Sunday, December 1, 2013

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

Stones for Bread will make you feel like you just took a bite out of a warm delicious piece of bread. It will fill you up and consume you with it's unique and charming story of a young woman whose passion for bread takes her farther than she ever imagined--or wanted. 

Goodreads Summary
What do you do when the gift you thought was bread turns out to be stones?Liesl McNamara’s Wild Rise is not only a popular bakehouse and cafĂ© in Vermont, it’s an extension of herself. Liesl is an artisan bread maker, like her mother and grandmother before her. Even though she lost her mother to suicide when she was eleven, she keeps this maternal bond alive as she bakes. Liesl prides herself on living an uncomplicated, unattached life. But that changes when Seamus walks through the door of Wild Rise, lugging the large bags of whole wheat flour from the local food co-op. 

He and his daughter Cecelia have recently moved to the country seeking simplicity. Despite her best effort, Liesl becomes attracted to this teddy bear of a man who laughs easily and eats strange sandwich concoctions—on her bread, much to her dismay.
 

Her simple life is further complicated when a popular cooking show features her bakery. The publicity increases her business and brings several offers from larger businesses, all of which she turns down. But it also brings a completely unexpected phone call, one from a woman claiming to be her half-sister.
 

Liesl’s sense of identity dissolves as everything about her relationship with her mother—and the bread that held them together—comes into question. Has she been given stones rather than bread? And how can she ever take these crumbs and make them whole again?

My Thoughts

This book was a lot of firsts for me as a reader. To be honest I was so busy with school with transferring, work, and personal things that I was not in the reading mood. This is why this review is late! But one day I just decided to just try and read it, and I am so happy that I did. This book slowed everything down around me and from there I was captivated by this magnificent and truly endearing story that had captured my heart.

I don't usually highlight when I read a book especially when it's fiction. This book though had too many great passages that I could not not highlight or underline. 

There is so much strength and raw honesty from Liesl. She is a woman who has this connection to bread that is inspirational. She goes through a lot of uncomfortable situations in this book. First learning she'll be on t.v. for a bake-off show, than to being famous, to finding out she was adopted and so on and so on. Oh, and she is falling in love with an adorable and kind man and his daughter and trying to find out how that can work. It's all so common and yet not-- all of the things that she are placed in her path. All she wanted was peace and to go on her normal path. 

I can relate to that even now more than before reading this. 

From Liesl's POV, to her flashbacks as a child dealing with self harm, to her delicious bread recipes scattered throughout the book and also a look into bread through a biblical POV this book was overloading with genius and allure. You just want more because you never want it to stop. I loved every bite of this book. 

Liesl's story will take you through the hardest struggle of her life which is her identity. For everyone who has ever doubted their purpose and connection to someone or something will empathize and relate to this. 

The author tells us by the end of the book the meaning of the book. I just adore when authors do this! Don't you? 

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

Purchase a copy 
Learn more about the author 
Litfuse Giveaway Ends 12/7

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

"Beloved" Winner Announcement!!!!

Wow this is my second giveaway and it's so amazing to see the great community online that love some good ol' Christian fiction! So encouraging!

I loved reading every single one of the responses. It was so touching and beautiful to read that everyone had a common love which was Jesus. Seriously ladies that is so beautiful it made my day!
 Now to get to the main event and what you have been waiting for! The winner(s)!!!!

The winners are Amanda and Patty!!! 

Congrats ladies! I have contacted you via my g-mail account so check you inboxes for the next step to get your copies! 

Thank you again everyone this online community rocks! Have a blessed week! 

Stay tuned for more giveaways in the future ;) 

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid    

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Favorite Austen Moments KINDLE HDX Giveaway, Pinterest Contest and Facebook Party!

Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.
dearmrknightley-400

  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
  • Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace) 
Two ways to win! Enter today by clicking one of the icons below or participating in the Pinterest contest (see banner below)—or BOTH! 

But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Dear Mr. Knightley" Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine's next book.

So grab your copy of  Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd 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 clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

I am over the moon that I got the opportunity to review this marvelous debut novel by the igneous Katherine Reay! If this book is not on your "To Be Read" list it needs to be A.S.A.P.
 
Goodreads

Dear Mr. Knightley is a contemporary epistolary novel with a delightful dash of Jane Austen.
 

Samantha Moore survived years of darkness in the foster care system by hiding behind her favorite characters in literature, even adopting their very words. Her fictional friends give her an identity, albeit a borrowed one. But most importantly, they protect her from revealing her true self and encountering more pain.
 

After college, Samantha receives an extraordinary opportunity. The anonymous “Mr. Knightley” offers her a full scholarship to earn her graduate degree at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. The sole condition is that Sam write to Mr. Knightley regularly to keep him apprised of her progress.
 

As Sam’s true identity begins to reveal itself through her letters, her heart begins to soften to those around her—a damaged teenager and fellow inhabitant of Grace House, her classmates at Medill, and, most powerfully, successful novelist Alex Powell. But just as Sam finally begins to trust, she learns that Alex has secrets of his own—secrets that, for better or for worse, make it impossible for Sam to hide behind either her characters or her letters.

My Thoughts


Reay wrote a truly whimsical novel that is unique in all in its own. Why do I think that?

