Litfuse Blog Tour Event: As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti

As Waters Gone By is a deep and touching story about a woman coming to terms with the new challenges in her life.  It's a story about moving on, and allowing the "hypothetical" waters to wash away the memories of the past and begin with "a home of new memories."  This is a story that is full of fresh perspectives and has a cast of incredible characters that makes the story even more satisfying to read. 

Cynthia Ruchti is able to bring to life a story that is both new and fresh. Her writing alone makes you feel like you're in a cottage on an island, standing on the shore while you feel the waves bury your feet in the sand.  You'll want to get deeper and deeper into this story to fully appreciate all that it has to offer! 

*Also, details down below for a giveaway!*

Summary 

Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again. Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Cafe, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she's ready for Max's release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?  

My Thoughts

Did I sell you yet on my little intro on why you need to read basically anything by Cynthia Ruchti? I know we're not suppose to judge a book by it's cover, but I would think at least from personal experience I would reach for the book that had a more exciting cover. When it comes to Ruchti's covers there is always a purpose.  This cover is still gorgeous and it's the place where the story is driven and takes place, but you wouldn't think that such a enjoyable story would be in its pages.  Well I have to tell you it is! There is one thing that I've learned from reading Ruchti's books and it's this: take your time.  Her writing is so incredible and it feels like each sentence has a purpose.  In the first chapter she used the number three in such a way that ( I know it sounds absurd) is really cool, and as a reader I appreciate those little things that brings out an author's skills in writing.  

This story felt like a more solid Eat, Pray, Love. The main character Em starts anew on Madeline Island in wait of her husband being released from prison in 8 months.  She has time to prepare, and she does so on the island where they bought  cottage that needs a lot more care than she anticipated.  From there she meets people that she realizes have more in common with her than she thinks. She develops relationships that push her to love, care, open up and become more honest with herself and also with her husband.  There is also a young girl named Hope who challenges her the most, and through this challenge she finds the family she's being yearning for. I loved the development of Em from beginning to end, it was just a treat to read. 

Ruchti is probably one of my favorite authors when it comes to needing something a little different that stills has everything I could ask for in a book. 

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

About the Author 

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, speaking for women’s events and retreats, writers’ events and retreats, nonfiction books and devotionals, drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry. Her books have been recognized by RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Retailers’ Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and Carol Award nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers’ Choice Award.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N 
*giveaway news down below*

Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination
• A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. The winner will be announced June 11th on Cynthia's blog.

 

Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia's mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you'll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:

• The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
• A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
• A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
• Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Side by Side (a novel) by Jana Kelley

Side by Side by Jana Kelley is the most compelling, exciting, and powerful read of 2015 in Christian literature.  It centers around two women that come from different backgrounds and faiths and how they soon come to depend on each other.  It shows from beginning to end how God brings them together and uses them.  It asks the question: "how far would you go to pursue your faith in God?" Would you be willing to follow Him even when your family, friends and even your own country seem to be against you?  Side by Side is a blending of real-life events and real heroes that creates a story that should be on everyone's "to be read" list.


Summary 

In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia's life collides with that of another young woman. A young Christian American mother, Mia finds more than one dark secret on the streets of Khartoum. She finds Halimah, a young, upper-class Arab student with a bright future in her family's business whose risky and secretive decision has put her life in danger. What happens when the path of young mother intersects with that of a spunky Sudanese student? God transforms them both . . .forever. Side by Side is based on real-life events. Part of New Hope Publishers' contemporary missional fiction line, Side by Side opens the reader's eyes to the life of Muslims in Sudan as well as some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as pray for the salvation of those who persecute.

My Thoughts 

This book was a nice rest from the typical books I review on here.  I tend to review books that center around a strong female character and her love interest.  But when I saw this up for review, I knew I had to take a chance and mix up my reading.  It was so worth it.  I didn't expect the story to be so mesmerizing.  The writing was perfect: I could feel the hot days in Sudan, the mugginess of the air, I could hear the sounds the characters were hearing. I felt like I was in Sudan each time I picked up this book and read.  Kelley is a wondering writer who has taken life experiences as a missionary and other true life stories of other individuals and has presented a story that is very much current.  

What I liked about this story that it was about two strong women experiencing new changes in their life.  For Mia it was the change of surroundings and adapting to living in a new country that had different expectations of women, and for Halimah it was believing the truth of who was God and the true calling of her life.  I couldn't get over how convicting this book was, it put into perspective so many things that I think could be relateable to anyone reading this book. 

This book was intense as well.  It didn't shy away from the hard gruesome facts such as Halimah being shunned and beaten for her new found faith, and the spiritual warfare that Mia was experiencing in her doubt and fear. Yet, it didn't make the story scary at all, instead it made it inspiring. The reason being that instead of rolling up into a ball and trying to hide from the darkness of their circumstances, Halimah and Mia found strength in God and moved onward.  They knew it wasn't going to be an easy path, and still followed God's call for them. 

This book was beautiful and I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to read this book.   

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

About the Author  

Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After 13 years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live. 

