Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey Book Review

Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel (Sisters at Heart)





From the publisher:

How far will she go to follow her dreams?

The Civil War stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg--as well
as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her
grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and
traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories
that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the
family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for
generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that
she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will
another man claim her heart?

My Review:

The saying goes "You can't judge a book by it's cover."  But, that saying is proven wrong with "Where Wildflowers Bloom." 

This book is a delightful read.  It focuses on family and unselfish kindness.  Not to mention, it has a charming love tale.

I really liked the main characters.  I can't imagine living in a time -  after so many were killed after the civil war.  The book brought that period into focus.  The feelings after war could not have been easy or painless for anyone.

This book is not a heavy read.   It is simple and fast - would be perfect for a road trip.  The book was fairly family friendly.  It would make a great little Hallmark movie.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Skip down to my review, this is from the publisher.  

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

My Review:

I love art.  I remember the first time I saw the Mona Lisa - I was mesmerized by her.  I wanted to know who she was and what she stood for.  So when I saw this book, I jumped  at the chance to see a little more of "her" story.

This book was a little different than what I thought it would be.  It had devastating parts, like any true "war" book but it also had somewhat of a love story.

It would have been nice to know that their had been a previous book that explained a little more to the love story.

Not being fluent in French, some of the words escaped me.  I would have liked a glossary at the end that gave some of the meanings.  Not that it couldn't have been read in context just so I was sure of the meaning.  A map would have also played a great part of understanding some of the story.

Overall, I liked the book. I loved how the authors truly researched their subject and brought everything together.  It was a well thought out and planned book!

One caution:  It is not family friendly meaning little eyes should be sheltered if read aloud.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.


Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt Book Review

Let me just say, I love Mary Hunt.  I used to be a subscriber to her newsletter and she really has helped to open my eyes to foolish purchases in my life.

The first few chapters of 7 Money Rules for Life®: How to Take Control of Your Financial Future are not my favorite.  I just wanted her to get to the point and help me save or spend wisely.  Let me also say, I already knew that part of her story.  It wasn't new to me.  HOWEVER, this was a book and these are the chapters that most people need to read in their lifetime especially if they spend freely and live paycheck to paycheck.  She has a story that has lived just that - and changed her ways.

The last few chapters were so encouraging and was just what I wanted in a "money" book.  It told me what I needed to do to pay off bills and to save money on future purchases.

7 Money Rules are fairly easy to write but somewhat harder to accomplish in a "I want it now society".  But, if sticking to these rules, I could see how someone could truly change their life.

I really appreciate Mary Hunt's testimony and how she encourages her readers to "GIVE".

This is one of those books that I'm going to keep to give my children.  It also would be an awesome wedding present!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher book review

It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper: A Novel (Stoney Ridge Seasons)! 

During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

• A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
• A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
• A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!



RSVP early and tell your friends!

My Review:

This is one of those books that you think you will know how the ending folds out and then it blows you out of the water.

This Amish tale is different than other ones that I have previously read.

• It involves a Bee Man, who travels. 
• Marriages that are called off. 
• Illnesses that are life threatening.
• All things that you wouldn't think affect the Amish culture.

It took me a while to get into the book.  But, I was glad I kept reading.  It had an heartfelt ending.

I would recommend this book to mature readers.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note: I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

 
Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.