The reasons being: 
1. The novel's female lead is in college (master's program). As a college student myself I am always looking for Christian fiction set in some sort of college aspect. 
2. The romance takes place through letters first. You have to read to find out. 
3. The female lead is also not a strong Christian and she goes through the self-doubt of God probably doesn't care about her. It's refreshing I feel to read books of Christians and or people figuring God out to wrestle with these tough circumstances. It's never easy but it is common. Personally, I have came to like when it's conveyed in novels.
4. The main character is a runner and forms her first genuine friendship through running. I thought that was unique and a nice touch! 

I just love the way this book was written. The voice was real, honest, and hilarious. I loved Sam to be honest. At times I felt I knew Sam all to well. I related with her on so many levels. Being a bookaholic I feel at times I would rather read a book than converse with people! Ha! All truth being set aside Sam is just a overall strong character. Being in the foster care with numerous families has taken a toll on her with people relationships. But through the love of God being shown through the many people being put into her life she is able to overcome her limitations. 

The romance in this book is not in your face. Which I still liked. Alex and Sam together I thought were like peanut butter and jelly. They complemented each other so well. Both loving books and would have quote-offs. Some people might think that is so-so but my book lover's heart melted. These two were well developed and not just your cookie-cutter girl meets boy, boy meets girl, happy ending. No. They had issues. You could tell. Yet, they were able to be hones with one another. 

As I said before I loved, loved, loved, loved, the way this book was written. I loved all the characters. Even the side characters. There was not one 1-sided character. The writing was so splendid that I felt like I was actually there with Sam as she was having coffee with Alex in Barnes and Noble, or when she was running during the Chicago Marathon (by the way I knew how she felt being that I just recently finished my first half-marathon, half or full having the word marathon guarantees some pain). 

This book blew me away! It was something I never expected!


If you want a book that could spice up your Christian romance drought. Try this book out. I would seriously even recommend this book to people who aren't Christians. It's seriously that diverse. It's spectacular and I know during winter break I will most likely reread the book out of this book! 

I already feel that Katherine Reay is the type of author that will make us impatiently wait and yearn to the next novel! I know I already am!

As you can tell this is a special book to me! Ha! What is a special book to you? For Sam is was anything Jane Austin! 

Rating: 5 out 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid  

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: To Know You by Shannon Ethride and Kathryn Mackel

To Know You is a beautifully woven novel that challenges its readers as the believers and non-believer characters are  challenged in face in the most intense and trying ways.  

Goodreads 

Years ago, Julia Whittaker gave up two daughters for adoption. Now she must find them to try to save the life of her son.
 

Julia and Matt Whittaker’s son was diagnosed with biliary atresia at birth. Dillon has beaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds—and his liver—crash precipitously. The only hope for his survival is a transplant. He can receive a “living liver” transplant but neither his parents, nor various family members and friends, are compatible.
 

The transplant list is long and Dillon’s time is short. Very short.
He has two chances for a compatible liver: his two older half-sisters, born eighteen months apart and adopted at birth.
 

But can Julia ask a young woman—someone she surrendered to strangers—to donate a portion of her body to a brother she’s never known? Will either sister even be a match for their half-brother? 

Will either of them show mercy and courage if they are?
 

Julia knows she’s probably on a fool’s errand—reaching out to the daughters she abandoned only now that she needs them. But what other choice does she have except to try. 

My Thoughts 

This book caught me off guard. It was incredibly extreme on multiple levels of discomfort and emotions that I had to take a step back and take a breathe. I was gripped with these characters and their struggles that were all too unique and heartbreaking. I could not stop crying. I could not help by relate. I could not stop reading. This book explores the depths of love and sacrifice in family and how our decisions can affect others around us and not just ourselves.

Ethride and Mackel outdid themselves when they wrote this book. This is not a common story where bio-mom comes and tries to rebuild bridges with the two daughters she gave up for adoption years ago. 

Nope. 

Julia is a woman on her knees who knows that what she is asking of the two young women is completely outrageous. Her son needs a liver and his two half sisters might be the answer to Julia and her husband's fourteen years of prayer. 

The depth of this book is so much more than I could hope to describe on this post. The characters are human. Their sin is ugly. But isn't that the truth of all sin? Not one character is "normal". They're all messed up and complicated and feel unworthy of God. This is real life though. Real life is messy, human and ugly.  

The ending completed this book in a full circle of redemption and forgiveness. The characters will surprise you in their decisions when it comes to the end of this book.

The writing was perfect and I can not wait for the next book in this series to see the development of more of the characters that were just touched on the surface in  Veil of Secrets which will be available July 2014. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
 
 I recommend though that you check out the first novel before so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into! Here is a link to the amazon page for purchase.

To learn more about the authors here are two links to Shannon Ehtide and Kathryn Mackel's websites. Great websites with a lot of info about their other ministries and books.

Litfuse Giveaway Alert! 11/19 

To Know You is Shannon’s debut fiction release, and she’s celebrating by giving away a $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs and a personal coaching session, as well as throwing a Facebook Author Chat Party. 

Link to the page for more details! Enter in before it's too late!  

For His Kingdom, 
Taylor Reid   

Thursday, October 31, 2013

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

Monday, October 28, 2013

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
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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