Forever Safe -- Review

Author Jody Hedlund has done it yet again! Forever Safe, a Historical Christian Fiction novel, is the fourth book in the Beacons of Hope series but never fear for it can be classified as a stand-alone book. The author does a fabulous job of catching the reader up without going overboard.

The reader will be swept away as the author takes us on a journey through the lives of two people whose lives intertwine with others. Victoria grew up in a life of privilege yet it hasn’t kept her free of the troubles of life. Tom, her reluctant body guard, grew up without the privileges of life and still struggles with the memories and heartache of the past. He vows to protect her. She vows not to give him trouble. Will Victoria keep her end of the bargain? Forever Safe is a page turner, for sure!!

The author does a fabulous job, as always, of bringing the characters to life. Her knack of story-telling keeps the reader more than interested. She paints a beautiful picture through description that has one feeling, seeing and hearing it all. 

I was reluctant for it to end but couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The author sneaked in twists and turns to the very end. Forever Safe will have the reader contemplating all the little life lessons after the last word is read. I love when that happens; a book which has me soaking in life's chaos and how it affects me. 

There are so, so, so many great quotes from this book like "Some things are beyond our control. You can't be perfect. No one is. That's why we need God." Just one of the many! As well as a wonderful chapter on what it takes for a great marriage. I wrote the author and told her I am marking those pages and sharing it with our son. :)  One of my favorites quotes is in the author notes:

...I pray that you'll learn to run to the One who promises to walk beside us through our darkest valleys and fiercest storms. He may not take us out of the valley or storm, but He will hold our hand and stay by our side. With Him, we will be forever safe.

I highly recommend getting this book into your hands as soon as possible. It's that good. 

Hearts Made Whole

"Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them."

Caroline is a feisty little thing. She is determined to keep her family safe after her mother, and now her father pass away. Life isn't fair, yet Caroline keeps sailing full steam ahead tending the lighthouse. It's a job she loves. Too bad the inspector of lighthouses doesn't care.

In enters Ryan Chambers. He has a past in which he cannot let go - or maybe the past won't let go of him yet. He.is.a.hot.mess. Caroline just wants to shake him senseless. Yet, she sees something in his haunted eyes. She doesn't want to like him as her lighthouse job was snatched out from beneath her. Yet...

When someone keeps trying to hurt them or send a dangerous message to them, it only makes Ryan and Caroline work harder together. Even if it means giving up a dream.

Hope. Compassion. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Unworthiness. Overcoming. And a giggle or three. Those are emotions I would use to describe the theme of Hearts Made Whole. Who among us has not felt one or all of those emotions?

Hearts Made Whole written by Jody Hedlund is book two in her Beacons of Hope series. However, don't let that stop you if you haven't read book one. Jody is a master at series books. She expertly weaves the story and seamlessly welcomes character of one book into another without the reading being confused.

The mysterious happenings had me guessing which character was out to get Caroline. Or was it Ryan they were out to get? After two wrong guesses I finally discovered the culprit.

Toward the end of the book Caroline's sister says, "Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them." I will admit I cried. Yes, I'm a natural-born crier. But, something about that statement just hit me. Maybe it has been several things I've been working through the last few months. Maybe I just needed a cry. Maybe, just maybe, when you're reading a well-written book and you're fully immersed in that world you become so emotionally attached to a character you feel what she feels. Maybe. Or I could have been having an emotional day. Shrugs shoulders.

RUN out to or CLICK on over to your favorite bookstore and purchase a wonderful book by a magnificent writer. You won't be sorry...although your household chores may be neglected for a few days because you can't put it down. Dust and cleaning will always be there so have some fun in the sun (or beach) and read this little beauty.

Author, Jody Hedlund, and her publisher have a great giveaway going on right now. Be sure to enter here.

A Bride In Store

Eliza Cantrell is not the most patient person on the planet earth. Raise your hand if you can relate. She's a feisty thing. So much so, it gets her in trouble. Raise your hand if you've ever done anything foolish. You had no idea there would be group participation when you innocently began to read this post, did you?! ;) She knows what she wants and will jump in without checking to see if the water is clear. Sound familiar anyone? Eliza is laser focused on her dreams...and a little too much on herself.

Eliza arrives in a western town as a mail-order bride. Except her groom is missing. In steps William (Will) Stanton - only to help, of course.

Will. Oh, the good wanna-be-doctor-but-have-no-funds-for-college-Will. He is a good man. But, Eliza seems to think others take advantage of him. Wave your hand wildly if you've ever had to remember to set boundaries. Will is so kindhearted and seems to have a knack at putting others above himself even if it leads to his unhappiness.

