A Promise Kept By Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description:

God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it. But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved.

What had become of His promise?

Tony Kavanagh had been Allison’s dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.

The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she'd misunderstood.

Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma’s attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.

As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma’s life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord?

Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher’s emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers—in His own time and His own ways.

My Thoughts:

This was both an exciting book, and an emotional journey.  As we see Allison working to restore her relationship with God and learn to move on from her divorce, we also gain the insight of her past married life with Tony. I feel that by moving back and forth between present and past, we  can learn to relate to each character better knowing where they came from. Not all books that do this are able to pull it off in a natural way, but I was thrilled with how it works. 

I loved hearing Emma's life through the journals. I'm sure we all have times when we wish we knew what went on in our family past. I felt Emma's character was well written and was easy to connect with even though she had already passed on when the book begins.

This is a great story of forgiveness, love and second chances. You will not read this without emotion.

You can find this book on AMAZON. 

You can learn more about the author and her other amazing stories on her WEBSITE.

Disclosure: I received a free print copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am  part of the book sneeze review team. My reviews are my own opinion and may differ from others.

A Miracle of hope by Ruth Reid

Book Summary(from AMAZON):

She’s
heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?

Lindie Wyse thinks an
arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her
unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs
someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on
their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for
more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough
with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky
pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and
Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.

Will their marriage
survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern
winter?

My Thoughts: 

A Miracle of Hope is Book 1 in the Amish Wonders series. This is a wonderfully created story which draws you in and shows you how God's love, grace and forgiveness can change your life.

I loved the relationship not only between Lindie and Josiah, but between Lindie and Hannah. The patience Lindie showed in dealing with a new situation is a great example of following Christ even without knowing what will happen. 

Through the trials they face, we gain an insight to their journey from strangers to a family.

You will find yourself involved in this story and having a hard time putting it down!

I can't wait to continue learning more in book 2.

Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in order to do a review. All my reviews are honest and my own opinion.

To Know You by Shannon Ethridge **with a great giveaway!

Book Description courtesy of amazon.com

JuliaWhittaker’s rocky past yielded two daughters, both given up for adoption asinfants. Now she must find them to try to save her son.

Julia and Matt Whittaker’s son hasbeaten the odds for thirteen years only to have the odds—and his liver—crashprecipitously. The only hope for his survival is a “living liver” transplant,but the transplant list is long and Dillon’s time is short. His two olderhalf-sisters, born eighteen months apart to two different fathers, offer hisonly hope for survival.

But can Julia ask a youngwoman—someone she surrendered to strangers long ago and has never spokenwith—to make such a sacrifice to save a brother she’s never known? Can shemuster the courage to journey back into a shame-filled season of her life, faceher choices and their consequences, and find any hope of healing?

And what if she discovers in her owndaughters’ lives that a history of foolish choices threatens to repeat itself? Juliaknows she’s probably embarking on a fool’s errand—searching for the daughtersshe abandoned only now that she needs something from them. But love compelsJulia to take this journey. Can grace and forgiveness compel her daughters tojoin her?

In To Know You, ShannonEthridge and Kathryn Mackel explore how the past creates the present . . . andhow even the most shattered lives can be redeemed.

My Thoughts: 

I loved this story. As we follow the characters on the journey of love, forgiveness and ultimately sacrifice, we learn so much that can be applied to our lives. The depth of the storyline and the way the author takes us back in time to the beginning of the story is incredible. It is well written and will keep your attention the entire time. I felt completely a part of the story. I kept wondering who, if anyone, would be a match for Dillon. I kept changing my mind on what I thought would happen and was pleasantly surprised at the end. 

It was interesting to see how Julia related to her daughters in different ways and through different struggles. It portrayed a natural and realistic journey into their relationships.

We find out how importatnt life is, and how life-altering forgiveness and sacrifice are. There is no way you can read this book adn not be affected in some way.

This is a book for the must read list! I will be recommending it to everyone I know. The reading group discussion questions at the end are great, and would be fun conversation starters for a book club. 

You can find out more about the author at http://www.shannonethridge.com 

Shannon Ethridge is celebrating the release of  To Know You (co-written by Kathryn Mackel), by giving away a $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs and a personal coaching session, as well as throwing a Facebook Author Chat Party!

One winner will receive:

• A $100 gift certificate to Lisa Leonard Designs
• To Know You by Shannon Ethridge

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "To Know You" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 19th. Connect with Shannon and friends for an encouraging evening of fun chat, book club discussion, giveaways, and a chance to win a PERSONAL COACHING SESSION WITH SHANNON!

So grab your copy of To Know You and join Shannon on the evening of November 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER or Pinterest and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on 11/19!

