Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The Seahorse Legacy








Book Three 
The Eyes of E'veria

The Seahorse Legacy

a Pirate...
bound by a centuries-old oath...

a Knight...
determined to prove her calling...

a Legacy...
demanding surrender...

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle’s Daughter named therein—or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract—and the urgency within him to see it satisfied.
Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle’s Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle’s dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called.
Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action—and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle’s Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien’s enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor’s weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign.
Subtly paying homage to several classic tales including Peter Pan, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Much Ado About Nothing, and even The Three Little Bears, THE SEAHORSE LEGACY begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses which will conclude in Eyes of E’veria, Book 4: THE SUNKEN REALM. 

I absolutely LOVE this series and couldn't wait to get my hands on the third book... The third book brings in Cazien and Erille and their struggle with the Legacy and needing to surrender... I couldn't put the book down and burned the midnight oil to finish it... I am not going to spoil the book for you by giving away what happens. I recommend this book for young and old. You will not be disappointed as you go on the action packed adventure with pirates and learn about truly surrendering. 

You do not need to read the first two books in the series to enjoy and follow book three; however there is a sale on the first two books!!! :)

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There is a downfall to reading this book.... There is an end to it and like me you will anxiously be waiting to get your hands on book four!!! :) 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband, two teen daughters, and one very spoiled (but really adorable) dog, Albus. A frequent contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog, she also writes for Edgy Inspirational Romance. Serena has served as a youth leader for high school students at her church, coaches her local high school’s Color Guard, and drinks entirely too much coffee between these and her daughters’ activities. You can find Serena on Facebook, Twitter @Serena_Chase, and Pinterest.  Visit her website www.serenachase.com

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

For Such a Time


For Such A Time
About
Powerful Retelling of the Story of Esther

In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. 
Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy. 
Stella pours herself into her efforts to keep even some of the camp's prisoners safe, but she risks the revelation of her true identity with every attempt. When her bravery brings her to the point of the ultimate sacrifice, she has only her faith to lean upon. Perhaps God has placed her there for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she is unable to save herself?

Purpose: All Heart break , All Hurts every thing in our lives has a reason even when we do not see it clearly.
I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book... I was intrigued by the story line and the concept of a retelling of one of my favourite stories from the Bible... Wow I was blown away! While the story is fictional; it could have easily occurred! It is beautifully written!
I can't say it any better than this:

 "I absolutely loved this book. For Such a Time kept me up at night, flipping the pages and holding my breath wanting to know what would happen next. Based on the Biblical book of Esther, the story takes the reader to a concentration camp inside World War II Czechoslovakia, where a young Jewish woman has captured the attention of the Kommandant and has the opportunity to save her people, much as Esther did in the Biblical account. The story is gripping, compelling, and I dare anyone to close the cover before the last suspenseful page."
- Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"For Such A Time As This..."   Esther 4:14

Meant To Be Mine by Becky Wade Blog Tour and Giveaway

A book tour hosted by Prism Book Tours.
  The REVIEW & EXCERPT TOUR for 
Meant to Be Mine 
by Becky Wade
  Come follow the tour!
  May 5
Tressa's Wishful Endings
I Am A Reader
Rina's Reading
  May 6
The Wonderings of One Person
JoJo's Corner
Heidi Reads...
  May 7
Copywrite1985
Kindle and Me
Redpillows
AddLibrarian
Little Lisa
  May 8
Katie ' Clean Book Collection
Christy's Cozy Corners
Tell Tale Book Reviews 
The Written Adventure
Elle in Organic Shoes
Life Isn't Always a Fairytale
  May 9
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
Reviews By Molly
Batch of Books
Getting Your Read On
Coffee Books and Me
  May 11 - Grand Finale

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved the banter, the romance and the theme of forgiveness! I couldn't put the book down and recommend it to all!!!