Troubles come along. Doesn't that sound familiar in our own lives. One thing after another after another. Their faith, at times, is shaky at best. Will their faith stand these testing times? Relying fully on God looks good on paper but when lives are full of turmoil, will they rely on Him?

Author Melissa Jagears is a terrific author. A Bride in Store is her third book. Her writing will make you feel as if you're there in the dusty Kansas town in the 1880s. I recommend her books to anyone who wants to read Christian Fiction. She has a way of pointing the readers to Christ without hammering the reader over the head.

I received this book from the author. In no way was I forced or asked to write a review. 

Kiss Me Awake & Giveaway

I have a secret. Come closer. Closer yet.

Glances to the right, then left. Looks under the desk and behind.

I am a very picky reader.

Shhhhh! Not so loud with your "wwwhhaaaat?!"

I have been known to keep a book as an example of how not to write. I judge a book by its cover. Phew, admitting that was scary. If I'm not 'into' the story by the second chapter (at the most), it is bye-bye-bye book. And sometimes when I see a book published the non-traditional way...well, I promptly skedaddle.

I know, I know. I'm a book snob. Are there recovery programs? Wait. I'm not sure I want to recover. I love to read. I love to be fussy, picky, snobby and all those other adjectives about the books I chose to spend my time reading.

All this to say one book has me shouting from the rooftop. All in a good way, of course.

READ EXCERPT

Kiss Me Awake is that book.

Kiss Me Awake is Julie Momyer's first novel. In fact, it was a finalist in a popular Christian writing contest a few years ago. And, well, you see...I know Julie. Which makes this all the more fun! Please don't let that little fact stop you from reading this review. Trust me; if I don't like a book I will honestly let you know. In the same regard, if I like a book I will gush on and on about it. Get ready for some gushing...

If you are a lover of mystery, suspense, real life hurts, real life love, guessing 'who done it',  you will absolutely adore this novel.

Julie brings the characters to life. No one dimensional characters here. Let's not talk about how I wanted to reach through the book to wring a few necks along the way. I may or may not have yelled at a character or two...but let's pretend that never happened, shall we.

The life-long hurt of the main character, Jaida Martin, effects every move she has made in her personal, professional and spiritual life. This hurt numbs her; closes down her ability to love. And, let's be honest, she may or may not have been one I was yelling at a few times...and no, I'm not proud of it. How many times have we readers been hurt and shut down our hearts. It is a defense mechanism that haunts me a little too often. I found myself, in a way, relating to Jaida with that one aspect of her personality.

We travel along with Jaida and Spencer as they deal with some very real life issues. Spencer's faith in our God is commendable as he has a world of hurts to work through and at times wants to give up. God doesn't allow him and He guides Spencer along the way.

I had a difficult time putting down Kiss Me Awake. Mystery, danger, suspense, betrayal, secrets, love, forgiveness, redemption; all words describe Kiss Me Awake. The plot is well thought out and the author, Julie, keeps the story moving with the right amount of twists and turns along the way.

The story is so beautifully shown it felt as though I was watching the story unfold as if watching a movie.

Giveaway is over. Thanks for everyone who entered. Love the comments of your favorite place to read. See the next post to see who won Kiss Me Awake!
Have I whet your appetite enough to want your very own autographed copy? Well, aren't you the fortunate one? I just so happen to have an autographed copy to give away.

All you need to do is.....

• Reside in the lower 48 states of the USA. No other countries, Alaska or Hawaii are eligible due to postage cost. Sorry guys!
• Leave a comment stating your favorite place to read.
• Also, include your email address so I can contact you...this is a must (ex: imadorbs AT provider DOT com).
• Deadline is Tuesday, May 7 at 9 PM ET just in time for Mother's Day! Hint, hint. And as long as the postal system is on the ball.
• If you are the winner, you must reply to my email with your mailing address within 48 hours or I'll draw another winner.
• I will determine the winner by using random.org.

Hurry! Spread the word and tell all your friends who love to read, who know someone who loves to read or just know people who know how to read.

If you are not chosen as the winner, grab some tissues and cheer up. You can purchase your very own copy by clicking here to order a copy or two or twelve. Available in Kindle and paperback.

A (Very) Noble Groom

First and foremost, shall we get the drooling and swooning out of the way? Let's take a moment...

 

Sigh. I'll wait a moment while you wipe your chin and get control of yourself.......[insert music here]

 

 

A Noble Groom, by the wonderful, fabulous Jody Hedlund, is a book you should purchase immediately! Too bossy? Okay. Let me re-word. It would be to your advantage to purchase a copy of said book for your reading enjoyment. How's that? Better?

 

Welcome to Forestville, Michigan, 1880-1882 where German immigrants, who are trained miners, become farmers in a wooded region in order to survive. Stations in life and traditions, whether right or wrong, are still being followed from the old country. Women are under the thumb of any man who wants to marry and the women have no choice in the matter. Farm animals are treated better than most of the women and children.

