where you could give this to a younger lady that you might know enjoys Jane Austen or any type of English setting. A must read for your ending yearly reading! Keep it on your radar! 

Here is a preview for you to check it out!

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

About the Author  

 
Turansky have been writing since 1999 and have published several articles, short stories, devotions, and essays. Writing fiction is her passion, and she thanks the Lord for all the creative ideas and characters He puts in her mind and heart. She is very thankful for friends and family who have believed in her and encouraged her on my writing journey.

When she is not writing you will find her enjoying time with family, working outside in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or walking around the lake near her home.

Author's: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Keepers of the Convenant by Lynn Austin

If you're interested in my review for Book 1 of The Restoration Chronicles I recommend it! Click here. 

Keepers of the Covenant is another sensational novel brought to us by the talented author Lynn Austin. This story is both moving and inspiring. If you are interested in Biblical fiction that feels as if you're in Bible times, Austin is your new go-to author. From the authenticity in its writing to the beautiful cover this novel is the perfect read for you this fall! Don't miss out!

Summary 

The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple--but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges...this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.

My Thoughts 

If you have not read the first book in this series I don't know how much more to recommend that you read it! Now, the plot line in Keepers is entirely different from Return but this is a Series I feel readers will really be missing out on if they don't read each book, each page, each sentence, each word. 

Austin again delivers with another 470+ page book for her readers to lose themselves in. I said it in my first review and I'm going to write it again, "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." This book deals with the Jewish exiles in Babylon and the decree for the death of every Jew, young and old, women and children. In their darkest hours God's people are thrown into never ending circles of where to find their hope and who they can find it in. 

Another quality I love about Austin's writing is the development of relationships between characters. From Devorah and Ezra to Reuben and Amina to the many other characters that help carry this story I was enraveled in the lives of these four individuals and how they grew in their dependence and for some new found trust and hope in God. I love how these characters always found a way to encourage others and remind themselves as well to set their eyes on God and seek mercy and understanding from Him. I feel that these elements are as applicable to them in the book as it is for us while reading it. 

Another brilliant novel that will leave your heart bursting with joy. Thank you Austin for another gratifying read. 

Want to give the read a try? Here is a preview.  

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


About the Author 

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority. 
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. 

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, and Goodreads  

Purchase her book on: Amazon and B&N  

  Lynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the Covenant LIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God's unwavering love for His people. She'll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!

So grab your copy of Keepers of the Covenant and join Lynn and friends on the evening of October 21st 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!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

In His Grace, 

Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers on the Moors #3) by Sarah E. Ladd

A Lady of Willowgrove Hall (Whispers on the Moors #3) by Sarah E. Ladd is a wonderful addition to the Whispers on the Moors Series. From the cover, to the language, to the plot, to the characters everything is beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel that you will too! Join me in my review on this book and find out why I think you will agree. 

If you have not read any of the other books in this series I did a review for the second book which you can read here.

Summary 

Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?   

My Thoughts

There is something magical about reading books set in England in the 19th century. It must be my inner child reminiscing the years of reading Jane Austen and Louise May Alcott (yes I know she's American, but still) during summer vacation.  I really liked Ladd's second book in this series so I was excited to read this one. She likes to write about secrets that are big, and they just happen to be fun to read. Win, win. 

I love how Ladd incorporated her previous books into this one. This writing choice is something I really like when a author writes a series with different characters but still has it all connected. We as the readers don't have to say goodbye to the characters we fell in love with, and instead we get a slight glimpse of them again, which is better than nothing.   

As for the characters in this book I liked them. Cecily was a bit sensitive at times, but she was a good listener and had improved from her father disowning her. Nathaniel was very attentive to Cecily  and cared for his family well, how could you not like a guy like that? I felt that both were given their roles due to the choices made by others and how both Cecily and Nathaniel responded to those choices. There were defiant affects to both their lives, so they could rather please others or follow what they knew was right for themselves. For Cecily that was finding her twin sister she was separated from, and for Nathaniel it was moving away to claim land that was his.  Throughout the rest of the story we see them both struggle and fight for the choice they want to make instead of let past choices chose their life.

The relationships in this book were endearing, respective, loving, and full of humor and laughter. I really like when characters are invested in more than one person's life. Cecily had a connection with most of the characters rather it be for good or for bad. I also loved the theme of forgiveness and moving forward that Ladd incorporated. This happened for Cecily and Nathaniel but also for Mrs. Trent (read and find out!). It was a great development in the characters and helped the story come full circle.  

This book is perfect to cuddle up in bed with a cup of hot coco or to read at school while passing time. The secrets are enough to speculate on that will keep you turning from page to page. 

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

About the Author 

Every word has a melody.
Every sentence has a rhythm.

This truth has intrigued me since my early years. Even before 
I fully understood the meaning behind many of the words, I devoured literature and consumed poetry.
Austen, Alcott, Wordsworth: I left no piece of literature untouched, left no author unexamined. I continue to see magic in how a word is transformed by the word next to it and how written thoughts can incite emotion and evoke change.
In addition to a lifetime of writing and exploring fiction, I have more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. I live in Indiana and am blessed to share my life with my amazing husband, sweet daughter, and very lovable Golden Retriever.