Meant to be Mine (A Porter Family Novel, #2)Meant to Be Mine
(A Porter Family Novel #2) 
by Becky Wade
Christian Romance
 May 2014
by Bethany House Publishers




Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school—irresistible. When their paths cross again after college—still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood. Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had. How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
 
Becky recently joined Christian romance authors, Victoria Bylin and Melissa Tagg, in discussing  the top ten things you won't and will find in contemporary romance. Take a look:
 
 
 
More about Meant to Be Mine
What is the inspiration behind Meant to Be Mine? 
 I was inspired by a classic romance novel storyline known as the “Secret Baby”. In the case of Meant to Be Mine, Ty and Celia get married in Las Vegas at the spur of the moment (after dating one another for four days). They realize the next morning that the wedding wasn’t such a good idea and they part ways. The story picks up five and a half years later, when Ty tracks Celia down in order to inquire about a divorce. What he discovers? Celia has a daughter -- his daughter -- that she’s kept a secret from him. Secret baby plot lines never fail to capture my interest! I’m always so eager for the father to discover the baby and then to watch the characters navigate the drama that follows. I’ve wanted for some time to try my hand at this sort of story and am extremely glad to have been given the chance. 
What did you enjoy most about writing this story? 
The banter! Ty is the funniest, most charming, and most confident hero I’ve written so far. When I put Celia into scenes with him I realized right away that she was going to have to be even spunkier than I’d originally realized. I had a ball writing the dialogue between the two of them. There were times when I could hardly type fast enough. 
What was the greatest struggle you faced with Meant to Be Mine? 
Revisions. The first time out of the gate with Meant to Be Mine I made a rookie mistake for a romance writer. I didn’t give the hero enough romantic conflict. My editors quickly spotted the problem (plus several others) and I spent an entire summer rewriting the book. Thank God for good editors. Their advice isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s invaluable to receive. What I learned: Some books simply come together more quickly and easily than others. That doesn’t mean that as the author you end up loving the end product any more or less. What I learned again for the thousandth time: this business is humbling. 
What is the theme of Meant to Be Mine?
From the beginning, before I’d written page one, I knew that Meant to Be Mine would be about forgiveness. 
How was the title chosen? 
Funny you should ask! When I was brainstorming titles for Undeniably Yours, I came up with Meant to Be Mine. I liked it so much, that I used it as the book’s working title and submitted Bo and Meg’s story to my editors with that title. As it happened, my first book was called My Stubborn Heart and the team at Bethany House felt that the ‘Mine’ in Meant to Be Mine was too similar to the ‘My’ in My Stubborn Heart. They asked for a list of additional title ideas and Undeniably Yours was one of the ones I submitted. When it came time to settle on a title for Ty and Celia’s story, I resubmitted Meant to Be Mine because I still liked it and because I felt that it suited this novel just as well as the previous novel. The second time around, they liked it!

About the Author
During her childhood in California, Becky Wade frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.
Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards. Undeniably Yours kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series. Her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine, has just hit shelves!
These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.
 
 
Tour-Wide Giveaway
 
Prize #1: $50 Visa gift card and a paperback or ebook copy of Meant to Be Mine (open internationally) Prize #2: 1 lb. of Starbucks coffee and signed copies of Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine (US Only)
 Prize #3 Box of See's Chocolates and signed copies of Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine (US Only) 
May 4 - 18
Prism Book Tours
Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.
Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.
What are you still doing reading this? Go get your copy of Meant to Be Mine and enjoy!!! :)
Why is a rainy kiss so wonderful?  Not sure, but they are. So I added one to Meant to Be Mine. ;)
If only Celia finds it this easy....

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

COVER REVEAL


FINALLY!!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR BOOK THREE FOREVER!!!! I absolutely love this series and think that it is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for this generation! But this has pirates, knights, and romance!!! What a story and message! :)