 

Annalisa is a young mother and wife who gives up on fairy-tale love and accepts a loveless marriage. Her daughter and unborn child keep her sane as she tries to avoid her husband. Suddenly, Annalisa's husband dies mysteriously. A new groom from the Old Country is chosen by her father and all await his arrival.

 

In walks Clark. Clark is running away from his past. He has become quite efficient at running away. He has something to hide. If uncovered it will rock the world of those in Forestville, MI.

 

While the family waits for Annalisa's groom to arrive, Clark is asked to help Annalisa on the farm in hopes of securing the farm until the groom gets to MI. This is where it gets good. Really good. Clark is unlike any of the German immigrants, except the pastor, in Forestville. He is kind, considerate, and treats Annalisa like a lady. Clark is on the run and doesn't plan to stay forever. A friendship develops. Do you see where this is going? Mmmmm hmmmm.

 

Jody, you did an excellent job (again) of making the characters human...not just flat, one dimensional people in a book. I could feel the heartache. I was mad when the women and children were treated terribly. I wanted to shout a few times at Clark when he would say certain things around Annalisa making her question whether he would stay or run like the wind. I could see Clark holding the baby. I found myself needing to slow down my reading during the scenes of "action" because I started skipping over words to know if everyone was okay. Well done, Jody, once again!

 

Jody has written three other books (which you need to read...that's an order! Obviously I'm a little bossy today.). Preacher's Bride, The Doctor's Lady and Unending Devotion. All three focus on a person from history. Jody told me A Noble Groom is more "traditional". Even if Jody considers this "traditional", it has an underlying theme.

 

Like Unending Devotion, which dealt with human trafficking in the 1880's, A Noble Groom also brings to light the treatment of women and children in that era. Maybe it is because my daughter just returned from a few third world countries and saw the awfulness of human trafficking on women and children that this came to the forefront of my mind. But, as I read A Noble Groom I couldn't help ache for the treatment of the women and children when some think of them as just a piece of meat. They have no voice. They do as they are told because it could mean physical and emotional mistreatment.

 

Clark, to me, represented what Christ meant when He said, "Husbands, love your wife as Christ loved the church..." Ephesians 5:25  If Clark saw a husband mistreating his wife, he didn't stand by and keep quiet. He wanted the men to take note of how they were treating the women and children. He cared. He loved. Just like Christ cares for the 'least of these'. It doesn't matter if you are dirty, poor, wealthy or are born into the "right" family. God loves you.

 

Are you convinced yet to run, walk, drive, hail a taxi, hop over to your favorite book seller on the web and purchase this book? Good!

 

 

 

 

And...eeeeeee!!!!....Jody has Rebellious Heart coming out in September and available for pre-order!

 

 



Mmmmmm...Sandwich

Sandwich--With a Side of Romance by debut author Krista Phillips will satisfy your hunger. In fact, you'll push away from the table (comfy chair) with a smile that will light up the kitchen (your reading spot) and everyone will know you've enjoyed every morsel. Sandwich is more than a fluffy marshmallow...it's a full fledge sink-your-teeth-in meal.

Spunky Maddie moves to Sandwich, IL to start a new life. One of stability that includes a job, an apartment and hopes of bringing her eleven year old brother, Kyle, out of foster care and into her loving arms. She fights an uphill battle when ever-so-serious Reuben, the owner of The Sandwich Emporium falls asleep while Maddie, a hairstylist, cuts his hair as he nods off in her chair. The result? You guess it. A new shorter hairstyle for Reuben and a job loss for Maddie. How will she ever move out of her car into an apartment large enough for her and her brother without a job?

Reuben hires Maddie to erase a little of his guilt--Maddie helps Reuben discover his guilt just in case he wasn't aware of it! And, you won't believe the trouble hiring Maddie causes. And, to top it off, Kyle's foster parents are petitioning for his adoption. Will Kyle be taken away from her forever?

Maddie is head-strong and won't take handouts from anyone. In walks Reuben's family who have made Maddie their person mission. Will Maddie see God's love for her through Reuben's family's actions? Will she accept the unconditional love they offer her and her brother, Kyle?

Maddie and Kyle's past haunt Maddie. Her life has never been pleasant and is tainted with mistakes. She accept Christ six months prior and is attempting to put her past behind her. Memories of torment haunt her and someone close to Reuben finds out the deep secrets she has put behind her. Will everything she's worked hard for blow up in her face?

Pick up your copy of Sandwich at your favorite book seller today. Author Krista Phillips characters are loveable, quirky and real. Your book appetite will thank you.