Link to Authors: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N, ChristianBook

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.

 In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Mason Jar by James Russel Lingerfelt

The Mason Jar by James Russel Lingerfelt is a heart-wrenching tale of new love being lost through unexplainable circumstances. It pops the question, "Can you lose the One?", and if so what happens when you think you have and what happens when you find out you haven't? Continue with me in my review as I explore my thoughts and shockingly similar experiences  I had with the main character while reading The Mason Jar.

Summary 

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she’s ever read? “But,” she said, “it’s about you.” The author is your college ex.

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather’s desk; letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark, debutante, named Savannah. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

A story about a girl who vanished, a former love who wrote a book about her and a reunion they never imagined.

Written for the bruised and broken, The Mason Jar is an inspirational epic, romance, tragedy which brings hope to people who have experienced disappointment in life due to separation from loved ones. With a redemptive ending and written in the fresh, romantic tones of Nicholas Sparks, The Mason Jar interweaves the imagery of Thoreau with the adventures and climatic family struggles common to Dances with Wolves, A River Runs Through It and Legends of the Fall. 

My Thoughts 

This was an unexpected read for me. Not my typical book which is a great break from the books that I usually do read. The best way to explain The Mason Jar is that it's a book within a book. There is a lot of present/past POVs that are changed from chapter to chapter. It wasn't confusing to follow at all, so don't be intimidated if those types of books do! Pretty easy to follow. 

Going back to the shocking similarities I had with the main character Finn I have lived in most of the places he has. He's been to Santa Monica (so have I) he's been to Africa (so have I so). It was kind of cool to be like "Hey, I know what this place looks like." Other than that though Finn and I don't have any other similarities. Back to the review~

As for the story, I liked it and then I didn't know how I felt about it. I guess where I had some issues was with Eden's (the girl that disappears) story. I don't know why and it's hard to write about because it would basically give everything away. Yet, I didn't hate any of the characters, just want to put that out there. I admired Finn and Eden both for their selflessness and how much they gave of themselves to others. So maybe it was the hopeless romantic in me that had issues with Eden's story because it hurt Finn for so many years. But this is where the healing process begins in the book, another key element of this novel, so I guess it had to happen...I'm still at ends thinking of how I feel about it all. This book will make you think how you would react if you were in the same position as Finn and Eden. 

This book is a fast read and is not your typical Christian romance novel. I think if you want to try something new it's something you might like. 

What are some of your favorite "not your typical Christian romance novels"? 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy for a honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 


About the Author 

James Russell Lingerfelt writes inspirational, romantic realism. He attended college through a theatre scholarship, acting in the Broadway musicals Annie and Big River. . He paid his way through college working as a bookkeeper at his hometown bank and on the college maintenance crew, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors.
The Mason Jar feature film is scheduled for pre-production in 2015. Lingerfelt will serve as Writer/Producer.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads 

Links to Purchase The Mason Jar: Amazon and B&N

James Russell Lingerfelt's debut novel, The Mason Jar, is hot-off-the-press and causing quite the buzz. It's even been optioned for a feature film and is in pre-production.

Catch the spark by entering James' Kindle Fire giveaway!

 
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective. 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Where Treetops Glisten

Where Treetops Glisten:Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin is the book for the transitioning of seasons. Summer is long gone, and this is just the book to get us back into the Christmas spirit: family, sweets, love, and snow. These three interwoven novellas will bring a smile to your face, and warm you up this coming winter with its stories of love and happiness in a hard place.   



Summary

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Three siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In White Christmas by Cara Putman, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theatre in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and God’s plan for a future?

My Thoughts

Is it ever too early to start reading Christmas stories? I have decided that once you hit October you're safe. Where Treetops Glisten was the perfect novel to get into the Holiday spirit, also it didn't hurt that three authors whom I adore all collaborated on this story.

Now, I'm not a big fan of novellas. I always feel like that could be longer, or I want more character development, more background story, etc. So, I was hesitant when I first got this book, because I love the books these author's have already put out. I was crossing my fingers that they could get me out of my novella"slump." Happy to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book within a night. 

Each novella had a great mixture of humor, romance, seriousness and an element where each sibling had grown in their relationship with God and or overcame a hurdle in their life by reaching out to God. I really liked the Turner family, they where all giving and selfless, from the grandma down to the youngest daughter. Each character I felt was well rounded and the stories came full circle. I would have liked a little more from the first story, but in a novella those types of things happen. Still, with the limited amount of pages per story they don't let down. I am seriously impressed by the quality and the consistency these authors carried throughout the stories. 
 
My favorite novella was Sundin's followed by Goyer then Putman's. This is a book that should be read in order, but each story serves just as good on its own. So if you needed a short story that you knew could provide, anyone of these would do justice. This is a wonderful novel, and I hope you find it just as wonderful as I did.
 
