Going away for the Summer! Coming back soon~

Hello my fellow reiders! I have some news! I am going on a summer missions trip with Cru (Christian Crusade for Christ) starting tomorrow until August 10th! This means I will be a little MIA when it comes to posting reviews. I'm really excited about this opportunity, but I also look forward to coming back to this blog in August with some new stuff I am reading. So I will be back! Look forward to it because there are some awesome books coming out towards the end of this year! 

Have a great summer!  And read some books!

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid  

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

 All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti covers some of the most interesting aspects of life. Running away from one's past, earning trust, giving forgiveness and understanding love in a new light. Don't judge this book by it's cover, it'll have you on the edge of your seat. It's a perfect story of "hope that glows in the dark." If you haven't started your summer reading start it off with this book. 

Goodreads Summary 

Jayne Dennagee has spent her life running from the doctor death legacy of her father. His Kervorkian-copycat methods of euthanasia ruined her childhood, covering it in shame. She won t let him steal her future, too. After changing her name to Becka, she assumes a new life and new job caring for the ailing mother of a handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes. Becka struggles to sort out her feelings for her new boss just as her patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage make Becka look like a murder suspect. Worse, all sense of home and all hope for love vanish.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call from prison wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her father is out and he needs her help. Can Becka open her new life to the man who has prematurely taken so many? Or will her father s legacy make it impossible to open her heart at all?

My Thoughts

Holy guacamole (if you read the book you will get this reference) did I love this book. Seriously, I don't even remember signing up for the blog tour, but oh man am I happy I got the chance to read this book. This has got to be one of the most surprising reads for me this year. The cover alone makes you think it has nothing special inside, but that is WRONG! It has all kinds of special inside. First off the writing and story telling are spot on. Ruchti outdid herself with the multiple layers of this story that really pull you in with its intensity and heartwarming scenes. A+++

I'm sure a lot of us would love to start over. As nice as it sounds it doesn't mean that it will be easy, and for Jayne that proves true. Now with her new name of Becca (also you totally get why this name was chosen I felt so stupid I didn't get it til the end of the book) she struggles with not being honest with her new employer Issac and his friends and their families that take her in. When her past finds a way into her new life the intensity of this book soars through the pages and it becomes a page turner. Seriously, I couldn't put it down. 

Speaking of her writing, Ruchti has this way of writing characters that make them seem so life like (if that makes any sense). There was a handful of characters, but even with the smaller ones I felt I knew a bit about each one of them. She didn't just introduce them for a line, she used all of her characters in different ways. It's like in real life we have contact with more than 3 people. I like books that do this, and the way that Ruchti went about that made this book even that much better. 

This book deals with a lot of heavy themes. Such as mercy-killing, the kind that involves patients and pharmacists. This is the first book where that was the source of conflict and I found it really interesting how it ended. This book also parallels with a story in the Bible, one which I will not name because if it's  not apparent now you will still be surprised! I just think that Ruchti handled all of these subjects (others that also involved forgiveness, trust, and adoption) really smoothly. Nothing was left hanging. It was all ended really well, but I would love more of Issac and Becca. Sequel? Please? ;) 

This is a power house book right here. Pick it up! 

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

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, ChristianBook 

Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.

Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!

 
One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa cash card
• All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th 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 11th!

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid                                                                                                                                   

A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

Hello, this is my book review, a long awaited book review to be honest. My life has been quite busy and I will touch on that later in another post because right now I have to tell you about this book I just read. It was positively delectable.   

A Table by the Window (A Novel of Family Secrets and Heirloom Recipes) by Hillary Manton Lodge will leave you craving for more. It's the perfect blend of humor, romance, family secrets and actual recipes that will make you wonder "Could I actually make this?" This delicious novel tells of a young woman finding her own independence and identity that isn't centered around pleasing her bigger than life family. If you are a foodie, bookie, or an inbetween this a book you just have to have a taste of.   

What It's About 

Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love. 

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story. 

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way? 
  
My Thoughts  

How many food puns can I make throughout the rest of this review? I plan on making many. 

