This Is Your Captain Speaking by Gavin MacLeod

Book Summary (from Amazon)

For 16 years, millions of Americans welcomed Gavin MacLeod into their living rooms every Saturday night. This veteran of stage and screen transformed himself from a seasoned character actor into the leading, lovable father-figure of The Love Boat at the height of TV’s boom years.

For more than 30 years, Gavin MacLeod has served as the global ambassador for Princess Cruises. Speaking to thousands of travelers each year, and signing hundreds of autographs at every port, he stands poised to celebrate his amazing journey with a look back at the golden era of American television.

The consummate storyteller, Gavin shares his fondest memories of meeting and working with countless stars, such as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, and Fred Astaire.

From his humble theatrical beginnings in upstate New York, to Radio City Music Hall and on to Hollywood, Gavin MacLeod was on the fast track to success. However, a few hard life lessons—like dealing with a divorce—taught Gavin that the key to happiness was only through a deep faith in God, and he feels his work for Christ is more important than any award. Three years later his remarriage proved that a great struggle can culminate in a happy ending.

My Thoughts:

I have to say, I was so excited when I saw this book. I grew up watching Mary Tyler Moore and  The Love Boat, and I was interested to see what the Captain's real life was like. It was interesting learning the background of Gavin MacLeod's life. In spite of some of the rough situations he was in, I was amazed at his strength in finding his way out of them. 

Gavin MacLeod is a well-known actor. I didn't realize he started out on stage. That was quite interesting to learn about.  He was blessed to meet some of the most famous actors and actresses along his journey. There are some great pictures in the book also.

What might be less known, is how he gave his heart to Jesus and moved on from regular television to a platform where he could share this with others. His life in acting has enabled him to use his ability and life to draw people closer to God. Even for those who's focus may be different, he has done a great job of including it in the book without being preachy. 

He seems to be a pretty down to earth person and it was interesting to see how the cast of his 2 most popular shows have stayed connected throughout the years. 

This book is a must read, especially for anyone who watched his shows. It is well written, full of great life stories, and an inside look into the world of acting. 

Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book from www.booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and may differ from others.

Unspoken by Dee Henderson

Book Summary: (from amazon)

Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history.

The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She's changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life.

She's never said a word--to the cops, to her doctors, to family--about those four years. 
A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn't find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years.

Bryce Bishop doesn't know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather's estate--and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her. But nothing else is working in his favor--she's decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she's willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She's not giving him much of an opening to work with.

Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter...

My Thoughts:

This was such an interesting book! There were so many layers to the storyline which were well thought out and worked to make it an exciting plot. I was drawn in to the different characters, but especially with Charlotte in what she went through. Although she had a very hard life, her strength to go on, and how she learned to deal with everything was wonderful to read. 

I felt the story took me on a journey where I never was completely sure where I was going, but knowing I wanted to be there! 

Dee Henderson has a way of making you feel a part of the characters in a real and personal way. Details have a way of showing you the truth and encouraging you to follow alongside the characters. 

You can find out more about the author on her website.  

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own,and may differ from others.

Unclaimed Legacy by Deborah Heal

Book Summary: (from amazon)


"I call it time-surfing," Abby said. "It's like being there,
except no one can see or hear us."

"Whatever you call it," John said, "that was crazy--what we just did.
Beyond realistic. I mean, I was in that guy's head
and knew everything he was thinking."

Abby's weird computer program is working again. And it comes
in handy when she and her friends agree to help the Old Dears with their family
tree. 

Except Abby and John learn more about one of the ladies'
ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson,
Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family's reputation. But was he really
guilty? Abby and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out. 

And while they're rummaging around in the Old Dears' family
history, they also find Nathan Buchanan, a heroic relative connected to the
Lewis and Clark Expedition--and a legacy waiting to be reclaimed. But the most important discovery they make is that God's
promise to bless a thousand generations is true.


My Thoughts:

Unclaimed Legacy is book 2 in the Time and Again series. We are again given the amazing opportunity to join the adventures of Abby and John, and Merri as they time surf to discover and help someone out. I love the characters in the story and how they relate to each other. I especially love seeing the way Abby and Merri have grown in trust and acceptance. Abby creates a safe place for Merri during the hard times with her Dad, and Merri knows she can trust Abby with the truth. At this point I feel myself connected to each character and invested in their relationships. I loved seeing Eulah and Beulah and their story. They are quite the characters and entertaining to watch throughout the book. Each person comes to find themselves in situations where there might be struggles, but they find encouragement in the fact that they can put their trust in God to carry them through.

Again, as with Time and Again, I had an extremely difficult time putting the book down. That to me is the sign of a perfect book,and one I want to share with others and to read myself many times. I'm getting ready to read book 3 now. I can't wait, and I'm anticipating more sleepless nights ahead!

Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own, and may differ from others.

