Thank You, Billy Graham

Thank you, Billy Graham
Barbour Publishing

You know his name, his faith, his ministry—now enjoy the inspiring, heartwarming, personal stories of his legacy in Thank You, Billy Graham.This brand-new book contains scores of thank-you notes collected on the website ThankYouBilly.com, sharing moving stories of God’s grace, love, and power in the lives of real people. Compiled by three of Billy Graham’s grandchildren, Thank You, Billy Graham will encourage and inspire you with a beautiful picture of a life well lived—a life lived in faithfulness to the God who made you, loves you, and offers you salvation through His son, Jesus Christ.

I don't think I've ever hidden the fact that I am a huge fan of Billy Graham. I love his heart, his ministry, and his legacy. This book pays tribute to tall of those. Sweet notes, beautiful letters, and graciousness abounds. What an honor to read. 

My thanks to Barbour Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Emmy's Equal

Emmy's Equal
Marcia Gruver
Barbour Books
2009
Fiction, Historical, Romance

Get ready for a suspenseful romantic adventure deep in the heart of Texas. Emmy Dane doesn’t want to give up her petticoats and frills for boots and spurs when her family decides to learn ranching in South Texas. 

Diego Marcelo’s mother tells him God will soon deliver him from his loneliness—but he assures her he has no need of deliverance. . .that is, until Emmy disrupts the entire way of life at the ranch. Can Diego put his jealousy aside before time runs out? And will Emmy admit she’s found her match in the stubborn foreman?

This was an average book with average characters. Emmy is 21 and yet she acts much younger through much of the book, seriously immature at times. The whole "lover's triangle" thing was a bit overdone and tired. Diego is a character with a unique story and background which makes him fascinating to get to know. Without his background I'm afraid he wouldn't be all that interesting. 

Growth does take place and maturity begins to flourish. It's an easy read with an even pace. Good for a cold night at home when you need a temporary distraction. 

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Elusive Hope

Elusive Hope
MaryLu Tyndall 
Barbour Publishing 
January 2014
Fiction, Romance, History 

Embark on an exotic adventure in Book 2 of the Escape to Paradise series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. In the fledgling colony of New Hope, their friends struggle to create a Southern utopia in Brazil soon after the Civil War. But Hayden is seeking revenge—relentlessly. And Magnolia is seeking a way out—desperately. They both seek to use the other for their own purposes—deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

Jungles, pirates, mysterious spirits, romance, and more. This book has just about everything. The historical aspects are absolutely fascinating. I had no idea there was a large group of southerners who escaped and started new lives for themselves in Brazil after the Civil War. Crazy but true!

The first book in this series had me utterly captivated so I was eager to read this second book. By the way, you definitely want to read these in order. Unfortunately, this book just got a bit weird. There were a number of storylines going on and they very rarely intersected. There was just too much going on. There was also a evil spiritual realm in the book that I found creepy and very odd. The book ends with nothing wrapped up other than the romantic aspect. It left me cranky. It also left me anxious to read the next book. Yep, it's that kind of series and that kind of book. The characters are well developed and the plot is gripping. I just wish I knew which plot to follow.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

The Message on the Quilt

The Message on the Quilt
Stephanie Grace Whitson 
Barbour Publishing
April 1, 2013
Fiction, Romance, Historical 

Return to historic Nebraska for the stunning conclusion to The Quilt Chronicles. When Emilie Rhodes convinces her newspaper editor father to assign her to interview the speakers at the 1890 Chautauqua series, she meets and falls in love with “The Man of Many Voices.” But Noah Shaw’s professional life is only one reason he’s in Nebraska. Noah is on a quest to find answers. . .but will a treasured quilt bear a message of brokenness—or hope and healing?

I loved this book. As I've mentioned before Whitson is a favorite author. This is the conclusion to The Quilt Chronicles. While I feel like the whole quilt thing is a bit of a stretch to tie the books together it hardly interferes with Whitson's solid writing. Emilie is so fun to get to know and Noah is as sweet as can be. I'm often working in Nebraska and I loved hearing about the Chatauqua series. It was incredibly intriguing. In fact, it prompted me to do some further research of my own. You've got to love a fiction book that has you researching history. The sweetness of Emilie and Noah is naive and yet special. I so enjoyed "watching" them fall in love.  There is some major intrigue that pops up as well and will have you wondering just how the story will end. I'll leave that up to you to find out. You'll enjoy it, promise. 

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

The Shadow on the Quilt

The Shadow on the Quilt

Stephanie Grace Whitson

Barbour Publishing

November 2012

Historical, Fiction, Romance

Will past pain unravel the future?

