The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Christmas Remedy was so much fun to read! The story centers around Greene's Pharmacy, where Holly Noelle works as a pharmacy tech. The pharmacy is owned by Lyle Greene, who has had Holly working with him since her father passed away when she was much younger. Her father's unnecessary death has given her the drive and the calling to be the one to bridge the gap between medical care and her Amish people. She has been given special permission to pursue more education in the medical field by her bishop. The obligation to her education and her people has Holly determined not to marry but to pursue this as her lifelong desire.
Lyle has a medical setback which has his son arriving from Pharmacy school to help out and keep the pharmacy running and help to care for his father.
Suddenly the pharmacy is in trouble and is in danger of perhaps closing. Can Holly and Brandon, along with Holly's friend Josh solve the mystery and keep the pharmacy going? Will Holly refuse love before it has a chance to grow? How will everyone's prayers be answered?
Centered in a quaint, small town during the Christmas season, with a community of love and a great cast of characters.
I loved that the story is told from different points of view and has a good mix of Englisch and Amish characters. I enjoyed this book! I was given an uncorrected proof from Waterbrook & Multnomah but was under no obligation to provide a review.

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The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles

The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boy at the Keyhole was a fascinating study of two characters and how they can literally drive each other mad. I found myself able to read this a few chapters at a go as there was so much going on in Samuels head that I had to stop. But as I stopped I was compelled to pick it back up and find what happens next. As I was reading I fluctuated back and forth from what I thought may have happened to Samuel's mother to nothing has happened to Samuel's mother. Since I couldn't be sure I don't know how Samuel could be sure.
This story is dark and mean, revolving around two characters - Samuel, a nine year old boy who is left by his mother to live with the housekeeper, Ruth Tupper, while she sails to America to seek financial backing to save their failing company. Ruth runs the household in a stern and cold manner, leaving Samuel yearning for warmth.
Samuel's mother left on her trip in the middle of the night, she never said goodbye. Ruth explains she needed to meet the train early in the morning, to make it for her voyage and they saw no reason to wake Samuel from his sleep. The fact that his mother never said goodbye is the crux of the doubt that surfaces later on, there is no confirmation to Samuel. Samuel can not comprehend how she could be gone so long without any telegrams or phone calls, doesn't she miss him like he her? The only thing he has received are a few postcards. Doubt begins to creep into his mind after his friend puts the idea out there that maybe she didn't travel to America but Ruth killed her.
The psychological drama begins in earnest here. One doesn't really know from page to page if she traveled or if Ruth did her in. It's fascinating to see the way Samuel begins to suspect and doubt and Ruth's cold manner does little to confirm or deny any of Samuel's dark thoughts. Ruth is borderline physically abusive and she is definitely cruel and evil but yet still maintains the home, finances, and sees to Samuel's daily needs.
I loved the book, the dance between the two characters, and found I couldn't put it down yet had to put it down. The ending came on suddenly and then it was over. I would have loved that to last a little longer to savor.
I received an uncorrected proof from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, another installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and another awesome read! If you love historical fiction, christian fiction, adventure, and a little romance this is a must read for you!
The Captured Bride captivated me from the start with a fascinating historical time period and an excellent character in Mercy Lytton.
The story begins we meet Mercy and her partner Matthew just coming back to camp from a mission. Suddenly they thrust into a new, next-to-impossible mission to transport a captured traitor, Elias Dubois and his gold they have recovered across dangerous territory to a protected Fort.
Mercy is a scout for the British and knows everything about the land being born of a captured white mother and her Indian father. She has been gifted with exceptional eyesight she can see farther than anyone. She is also quite capable to take care of herself and knows the ways of the Indians.
Elias Dubois has been captured and labeled a traitor and needs to stand trial as such, which is why they must transport him to the nearest military Fort.
As they set off with a premise of traveling as a family the adventure begins.
I loved this story, I loved how the book develops the romance between Mercy and Elias, how Mercy witnesses Elias' faith and begins to search within herself, how she reconciles with her past.
The writing is gorgeous, you can visualize everything, feel everything and this adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat with some twists and turns. Amazing read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder what it might have been like to cross the ocean in a ship? How about in the 1600's? How about on the Mayflower? We have all heard the stories of the Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving, and certain historical figures. But what was it like for the people, the families, the mothers and children? What were the trials, what was day to day life like aboard the Mayflower?
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse gives us an idea. Based on her extensive research, we see actual historical figures interact with her fictional characters. What the experience was like to travel to the new world? I remembered much and learned so much more. Such a great story here!
