Wishing On Willows, by Katie Ganshert

Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?  

A three-year-old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband.  As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa, she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her cafe and vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.  As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily.  His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks.  

I liked the two main characters in this story, Robin and Ian.  Robin’s struggles as a young widow determined to succeed and Ian is trying to gain approval from his successful father. Being successful and finding approval from the ones we love are the strong points in this book. 

I liked the idea that the author included a list of questions at the end, so this book would make a nice addition to any small group or book club. 

I wish Katie Ganshert, the author, had used the text about the willows earlier in the story since the title gave me the idea the willows had a significant meaning.   I was a bit confused by the chapters that gave Robin’s first-person point of view since they were interspersed throughout the book.  Perhaps a small heading at the chapter’s beginning would have clarified my story thoughts.

I give this book a definite 4 stars.  I look forward to reading Katie's next novel.

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

The Icecutter's Daughter, by Tracie Peterson

My next book review is The Icecutter’s Daughter, by Tracie Peterson from the series Land of Shining Water.

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked.  Besides, it suits her; she’s never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl- she’d rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest.  And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle’s carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill.  But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn’t intimidated by them or by Merrill’s strength and lack of femininity.  The attraction between them begins to build . . . until Rurik’s former fiancée shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

In my opinion, this book has just the right amount of mystery and romance to keep my attention and "stay up late to finish just one more chapter".  I liked Merrill because she was compassionate and willing to help her father and brothers instead of thinking of herself.  She had discovered she loved caring for her father’s Belgian horses that he raised.  The descriptions of the goodies prepared throughout the book made me hungry as Tracie described the tempting meals that Merrill served in the story.  I wish she would share the recipe of the carrot cookies (Page 46). 

With the descriptions of building furniture in Rurik's uncle’s carpentry business I could almost smell the fresh wood as it was being cut. The dilemma in Rurik’s relationship with his pre-arranged fiancée sure gives the story a puzzle to solve.  His best friend, Nils, challenges Rurik as they share their idea of becoming business partners.

I recommend this book to someone wanting a good fictional story with plenty of twists. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Bedtime Stories and Prayers, by Mackall and Bostrom

Make bedtime memorable and meaningful!

Bedtime Stories and Prayers is a special collection of four favorite Little Blessings stories.  

Bedtime routines often include a story and prayer. Now parents and kids can combine both with a special Little Blessings compilation book. The padded hardcover book includes the following sweet stories:

• Bedtime Blessings, which reminds kids that God created nighttime too and they have nothing to fear
• Thank You, God, which reminds kids to be thankful for everything
• Blessings Everywhere, which helps readers remember their blessings
• God Loves You, which carries the most powerful message of all to comfort and guide little ones through the night and through their lives.

Each page is filled with full color art of the endearing multicultural Little Blessings characters with illustrations by Care Bear creator Elena Kucharik.

What I love most about this book is the whimsical illustrations that children need for comfort and assurance.  Instead of falling asleep with books of pictures that portray anxiousness and sometimes fear, the Care Bear illustrator, Elena Kucharik, uses her warm details and child-like eyes to give extra confirmation of the stories.  The gorgeous colors in each picture give children the understanding that God’s blessings are beautiful.

Bedtime Blessings, Thank you, God!, Blessings Everywhere, and God Loves You, are the positive reinforcement all of our children need on a daily basis (if not more!) to know that the world they live in does have hope through God.

I would say my favorite story in this collection is God Loves You.  The idea that "you can be silly or you can be sad" as one page declares is a thought children can understand.  I would recommend this book as a gift for families, for Sunday School classes, and definitely grandparents should keep a copy to read aloud when their grandchildren come to visit.

Bedtime Stories and Prayers is the perfect way to end each day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House

Take A Chance On Me, by Susan May Warren

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. 

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. 

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

This book speaks a strong message of how we show forgiveness.

I'm including a link to read the interview with author, Susan May Warren as she gives deeper insight for the inspiration of this new six-book series.  Susan May Warren Questions and Answers 

I recommend this book to readers based on the principles of overcoming personal fears, accepting others with respect,  and showing compassion and grace.   

"It's a saga about family and faith and what happens when those collide with real life." Susan May Warren

Ivy and Darek each have their personal hang-ups to work through as the story includes their friends, Jensen and Claire.  The gardening stories, caring for an aging grandfather, and the fear of a forest fire make for plenty of interest throughout the book.  Little five-year old, Tiger, is Darek's son, and you can easily picture his curiosity and energy as he challenges his family when outsiders fear his injuries are more than typical child's play.  I appreciate the setting in the northwoods of Minnesota.  The descriptions of the Christiansen's family resort and the lake inspire a trip to visit this restful setting.

I'm looking forward to the next installation of the Christiansen Family.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Lord, I Give You This Day, by Kay Arthur

Do you need wisdom and strength for the days ahead?  

