The Refuge

The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart grabbed my attention and held it from the very first page to the very last.

With the threat of a cholera epidemic at their heels, Darcie and Walter Goodwin joining the Shakers, whose villages seem immune to the disease.  It's meant to be temporary, but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident, destitute Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers.  To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village.  Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique and lonely position.  Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong Daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness.

This book shed a lot of light on the Shaker religion for me. I was not very familiar with their beliefs before reading this and I have to say I was somewhat surprised, especially with their belief in celibacy.  So many of their beliefs are not scriptural but yet in other ways they show such love and are so willing to help others. 

I loved the character of Darcie and my heart just broke for her.  I couldn't imagine being left alone in a community that you don't embrace the beliefs of, especially after finding out your with child, something that you know goes against the rules.  It was engaging to see how she started her life over and how the community continued to help her.

If you have never read one of Ann H. Gabhart's books this would be a great one to start with.  Probably my favorite to date!

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Heart Of A King

I always "proceed with caution" when reading biblical fiction.  I'm pretty particular about this genre and I don't want to read anything that is going to veer to far from God's truth.   That is something I never have to worry about with Jill Eileen Smith.  Her biblical fiction books always stay as close to the Bible as possible in a fiction story.

If I read biblical fiction and it draws me deeper into God's word by giving me a desire to reread and study out an individual or a story, I feel like it is time well spent.  This book did just that for me.  I had a desire to reread from the Bible Solomon's story.  The book made me think about things that I had never considered before and I love that.

I can't recommend this book enough.  It is well written, well developed characters and the story line is never dull.  I must also say that the cover is beautiful!

Get swept away by a story of love, loss, and longing

King Solomon could, and did, have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands.  But for all of his wealth and wisdom, did he or the women he loved ever find what they were searching for?

In this engrossing novel, find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meed four remarkable women:  Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba.  As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and theirs, you'll grapple with whether this king's stored wisdom ultimately benefited him and those he loved...or betrayed them.

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

On a Summer Tide

I always know that when I pick up a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher that I am going to enjoy it.  I own many of her books and I am thrilled to add On A Summer Tide to my collection.  This book is the first book in the Three Sister's Island.

Sometimes love hurts-and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement.  "Moving on" is Cam's mantra, but there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on and one who just keeps on moving.

Cam's full throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine.  Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island.  A dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters.  Certain dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island.  To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, and so do the locals.  One in particular:  Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, who harbors more than a few surprises.

This book was just an enjoyable read.  I was able to relate to a couple of the characters and there were a few places that I found myself laughing out loud and a few that had me holding back tears.  It is a story of hope and restoration.  I can't wait to read more about these sisters in the following books in this series.


***Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Baggage Handler

Occasionally I step away from my normal genres and try something new.  I was a little reluctant about this book, but glad I chose it in the long run. 

Everyone carries baggage.  Some of us don't like to admit it or maybe we don't even realize how much it is weighing us down, but it's there and the sooner we get rid of it the happier we will be.  The Baggage Handler tell the story of three people, and all three are so easy to relate to. I don't know why it's so hard to give God our baggage, but it is.  For some reason we hold on to things that we were never meant to carry. 

This book gives you so much to think about and it's one of those books that you will still be thinking about long after you lay it down.

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever. 

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.

***Thank you to booklookbloggers.com for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In the Shadows of Croft Towers - A Book Review

In the Shadows of Croft Towers is a novel that will intrigue you from the first page. There is so much mystery surrounding every character and I so enjoyed how it all played out.

Historic fiction  is my favorite genre and suspense and mystery is a very close second, so this book was a win for me. Two of my favorites within one book.  There is a balance of mystery and romance and this new author is someone I will be keeping my eye out for!

When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

With murderers, smugglers, and spies on the loose, nothing—and no one—in Regency England is what they claim. Can Sybil even trust what she knows about herself?

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me with a copy of this book on exchange for my honest review. 