The cover is stunning!!!
a Pirate
bound by a centuries-old oath

a Knight
determined to prove her calling

a Legacy
demanding surrender

As Keeper of the Seahorse Legacy, Cazien de Pollis is a King among pirates, divinely appointed to dispense justice on the seas. Bound by the sacred oath of a long-dead ancestor, he must fulfill a contract to wed the green-eyed Oracle’s Daughter named therein—or risk losing everything he and his people hold dear. But at nineteen, with the identity of his betrothed only recently revealed, Cazien resents the contract—and the urgency within him to see it satisfied.
Erielle de Gladiel returned from the quest for the Remedy, changed. Not only are her formerly-blue eyes now a brilliant shade of green, but she must don gloves to hide inky evidence that her prophetically-bestowed title, the Oracle’s Daughter, demands more from her than the task already completed. Erielle’s dearest-held dream is realized when she is knighted by her King, but unbeknownst to her, that very honor jeopardizes the prophesied purpose to which she and Cazien have been called.
Just as Cazien summons the courage to collect his bride, dark rumors and darker deeds crawl up the coasts, calling its guardians, the Seahorse Pirates, into action—and Cazien away from Erielle. But even though the Oracle’s Daughter knows nothing of the contract to which she has been consigned, Cazien’s enemies have somehow learned of his interest in Erielle. And if they reach her before his ancestor’s weighty oath is executed, the Seahorse Legacy will be forfeited . . . and darkness will be given reign.
Subtly paying homage to several classic tales including Peter Pan, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Much Ado About Nothing, and even The Three Little Bears, THE SEAHORSE LEGACY begins an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses which will conclude in Eyes of E’veria, Book 4: THE SUNKEN REALM. 

Displaying serenachase1.jpg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband, two teen daughters, and one very spoiled (but really adorable) dog, Albus. A frequent contributor to USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog, she also writes for Edgy Inspirational Romance. Serena has served as a youth leader for high school students at her church, coaches her local high school’s Color Guard, and drinks entirely too much coffee between these and her daughters’ activities. You can find Serena on Facebook, Twitter @Serena_Chase, and Pinterest.  Visit her website www.serenachase.com

If you haven't read The Ryn or The Remedy go and get your copy now!!! Be prepared though to be sleep deprived and accomplish nothing as you won't be able to put the books down!!! 

And because Serena is that awesome she is having a giveaway!!! :)

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Monday, April 14, 2014

It Had To Be You


It Had To Be You
A Christiansen Family Novel
Book 2
Susan May Warren

Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

I loved the first book of this series Take a Chance on Me and couldn't wait to read the second book! I fell in love with Jace as he struggled to be "good enough" for Eden... And I loved Eden and could relate as she struggled to be a "someone" who was the best at something... 

"My dad says that hope is one part confidence in God's love for us and on part in our delight in Jesus. And that when we start to hope it changes us."

"God's love simply is. We can't sin it away- our only option is to accept or reject it."

"A woman's greatest honor is to look at her son with pride and know that she's helped him become a man."

Those are some of my favorite quotes from the book. You will love this book... I really is "where faith and family meet real life"!

It had to be you ...

The Pelican Bride

The Pelican Bride A Novel by: Beth White...putting it on my shopping List...for my Nook...I think it is my Kind of story...grannyg

About

She's come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?
It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Geneviève Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pélican bound for the distant Louisiana colony. Both have promised to marry one of the rough men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old. Geneviève knows life won't be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs. 
When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Geneviève realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them. And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within. Could the secret Geneviève harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?
Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.

I loved this book! How could I not? It involved Canadians! :) I am Canadian; and while I am not French Canadian, I enjoyed reading a book that touched on a different piece of history. Beth takes you on a journey to the Golf Coast with the men and women who settled there. It was slower getting started as all the characters were introduced but I promise you it is worth the read... There is mystery, conflict, romance, struggle and forgiveness. If you have read Lori Benton or Laura Frantz and loved their books I guarantee that you will enjoy The Pelican Bride. It is beautifully written. You will fall in love with Genevieve and Tristan as they learn to love and forgive each other and themselves.

Love this.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Elusive Hope

Elusive Hope by MaryLu Tyndall 5 Stars!

About:
Elusive Hope - Escape to Paradise Series Book Two

In a colony named New Hope, while their friends are seeking a Southern utopia. . . .
Hayden is seeking revenge. Relentlessly.
After years of all but selling his soul to track down his scoundrel of a father, Hayden Gale discovers his search must continue in South America, where his father is reported to be helping colonize Brazil. Hayden has nothing more to lose, certainly not a good reputation, and vows to keep pursuing--at any cost--the vile man who he believes killed his mother. 
 Magnolia is seeking a way out. Desperately.
She’s in the jungles of Brazil against her will, but what choice does Magnolia Scott have? Her father insisted on uprooting their family to escape the uncertainty of Southern life after the Civil War. But how will she survive without all she holds dear—wealthy suitors, beautiful clothes, summer balls, and slaves waiting on her every whim? She vows to find a way to get back home—and attaches herself to handsome Hayden Gale.
 As they journey toward Rio de Janeiro, they both seek to use the other for their own purposes. Deceptively. Falling in love was never part of their plans. . . .

