Thursday, October 30, 2014

2014 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide Ripley's Believe It Or Not Reality Shock!!

I don't know about you but unique things intrigue me. I love reading books about neat facts, visiting the Ripley's Museums, etc. So when I was offered to review the newest Ripley's Believe It Or Not book, I jumped at the chance!! This large hardcover book is right up my alley and I am guessing the teenage boys and guy would enjoy it as well:)



Prepare for a dose of shock and “awwww” as Ripley Publishing’s new book Reality Shock!is now on sale.
With all new content Reality Shock! is a mix of “can’t bear to look, but can’t look away” stories, people, facts and photos. It’s just the ticket for teens and tweens, whether they’re reluctant readers or constant page-turners.
Reality Shock! delivers strange stories, bizarre bits and twisted tales like only Ripley’s Believe It or Not! can. The content ranges from cute to creepy; what’s “great!” to one reader is just plain “gross!” to another – that’s part of the fun of Reality Shock!
Sections in Reality Shock! include:
  • ANIMALS – meet real-life wolf-man Werner Freund, who lives with a pack of wolves and feeds them directly from his mouth
  • SPORTS – find out why the new British sport of bubble soccer is such a kick
  • BODY – you won’t believe how a 56-year-old grandma can function with 18-inch long fingernails; she hasn’t cut them in 20 years!
  • FEATS – Canadian Lonnie Bissonnette is like no other BASE jumper – he hurls himself off bridges in his wheelchair
  • ART – learn about one photographer’s “Snot Shots” – they certainly are something to sneeze at
  • FOOD – people at one festival dine on octopus – while it’s still alive!

Reality Shock! is the perfect gift for curious minds, thrill seekers, and anyone interested in exploring the world of the extraordinary.
Reality Shock! makes the perfect holiday or birthday gift for any kid. They’ll love pouring over the weird, bizarre and fun stories from around the world – and relish the opportunity to gross out parents and friends. Mom and dad will be happy to see their child with a book that they can’t put down, and will likely be unable to resist the urge to flip through a few pages themselves.

This edition of Ripley's Believe It Or Not is the Reality Shock edition. So you guessed it, a book full of pictures, stories and snippets of shocking items!! I have read many of these books but I have to say, I think this is the best designed one I have seen in a while. The stories are interesting and make you want to keep reading them. And the pictures will gross you out, make you gasp in awe and shudder in fear. And a few will have you laughing out loud! Check out the pictures below.






Now as far as the content, I felt this was the best designed Ripley's book I have seen in a while. There are a few things you may not want your kids to see but overall it is family friendly. I like how there are so many chapters to browse through. I could seriously take hours to read this and enjoy. And believe me, not all the things are gross, just some of them:) Many of the stories are just interesting and make for fun reading.



RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT REALITY SHOCK IS AVAILABLE ON:
AMAZON


WHO IS THIS FOR?
This book is great for just about anybody except the little ones. They would probably enjoy the pictures but not understand them. I would urge you to purchase this for guys and teenagers who like the bizarre, the strange and just plain fun:)



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

THE PROMISE Kindle HDX Giveaway from @BethWiseman! W/#Review!!

The Promise


Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.
Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.
Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfi ll her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.
Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

MY REVIEW-Many of you know that I am not a big fan of Amish books. And Beth Wiseman is known for her books set in Amish land. But hew newest book is a departure from her regular genre and I decided to take the plunge and review it. I have very mixed feelings about this book so take a minute to read my thoughts.

The back of the book tells the plot a little differently than what happens but that is nothing major. But in the first couple chapters I was kind of wondering how the story would go. Unmarried people who are obviously sleeping together, a woman thinking that Allah and God are the same, etc. So I wanted to see how it would play out.

I liked a lot of the book and how the author teaches several lessons throughout. I read this to the end and I still have mixed feelings about the relationships. The Christian boyfriend tries to get Mallory to move in with him and at times you see him moving her to the bedroom, etc. And I understand real life situations and all but I felt uncomfortable having this in the book. I also was surprised at some of the language that was included. At one point the Islamic man calls two women a name that I was not expecting at all(swear word). He then implies something about a physical relationship that seemed out of place for a Christian novel. I see how the author was trying to portray things in Pakistan and all but still not something I wanted in my Christian book.