I devoured this book. The writing, the plot, the well developed characters and their complexities all gave me a taste of something I couldn't get enough of. Around page 30 is when this obsession with finishing this book began for me as the reader. This book felt alive and yet I feel I can't explain that feeling good enough. But after years of watching the Food Channel and being an Anthony Bourdain fanatic this book was this book did it for me. I highly suggest this for those of you who are going through a "reading slump" because this book helped carry me out of that. 

So where do I begin? It's not fair we were only given 320 pages. I want more. It's like going to a party where there is this delicious dessert and you want more but you can only have one piece. This book is the that piece. I am praying Lodge takes pity on her readers and gives us seconds. 

Let's begin with Juliette. This woman was a character I felt I could call a friend if she was in any of my college classes. I mean who wouldn't want to be friends with a chick who can cook amazing French and Italian cuisine. Sometimes it felt like torture reading this book at 1am because I wanted to stuff my face with the decadent foods she would cook and bake when she was stressed out. I liked her for her passion and how she wrestled with what she wanted in her life. There were times where I felt she was a little emotional but if you read the book you kind of understand her emotional roller coaster. What with her grandmother just passing and her mother being diagnosed with cancer, oh don't forget she's single and everyone reminds her of it, so who could blame her? But she gets herself out of that and I appreciated that strength she had.

Neil. Oh Neil. I like intelligent men, especially if they are funny intelligent men. Neil is one of those funny intelligent men. This is the second book I have read where the romantic interests meet through online dating, and with this day and age I feel it natural and less creepy then probably most. I really liked this aspect of the book. I mean they could have meet in her restaurant or they could have had a fender bender, really the list goes one with the repeating ways I have read of how people meet, but online interaction is more relevant today and I liked that element to their relationship. Plus, did I mention Neil is funny. He's really funny.

The other little touches of this book just made it feel homey, like a apple pie or whatever you would consider homey food. Each chapter began with a quote about food, each chapter ended with real recipes (like I'm sure I could cook all the recipes in this book, maybe that could be a cool blog post) and the writing just felt like it was cooked up with love. Like Lodge made this book with the intention of making sure her reader's would enjoy it, just like a chef does for his and or her customers. My only critique of this book was that the Christian aspect was a little lost. Juliette and Neil talked about praying but I never got to see that part of their lives as much as I would have liked.

With the closing of the book, all of the characters are strong and I can't help but wonder how they will continue on in the next book. The intrigue of the mysterious man in the old photo that looks like Juliette's brother and along with his identity and story still lingers. So please Lodge don't make us wait long. 
  
Please Hillary, I want some more. - Oliver Twist

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

About the Author  

Hillary Manton Lodge's books center on normal people figuring out their lives and wrestling with faith in the Pacific Northwest. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and going on motorcycle rides. She and her husband live in Richland, Washington.

 

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

Purchase her novel: Amazon, B&N, ChristianBook

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Book Review #19: Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin

Until I Found You by Victoria Bylin is a story of two people who find themselves going in a direction they never saw coming. It's a sweet story of how peculiar circumstances bring them together, giving them a truly happy and satisfying romance.

Goodreads Summary 
Contemporary Romance to Make You Laugh, Cry, and Fall in Love 

When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life: "God, if you're real, I want to know you." 

It's Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate's rescue. Nick is handsome, confident, and seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She's not planning to fall in love with one of the locals. 

Nick Sheridan is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet by the car's occupant. He's made a vow: no dating for a year. And it's a vow he intends to keep in spite of his attraction to Kate Darby...

My Thoughts

This book was a first for me when it comes to Victoria Bylin's works. To start off I love the story. It's just gives us a glimpse at these two people which I found really cute. The woman's blue shirt seemed a little big in the back, but other than that I loved the color choices and the font style for the title. 

As for the story I loved the beginning introduction of Nick and Kate. He saves her from the side of a cliff in her crashed car which then explodes. I mean wow action! However, that seemed to be the most action packed scene. I was expecting a lot more, but I felt that Kate and Nick feel in love too fast. Their only connection to one another seemed to be a bird, but other than that I was a little lost with how they could like each other completely based on their looks. It seemed a little empty in that area. Both characters were well developed but in the connection with one another I felt too much was going on around them that I couldn't zone in on them together. 