The Separatists are setting sail to the new world to finally reach their dream of religious freedom, the embark on this journey aboard The Speedwell in 1620. Aboard this ship is Mary Elizabeth Chapman, her father, and her brother. Aboard the Mayflower is a carpenter trying to shed the old and seek opportunity and success in the new world. After a few different delays due to a leaking ship the Separatists are made to board the Mayflower as the Speedwell is deemed unsafe. The delays have cost the travelers precious time and it is really far too late in the year to be making this journey. Will the Mayflower make it, will the waters become too stormy for safe passage? How will the crowded conditions affect the travelers. So many questions!
As Mary Elizabeth board the Mayflower she meets William Lytton, who just happens to be there to lend a hand! One meeting and Mary Elizabeth can't get him out of her mind. Is this a time for even considering such a thing? Of course, he isn't part of the Separatists group either, so it's silly to think of him. On the ship for months they face so much together that a romance begins, something sweet between the hardships and tragedies, and it is unheard of for Separatists and Strangers to even consider such. We see the deep faith of the Separatist people as well throughout this book.
I loved this small glimpse into what was surely an extremely difficult, almost impossible voyage and the beginning of the new world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much fun to read - reading about characters we all know from our history lessons, George Washington, Ben Franklin, as well as fictional characters we meet in this book! I'm enjoying the Daughters of the Mayflower series, such great American History, what was it like living around the time before the American Revolution!
The story begins during the time of unrest in America, tired of the taxes from England and a ruler so far away the Patriot cause is more important than ever. Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow immersed in the cause, she and her lady friends are working to help the Patriots and she is willing to put herself in danger to help. Matthew Weber find himself working as a spy for the Patriot cause, he has planted himself in the Loyalist camp and will meet as needed with the spy arranged by the Patriots, none other than Faith Jackson!
You can imagine the tense moments as the British troops infiltrate Boston and become much more visible. This story has great adventure for the fictional characters and it's fun to read as they interact with the actual historical figures.
Kate has lost many people in her life beginning with her parents at a young age and then her husband. Why does she feel so drawn to Matthew? During this dangerous time falling in love is the last thing recommended. Matthew has not found anyone to hold his interest, which is why, without a wife or family, he is free to put himself in danger for the cause. As he and Faith begin their secret meetings, why does he look forward to seeing her, and what an inconvenient time to think on things of love. But perhaps God has other ideas!
I enjoyed this book, it had plenty of adventure, danger, and keeps you on the edge with some twists and turns!
I am completely enjoying this entire Daughters of the Mayflower series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this series, it's like a quick American History refresh along with an exciting personal story!
I enjoyed looking up facts that come up in the book and remembering historical facts and stories along the way.
I just finished Cumberland Bride, Book 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I have read them all except one, and really enjoyed each one!
The Cumberland Bride follows the Gruener family as they embark on a journey from Tennessee to settle on land in Kentucky. Kate Gruener is the eldest in her family and seemingly naive and smart at the same time. Her one true passion seems to be writing and gathering people's stories, although her family sees little use in this hobby as there are far more important things to be doing!
As the family joins a caravan of sorts to make their way to their new land, they are joined by a couple other families, a leader, and a scout they've hired, Thomas Bledsoe.
Throughout the travels there are dangers, mishaps and fear. As they take the Wilderness Road there is dangerous terrain, rivers to cross, as well as magnificent natural beauty. This author describes in such detail you can see the wilderness and the landscape.
Kate is intrigued by the scout Thomas and finds herself drawn to him and wants to hear his story. Alternately Thomas seems to be drawn to her, although he can't discern why. The story is told from both points of view throughout.
As they near their destination there is increasing news of Shawnee unrest and Thomas fears for the party. Will they make it safely to their destination or will there be trouble?
While Kate prays unceasingly at times, Thomas can not bring himself to either find his lost faith or deem himself worthy.
Such a wonderful story I enjoyed the history and the fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay

The Rain Watcher

by Tatiana De Rosnay

I love Tatiana de Rosnay! I have been moved by all of the books that I have read. This one is the same, loved it! I was immediately, from page one, transported to Paris with Linden Malegarde! I could feel the cool, damp rain, the way it poured down in sheets, the way it dampened the proposed holiday of Linden and his family. They all meet in Paris to celebrate his father's birthday and his parent's anniversary, his parents, himself, and his sister.
The rain ruins all the plans his mother has made for their trip, as the rain increases, the flooding begins, they are more or less stuck in, with each other, giving them the opportunity to reconnect and old issues surface, secrets emerge, irritations, and uncertainty and fear for the future.
Each chapter begins with a page from a journal that runs in the background that you are unsure what it means or who wrote it until the end.
The story is sad, sweet, and told with so much detail you can envision it all clearly.
I absolutely loved it! Thank you to St Martins Press for the advanced reader copy to read and share my review!