Juliana Sutton has just about everything a woman could want. Her husband is riding a crest of success in the bustling capitol city of Lincoln, and Juliana leads various philanthropic endeavors. Once finished, their new home, a spectacular mansion on five acres, will be the envy of all. Then a devastating scandal erupts. . . .

Cass Gregory, the foreman overseeing the Sutton mansion construction, has spent recent years trying to untangle the disastrous results of his own past choices—and wishing he didn’t know the truth about his boss. When scandal ignites, Cass longs to comfort Juliana but is convinced her position in society and his past make a relationship impossible.

Juliana and Cass are thrown together as completion of the mansion draws near, each one wounded and afraid to trust. Will the shadow of a name stand between them and true happiness?

I'm a big fan of Whitson and have been from her earliest beginnings. The woman knows how to weave a story. At the risk of spoiling a part of the story I'm just going to let you know Juliana's husband dies. Hopefully you could pick up on that from the description. I'll let you read to find out the "scandal". The story is well developed and you'll be swept along. Juliana is sweet if not a bit naive. Cass is just a sweetheart. The two of them growing together is achingly sweet. You'll love where the story leads. 

I personally feel like the whole quilt theme is a bit of a stretch. But that's a moot point when it comes to this sweet story of redemption. Wrap up in a quilt and get ready to read for quite awhile. 

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Til Grits Do Us Part

'Til Grits Do us Part
Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Barbour Publishing
2012
Fiction, Modern, Romance

Shiloh Jacobs is planning her wedding without family, without money, and without a clue—and trying to make a go of small-town Southern life. Until she stumbles on an unsolved case about a missing woman that makes her run in the opposite direction—right into the would-be killer’s web of plans. In the midst of sorting through her tragic past and strained relationships, Shiloh finds herself on the run from a madman—and hoping she can make it to her wedding alive. 

 This is the third and final book in the Southern Fried Sushi series. Spinola continues to write with vim and vigor. Shiloh is as spunky as ever as she attempts to plan her wedding. I appreciated the personal growth she had to go through as she faced her past. Spinola writes true to life situations that are relatable. I'll honestly say this was not my favorite book in the series. Something about the stalker seemed a little out of pace and unnecessary  At some point it crossed over the line of believable that somehow Spinola had managed to avoid until then. While not my favorite, it's still and excellent read and a must-read to top off a truly delightful series. Hats off to Jennifer! Nicely done! 

My Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Jennifer Spinola for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and real review. 

Lily's Plight

Lily's Plight
Sally Laity and Dianna Cawford
Barbour Publishing
January 1, 2013
Romance, Fiction, Historical

Journey to Pennsylvania backcountry during the French and Indian War. Indentured servant Lily Harwood has always thought of herself as a good Christian lass. . .until she is struck with a deeper, more profound plight than the war that rages around her. When her mistress’s husband returns home on a short furlough, Lily finds herself falling in love with him. As Lily is caught between passion and sorrow in harrowing times, can she find hope in the promises of God?

This is the third and final installment in the Daughters of Harwood House and I enjoyed this just as much as I did the other two. Laity and Crawford spin an engaging read that kept me reading into the night. Indian attacks, love, and suspense are all combined in this book about Lily. Lily herself is a bit of a confusion to me. She's extremely young in age but very old in years. I think it works for the time but I didn' find it believable all of the time. As a character she wonderful I'm just not sure totally believable.

The book is rich with historical detail that I found fascinating. Entering into the story of some of our earliest pioneers and their fight for their land and lives was gripping. I'm constantly amazed at those who have gone on before and kept going when I think I may have quit. The authors do a superb job of truly sharing with us their "plight".

An excellent read that really can be read as a standalone. You won't regret picking this one up...unless you like to sleep at night and not read :)

My thanks to Barbour Books for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Today's Shawdows

Today's Shadows
Becky Melby
Barbour Publishing 
Christian, Romance, Mystery
Publication Date: December 1, 2012

Grad student Heather Conrad’s house-sitting venture is about to veer off course. When last minute changes leave Heather in charge of watching her former boss’s lakeside Victorian mansion and six-year-old daughter, Izzy, the surprises have just begun. Soon startling discoveries convince Heather that something just isn’t right around the house. As suspicions mount, Heather calls on security systems installer Ryan Tobin for help. . .then stumbles on a hidden stairway that leads headlong into a forgotten past. But what will Heather discover there that changes everything?

This book immediately caught and held my attention. Heather is an intriguing character that I personally could relate to. Her exploration of local coffee shops was fun to read about. Izzy is a delight and an extremely well written 6 year old. Ryan is a bit cheesy but as his story develops he grows on you. There is a bit of mystery throughout the story that I found very interesting. Who is taking pictures of Heather and Izzy? Why all the secrets in the old mansion? And just who is Ryan? While not startlingly amazing you'll enjoy this one, I promise!

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Anne's Quest

Lady Anne's Quest
Susan Page Davis
Barbour Publishing
April 2012
Romance, Fiction, Historical

Finding an imposter instead of her uncle means Anne’s quest must continue after The Lady’s Maid is wed, and Dan is determined to protect her from the swindlers now trailing her. But though he’s good at keeping her safe, he’s certain he’ll never be able to convince Anne to be his wife since her sights are set on finding her uncle and returning to England. As her quest becomes even more difficult—and dangerous—Anne finds her feelings for Dan changing. Will she soon be envisioning a new life in America?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I find the premise in general to be a little far-fetched (English lady traveling the Oregon trail in search of her uncle) the whole story line is just fun. Anne is endearing and watching her grow throughout the series has been a joy. Dan is a true joy and you'll love him immediately. I am delighted to announce that Anne does finally find her uncle in this book but there are still many unanswered questions that I'm sure the third book in the trilogy will clear up. An easy and enjoyable read. I recommend! 

Thanks to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review. 

Veil of Pearls

Veil of Pearls
MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing
Historical, Fiction, Romance
July 1, 2012

Be swept away to Charleston of 1811, a city bustling with immigrants like Adalia, who is a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world—a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin them both—suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?

Tyndall writes with passion and intrigue. This book captured me right away and didn't let me go. Adalia is a complex character who could have been even better developed. After being a slave for 7 years she transitions into the regular world with unbelievable ease. Morgan is both likeable and loathe worthy. The connection between the two is passionate and life-altering. While I had my eye rolling moments when the plot was so predictable I also had my "ah" moments and I really enjoyed this read. Tyndall is growing in depth as an author and I look forward to more from her. The view from a slave's perspective is particularly intriguing. Reading of life in Charleston in the early 1800's was very interesting. A good read that I recommend! 

Thanks to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.  

Lily

Lily
Diane T. Ashley and Aaron McCarver
Barbour Publishing House
June 1, 2012
Romance, Historical, Fiction

Cruise down the Mississippi with Natchez belle Lily Anderson. Needing to provide for herself and her sisters, Lily is desperately trying to make a go of a riverboat venture with co-owner Blake Matthews. But they fail to find anything to agree upon. Blake is enamored of the feisty Lily. Attempts to woo her may be lost to the devious Jean Luc Champney. Will the siren song of the river evolve into a serenade or a somber lament?

For the most part this is a well written and intriguing book.  Riverboat books seem to be one of the newest influxes in Christian fiction. I personally find the genre very interesting. The authors held true to historical fact in regards to the rampant gambling that went on on riverboats. It seemed highly unlikely that Lily and Blake could find common ground, rest assured they did. Both characters could have been better developed and parts of the story were rather far-fetched. However, the book kept my attention and I look forward to reading the next installments. 


Thanks to netgalley and Barbour Publishing House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.

Rose's' Pledge

Rose's Pledge
Sally Laity and Dianna Crawford
Barbour Publishing
January 2012
Historical, Fiction, Romance

Set during the French and Indian War Rose and her sisters are sent to America as indentured servants. All promises are broken upon their arrival when they are separated and sold to the highest bidder. Rose is bought by an unkempt fur trader and taken deep inland where Indian trouble runs rampant. A young frontiersman, Nate, tags along with the fur party to keep an eye on the beautiful Rose.

This book follows Rose's story as she clings to her faith in God in a wild land. Nate has promised to rescue her if he can but it seems highly unlikely that he can ever find the money to buy her indenture. Filled with suspense, action, and romance this book is a pleasure to read. Laity and Crawford unite together to bring the best of true historical fiction and sweet romance.

This is the first in a trilogy and I already have the second one queued up to read shortly. This will keep you up reading at night. The historical elements were, of course, my favorite part. Very well done!

Thank you to Barbour Books and Netgalley for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for my honest review. 

The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

The Key on the Quilt
Stephanie Grace Whitson
Barbour Publishing
Pub Date: Coming Soon! March 1, 2012
Genre: historical, fiction, romance

I was immediately hooked the minute I opened this book. You could not ask for a more unique story in the most unlikely setting. Taking place in woman's prison Whitson weaves her tale delightfully. The characters all have incredible depth and you immediately feel like they are friends. I found the setting absolutely fascinating and I appreciate all the research the author does for her books. While one might think this story revolves around a quilt that could almost be deceiving. The quilt plays a small but important role but this is not your typical "quilt book".

Whitson is an excellent author and I rarely read anything from her that I'm not completely taken with. She writes about people and places that she knows and she does so with effortless ability. Due in March this excellent read can be pre-ordered here .

God’s Plan Revealed. . .Stitch by Stitch

 

From a distance, the building may resemble a castle, but it’s the last place Jane Prescott, Mamie Dawson, and Ellen Sullivan thought they’d be, and the last place they expected to see love grow.

 

Broken in spirit and wondering if God has abandoned her, Jane is serving a ten-year sentence at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, even as she hides a startling secret. How will one caring physician help unravel the hidden meaning behind Jane’s courthouse steps quilt?

 

Mamie told God she’d go anywhere, never dreaming He’d send her to nurture women the world had forgotten. But while helping those around her, will she stubbornly keep the attentions of a kind guard at arm’s length?

 

Ellen was never going to leave Kentucky, but then marriage made her a Nebraska warden’s wife. Can she reach past uncertainty and fear to find God’s purpose in it all?

 

Together, these three women form an unlikely friendship that takes them to the end of themselves and, ultimately, on a journey that proves prison walls can neither frustrate God’s plans nor keep love out. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Tall, Dark, and Determined by Kelly Eileen Hake

Tall, Dark, and Determined

Kelly Eileen Hake

Barbour Publishing 

Pub Date: 12/1/11

Genere: Historical, fiction, romance

Let it be said I am very tenacious when it comes to reading books. The do not have to grab me within the first page or the first chapter. However, if by chapter 5 I'm still completely lost then we have a problem. Unfortunately this book left me completely befuddled. I honestly haven't finished it yet and I'm not sure I will. I know Hake to be a decent author and aside from the corny title I was looking forward to reading this book. However, after five chapters I was more confused than ever. Because this was a digital copy I kept assuming whole chapters hadn't transferred properly. I even went online at midnight one night to see if I was missing something, but to no avail. 

Tall, Dark and Determined is the second story in the Husbands for Hire series by award winning author Kelly Eileen Hake. Perhaps if I had read book 1 I wouldn’t have felt so lost throughout Lacey Lyman’s story.  She and her four friends are seeking to rebuild Hope Falls after the mine collapsed, which nearly killed her brother.  They post an ad for husbands who can help turn the town into a successful sawmill.  The men arrive by the dozens, but none of them catch talkative and independent Lacey’s eye.    

The story goes on but to where and how I don't know and I'm not sure I ever care to. Certain things irritate me greatly and having and author forget that her readers don't live inside her head with the characters is one of them. I will read more from Hake in the future with the hopes that she finds her way back to weaving a readable and intriguing story. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for me honest review.

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola

Like Sweet Potato Pie by Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Reviewed by Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc
Date: Coming soon March 2012

I was delighted to get an early release read of this book. After reading Southern Fried Sushi I was immediately hooked on Spinola. This second books does not disappoint.

Shiloh P. Jacobs has a new life in Virginia and a new life with Jesus as her Savior. Life should be going splendidly for her...right? Not quite. Her finances are a mess, the IRS has a hold of her checking account, her half-sister is fighting her for her mom's house, and the house is weeks away from being taken away. Not to mention she's working non-stop and her dear friend Becky has given her a puppy. Life continues on in hilarity in Virginia where mullets are king and deep friend food soothes all woes. Insert a surprise visit from her best friend from Tokyo and her handsome ex-fiance and this book will keep you hopping.

In the midst of all the craziness Shiloh finds her new relationship with Jesus to be both fulfilling and difficult and somehow exactly what she needs. She sorts through real life problems with the new filter of "what would Jesus do?". God continues to woo her away and her delight at knowing Jesus will give you fresh eyes at what it means to walk with Christ.

We certainly can not forget the not so handsome Adam who has done absolutely nothing to charm Shiloh and yet she finds herself drawn to him. They hit setback after setback as they try to "court" and you'll find yourself frustrated at the lack of communication these two have! I'd keep going but I'm not going to give it all away.

Spinola continues to write with the light and color that makes reading her novels seem like a vacation. Her descriptions are just the right amount of spice and make the book the gem it is. Her character development is thorough and these characters are ones you'll find yourself wanting to hop in your car to Virginia to hang out with. Another delightful read that I highly recommend! Kuddos once again to Spinola for writing with transparency and honesty.

Releasing in March you can pre-order Like Sweet Potato Pie here. 

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.