I really liked the premise and idea of this book, but it was an ok read. There was just a lot in this book from Kate's spiritual status, to falling for Nick, to quitting her job, to helping her dying grandmother, and having issues with Nick, and the other complications that ensued afterwards. It was just a lot to take in for such a small book. I felt it could have been longer instead of feeling rushed at the ending. 

Rating:  3.75 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 

Known for her realistic, likable characters and vivid writing, Victoria Bylin writes both western and contemporary inspirational romance. Her next book, Until I Found You, hits the shelves in May 2014. Victoria's books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards. She and her husband currently live in Lexington, Kentucky and have two grown sons.

Author's: Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads
Buy her book: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Spoken For: Embracing Who You Are and Whose You Are by Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke

Spoken For is a beautiful and poignant book that women in all walks and ages of life should read. It's a wonderful book that is backed up with Biblical truth, personal stories from the authors, and great ending chapter questions to help the readers for personal reflection and great material for quiet times with the Lord. When you read this, get ready for the moving experience that lays out the firm foundation of embracing who you are and whose you are. 

*BONUS DEVOTIONS AT END OF REVIEW*

 

What it's About

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life 

A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?

In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

 My Thoughts 

Being a single lady, I was slightly apprehensive to reading this book due to a personal reason. Truth being told, I really didn't want to read a book that told me that being single meant God was "saving me for the special one" or "you're the precious diamond and He's preparing you." Now, all of these are great and truthful, but for me if a whole book is pointing out my singleness as a way of God just keeping me out of sight for that one guy, I'm out. This book however did not do that. And I am so grateful for that. 

This book doesn't focus on a relationship with another man that could be our husband. Instead, it focuses on the relationship with the perfect Lover. The Lover of our Soul. He wanted me, so He died for me, and because of that the distance between us is shortened to a personal relationship.

I just loved this book. It wasn't too long but it wasn't too short. Each chapter was carefully laid out with a perfect opening beginning to prepare the reader for the content, then from there both Robyn and Alyssa would give a flashback from their lives where God was working and showing them this truth. The truth of what God says and believes of us as His children. 

I could relate a lot more to Alyssa's stories, but Robyn's were just as powerful and meaningful to read. I zoomed through this book and just wanted to keep going. Would love for these two to collaborate more together with books for women with different topics that remind us of who God says we are and what we are with Him. 

You should say Yes to Spoken For.

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

About the Author(s) 

 

Robin Jones Gunn passion for storytelling and travel are evident in all her books, especially the Sisterchicks novels, and she has received thousands of letters from readers around the world who have come to know Christ through her writing. She sees this as her dream come true. Her novels are traveling to foreign lands and her characters are doing what she always longed to do; telling people about God’s love. She is the author of the popular, Christy Miller Series.

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

 

Alyssa Joy Bethke is a popular blogger and a newlywed. She serves with her husband - speaker, author, and spoken word artist Jefferson Bethke - as they travel the world sharing God's lavish grace. Alyssa lives in the Pacific Northwest with Jeff and their yellow lab, Aslan, and ejoys reading, hiking, paddleboarding, and of course, coffee. This is her first book.

Link to Alyssa's: Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

Purchase Spoken For: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

BONUS! As a great kickoff for their book launch, Robin and Alyssa created a ten day devotional that can be accessed on both of their sites. Here are all 10 days!  

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Sensible Arrangment (Lone Star Brides #1) by Tracie Peterson

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson is a remarkable milestone for the author. Being her 100th book this books stands as a great example for all future writers who dream, pursue and experience the constant trial and error that anything is possible. This story is simple and heartwarming at it's best. It's about getting a second chance at love and living again.

Goodreads Summary 

Marty Dandridge Olson is a widow looking for a way out of Texas. Widower Jake Wythe has secured a job as a bank manager in Denver, only to discover that the bank board wants him to be a married man. With Texas in his roots, he advertises for a Lone Star bride, and Marty answers the call. They both agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

Marty works to carve out a new life in high-society Denver as Jake works to guide the bank through a collapsing economy. But when money goes missing at the bank and accounting discrepancies point to Jake, he must find a way to prove his innocence. Yet all he wants to do is go back to Texas and own his own ranch. Marty, on the other hand, owns a ranch–one she’s never told her husband about. She hates Texas because it represents the losses in her life. But as the couple grows closer and love begins to bloom, Marty realizes she needs to tell Jake the truth. Can she come to terms with the past and her anger toward God in order to make room for love?