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

Happy Reading~ 
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Book Review #25: From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start by Melissa Tagg is her newest series that introduces the Walker Family to her readers. If you are a fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series than you will love this book. It has everything from romance to characters dealing with loss and healing, humor, plus the characters are written with flaws and great qualities that make them so relateable and a thrill to read. From the Start is the perfect April read for 2015! 

Summary 

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

My Thoughts 

Oh my gosh, yes. Just thank you Tagg, thank you! Now I have a new series to fill the void of the emptiness I feel when waiting for Warren's Christiansen series. Disclaimer: this book is anything but something to fill a void, it will start a new one. I need to read the next one now, but on with the review. 

Tagg's writing style is always an enjoyment to read for me. I have never laughed or smiled more than when I read her books. She has this wonderful ability to incorporate personalities of characters that aren't usually seen in "typical" Christian contemporary fiction. Also, the way in which she tells a story is amazing. She  knows how to pace well for her readers and gives just enough that makes us want to keep reading to get more. And as I said in a review long ago about her first book,                               

"the development spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically for all of Tagg's characters [is] genuine and honest,"

and Tagg keeps this the same for her writing still which for me makes it a solid read. 

Kate Walker is the first of the Walker clan to have her story told and it was a great choice. She was a strong independent woman who wrote scripts for romance movies, but the romance in her life was a bit closed off due to a past relationship. Kate had a crazy amount of growth in this book: from opening up to having a moment of healing and moving on with the man from the past relationship. It was a full circle for her I felt which I loved. Kate wasn't just passionate about writing romance either, but had a passion for  writing grants because of how it connected her to her late mother. This showed that she wasn't just plugged into one certain area of writing and that choice for Kate showed that Tagg really cares about her characters and makes them as real as a writer can. My favorite line from the book that relates back to Kate is "Be the girl who takes the risk and goes after what she wants."

Colton Greene is the embodiment of  the protagonist male. He was injured both mentally and physically. Colton had a lot of growth in this story. He has a few flashbacks to the death of his parents that make him physically shaken up and this part of his story was the most interesting. It wasn't until the last like four chapters that the complete truth is revealed to not only the readers but to Colton as well, and I have to say it was a curve ball for sure! I liked how Tagg used his storyline of being in foster care as a way for him to start a foundation for transitioning young men in the same situation. It was just another element that Tagg gives her characters that make them dimensional and great to read. 

As for the cover: gorgeous! Do not be fooled by the huge scarf that Colton is wearing: there is a story there! Also, please please please please let the next story be about Rae and Bear. I am just already hoping and praying that they have a story. Can we get a hint, Tagg? 2016 is too far away to wait. Just a snippet? 

Warning: be prepared to get attached to a new family of characters and a small town with even more well developed characters that have stories that are raw and real and make you want to read about them forever. 

Melissa Tagg, you are now on my auto-buy list. Great work! 

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

About the Author 

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book.

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


Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid

Book Review #24: Sabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5) by Dani Pettrey

Sabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5) is the fifth installment in her thriller series set in the Alaskan wilderness. With the elements of nature, blackmail, kidnapping, and multiple accounts of attempt murder along with a possible loving relationship starting to bloom this book is jam packed from beginning to end. If you love the intense moments of spy movies and the complexity of crime shows this book has combined these two into a great read. 

Summary 

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

My Thoughts 

This book has a lot. I mean a lot of stuff. Because it is the fifth book there isn't much character introduction due to the fact that all of these characters have been in previously introduced already in the other four books. For this reason, I would highly recommend reading the other four. I would only benefit you more as the reader. I have read two out of the four before this book, and I still had to go back and refresh my memory for characters. Other than that it is a good read. 
  
I loved though that Pettrey didn't waste much time with this novel, she just got right to it with her writing. As the readers, we are introduced to the Iditarod race where Kirra and Reef are on watch together and Kirra's uncle goes missing from check-in. This starts all the roller coaster of thrill and high stakes of life and death begins and continues until the end of the novel. 

Kirra was an interesting character. She takes on the responsibility to find out the men who are blackmailing her uncle as he is partaking in the race. With that it brings up a lot of past events that still haven't fully healed her mental, physical and spiritual scars. There were moments where I felt Kirra was a bit too forced as a written character but I think that might just be a personal thought. I did like her though for her courage, dedication to her family and how willing she was to look past Reef's image. 

Now for Reef. He was introduced in the second novel I believe wanted for murder or under suspicion for it, spoiler alert it wasn't him. Anyways he is known as the bad boy.  In this novel we finally get to see what Reef is thinking and feeling which is refreshing. I like the idea of introducing characters in a story that have a complete background in that book and than get to have their own book where they are really introduced. Reef is just like any strong male character, easily likeable. He is the type of character that always is wanted in a novel. His interaction and relationship with Kirra was good. Sometimes it felt that because of all of the tense drama the love component of their relationship was pushed the side. Which is fine, it's just not a type of book where the characters have a sit down dinner and talk about their feelings. 