Murder in the Lincoln White House by C.M. Gleason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good mystery and I love a good historical fiction, so this is a match made for me! I absolutely loved this book and it's exciting to me that it's Book One in a series, so I know I'll get to enjoy more from this author and these characters!
I enjoyed the story and the idea that I can sneak a peek at the way life was back in the day of Lincoln's presidency, what was going on in the world, how people lived day to day, these always intrigue me!
The story starts out at President Lincoln's inauguration, and during the inauguration ball we meet the characters, hear the setup of characters, who is on which side, meet them, and we have a murder! Right there at the inaugural ball!
Here is where the mystery starts as we meet Adam Quinn, hired by Lincoln to keep an eye on the events and protect him. Now there is a murder for him to investigate. As he is not part of the DC crowd he has no obligations to others and is tasked to solve the crime and find the murderer.
It's a great cast of characters, two women who are total opposites aid him as well as an African American doctor, as they all do their part to assist Adam in solving the crime.
I completely loved this book! The story is filled with fictional and non-fictional characters and this makes it so fun!
I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and share!

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The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

The Dream Daughter

by Diane Chamberlain

I absolutely fell into this story from the beginning. The writing style and characters felt so familiar I was hooked. Once you start this book you don't want to put it down and you don't want it to end! 

In 1965 Carly is working as a physical therapist, she is new and is given a patient no one else really wants, someone who won't do the work. Enter Hunter. Carly connects with Hunter right away and they seem to have a great rapport. As they are working he knows all the words to a Beatles song that has never been played on the radio before. She things Hunter would be a perfect match for her sister. As time progresses Hunter marries Carly's sister Patti. Carly is married to Joe who dies in Vietnam war, and she is pregnant. Hunter is a computer guru and works on the big machines of the 60's. Something seems to be wrong with Carly's baby and she is devastated as this is all she has left of Joe and is desperate to find a way to save her baby.

We find out that Hunter is a time traveler and once he found Patti he was content to stay in the 60's and didn't want to return. But he feels obligated to share this with Carly because he thinks he can send her in the future where her baby could be saved. Sounds simple to him, send her to the future, where the procedure she needs is available. Once the baby is born and healed, she can return to the 60's and all will be well. 

With so many twists, turns, heartbreak, excitement this book takes you on a journey! Once you have the book figured out in your mind another twist arises. 

It's a beautiful story of what a mother will do to save her child and it comes full circle to a most beautiful ending. 

This is a must read book, I absolutely loved it. 

I received an advanced reader copy for free to read from the publisher.

This is the Day by Tim Tebow

This is the Day

by Tim Tebow

I was excited to be included on the launch team for This is the Day by Tim Tebow! I love his story, his fearlessness to be in the spotlight and still stand for what he believes, and love sports! So I was anxious to read this book! The title This is the Day is exactly what this book is trying to say to us - This Day, not another day, a later day, but God gives us this day. So what are you going to do with it. It's a challenge to make to myself - what can I do, what do I need to change, improve, to live out the purpose God has for me!<br />I loved the introduction, and I like the format of this book - chapter by chapter, breaking it down, and giving you ways to make this be the day. I also thoroughly enjoyed his own stories and experiences! I found this book motivating and inspiring!<br />I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, thoughts and opinions are my own.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15280241-lesa-caputo">View all my reviews</a>

Lies by TM Logan

Lies

by T. M. Logan

What if your whole life was based on Lies?

I just loved this book, what a fun ride of twists, turns, and the seeming unraveling of someone's life!

This book goes on sale on 9-11-18 - make sure you grab a copy, it's good!

Here is my review on Goodreads!