Secret Revealed...Jody's History-Making Moment

Secret #3: My participation in a history-making moment

I am so excited [eeee!!] to have the pleasure and honor of participating in author Jody Hedlund's Secrets Revealed tour. Read all the way to the bottom to see how YOU can win a free, signed copy of her latest book. Now, here's the kind, talented and beautiful Jody Hedlund...[insert thunderous applause here]  Winner has been announced....Congratulations Amy Campbell!!!

Author Jody Hedlund

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I don't have many claims to history (other than that I write historicals!).

But I can lay claim to participating in one important and exciting moment in history: I was in Berlin around the time when the Berlin Wall came down.

I even brought home a piece of the Wall.

I was visiting Germany after the collapse of the Berlin Wall in early 1990 with a group from college (which means I'm dating myself!).

Our group drove through what was then known as East Germany in order to reach Berlin. The entire area was still controlled by the Soviets, and we were unprepared for the poverty, the under-development, and the lack of modern conveniences.

The East German cars were identical, tiny, and looked like they were made out of cardboard. The buildings were old,  the stores nearly empty, and the toilet paper coarse (funny what leaves an impression—no pun intended!)

The Soviet soldiers patrolled the streets and borders. In fact no-man's land still existed between sections of the east and west Berlin Wall.

It was as if we'd been transported back fifty years into a war zone.

It was gray and dreary—almost like stepping into a black and white photo.

I could feel the sadness, the weight of despair, and the lack of hope that came from living behind walls.

From time to time, I pull out the broken, spray-painted portions of the Berlin Wall that I brought home those many years ago. I like to boast to my kids that "I was there" during that special time in history.

And those pieces of crumbling cement remind me all over again, that walls are oppressive. Whether those walls are built by a government, someone in authority over us, or even ourselves—walls keep us from moving forward and accomplishing our potential. [Whoa! Let's re-read this paragraph, shall we. I may need to write this down where I can see it. Every.single.day.]

We need to ask ourselves: What walls have we built in our lives? What walls have we allowed others to build around us? And what steps can we take to start knocking them down?

After all, we want to live freely, move forward, and accomplish all that we were made to do.

So, how about you? Have you (or someone in your family) ever been a part of a history-making moment? And what walls are holding you back from achieving your potential? 



 Publisher's Weekly calls Unending Devotion
 "A meaty tale of life amid the debauchery of the
lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . .
exciting and unpredictable to the very end."

To celebrate the release of Unending Devotion, Jody is giving away a signed copy. Leave a comment (along with your email address) to enter the drawing. Valid only with US or Canadian addresses. Giveaway ends September 12, 2012 at 9 AM ET.  Winner will be notified immediately. 

Read what I thought about Jody's book here! Plus check out her first two books here and here.

For more secrets about Jody and additional chances to win her newest release, visit her Events Page to see where she'll be next in her "Fun Secrets About Author Jody Hedlund" blog tour.

Also join in the Pinterest Photo Contest she's hosting. Find more information about it on her Contest Page.

Jody would love to connect with you! Find her in one of these places:

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you don't win the free book, run to your favorite book seller and purchase! You won't regret it.

 

Off My Bookshelf

Two books are off my shelf at the moment.

Great books.

One is thought provoking and deep. The other is just as great in its own way.

The first is One Thought Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I'm only on chapter three but may I just say WOW! I am not one to highlight in a book but Ann has caused me to break my own rule. And if the writing and deepness of the book is not enough, I'm watching the videos online after I read each chapter. Again, WOW! So far she has written about a painful experience when she was four, about God, about her life now, about how grace, thanksgiving and joy are connected and about God. It isn't one of those trite "I'm perfect and do everything right because I believe in God" books. It is real. It is honest. And it is most importantly relates to most humans if they are honest. And the videos are the frosting to my cake...and I like lots of frosting!

The second book is a lighter book. A you-have-me-giggling book. Save The Date by Jenny B Jones. I'm a little over half way done with this book but it calls to me. "Deanna, don't do the laundry...pick me up instead." "Deanna, don't feed your family...can't you see your need to find out what happens next?" Yeah, that kind of book. Will Alex be a stand up guy or be what everyone believes of him? Will Lucy use her sarcasm for good or evil? Matt. What is up with Matt? I can't figure out if I should love him or hate him. I'm seriously a little suspicious of that man. And Julian...I love that quirky guy....I need a Julian living in my house just for the entertainment factor only. Hmmmm.....these are the things that keep me up at night. And, how can I not love Jenny B Jones. After all, I did name her next YA book...There You'll Find Me. Okay, so I participated in a poll...but still, she picked the one I voted for so that makes me an influencer...right? (don't judge me people!)

Well, that is what's off my bookshelf.

How about you?