Daughters of Northern Shores - Book Review

I was so excited to receive Daughters of Northern Shores and it definitely did not disappoint.  This is the sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain and a wonderful conclusion to this story.  Daughters of Northern Shores is not a stand alone book, but a continuance of the story that began in Sons of Blackbird Mountain.

The story begins about four years after the ending of the first story.  We find that Aven and Thor are getting ready to have their first baby.  Thor and Aven travel to have blood work drawn for research on Thor's deafness.  Thor is battling an illness that seems to be caused from his previous alcoholism.  Will it take his life just like it did his father before him?

Haakan is working with the North Atlantic Ice Trade, but he is plagued by regret of the things that he did.  He knows if he is to ever have peace he must go back and face his family and ask forgiveness.  Will they be able to forgive him?  Has Haakan really changed?  Then there's the widow women that Haakan leaves behind in Norway that has captured his thoughts and heart.  Will she still be there when he gets back.  Will she love him knowing all the things he has done?

And let's not forget about the neighboring feud.  Just because things have been relatively quiet for the past four years does not mean that there is peace.  Everything is about to be settled once and for all and everyone's life is in jeopardy.

I just cannot tell you how much I loved this book.  Only occasionally does a novel bring me to tears and this one has done it.  Oh, there's so much I want to say about it, but I can't or I will spoil the whole thing.  So trust me when I say this is a must read!

***Thanks to book look bloggers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Better Together - Book Review

If I had to list a few of my favorite things at the top of the list you would find animals, books and coffee. So naturally when I got the change to review Better Together I jumped at it!

What a sweet little book on friendship. Within the pages of this hardback book are beautiful photos of animals. A lot of them are the unlikely matched pairs. For instance, cats and dogs or birds and cats. On one side you'll find an adorable picture and on the other a quote. It all revolves around friendship and togetherness which makes this book a perfect gift idea for the friend in your life that loves animals and quotes.

There are seven sections including friendship, unity & togetherness, love & compassion, just to name a few. I couldn't decide if I enjoyed the quotes the most or the pictures.

I would definitely recommend this book if you love animals and mine will be sitting on my coffee table bringing joy to anyone who wants to pick it up and flip through the pages.

Thanks to blogging for books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Secrets at Cedar Cabin - A Book Review

Colleen Coble is on my list of favorite authors.  Whenever I want a quick, suspenseful read I can always count on her books. One thing I like is that the suspense is not too dark or too scary. I do love those types as well, but in moderation. I mostly read at night so I don't always want something keeping me up or making me scared to even go to the bathroom.  So for me, Colleen Coble, gives the right balance of romance and suspense. If you are not familiar with her books just take note that there is an overload of characters.  So much so, that sometimes it gets confusing and hard to keep them all straight.

Secrets at Cedar Cabin is the third book in a series.  However, I do feel like it works well as a stand alone book, but it will help you keep some of the characters straight if you read them in order.  Plus, I think you will enjoy them all!

Running for her life in the wake of her mother's murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of - a remote dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides.  Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down.

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager.  An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey, with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister's case - is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava,

***Thanks to Book Look Bloggers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas - Book Review

I received the book Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas at the perfect time...right before Christmas.

Of course, the title is pretty self explanatory of what this book is about. Within the pages you'll learn the why behind some of the ways we celebrate Christmas. From people  places and things this book explains it all.

What once began as a very unholy celebration, you will read how churches began to open the door for believers to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I know that Christmas is officially over and we are starting a new year, but nevertheless this would be a great book to add to your bookshelf. When next Christmas rolls around it will be there ready for you to discover some great things about a magical holiday!

Thanks to booklookbloggers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest reviews.

Freedom's Light

I have never read a book by Colleen Coble that I'd didn't like! Freedom's Light was probably my favorite to date. First of all, just look at the cover! Isn't that gorgeous?!

Hanna Thomas believe she's escaped Galen Wright's evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John's place, though she faces daily disapproval from John's family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia's obsession only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah's door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn't the enemy he seemed at first, Hanna isn't sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

I highly recommend this book! Especially if you are a fan of Christian historical fiction.

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.