Thank you at St. Martins Press for the ARC reading copy of Lies by TM Logan! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride! I was a bit disappointed at the ending, it wrapped up so fast, I wanted there to be a bigger unraveling that made me nervous! But I still must say I didn't really see it coming, so the end did surprise me - one last twist!
I was hooked from the beginning, it starts right off with exciting happenings and suddenly poor Joe Lynch's life is turned upside down. I loved the pace and the seemingly unimportant details that show up later as the puzzle gets put together. Joe is a character you love and root for, he loves his son and is a great father. His wife Mel is not a likable but yet you want her to be truthful for Joe's sake.
The story starts out as Joe is driving home with William, his young son, and William, who loves his cars, spots his Mummy's car pulling into a hotel parking garage. Here is where Joe's life changes!
As events happen, lies are uncovered, and Joe can not get ahead of the game, he seems to always be one step back and one lie behind. I enjoyed this book very much!

Perfect Imperfections by Taryn Leigh

Perfect Imperfections by Taryn Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I completely loved this book! I loved the characters and found something to love in all of them!
The book begins with a broken Sarah tearfully leaving her life in London and returning to South Africa where she grew up. Something has happened and we don't know what, and Sarah is seeking the support of her best friend Katy, to help her rebuild a new life.
Slowly Sarah works at resurrecting her career and with the distraction of planning Katy's wedding, she seems to be getting better.
The fun of the story is that we don't really know what happened, if she's in danger, so there are some suspenseful moments! Will Sarah reveal to her friends what she is running from, will she heal and be able to move toward a happy ending?
The book is full of love, hope, moving on, and the power of love!


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A Light on the Hill

A Light on the Hill

by Connilyn Cossette

If you love historical fiction this books takes it to another level!
Such fascinating detail to the biblical times when the Israelites are settling and the tribes are dividing up their land.

"A Light on the Hill" is the story of Moriyah, a faithful young women who has sheltered herself from her shame and has been hidden away in her father's home for seven years.
Seven years ago she was kidnapped, along with her friend, and held captive in Jericho.  While there she was branded by a Priestess with the mark of a Caananite God on her face.
She survived to see Jericho fall she is rescued, only to imprison herself upon her return to her father's home.
Moriyah's father fears what will happen to her once he is not there to protect her, he finds a man willing to marry her to care for his two sons.
Moriyah is afraid but also hopeful that someone will see beyond her scars.
As she is preparing dinner for her family and her soon-to-be betrothed, something goes wrong.
Suddenly Moriyah is fleeing for her life - she must get to the City of Refuge before she is killed.
Follow the story as she tried to get there safely.
Full of danger, excitement, and amazing descriptive detail you want to get to the end and ensure she is safe, yet you don't want this story to end.

I loved this book!  I was given a complimentary copy from Bethany House through their Blogger Program but this review is my own!

Finesse MAX Deep Conditioning Keratin Treatment

Finesse MAX

Deep Conditioning Keratin Treatment

My hair tends to be dry so I’m always trying to infuse it with something to nourish and moisturize it to keep it from the dry, damaged, even frizzy-at-times look! The Finesse MAX Keratin Treatment does beautifully in reviving my hair! 

In just 5 minutes Finesse MAX treatment has my hair feeling soft, manageable, feeling stronger, looking shiny, and moisturized! 

Simply apply in the shower after shampooing, rinse after, waiting at least 5 minutes! 

 Above is a quick shot of my hair before shampooing and using Finesse MAX

This is the same area of my hair immediately after use air drying!

What a huge difference!

The Finesse MAX treatment contains active proteins that deeply penetrate hair, and the result is stronger, healthier hair! 

Finesse MAX works using ingredients like keratin protein, safflower seed oil (rich in vitamin E), and aloe! And the coconut scent smells delicious, like you’re at the beach! 

I also used the Finesse Restore + Strength shampoo with the Finesse MAX!

This shampoo contains active proteins - it strengthens & moisturizes, lathers up well and has a clean, fresh scent!

Huge Bonus -- No need to break the bank, Finesse MAX can be found for under $2 at select Target stores, check on target.com for a store near you!  Finesse MAX is also available at Meijer stores for $1.49, so you can head there too and pick up a few!

Each packet is good for at least two uses for my shoulder length hair! 

Thanks for the complimentary products to try, share and provide my thoughts!

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The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

by Julie Klassen

What a fun series!  The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is Book 2 in the Tales from Ivy Hill Series by Julie Klassen!  

I read Book 1 The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill several months ago and this continues the story and catches back up with the central characters, townspeople, and adds some new characters!