Kiss Me Awake by Julie Momyer

SUMMARY:

When Jaida was a baby, she was left by her biological mom in the bushes. When a young boy, Spencer, finds her, she is brought into his family. Spencer vows to protect her and care for her forever.

Fast forward to now. Jaida is delving into discovering who her mom really is. She doesn't know her name, but is desperate to find out what she can. While working as a detective, Jaida is searching not only for her mom, but also desperately trying to learn about and take down a man named Gale. She thinks he is a murderer and has a tie to her past.

Jaida and her co-worker Auggie are on Gale's trail. Gale is accusing their company of stealing 8 million dollars and thinks Jaida has it.  In the midst of all that's going on, Jaida finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy that is full of drama, suspense, mystery and intrigue. When Spencer returns to her life, Jaida finds herself dealing with her own past alongside finding out things which change who she is and what she thinks.

When she finds herself and others in danger, Jaida finds herself searching for truth. Praying for God's will is the hardest thing she has had to do, but the most important thing.

WHAT I THINK:

This is a wonderful story of not only suspense and intrigue, but also of redemption and forgiveness which is creatively intertwined throughout the entire book. I loved the path of twists and turns the book took. So many things you are not expecting.  I found myself getting excited when learning new things and realizing how it all made sense.
Not only is the book written well, it is very descriptive. You are given a great picture of what is going on and where you are.
This book kept me engaged the entire time. I had a hard time putting it down!  I highly recommend checking it out.
You can find the book at amazon.com.
Connect with the author at http://Juliemomyer.com and http://juliemomyerblog.com


Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of the book from netgalley.com in order to do my review. My reviews are always honest. My opinions are my own and may differ from others.

Grace Given by Beth Shriver

      In this book, we find Elsie and her family trying to find their way into a new community. They have moved from Virginia to Texas only the previous year. While learning to follow the changes of the community, and dealing with vandals hitting the Amish farms, they also are dealing with a family issue.  

Elsie's sister Katie left the community with Jake, and Elsie finds this especially hard because she thought their was something growing in her relationship with Jake. 

      Thankfully Elsie has a good friend in Gideon. He has been interested in Elsie for a long time and enjoys being there for her, and also hoping that Elsie will grow to love him. 

      Through circumstances with the English vandals, Elsie and Gideon find themselves growing closer as they search for the truth.

      When Katie returns, emotions run wild. In an already stressful time, we find yet another situation that requires faith, grace and forgiveness. Choices must be made and struggles met to do what is right.

Amazing story of love and forgiveness.

My Review:

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I find myself intrigued by the Amish culture and enjoy reading books which give insight into their lives and why they choose to do things the way they do. This is Book 2 in the series "Touch of Grace" by Beth Shriver.  I read this one realizing that I had not yet read Book 1. Although I plan on going back and reading Book 1, I don't feel that not reading it first caused any difficulty in understanding what was going on in this book. I would recommend reading in order though, but that's just how I usually like to do things:)

This book is well-written, and kept my attention well past times that I should have been sleeping! Beth Shriver always puts together wonderful stories and I am thrilled to have the privilege  of sharing this one with you.

You can find a copy of this book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book through thebooketeria.com in order to do this review. My reviews are always honest and are my own opinion. My opinions may differ from  others.

An Amish Family Christmas by Murray Pura

I think I have a theme going with Amish stories! Realized that when I saw the last 2 books set for reviews were Amish:) I have to admit, although I could never live the completely simple life they promote, sometimes a simpler life sounds peaceful. I'm not sure I could live without certain electronic things but I love the idea of community, family and support they encourage.

In this story, we are brought in after a horrible tragedy. Naomi is dealing with the loss of her parents, and also her brother, Luke, who wasn't killed, but was injured, and is catatonic. Rebecca, Naomi's sister in law, lives with Naomi and is helping her cope. They are figuring out how to care for Luke when their lives come to a complete stop. Naomi's husband had taken off for the Army life, which is forbidden for the Amish, a year ago.  He now returns knowing he is most likely under the bann, meaning he can't eat or speak to anyone, including his wife.

Naomi and Micah have to learn to live as husband and wife without the ease of words. Although difficult, they are able to learn to share their love through looks and things they do for each other around the home.

When letters start arriving showing how Micah blessed others by saving lives as a medic in the Army, Naomi is sure the Bishop and Minister will change their mind and release Micah from the bann.

Through a shocking experience, the Minister comes to find out himself how Micah's calling as a medic helps.  Through lots of prayer, comes an amazing end to the story. You never know what might happen  when we let God work through us.


This was a great book. It is well written, and has a great storyline. It keeps moving, making it hard to put the book down:) I recommend this book especially for anyone who loves family, and making them important. I don't always agree with some of the behavior and actions in the Amish community, but the book is clearly staying in line with true beliefs. It makes for a great true to life situation.
You can find the book at amazon.com

Disclosure: I received a print copy of this book from netgalley.com in order to do the review. My reviews are always my honest opinion and may differ from others.