My Thoughts 

I liked this book. I didn't love it, but I liked it. It was a cute read that kept me good company when I was commuting on the bus to the college I attend. 

I want to commend Peterson for having published her 100th book, and I'm sure she has others just waiting for publication. I always admire author's who just plunge themselves in writing and have the vigor for not stopping. Peterson is a great example of that. I have read a handful of her books, and have generally liked all of them. I was not surprised in the least that this book was good too. 

There were times though that some chapters felt tedious and could have been shorter for me as the reader, but it didn't hinder from the storytelling that much. The relationship building between Marty and Jake flowed well. There both were at interesting points in their lives and coming together as complete strangers could pose a issue for anyone. I really liked Marty she had a lot of qualities that a person could admire such as honesty, thoughtfulness and compassion. I also love a women character who embodies characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. Jake sometimes I felt seemed closed off, but throughout the book this progresses into openness with Marty which is a great moment in their relationship. 

If you're a fan of Peterson, historical fiction, mail-order and or in name only story lines this book has it all. This is another trilogy so I'm excited to see what other characters are looming in Peterson's imagination that she is going to put into her writing.

For all of you Peterson fans what is your favorite book by her so far? 

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

About the Author 

 
Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

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


Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.

Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.

 

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th 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 29th!

In His Grace,                                                                                                         Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley is rich in history and drama. It follows the story of a jealous Egyptian Queen, a lascivious Galilean Governor, a beautiful servant girl, and how their stories come together with prophecy, self-discovery, and revelation.

Goodreads Summary 

From the servant halls of Cleopatra’s Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she’s had to family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family—his sister, his wife, and their mothers—and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

My Thoughts 

Higley knows her history. I could not believe how in depth and well written The Queen's Handmaid was. I also the loved the time period that this book was set in, with Cleopatra and Marc Antony, and also how she used her own character Lydia with the Jewish aspect. This is such a heightened time in history where the coming of the Messiah is set up, and it's really exciting to read when authors take this time and make it into their own fictional accounts. As I have said before, it just gives a voice to the possibility, and with the well researched process that went into writing this book it's really a treat to read! 

I loved the drama and the intensity of the palace! It felt like I was watching an HBO series it was that great! Highley's writing style is very loaded, in both good and somewhat not good ways. There where passages that had a purpose I felt, and some that seemed a bit long. Sometimes I did want the story to pick up the pace at times, but from the middle to the end the movement of the pace is nothing but fast. 

I liked Lydia as a character, she wasn't perfect, but she was endearing and a person that people gravitated towards. Her one downfall I felt was loving to feel needed, but she was groomed and trained to be the handmaid of queens, so I guess those feelings came with the job. Plus, there is Simon. I don't think he's even mentioned in the synopsis on the back of the book, but he is a treat as well. I loved the loyalty he had to his heritage and also to Lydia. They made a great pair, their excerpts together where always my favorite. 

If you love reading fiction that takes actual historical accounts as a background development for the plot line this is a brilliant book to pick up to satisfy your needs!

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

About the Author 

From her earliest childhood, there was nothing Tracy loved better than stepping into another world between the pages of a book. From dragons and knights, to the wonders of Narnia, that passion has never abated, and to Tracy, opening any novel is like stepping again through the wardrobe, into the thrilling unknown. With every book she writes, she wants to open a door like that, and invite readers to be transported with her into a place that captivates.

Tracy started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. After attending Philadelphia Biblical University, she earned a B.A. in English Literature at Rowan University. She then spent ten years writing drama presentations for church ministry. Over 10,000 people have attended drama productions she has written.

A lifelong interest in history and mythology has led Tracy to extensive research into ancient Greece and other myth systems, and shaped her desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past.
 
Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads
Purchase a copy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook 

Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

In His Grace,                                                                                                                             Taylor Reid