If you love WWII based stories, Christmas and romance this novel has it all.
 
Here is a preview just for you: Click Here 

Links to purchase Where Treetops Glisten: Amazon, B&N, ChristianBook 

Happy pre-Christmas days!
 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves
 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

About the Authors 

Tricia Goyer has written more than thirty-five books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and non- fiction titles that offer encouragement and hope.Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She recreates historic wartime eras with precise detail through perseverant and comprehensive research. Tricia speaks to groups interested in these eras, with the intention of preserving and honoring the memory of the men and women who served.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads


Cara Putman is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. Her 15th novels releases this fall along with a fresh edition of another book. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads




 
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. The Wings of the Nightingale series (With Every Letter, 2012, On Distant Shores, August 2013, and In Perfect Time, August 2014) follows three World War II flight nurses as they find love, friendship, and peril in the skies and on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Wings of Glory series from Revell (A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow) follows three brothers who are B-17 bomber pilots during World War II.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford is a blend of magic, mermaids and POVs from two different eras that hold this story together. It deals with issues that are sometimes tough to understand and or experience, and yet Gifford did a wonderful job at conveying both things in a novel that grasps this well. This is not your typical novel, and for that my review will explain the rest.

Summary

In 1860, Alexander Ferguson, a newly ordained vicar and amateur evolutionary scientist, takes up his new parish, a poor, isolated patch on the remote Scottish island of Harris. He hopes to uncover the truth behind the legend of the selkies—mermaids or seal people who have been sighted off the north of Scotland for centuries. He has a more personal motive, too; family legend states that Alexander is descended from seal men. As he struggles to be the good pastor he was called to be, his maid Moira faces the terrible eviction of her family by Lord Marstone, whose family owns the island. Their time on the island will irrevocably change the course of both their lives, but the white house on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after they are gone.

It will be more than a century before the Sea House reluctantly gives up its secrets. Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building and begin to turn it into a home for the family they hope to have. Their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. The tiny bones of a baby are buried beneath the house; the child's fragile legs are fused together—a mermaid child. Who buried the bones? And why? To heal her own demons, Ruth feels she must discover the secrets of her new home—but the answers to her questions may lie in her own traumatic past. The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford is a sweeping tale of hope and redemption and a study of how we heal ourselves by discovering our histories.

My Thoughts 

This was one of the most interesting books I have read all year. It centers around this old myth that a group of people called the Selkies are descended from Seals--aka, mermaids. I found it a fascinating premise, and when I started to read this book it proved to be just that: fascinating.

I really appreciate Gifford's attention to detail both in the development of her character's and plot line. In this review I want to on Ruth and the bones of the baby found beneath the house she lives in with her husband. 

Ruth is a character that I don't typically encounter in my usual book readings. It was clear from the first few chapters that Ruth was going to go through a deep internal battle--which I believe to be a combination of depression and maybe bit of bi-polar (not quite sure, don't quote me). Nonetheless, I really appreciate that a character with these elements was written with in this novel. Not many books convey these type of characteristics well, and I think Gifford did a really good job at it. Ruth was a character that I felt for and wanted to understand. Her depression stemed from her mother abandoning her and this strikes up with increasing scenes once the child is found and Ruth takes it upon herself to find out how that child came to be where it was buried. Really it was beautiful, haunting, and sometimes hard to understand but I'm okay with that. Ruth's story with connection to the child was tied in really good with her story of her mother and the impact it had on her. Don't want to give too much away so I will leave it at that.

Truly this novel takes on a lot of issues: depression, evolution, God (just to name a few) and I found it be to again a provoking read in a good way. Beautiful prose and a story that will linger in my mind for a while. This is a read that will give you more then what you expected. However, this was not be favorite read of the year, but it was thought provoking and a journey to read nonetheless. I hope it proves to be something of the same. 


Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.


About the Author 

Elisabeth Gifford studied French literature and world religons at Leeds University. She has published poems in Cinnamon Press and The Oxford Magazine, and a story in Riptide. She has written articles for The Times and The Independent. She has recently completed The House of Hope, a biography of Dr Joyce Hill who opened a rescue centre for abandoned babies in China, published by Monarch Press and shortly to be translated into Chinese. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford OUDCE and a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the course led by Sir Andrew Motion at Royal Holloway College. She is married with three children. 

Link to Author's : Facebook, Website, and Goodreads
Link to purchase her book: Amazon and B&N 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Don't miss The Sea House, a stunning fiction debut from the UK. Set in a house on the windswept coast of the Outer Hebrides, Elisabeth Gifford's haunting tale effortlessly bridges a gap of more than a century. Adeptly interweaving two tales involving residents of the titular house, Gifford sets up an absorbing mystery revolving around local lore and myths about mermaids, selkies, and sealmen. Stretching seamlessly back and forth through time, layers upon layers of secrets are slowly and effectively peeled away in this evocative debut (Booklist).

Celebrate with Elisabeth by entering her Kindle giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at Elisabeth's Blog.

Watch the trailer: