A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a top contender for my top 20 choice for 'Best Reads of 2014'. This book contains an untouched topic of how the media affects the way beautiful is defined, and all of this is demonstrated through a model at the end of her career and a photographer who is trying to forget his. Katie Ganshert has written the up-to-date radical book. This is a story that has dozens of layers, raw emotions and the residing factor of redemption. Join me for the rest of my review and discover why this is a book you should never miss out on.

What it's About

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.
 
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

My Thoughts 

First things first. This cover is gorgeous, stunning, exquisite, basically every word that describes beautiful. I simply adore this cover and the color choices. Once you start to read the book, the cover starts to make much more sense. On a side note: I also want that dress. 

I obsessed over this book. I could not get it out of my head, I had to finish it ASAP. It was the air I needed to breathe to survive. It was vital, it was needed. I started it late last night at 11pm and stopped at 1am and picked it up right again in the morning and satisfyingly finished it later in the day. This book will change you. It's astounding! 

The premise of this book is something that is not typically written about in Christian fiction today, and for me that makes it really unique. In the book there is the modeling world and then there is Greenbrier, South Carolina. Two completely different places that shake up two completely different people's worlds-- for bad and for good.

We meet Ivy when she is going through a drought when it concerns her modeling career. No one wants her because she's getting older. This makes Ivy much more out of control forcing her to return to Greenbrier to model dresses for her stepmother's bridal line. Ivy was a layered, complicated, dark character lost to herself and to the warmth of others. She was someone who liked to be in control and was use to men looking at her like a piece of meat. This is a topic that I felt was touched powerfully by Ganshert. Ivy is a woman who sees herself as free and unforgivable, and it's during the duration of the book with the help of Davis that she sees that she was chained and full of wanting for love, a love from God. 

I loved how Davis sought out a friendship with Ivy. Of course he knew he was attracted to her, but he also knew she needed a friend. He also didn't want to let her believe he was like the other men who had been in her life. He was overwhelmed with this desire to help Ivy see that God was always there wanting her, and for me that struck me as loving and Christ-like. Now Davis was not the perfect person either. He had a lot of remorse for his past of fashion photography and the pain he caused his sister and that causes him to live as if he doesn't believe he is forgiven. 

The theme of this book is that the redemption of Jesus makes beautiful things out of dust (Yes, I did just quote the song 'Beautiful Things' because it's true). I love the transition of both the characters from brokenness to redemption to living renewed. 

There are a handful of many wonderful characters I haven't even touched on such as Marilyn- Ivy's stepmother- and Sara- Davis's sister-- and also Twilla a twelve year old cancer patient. All characters that are as rounded as the next. Ganshet has created such a great community of characters that wonderfully make this novel complete and whole and full of meaning. 

A Broken Kind of Beautiful is an empowering novel that has a story that will make you want to return to it again and again.

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

Katie Ganshert is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows, both published by Waterbrook Press, a division of Random House. Her debut, Wildflowers from Winter, is a Christy Award finalist, as well as a Christian Retailing’s Best finalist in the contemporary romance category. She lives in Iowa with her handsome husband, their dinosaur-loving son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption, which she and her husband hope to complete sometime before they are fifty. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads  
Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Book Review #16: Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate is one of those stories that will leave you thinking about it minutes, hours, days, weeks after you finish it. The eerie mystery that surrounds the past of this story's plotline that lingers into the story's future is a lovely book that shows the strength of the two women it affects and brings together.

Goodreads Summary

Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.
 
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
 
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.

My Thoughts 

This story takes place in two different time eras: present time that focuses on Allie's story, and 1861 that focuses on the mysterious Bonnie Rose's story. 

Now it has always proven a mystery to myself why it has been such a difficult task for me to finish a Lisa Wingate book. I started this book with the determination to finish Wildwood Creek no matter what, and the outcome? Pleasantly surprised and excited that I finished it. 

Wingate's writing is much more different from other Christian authors that I am familiar with. Her stories are known to have a sense of alertness and tension from the surroundings she puts her characters in and I love that. I love drama stories that have history woven with it, and oh my goodness was there drama. This is a book to read during the day if you are easily scared like me, haha. Plus, the ending! I don't want to spoil it, but for all the CSI and cop-drama shows I have watched I did not, I repeat, I did not see it coming. Wingate is talented at not showing all of her cards and when she does BAM you as the reader are gasping at the book in your hands. 

For romance factor I liked that it wasn't the central theme. This story is about Allie going to this secluded place that will lead her down the path of a career that her father was apart of, and in the end it leads her to become attached to the woman who she plays in the docudrama. Both of these women, Allie and Bonnie Rose, were strong and independent which I love. We need strong women in Christian fiction, and I feel that Wingate did good in that section. 

So if you are into mystery discovering, history influenced, romance and drama fiction this is a book that will make it impossible for you to be set apart from. 

Want to check it out for yourself? Here is a sneak preview of Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate. Click here.

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."]

About the Author 

Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Good Hope Road, The Language of Sycamores, and Drenched in Light. Her work was recently honored by the Americans for More Civility for promoting greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa and her family live in Central Texas.


Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, and Goodreads 
Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Thief (The Living Water Series #2) by Stephanie Landsem

I can confidently confirm that The Thief by Stephanie Landsem is going to be in my top 20 of most favorite books of 2014. (I don't do top 10 because there are quite a handful of books out there so please don't make me narrow it down to just ten!) Landsem takes the account of the blind man that Jesus heals with mud in the Bible and weaves it all together with a beautiful story of seeking, forgiveness and mercy. This is not a book-- or series-- that you want to miss out on, and if you don't believe me just read the rest of my review to see how true that is. 

Goodreads Summary

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Nissa is a Jewish woman with a sharp tongue and no hope of marriage. Abandoned by the God she once loved, her only recourse is to depend upon Mouse, the best thief in Jerusalem, to keep her blind brother, Cedron, fed and the landlord satisfied.

Longinus is a Roman centurion haunted by death and failure and is desperate to escape the accursed Judean province. Accepting a wager that will get him away from the aggravating Jews and their threats of revolt, he sets out to catch the thieves harassing the marketplace.

When a controversial teacher miraculously heals Cedron, Nissa hopes for freedom from her life of lies. But the supposed miracle brings only more misfortune, and Longinus, seeking to learn more about the mysterious healer, finds himself drawn instead to Nissa, whose secret will determine the course of both their futures.

Cedron, Longinus, and Nissa are unexpectedly caught up in the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As danger closes in on them from every side, they must decide if the love and redemption Jesus offers is true or just another false promise. How can the so-called Messiah save them from their shackles, when he cannot even save himself?


My Thoughts 

Wow! Why did I wait so long to start reading this book? Why didn't I start reading it the moment I ripped it out of the package when it came in the mail? What was I doing for three days? Oh yeah, not reading this astonishing book. 

I adore books that take actual occurrences during the time of Jesus's life. Yes, it's fiction but there is something about it that makes it great to read. Somehow it gives maybe a glimpse into a possibility of the new believers in the Roman Empire.

I appreciate the lengths that Landsem went to in order to create such a vivid storyline that incorporated Jesus, his followers, the blind man and also the man who nailed Jesus to the cross. Even if most of these characters were elaborated on through fiction it's simply breathtaking. It was potent and beautiful to read. You could see the grace and mercy that takes hold of all of these people, and it was a story that I would enjoy to revisit again soon. 

Nissa was a spunky, fiesty  Jewish woman that grew on me throughout the story. She was rigid and harsh to the world and God for many reasons that I understood. She grew on me though and it was special to read of her growth in her faith and identity with God and as a person in society. Her relationship with her brother Cedron is motherly. It took me by surprise when I figure out that Cedron is the man that Jesus heals and uses. Don't want to give to much away but there the story really picks up the pace, and you can't help but keep turning pages until you get to the end. That is what happened to me, guilty as charged! 

Back to the characters, Longinus--be still my heart-- was a heroic centurion who you couldn't help but want to hug the living life out of. I liked that he was attracted to Nissa's strengths from the beginning instead of her physical traits. It was a different route than what is the usual norm of what the romance interest is started on. Simply put I enjoyed seeing how their opposite personalities complimented each other and how genuinely caring Longinus was for Nissa. 

Ok, so the ending. When I got there my reaction was, "Why are the pages blank?" My guess is that my reaction will be the same as yours, and for you to figure out why...well my friends you will have to read the story to find out the shocking and surprising ending that Landsem had kept hidden for her readers. 

Seriously, get this book and have your mind be blown! It's fantastic! Highly recommend for young adults and (older/regular aged?) adults! 

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

Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook
Learn more about the author on her website

Don't miss Stephanie Landsem's outstanding sophomore effort, The Thief.

Best-selling author Tosca Lee had this to say of the book: Filled with memorable characters, The Thief is a tale of hopelessness turned to hope, of high stakes made higher, and ultimate love. What happens when a character at the lowest rung of society crosses paths with the most well-known figure in history? The story of The Thief. I couldn't stop reading.

Stephanie is hosting a Kindle Fire HDX and book giveaway at her website. CLICK THE BUTTON to find out more and enter to win.

Find out what readers are saying HERE.

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The A-Z of C.S.Lewis (An encyclopedia of his life, thought and writings) by Colin Duriez

He captivated millions with his writings, from Narnia to the Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity, he has widen his readers scope of how a Christian man can write. Yet, there is much more to C.S.Lewis than that. Colin Duriez writes a fantastical encyclopedia that everyone who is an admirer or fan of Lewis's writings should read, must read.

About the Book 

C S Lewis has become one of the most famous writers of the 20th century, but often those who love his children’s books are not aware of his science fiction, and frequently fans of both have not been introduced to his other writings on English literature, faith or fantasy. The A-Z of C S Lewis is a comprehensive introduction to C S Lewis’s life, family, friends, career, marriage, and writings, and also to the worlds he created, the creatures he imagined, and the studies he delighted in, from Abhalljin, a distant island in Perelandra, Zardeenah, a character in The Horse and His Boy. Whether you are a devotee of all things Lewis, or just beginning to explore him and his world, this guide is for you. 

My Thoughts 

What more can a reader ask for than an encyclopedia dedicated to exploring the life, thoughts and writings of one special one author? Especially because this author wrote my most adored children's novels which I am sure many of you know the name, The Chronicles of Narnia.  

I am captivated when it comes to C.S.Lewis. The moment I got this book I was in heaven (metaphorically of course). I was also in mystery mode and thought to myself, "What are the truths in this book that give us more detail on C.S.Lewis?" The physical presentation of this book gets an A+. I love the picture they chose of C.S.Lewis. He looks like the friendly uncle that always had a story or some wisdom to share, and boy does C.S.Lewis share some pro-founding wisdom. 

This book is literally A-Z, and acts like any other encyclopedia. The depth of this book is remarkable! Duriez was so dutiful and tactful at sharing a wide range of engaging information about the great author. I believe every author should have one for the reasons that it is immensely helpful and insightful for their readers. The book mentions topics ranging from titles of unfinished works, close friends, titles of stories that inspired C.S.Lewis and foods that were present in his writings ( my favorite, Turkish delight ^_^). 

Duriez accomplished an outstanding feat but starting and finishing a book as excellent as this one. It will be a book that I will return to for future references and also for pure enjoyment. It's always more endearing to read of a favored author from childhood and come to know of him personally through a trusted source of a novel than maybe an unknown source. 

Well researched and recommended to the sky and back if you adore anything C.S.Lewis, be it Narnia, short stories, essays or even quotes this book does him well. It's a work of art.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 

About the Author 
 

Colin Duriez is a writer, editor and frequent lecturer on the lives of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings, having spoken at a variety of conferences in the USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, Poland, Finland and the UK.
His books include The A–Z of C.S. Lewis, C.S. Lewis: A Biography of Friendship, J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend, J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, A Field Guide to Narnia, The C.S. Lewis Chronicles, The Inklings Handbook (with the late David Porter), A Field Guide to Harry Potter and AD33: The Year that Changed the World.  He has also contributed to The Tolkien Encyclopedia and a number of other tomes.
Duriez has appeared as a commentator on extended version DVDs of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Walden Media’s feature, Dreamer of Narnia with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, BBC television’s The Worlds of Fantasy, PBS’s The Question of God, a documentary about Focus on the Family Radio Theater’s audio dramatization of The Screwtape Letters, among others.  The author makes his home in the Lake District of northwest England.

Link to Author's: Website, Twitter
Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 
  
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic

He might not have arms or legs, but that doesn't stop Nick Vujicic from (1) writing a book, (2) bringing a voice to the action of faith and (3) surfing, thus, producing this most epic cover picture that has ever graced the front of a book (note: number 3 might be biased but don't you agree?). Come alongside Nick as he shares honest, raw, and personal details of his life and others who have been divinely impacted by having faith in God's promises and love and acting on them.

What it's About

Being unstoppable is about believing and achieving. It’s about having faith in yourself, your talents and your purpose and, most of all, in God’s great love and His divine plan for your life.

Millions around the world recognize the smiling face and inspirational message of Nick Vujicic.  Despite being born without arms or legs, Nick’s challenges have not kept him from enjoying great adventures, a fulfilling and meaningful career, and loving relationships.  Nick has overcome trials and hardships by focusing on the promises that he was created for a unique and specific purpose, that his life has value and is a gift to others, and that no matter the despair and hard times in life, God is always present. Nick credits his success in life to the power that is unleashed when faith takes action.

But how does that happen?  In Unstoppable Nick addresses adversity and difficult circumstances that many people face today, including:

·         Personal crises
·         Relationship issues
·         Career and job challenges
·         Health and disability concerns
·         Self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and addictions
·         Bullying, persecution, cruelty, and intolerance
·         Balance in body, mind, heart, and spirit
·         Service to others

Through stories from his own life and the experiences of many others, Nick explains how anyone wanting a “ridiculously good life” can respond to these issues and more to become unstoppable. What’s standing in your way?  Are you ready to become unstoppable? 

My Thoughts 

This book was incredibly powerful. It was encouraging and insightful. Nick did a tremendous job with Unstoppable. 

I am not much of a non-fiction reader, but when I saw this cover I was intrigued to read the contents of this book. Some previous knowledge I had of Nick Vujicic was that he was a man who Oprah had on her show. His message of God's love was astounding and inspiring. How could you not look at this man and see that he is able to do everything because of his amazing faith in God and God's purpose for him. 

Nick made some great points. I ended up reading this book with a highlighter of some sort within hands reach for the moment that a passage or sentence really struck me. 

There was one point that was so meaningful for me. As a college stundent, even an adult, there is always the question why am I here? What is my purpose. Nick made an excellent point, 

Nothing will bring you down faster than living without purpose or losing track of whatever you are most passionate about: the gift that gives you job and makes your life meaningful (p.45, Nick Vujicic). 

I love that passage, and it really fires me up when it comes to my passion for theatre. I'm sure for others who read that same sentence agreed with Nick and thought of that one passion they have that most likely God gave them.

Nick does not shy away from gritty and dark moments in his life. I love honesty in writing. I love the way Nick did it. He wrote that if you--the reader-- were going through rough patches those moments can be used to help others, and not to believe that God has left you in those moments. Just having those insights, that advice, can really help people look at their situation from a different standing. A much more meaningful one to be exact.

Unstoppable is a book that I have been telling everyone about. My mother, my friends, anyone. Plus, when you're reading this in public the cover alone provides for great discussion openers. This is a book that will encourage believers in their walk to act in life with the realization that they have "the incredible power of faith". It's full of outstanding testimony that deeply show the greatness of God. Highly recommend this book if you  want to get out of your comfort zone of sharing your faith and really want to dig deep in the essence of God's love for you.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  

Want to learn more about the author? 
Link to Nick Vujicic's Organization: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
Link to Nick's website: http://www.nickvujicic.com/
Link to Nick's twitter: https://twitter.com/nickvujicic
Link to Nick's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NickVujicic

Watch the trailer to Nick's novel Unstoppable

Want to read Unstoppable?
Purchase a copy here: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Princess Ever After is Rachel Hauck's second book in the The Royal Wedding Series. If you loved Princess Diaries as a young woman or young girl this is the next story that you should read. It's quirky, funny, full of blushing faces, and demonstrates that the roles God puts us in are exactly roles we could never see ourselves having.
 
Goodreads Summary

Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny. 

My Thoughts 

I loved Rachel Hauck's first book in her Royal Wedding Series, Once Upon a Prince. If you have yet to read Once Upon a Prince than I suggest you read my first review on that. Just click right here and  let your heart fall in love with the Royal Wedding Series.

After I finished that one I was counting down the days for the release of  the second book, Princess Ever After. I'm like the next girl, I love a good fairytale/princess/romance story, but for some reason I felt this story fell flat. Which was a bummer. It was still good, yet it was not all I was hoping and rooting for.

It's still a great read and I whizzed right through the story in a day, but when I finished it I just didn't get the same butterfly feeling of happiness when I closed the book like I did with the first one. 

Hauck had a lot of elements in this story. 

All were very creative and thought out, but sometimes they didn't seem to mix well together. There was the continuing story line of Hessenberg becoming an independent nation, then on the side there was excerpts from Reggie's great-grandmother's diary when she was Duchess. Then there was a scheming Prime Minister on the side. The story had a royalesque feel to it. I just felt some parts of the story were rushed for me. I would have liked to get to know [SPOILER LOOK AWAY FROM THE NEXT SENTENCE] Tanner's twin daughters, but we only got a few lines. 

As for the romance. It was very high school. It was cute. When you read the book and get a feel of Reggie and Tanner it makes more sense. Both Reggie and Tanner fit each other, and I liked their playful jibes. Did the romance make my stomach flipped? Not exactly. Did it feel rushed? Yes. But it was a romance I would feel comfortable sharing with my younger sister. So that is a plus in my book! 

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group. 

Want to give it a try? Check out the first couple of pages here.  
Link to Author's Facebook and website  
Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 
Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance,  Princess Ever After, with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

  One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
• Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

 In His Grace,                                                                                                                 Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Hopeful (Return to Sugarcreek #1) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray is a tender story written with a group of honest voices that carry its story. Many things are happening in Sugarcreek, and Gray does such a wonderful job at showcasing each trial and difficult circumstance that each person goes through. Hopeful is the first of this new series to look out for and to get lost in. Get ready to fall in love with Sugarcreek and the people who call it home.


Goodreads Summary
In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?

Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something's missing: a family of her own.

Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she's always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she's pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she's thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he's only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.

If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she'll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?

My Thoughts 

This year might be the year of the Amish genre of my 2014 reading. It's a genre that is a little out of my usual zone and I am still getting the hang of the German language that is incorporated into the story. So far all is going swell! 

When I first started this book I had no expectations. (Sometimes that is the best way to go about reading a book.) This book is a fast read. It only has 256 pages, so it's a perfect weekend read or even a perfect in between book. You will be surprised how enjoyable this book is once you get into it. I couldn't believe how much I loved this story and it's characters. 

I found myself to really like both the main characters - Miriam and Junior. I couldn't help but relate to Miriam so much when it came to personal attributes. There where even times that I couldn't help but be encouraged by her selflessness. I related a lot to Junior as well, as the eldest I understood his burden of that role. Miriam and Junior's relationship was anything but perfect. It was full of unrequited and blind love. Now the question throughout the rest of the story is will they have any type of relationship? By the time you get halfway through the book you'll be rooting for something that involves the "L" word, trust me! 

There was also a group of  secondary characters which I believe Gray is going to incorporate into the rest of her Sugarcreek series. These characters were just as developed and had issues and past mysteries that were causing them hindrance from having a normal life. I really liked this additional point of view. I thought it was well done and didn't stray that much from the Miriam and Junior plotline. If anything it only made this book much more fuller. Fuller in the sense that I felt that I was apart of this little Amish/Englisher community that wasn't just full of two people and their comedic relationship, but full of people that know Miriam and Junior and have lives of their own. I am very much looking forward to seeing how Gray uses these characters through the rest of her series. 

If you are looking for a book that can lift your moods and give you a overall good feeling this is a perfect book. I would even recommend this book for younger girls (mostly teens)  because the ages of Miriam and Junior is around early twenties. There is a lot of discussions about relationships and how one view's oneself that can come from reading this book. It could be a great mother-daughter book. Or sister-sister. Or friend-friend. ;)  

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

Purchase a copy 
Learn more about the author 

   
Enter to win one of FIVE copies of the book. 

Five winners will receive:

• Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 23rd. All winners will be announced February 24th at Shelley's blog.

Enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 24th to see if YOU won one of the books!

 

In His Grace,                                                                                                                                     Taylor Reid

Avenged (Pacific Coast Justice #3) by Janice Cantore

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/5_nav/guidelines.php#sthash.IZfYgVSA.dpuf

Caution: If you have not yet read the first two of Janice Cantore's Pacific Coast Justice series, I highly suggest you stop reading this review and go straight to your physical and or electronic bookstore and purchase the first two. There are here and here if own a kindle device! Sorry for all you Nook readers, I read off of my Kindle app, so I'm a little biased. ;)

Still, if you are just interested I would suggest you read further on if you are one of those readers who likes to know a little more about the characters. I will do my best to not have give any spoilers and if I just can't help myself I will warn you before hand! Sound good? Alright awesome! Without further ado, I present to you my review of Avenged by Janice Cantore.

Goodreads Summary

When Officer Carly Edwards finds three young gangbangers shot execution style, she and her husband, Sergeant Nick Anderson, head of the gang unit, fear Las Playas may be on the verge of a gang war. 

The Las Playas PD is put on high alert as tensions escalate between rival gangs, especially after Carly confiscates weapons from a gang leader and learns they were stolen from a military base along with explosive devices.But something isn't adding up, and Carly suspects there might be more going on. 

As she prepares to testify at a major trial, Carly's reputation is shredded by a reporter apparently trying to discredit her professionally. Facing pressure on all fronts, Carly must rely on faith and trust God in a deeper way during one of the biggest struggles of her career.

My Thoughts

I just powered through this book. It's action packed, in your face, and wrapped up together splendidly with all of the of elements that you gotta love about cop dramas. 

This book starts off with one of the craziest openers I have ever read ever, be that Christian fiction or regular fiction. From there the book only gets more intense. 

Carly was an admirable heroine that I was surprised I really liked. (Spoiler warning, skip to next paragraph if you have no read this series yet.) When I first started to read this series, I was always so confused with why Carly took her husband back. I'm going to be honest and say I have issues when people cheat on their spouses, even in fiction. Still, Janice did a really good job at showing healing between Carly and Nick (her then ex now husband again). It's one thing to forgive and forget, but to actually move on with that same person in a different season of one's life that is committed to Christ was a refreshing and honest. 

This book deals with the theme of trust, especially in God. Carly deals with a lot of heat that comes her way that could possibly put her job in jeopardy. Carly still has her doubts, but she has her relationship with God to cling to. This book deals with trust in others as well. Carly has a new found trust in and for her now again husband Nick. Trust that he loves her and that God has Nick in His hands. This component of the book I felt was light but after reading all of the books it was nice to see Carly come to a full circle. The job that Carly and Nick have is anything but safe, and only does trust in God give them comfort that no matter what He has them in His hands. 

If you are a cop show loving enthusiast I highly recommend this book. The writing is strong, because (1) the author is a retired cop of 22 years in Long Beach and (2) it will grip you as the reader! It has a strong woman who doesn't have to lower her morals to get the job done. She is capable and willing to do anything to get the bad guy. 

Avenged is a great book that will put you on the edge of your seat! So cuddle up with a nice side of popcorn and follow along with Carly as she solves her final case in Avenged. 
 
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/5_nav/guidelines.php#sthash.IZfYgVSA.dpuRating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. 

Link to author's Website: Click here
Purchase links: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook

Do you like to read suspense novels? This is one series that actually kept my attention.  

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/5_nav/guidelines.php#sthash.IZfYgVSA.dpuf