Do you long for the peace God promises, the power to perservere?

Reviewing "Lord, I Give You This Day", brought an instant feeling of comfort as I read the 366 Appointments with God in this power-packed daily devotional, by Kay Arthur.  She beckons you into a deeper relationship with God, helping you discover for yourself the life-changing power of His unwavering character and unshakeable love.  As each brief reading draws you into the Bible and leads you into purposeful prayer, you'll be equipped to greet each day with bold faith, confident in God's faithfulness, strength, and transforming grace. Kay says, "In the greatest trials I have faced, these were the truths that kept me in perfect peace as I took them into my heart and lived accordingly."

As I read the introduction ....

"Each brief, one page reading addresses the challenges and joys of surrendered living...."

the suggestion of surrender gave me a sense of drawing my daily strength for each new day from God, and only from Him.  Kay suggests that if you make the consistent practice of surrendering, you'll find your life and your relationships transformed.  That sounds really good and positive.
I like the format for each day's devotion with a simple thought, confirmed by God's Word and at the end is a one or two sentence prayer, or an idea or suggestion from the author how to apply that day's devotion.  The simplicity of this book will allow this book to stay at my bedside permanently.  I've read many devotionals throughout my lifetime, and this little book is just right for anyone.   The added bonus of this beautiful treasured book is the fact that the publishers had this book printed here in the United States.  One final note, the size and smooth cover make this book so nice to hold.  What a wonderful book!

You might like to click on the link http://www.scribd.com/doc/92939414/Lord-I-Give-You-This-Day-366-Appointments-with-God#.UUFLCKK0KSo   to read the first chapter and find out this is a book you need. 


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

 

To Honor and Trust

Come home to magnificent Bridal Veil Island resort 

This invitation is offered to readers in the new book, To Honor and Trust, by authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.

It is a pleasure to read another book from the Bridal Veil Island series.

        Bridal Veil Island, Georgia 1913

Callie Deboyer arrives at Bridal Veil Island to spend the winter working as a governess for the Bridgeport family. However, she finds she can't fully enjoy the beautiful resort because questions about her future weigh heavily on her mind: Should she continue in this job she enjoys, or is God calling her to join her parents in their missionary work?

When she enrolls young Thomas Bridgeport in golf lessons, Callie meets instructor Wesley Townsend, who urges Callie to take lessons, as well. During their time together, Callie comes to care for Wes--until she discovers that he's been hiding something very important from her.

Then expensive pieces go missing from various homes around the island, and suspicion is aimed in Callie's direction. Callie wonders if this is a sign she should leave it all behind and join her parents in Africa. Considering Wesley's deceit, will he ever be a man Callie can honor and trust for the rest of her life?

The atmosphere of this book provides a good escape and reminds me of an era when wealthy families often escaped to warmer climates. Callie's story involves her devotion to the Bridgeport family as their governess and her character inspires the high standards she has set for herself while accepting almost everyone she meets. After getting to know Wes, she begins to have a little bit of hope for her future.

There are episodes of suspense within the story, including a jewel thief, and when little Daisy is bitten by a dangerous spider.

The one thought I found as I read this book is how much to reveal when telling the the truth. I imagine most of us have told the truth, but maybe not told all of the information we know because we felt it might cause hurt feelings. This book is a good example of how to handle what, when and how to share our thoughts and build a trusting relationship with someone.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Secrets over Sweet Tea, by Denise Hildreth Jones

SECRETS OVER SWEET TEA



Three troubled characters, Scarlett, Grace, and Zach, each with their own secrets. We think secrets keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry - a boisterous pastor's wife knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd - a polished news anchor and Zach Craig - a beleaguered divorce attorney are about to learn the hard way. As each of their lives intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, each seeking to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.


I confess to being a tea-a-holic so just the title alone gave me hope that Denise Hildreth Jones would create a "tasty" story and she did! There were never any dull moments in the story. And once Scarlett entered into the lives of Grace and Zach, there were some interesting moments. I bet we would all like to have a character like Scarlett in our lives. She is funny, yet she has her own tragic secret. As for Grace, I believe there are many readers who may identify with her situation. I was surprised, but glad that Zach chose to resolve his secret in a way I didn't expect.

I would recommend this book for those who love southern styles, friendships, and a good plot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Hildreth Jones Denise Hildreth Jones has spent the last eight years writing fiction that has been hailed as both "smart and witty." Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in Southern Living and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Her previous novels include the Savannah series, Flies on the Butter, The Will of Wisteria, Hurricanes in Paradise, The First Gardener, andSecrets Over Sweet Tea. She has also written two works of nonfiction—Flying Solo and Reclaiming Your Heart. Denise makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, five bonus children, and her dog. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola. Visit Denise's website at www.denisehildrethjones.com  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.