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.

Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher, finds us at a dinner party to announce Diana's engagement. There's only one problem. Her thought to be dead husband arrives and life life is forever changed.

Tyson is back claiming to be a new man. He has found a relationship with God which has him seeking forgiveness and wanting to start life over with Diana.

Tyson wants her help with is running for senate, and asks her to come live with him during the election time. Diana has a hard time trusting him because of the horrible past and doesn't believe he really loves her.

When they first met, they had a quick courtship and marriage. Diana was fresh off the orphan train in need of love and security, and dealing with the sadness of losing her siblings to other families. When Tyson's father becomes to controlling, Tyson escapes by leaving home. Trouble is, he leaves Diana behind to care for his mom and deal with her controlling father in law.

Now it's the first time they've been together in 10 years. Diana immediately is returned to the hurt and pain Tyson caused her by leaving her all those years ago. She agrees to help him win the senate but then she is leaving.

Will living with him bring them to a new love and trust, or will it bring the marriage to an end again?



I was immediately drawn into this story. The story engages you right from the start. I felt the characters had great depth and were easy to love. Complex emotions allow the reader to connect to each one.

I loved how the idea of the prodical son is brought into Tyson's character. You see this in his character development, and his strength.

The story takes you on a journey of love, forgiveness and trust. You will not be disappointed. Robin Lee Hatcher has a way of connecting a great spiritual truth into a wonderfully created story making each book memorable.

This is a must read book! I'm sure it will be one I enjoy reading again and again!

You can find out more about the book and author at http://www.robinleehatcher.com


Disclosure: I received a print copy of the book in order to do my review. All my reviews are honest and my own opinion.

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.

Hidden Under Her Heart

Hidden Under Her Heart

by Rachelle Ayala

      Hidden Under Her Heart is a book about choices. The choices we make, and those made for us due to circumstance. In the book, we follow Maryanne as she is attempting to make changes in her life. She wants to move from her life of bad choices in men and sex, to a life where she has a man committed to her and to marriage. She decides to abstain from sex and focus on other things. She starts to date a man named Lucas, who could be that man. One night after a fight with Lucas, she finds herself at a party at a local church, and drinking. That night she is raped. Her boyfriend is accused, and she has to go about clearing his name. They go through many trials as they work to find the truth. Maryanne considers abortion feeling because of her past it would be the best. Lucas is dead set against abortion and works at trying to change her mind. There is trouble following them both as they try and figure out who the father is, and how to prove Lucas is not the rapist. As we follow their journey together and as individuals, we watch them learn about loving themselves and forgiveness. 

      Although abortion is at the center of the book, I feel the story was, as a whole, more about forgiveness and a search for truth. Through characters who show up at the right time, we learn about courage and strength. We find the sole truth to be that of Christ dying for our sins. We learn how God can use any situation to bring us to him and there is where truth is. We see that even when situations seem hopeless, he is there and will see us through. Although to me the story started out a little slow, the more I read the more I realized I was wrong. It was a heartwarming plot, good truth and a good look at how our choices affect our lives and future choices. A very good read!

You can learn more about the book and the author by checking out her website at http://www.rachelleayala.com

Also find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/rachelleayalawriter

      

       

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Chance

The Chance

by Karen Kingsbury

• Christian Fiction
• my rating is 5 out of 5 stars

       Summary:

                       This is a story of family and love. When Ellie is a teenager, she and her close friend Nolen talk of the future and marriage. When Ellie learns of her Mom's affair and that her Dad is planning to take her away with him, she panics. 

                        Before leaving, Ellie and Nolen bury letters they have written in a box written to each other, declaring their true feelings. The plan is to return and read them in exactly 11 yrs to the date if they don't meet up before that.

                         Choices are made by everyone involved which cause a multitude of heartache, and life is forever changed. There is a search not only for each other, but for God. They are all driven to a place of forgiveness throughout the story. 

                         It's an amazing journey of seeing how the Lord can work all things for good.

       Review: 

                         As always when reading a Karen Kingsbury book, this book had me in tears. Not only is the story well written, but the message of life, choices and ultimately forgiveness, lies throughout the book and can really touch the readers heart.

                         We find that through anger and trials that God is always with us and uses those around us to bring us home to him. 

                         I have read all of her books, and can truely say that in each one, I can relate to something in it. Her books draw me closer to God and always makes me examine my life and realize any changes that I need to make. Don't miss this wonderful story!

Disclosure: I received only an ebook of this in order to do the review. My opinions are my own and may differ from others.

Direct link to the book on amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Novel-Karen-Kingsbury/dp/1451647034/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357347202&sr=1-1&keywords=the+chance+karen+kingsbury