When a series is good, you feel you are part of the town, have a vested interest in how things turn out for all the characters!  That's what makes it so fun - checking back in with old friends!

I was happy to reconnect with the main characters, old friends in the village Jane, Mercy, and Rachel.  The girls grew up together and in the course of life, as things happen, friendships cool and are rewarmed in this series!

The girls are now approaching the 30 year mark, Jane a widow and Mercy and Rachel yet unmarried.  Part of the strife of this book is the unresolved romance between characters.  I hate to name any names as this book is too enjoyable to not pick up and read for yourself!

When we pick up the story, Jane is widowed and running The Bell, a coaching inn, Mercy is running her girls school in her childhood home, and Rachel has lost her home and family and is living in a bedroom with Mercy, and Mercy's Aunt Matilda.

Rachel is trying to find a way to support herself and earn a living, she has a standing proposal but just can't bring herself to accept just for comfort and convenience.  We come to see, as we suspected, her heart is already taken.

Rachel begins a circulating library, in the drawing room of Ivy Cottage, which is a place for many conversations and gatherings throughout the book!  

Mercy is resigned to remain unwed and feels the girls school is her life, teaching is her calling and she if fulfilled.

Jane has shed her mourning clothes, has the inn running well, and is working to resolve her fears and accept her loss of her husband and her unborn children.

Will Rachel's library become a success, will she be able to support herself?  Will her heart ever heal or will she resolve things with her first and only love?

Will Mercy continue the school?  A few wrinkles are tossed her way via her parents ultimatum and potential husband they bring to visit.  

And what of the story of the little girl Alice, a student at the girls school whom Mercy has grown to love?

And what of the mysterious Mrs. Haverhill?  What is her story, surely she isn't a 'witch' as some of the villagers have claimed.

There are many questions that arise pretty early in this book, and some are resolved and some are to be left for Book 3!

I'm anxiously awaiting what becomes of Jane and her new possibilities!  And what of Mercy, will she lose her school, Alice, or will she find security and happiness?

This book reads like an old friend, the romantic writing like Jane Austen, as you watch the story weave and unfold, weave and unfold, slowly as you savor every word!

I just loved this book and December is a long time to wait for #3

I was given a free copy of this book from Bethany House as part of the Blogger Review program, all comments are my own!

A Breath of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

A Breath of Hope

by Lauraine Snelling

A Breath of Hope continues Lauraine Snelling's second book in her Under Northern Skies series.

A quick refresh, this series follows a family from Norway and their immigration to America!  Einar and Gerd Strand have a farm in Northern Minnesota, they have a farm to care for, a home, and acres of big tall pines to fell.  They can't do this on their own and they have no other family there with them.  So they write a letter to their cousin, Gunlaug Strand Carlson in Norway asking if her son and his family would like to come to Minnesota to help them!  Rune Carlson and his wife Signe agree to immigrate to America, with their three sons, as things in Norway are not very promising.  The dream of owning land, a home, and a farm drive their decision to go!

Read  the first book in this series, The Promise of Dawn, to learn more!

Rune, Signe, and their three sons Bjorn, Knute, and Leif are settled in their new home with Einar and Gerd and are getting closer to their dream - their own land and their own home.  So Einar realizes that he will need more help, and someone to stay with Gerd, who is still not strong enough to do all the things around the home and farm by herself.

Enter Rune's sister, Nilda.  She has the same offer from Einar and Gerd that Rune and his family received.  Passage to America in exchange for work!

Next, Rune and Nilda's brother, Ivar - he longs to go as well.  He doesn't want to be indebted to Einar as he has heard rumor of his meanness!  Nilda and Ivar and the rest of the family finally earn enough to cover Ivar's passage!

Nilda has dreamt of going to America for so long, and even more so since her brother and his family have gone.  Nilda and Signe were best friends back in Norway as well.  And a new baby has been born, Kirstin, that she hasn't even met!

It's all she can do to be patient to go, working odd jobs like Ivar to earn his passage.  Additionally, their father does not think it wise for Nilda to travel alone.

In one of the jobs Nilda accepts is working for a wealthy family cleaning their home.  She has a run in with their son, his unwanted advances horrifying her.  Of course, she is fired as his mother blames her for the situation.  Nilda learns she isn't the only girl to have this happen.
She learns that he has been banished by his father - to America.