If you loved the other novels and have been following this series from the beginning then you will be happy to know that each character makes an appearance in this novel as well. They even get a part of the action. As always this book has strong family dynamics with siblings that are willing to do whatever they need to do for family. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves  
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author  

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one's faith and plenty of romance. She's a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach.

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

Happy Reading~! 
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Book Review #23: Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1) by Dina L. Sleiman

Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1) by Dina L. Sleiman is mixing the story of Robin Hood with the arrow skills of Katniss Everdeen while blending in the issue of faith. If the synopsis of this book doesn't already make you want to pick up this book and start reading, I encourage you to read the book anyways because this is a new series that you will want to be reading.  It's fresh, it's engaging, it's exciting, and it's just plain fun to read. These are the kinds of stories that can be read from ages 9 to 99. 

Summary
 
Though once a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village. Dubbed "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest," her band of followers soon become enemies of the throne when they hijack ill-gotten gold meant for the king.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, will he choose fame or love?

My Thoughts 

As for the components of the book such as: characters, plot, message, creativeness, etc.  I was really impressed.  Merry is a really strong female character, and she has a lot of compassion and willingness to protect others.  I liked how she was someone who was going through doubt in terms of her faith, and that might sound weird.  But I like reading about characters that are going through things that are human, such as doubt. Then throughout the story she struggles and ends up coming closer to God. It’s not clean or a simple answer that does it, but it’s her searching and that’s what I liked about it. Another side note, is when reading this I saw Merry like the Keira Knightley's movie, Princess of Thieves which I really liked so basically Merry is awesome. A good thing to keep in mind when reading.

Timothy was another character that was a good opposite for Merry.  He was someone who just like her has a lot of compassion and willingness to help others.  For Timothy he yearns to save Merry from her troubles, and to help lessen her burden.  I loved his selflessness and dedication to Merry.  It wasn’t that he thought she was helpless or a damsel in distress, but he truly wanted to help her.  It’s throughout the story that he learns and sees for himself how much Merry is capable of, which makes his love for her grow even more. 

If you have ever read YA fiction this book definitely reminded me of Graceling.  Merry is a strong character that will have fans of the Hunger Games or Divergent series excited to read this book.  So excited for the characters of this book to be further developed in the next books to come!  By the way, the covers are gorgeous! 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author  

Novelist, Poet, Dancer, Wife, Mother and Passionate Follower of Christ. Check out her novels, Dance of the Dandelion, Love in Three Quarter Time, Dance from Deep Within, Dauntless and Chivalrous.

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

Seriously, don't miss out on this new series. You'll want to join this thrilling medieval bandwagon.

Happy Reading~!
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Do you love all things fairytales, romance and charming princes that have emotional scars? Do you love strong females protagonists that have a great sense of humor and love others well? Look no further than How to Catch a Prince, the third book of The Royal Wedding Series, by Rachel Hauck because it has all of the above and more. It's one of the must 2015 spring reads this year!

Summary 

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.

Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.

But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever."

My Thoughts 
 
This is the third and final book in the Royal Weddings Series written by the queen of Christian romance, Rachel Hauck. This novel has all the romance, humor and even a dash of the supernatural (think more along the line of angels) that makes it a most enjoyable read. 

Now, if you haven’t read the other two books I would highly recommend that you do. But, if you just want to read this book, that’s fine too. Hauck does really well at writing series that can be all read together or even as a stand-alone. 

As for the book, I loved it. Hauck has this knack for writing female leads that are both hilarious and likeable.  They are the kinds of characters that you want to read, and they don’t let down.  Corina is a wonderful addition to the two other great female leads from the two other books in this series.  She isn’t just spunky, but she has a lot of grief that she is still struggling and dealing with as we meet her in this story.  I really liked how well Hauck handled a really tough issue with her characters that involved war and death.  I felt that it didn’t depress the plot in any way, but made it more humanized and emotionally powerful.  Stephen (the prince, cue swooning) is the mysterious younger brother that was introduced in the first book. I knew from his introduction he would have his own story, and it was refreshing to read his.  He as well as Corina was dealing with a lot of grief and regrets for his past mistakes and it’s through his rekindling with Corina that he begins to live again and move forward. Also, it doesn’t hurt that he also have a great personality. 

Overall, this is a good book.  Aside from some corny conversations that felt a little too much. I did enjoy this read.  It’s the perfect modern day fairy tale that intertwines faith, forgiveness, healing and how God leads someone through all of that.  If you love romance, humor, and modern day princes that fall in love with the modern day female who is strong and funny than this is the book for you! Pick up your copy today!! 

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

If are you interested in at all about my thoughts on the other two books here are the reviews to Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After.

About the Author 

RITA finalist and award winning author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida. With strong southern stories, she infuses faith and real life into the lives of her fictional characters.

Rachel loves to encourage new writers and is the book therapist for My Book Therapy and writing community founded by Susan May Warren. Rachel graduated from Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism. She's and avid OSU football fan.

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

GIVEAWAY******
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck's new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a "royal" prize pack! 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
• 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
• The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel's blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}  

Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 

Taylor Reid