Meet the heroine of Elusive Hope.

I loved this book and cannot wait to read book 3 in this series... There is adventure, revenge, deception, strange visions, a pagan temple with mysteries and unknown danger, and love... My favorite part was the mirror that reflected the state of Magnolia's soul. What would I see if I looked in a mirror and it reflected my inner self- would it be beautiful or ugly?
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" 1 Peter 3:3-4

I recommend this book, like all of MaryLu Tyndalls's books, because it is full of adventure and romance! And like all of her books woven throughout the story is God's truth!
remember The Princess and the Frog?-- she drops her golden ball into the pond and the frog offers to go get it for her...........

:) I love the reference to the Maiden and the Frog as Magnolia and Hayden interacted throughout the story!:)

Friday, April 4, 2014

The Ryn and The Remedy


Amazon.com: The Ryn (Eyes of E'veria book 1) eBook is *FREE* TODAY ONLY!!! (FOR KINDLE) 6/12/13

Eyes of E’veria series by Serena Chase
Book 1: 
THE RYN

DESTINED by prophecy. GUARDED by deception. PURSUED by Love.
Centuries ago, an oracle foretold of the young woman who would defeat E’veria’s most ancient enemy, the Cobelds. But after two centuries of relative peace, both the prophecy and the Cobelds have been relegated to lore—and only a few remain watchful for the promised Ryn.
Finally, a child is born who matches the oracle’s description, but a Cobeld curse accompanies her birth. Led to believe they succeeded in killing the prophesied child, the Cobelds emerge from hiding with plans to overtake the Kingdom.
But the child survived.
Secreted away and called “Rose” for the first nineteen years of her life, Rynnaia E’veri has no idea of her true identity until a chance meeting with an injured knight reveals not only her parentage and true name, but the task assigned her by the oracle: discover the Remedy that will destroy the Cobelds’ power.
Now, her time has come.
Offered the assistance of pirates, scribes, storytellers, a young woman who died centuries ago, and the knight who is quickly working his way into her heart, Rynnaia is fortified with friends. But if the Ryn is to complete her task, she must come to terms with not only who she is, but for whom she must be willing to die. For the kingdom’s survival depends on her.

The Remedy (Eyes of E'veria book 2) by Serena Chase: Amazon.com: Kindle Store *FREE* today only!!! 6/12/13

BOOK 2:  
THE REMEDY

Watch for cover redesign and paperback edition, coming late spring 2014! Available now for Kindle and Kindle apps
Having come to terms with her long-hidden identity, Princess Rynnaia E’veri is ready to take her rightful place. But before she can join her father at Castle Rynwyk, she must endeavor to fulfill a 200-year-old prophecy and defeat the Kingdom’s ancient enemy, the Cobelds. Joined by her faithful knight, Sir Julien de Gladiel, and a gifted group of friends, Rynnaia must trek a dangerous path through canyons, forests, and into the very depths of a mountain where, if the prophetic scrolls prove correct, she will face an unknown foe, alone. Treacheries will be discovered, sacrifices will be made, friends will be lost, and love will be tested, but if even one line of the riddled prophecy is misinterpreted, Rynnaia will fail . . . and the Kingdom will fall.
Beginning at the point THE RYN ended, THE REMEDY concludes an epic re-imagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED. But the Eyes of E’veria series is only beginning . . .

Wow is all I can say I read The Ryn and The Remedy and I the only bad part is waiting to read book three! I am sharing this book with family and friends! 
It is the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for this generation! What a story and message! :)
God's Fairytale art poster at ArtPosters.com

The Ransome


About:

The Ransom - Legacy of the King's Pirates Book Four

Port Royal, Jamaica 1692

Living in a city deemed the wickedest in the world is no easy task for Miss Juliana Dutton. To make matters worse, with an ailing father and a drunken fool for a brother, she is forced to take over the running of the family business in order to survive. When a meddlesome suitor threatens to discover her secret and cast them all onto the streets, she agrees to a spurious engagement with the town buffoon, Lord Munthrope. She only hopes the man is trustworthy.

The Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is the most feared pirate in Port Royal. Disillusioned with the religion of his parents and the pleasures of the world, Alex staves off his emptiness by leading a dual life to hide his deepest secrets.

A long-time enemy is out to destroy Alex and take Juliana for his own. Struggling to maintain her faith in the Divine, Juliana faces her problems bravely, but the harder she tries, the more it seems everything is working against her. Unwittingly, she and her weak fiancé become entangled in the hostility between the Pirate Earl and his enemy, while even more dangerous forces are rising up to destroy them all.


"Yes, give thanks for 'all things' for, as it has been well said 'OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS ARE BUT HIS APPOINTMENTS,'" A.W. Pink. "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Give thanks for 'all things' for, as it has been well said 'OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS ARE BUT HIS APPOINTMENTS,'" A.W. Pink.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Keep your faith...

I love all of MaryLu Tyndall's books... But especially her books that involve pirates! This story is a story of love, redemption, masquerade, forgiveness and trust. You can't help but fall in love with Juliana and Alexander as you go on this journey with them as they struggle to survive and figure out who they are in God... I love how the book ends as they look back on the events leading them up to standing side by side on the ship watching their city being destroyed and realizing that God's hand had been on them all along... What seemed like they were being forsaken by God was actually Him protecting them! 

Unwrapping a Trial -- words of encouragement for troubled times http://adivineencounter.com/unwrapping-a-trial

I am not going to spoil this for anyone by going more in depth but I guarentee that you will love this book! 

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot in Treasure Island." - Walt Disney.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

In the Shadow of Jezebel

                                         About:
In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.
Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments. 
Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?
With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.
Beautiful
Princess Jehosheba did not want to marry Yehweh's High Preist Jehoiada but through this story from the Old Testament I was reminded that God's plan is bigger and better than ours! I am often guilty of bypassing the Old Testament and reading the New Testament as I find it "more relavant" to my life. However after reading this book I am reminded that the Old Testament is full of demonstrations of God'd faithfulness, forgiveness, love and judgement. I cannot do justice to expressing how much I loved and enjoyed reading this book so I am just going to end with some quotes that really stood out to me when reading In the Shadow of Jezebel...
"Your anger, my friend, has become an idol every bit as real as Asherah or Baal. You must choose to destroy it before it destroys you.... And yet you willfully choose anger over reason, anger over prayer, anger over forgiveness.... Your anger has become an idol... Destroy it before it destroys you..." (pg. 317)

Made To Last


My debut novel!




























About:

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

My favorite quote from the book was: 

"There's nothing so deep God can't pull you out... Sometimes, though, it means doing the hard things. Because how can you grasp His hand if your holding so tight to the prison bars" (pg.317)

#beautiful #quotations #sayings

I love romantic comedy books that make you laugh but still have depth to them. I was amazed at how she wrote a laugh out loud story that pulled at your heart strings. Miranda and Matthew are real life characters who wrestle with the questions in about life, faith and romance... They are not perfect but not matter what we have done in the past God is a God of love and forgiveness! 
I don't do spoilers because I don't want to ruin this book! However, I am looking forward to Melissa's next book Here to Stay because I can't wait to hear Blaze's story. :)


AMEN

Read from top to bottom and then bottom to top.  Where the Atheist and the Christian merge . . .

The PURSUIT of TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN


Full cover for The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.

About:

Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love
 In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 
 Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?
"Sometimes you read a book so special that you want to carry it around with you for months after you've finished just to stay near it"- Markus Zusak

"Sometimes you read a book..."

That about sums up my review of this book. I loved it from the moment that I started on page one... Tamsen and Jesse take you on a journey over the mountains and through history. This book is quite a different story from Burning Sky but trust me when I say you will not be disappointed as it is rich in history, love, mystery, dreams and God... Tamsen and Jesse learn to trust God and each other with the different challenges they face with themselves, the wilderness and others...  

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn releases April 15, 2014. Set in western North Carolina, 1787.

I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone so I won't go into depth but while I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Jesse and Tamsen I couldn't have imagined a more perfect ending to the story! I cannot wait to see what Lori Benton writes next... All I know is I will be first in line to purchase book 3! :) 

(Images taken from Lori Benton's Pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/lorilbenton/)