Finally, Spring is here, there is enough money for Ivar's ticket and Einar has sent Nilda hers! Her dream is going to come true!

But what awaits them in Minnesota?  They are about to find out!  Ivar and Nilda have set sail!
They have an interesting passage, even meet a young man headed to Blackduck, which is one stop before Benson's Corner!

Once they arrive at Uncle Einer's, they begin to understand and see what Rune and Signe have been doing the past year - working!  It is so good to reunite with Rune and his family, and neither Ivar nor Nilda is afraid of hard work.  Soon things are running smoothly, everyone is hard at work, garden is in, crops are in, and Rune is busy getting their home built.  Everyone is happy and content except Uncle Einar - why can't anyone make him see what is really important, family!

See what happens next, grab your copy of A Breath of Hope!  See what God has in store for this family, how he hears and answers their prayers - what is that one the breeze...A Breath of Hope!?

Thank you to Bethany House, I received a free copy of this book to read and review through the Bethany House Blogger program.  All opinions and this review are my own!

The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling

The Promise of Dawn

by Lauraine Snelling

I'm a big fan of Christian fiction and historical fiction - and I am a huge fan of Lauraine Snelling, so I was delighted to receive this book to read and reveiw!

"The Promise of Dawn" is the first book in a new series from Lauraine Snelling - Under Northern Skies!

This story follows a family as they emigrate to America from Norway.  It's a easy book to read, it's a pleasure as you get to know the family in Norway and how their chance to go to "Amerika" comes about, you are introduced to the main characters in their homeland of Norway, what their circumstances are and why the need to go and why they might want to go.  You also feel their excitement for a better, new life, and their sadness to say goodbye to their family members in Norway!

The story begins with a letter from America, to Gunlaug Strand Carlson, from her cousin and his wife, Einar and Gerd Strand.  They are an older couple, with no children of their own, and need help on their farm in Minnesota.   They are asking Gunlaug to see if her son, Rune, and his family (wife and three boys) would like to come to America, help them on their farm in exchange for their fare.

This offer gives them the chance to start a new life with hope of owning their own home, and having their own land, eventually.  What they didn't know was what was waiting for them once they arrived in Minnesota.  What would life be like, what were Einar and Gerd like, it was mentioned in the letter that Gerd was ill.

As the book moves on, it takes you through their experience on the long journey, on the ship, boats, and trains to finally reach their destination.  We also learn that Rune's wife, Signe is pregnant.  Not an easy time to travel!  We get to know each of their son's, Bjorn, Knute, and Leif.  

Once in Minnesota, they quickly realize that Rune's Uncle Einar is not a friendly man, the house is in terrible condition, the garden is full of weeds and the house full of mice!  They also realize that Gerd is far sicker than they imagined.  

But God is not done, and through the course of this book you see God at work!  The small steps, the family getting closer, the house getting in shape.  

So I don't give the story away, suffice it to say that through this book we learn a lot about farming, tree felling, and life in the early1900's in rural northern Minnesota!  We also get to know this family, a few townsfolk, and what it took to survive!

We see Signe's faith questioned, does God really hear our prayers?  What is the use in prayer if you don't have faith that God hears you!?

I love the way Lauraine Snelling writes, she simply tells the story of each day, as it comes, what hardships arise, what work need to be done.  As she does this you get to know each character and see them evolve from the beginning. 

How much stronger is each character becomes by the end because how much can you take from demanding people that don't seem to like anyone!?

Will they ever have their own home, will their debt ever be paid?

Throughout this book we keep in touch with other family members back in Norway through letters sent back and forth.  This will pave the way for the next books in the series!

I've read many of Lauraine Snelling's books and lots of her series through and find them compelling, it's a step back in time - where the work is had but the life is simple.  People are mostly kind and faith is most important.

Come along with the Strand and Carlson families in this exciting new Under Northern Skies series by Lauraine Snelling!

Book Two - A Breath of Hope review coming soon!

A big thank you to Bethany House for the free copy to read and review through their Blogger Review Program, my review and opinions are 100% my own.

Yardley London Moisturizing Bath Bar

     Yardley London

         Moisturizing Bath Bar

If you're like me - "me time" is an important luxury and one you don't take for granted! So when you get that special time - be it hours or minutes - you want to make sure you treat yourself well!

I've been given the opportunity to try Yardley London's newest bath bars complimentary and they are wonderful! They are moisturizing and come in delightful scents and varieties! Pictured above are the three beautiful bath bars I received! 











When I get the opportunity to escape to the shower I want to treat my senses and my skin. I love that these soaps give me a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation! They all lather up so much and leave my skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized! 

English Lavender Moisturizing Bath Bar

This bath bar has an amazing scent and we all know that lavender is known to calm and soothe, so it's a little aromatherapy as you shower! This bar is made with pure lavender extracts and essential oils, allows you a few moments of relaxation. And I love the lather and the moisturizing - leaves skin soft, smooth, and soft!

Oatmeal & Almond Naturally Moisturizing Bath Bar

This bar is know to soothe dry skin and feels like a dream! It contains real oatmeal that gently exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft, soothed, and smooth!

The Oatmeal & Almond has a light scent and luxurious lather!

Creamy Coconut Naturally Moisturizing Bath Bar

This is the newest and another awesome bath bar from Yardley!

The scent reminds me of going on vacation - another 'me time' little escape!

You have to love the ingredients - shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E - my skin just loves the moisturizing effect and the way this one lathers - as luxuriously as the others!

All of Yardley's Moisturizing Bath Bars are paraben free and sodium lauryl sulfate free!



You can find out more here:

yardleylondon.com rel="nofollow"
facebook.com/YardleyLondonUS/ rel="nofollow"

You might think with all the delicious ingredients, skin loving moisturizing, and awesome scents these might be expensive luxuries - but the Yardley  Moisturizing Bath Bars are extremely affordable - ranging from .97 to $1.49 per bar! What you say!?? You can find them for .97 at Walmart, and they are also available at most mass, drug, and food stores! Look for them at Walgreens, HEB, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, CVS, Rite Aid, and many more!



Pamper yourself with Yardley's Bath Bars, they are definitely luxurious and also beauty on a budget.


I received these bath bars complimentary from Yardley and Brandbacker to facilitate this review and post.

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How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

How to Walk Away

by Katherine Center

I absolutely loved this book! It's so well-written and easy to read you feel like you are there versus reading the pages.
I found myself with a rollercoaster of emotions as I read the story of Margaret, I think there were some pages I was laughing and crying at the same time! Very deep, but written so cleverly it didn't hurt. The witty banter of the characters as they learn to navigate a new normal, reconnect, and even discover a family secret is enjoyable despite the circumstances.

Everything is looking up for Margaret, she's graduated with her MBA, she's in love with the perfect man, she has landed her 'dream job' and now is she going to finally get engaged? She didn't want to go flying, didn't want to go up in the airplane - but Chip is almost a pilot and he wants to make this date extra special.

What happens when you have life all figured out and then everything changes. A life-changing injury and then what. This is a brilliant story, it's heartbreaking, funny, sad, sarcastic, and triumphant all at the same time! With an awesome cast of characters you will love this book.

I received a free Advance Readers' Edition of this book through SheSpeaks from St. Martins Press, all opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.

This book goes on sale on May 15, 2018 - be sure to grab your copy right away!

I loved it so much I'm looking up her other books!

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

 A Most Noble Heir

by Susan Ann Mason

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it a fun and relaxing read, but it's not without it's tense twists and nerve-wracking turns.

I enjoy a good historical fiction getting the history and the feel of the setting and era.  This one, set in England in 1884, gives you the whole feel for the upstairs/downstairs, aristocracy versus servant life.

Nolan is an honorable stable boy who learns, on his mothers deathbed, that he is actually the son of the very Earl whose estate he works.  He is not fond of this man, doesn't respect him and actually somewhat fears him.  

Nolan is in love with the lovely kitchen maid Hannah and as far as he is concerned he is buying a nearby farm and marrying Hannah despite this new-found knowledge.

Once the bombshell is released by his mother things are about to change and although Hannah and Nolan are in love, it's not that simple anymore.

Take this journey of faith with Nolan and Hannah--will true love be enough?  As soon as things seem ironed out and a plan is set along comes a reason or an event that changes that plan.  

You find yourself pulling for the Hannah and Nolan as they face the changes, their own doubts, as they try to figure out if there will ever be harmony and acceptance.

Another note that makes this book more authentic and interesting is that this story is loosely based on actual events in her family history!  So cool!

Pick up a copy for yourself available on amazon, barnes & noble, Christrianbook.com and wherever good books are sold!

I received a free copy of this book through the Bethany House Blogger program, review is my own.