This is a book that delves into hard subjects and situations that are not that common. It was a very different plot than most books I read. I found it to be quite intriguing and I finished it in one day. I would have thoroughly loved it had it not been for the things mentioned above. I urge you to read the book yourself and come to your own conclusions. Hard to give a final say on this multi-layered novel.



THE KINDLE HDX GIVEAWAY

In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.



promise-400

Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!


One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A Kindle Fire HDX

  • The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.


promise-enterbanner


**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Kazaz! by American Story Channel Learning App!! @KazazKids

I recently had the opportunity to review another app. This one is called Kazaz! and it was launched by the American Story Channel. The basic concept of this app is helping children learn to read by having them interact with stories on the electronics.



I downloaded it and within minutes had some children around me wondering what it was. Needless to say, they could sit for hours playing with this app!! The free story is about a planet floating in space who has no friends. Then along comes a fireball and guess what happens? You never knew that planets could make friends did you? Because that is exactly what takes place in this amusing story for children.



I like the interactive aspect to the Kazaz! app. It reads the story out loud, page-by-page, and on each page the children can touch things to make noises, things move or fly, etc. I expected just a book that you could read but this is so much more. It makes it fun and interesting in a way that most reading apps don't. I would suggest this for younger children, maybe around 4-6? Depending on the maturity level this could be used for even younger ones as well. They may not even understand what they are doing but it will help them pick things up.



For those of you interested in downloading Kazaz!, please follow the links. Parts of it are free but you can also purchase other stories. You can also follow them on their social media sites Twitter and Facebook.


Kazaz! on the App Store from Kazaz! on Vimeo.






**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

2014 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide with Lynne Gentry!! 2 Book #Giveaway

Good morning everyone! Remember I told you all about my obsession with books and how they make great gifts? Well, okay, maybe it isn't quite an obsession, but you get the idea:) One of the things I love about books is that they are good for almost anybody and there are soo many choices out there!! And today I have an author that is somewhat new to the scene but she broke in with a humdinger of a book! If I can use that term for this wonderful and interesting novel. I like to think of Lynne's books as modern with a twist:) Gotta love them!



Lynne Gentry has not only written her first debut novel, Healer of Carthage, but the next one is in line as well. And whoever wins this giveaway will receive a copy of Healer of Carthage and an ARC copy of Return to Exile!!! Check out the devotional that Lynne has written and then enter through the form below.

FEAR FACTOR

A virus with no known vaccine or cure has come to U.S. soil.
Like most anxious Americans, I’ve been following the latest Ebola news since the arrival of Dr. Kent Brantley, my daughter’s former college TA. While this fine young man recovered in a hospital isolation unit, I held my breath. What if they couldn’t contain the virus? Victims only had a 50% survival rate. This could be bad, not only for Kent, but for all of us.
And then the worst happened.
Ebola came to Dallas.
I live in Dallas. I and my medical therapy dog are in the hospitals once a week. My daughter is an anesthesiologist and my husband is in surgical education.
My pulse began to race and my chest began to ache. I told my daughter I thought I had a fever. “We need to get out of town. Go to a deserted island until this virus flames out,” I told her.
That’s when she informed me that I was suffering from a more deadly virus … fear.
The destructive power of fear is not new. In the third century, terror swept through the Roman Empire faster than the horrible plague that killed 5,000 people a day at its peak. Those who could afford to get out of town fled to their country homes. They left their dying relatives behind. Those forced to stay in the cities began to search for someone to blame. They set their eyes on Christians, a strange people not given to worshipping their pagan gods. Persecution became a national law. Christians were ripped from their homes. Burned on crosses or sentenced to horrible deaths in the arena. Their properties were looted or confiscated.
Fear would have toppled the Empire were it not for the bravery of a scruffy little band of Christians in Carthage. These persecuted believers put aside the human inclination to protect oneself. They joined hands, opened their homes, and offered supportive care to the very ones demanding their deaths.
What does the past have to do with me? After all, today we have the CDC’s epidemic team of young physicians, nurses, and scientists. They’re trained to deal with outbreaks. They wear special vests, suits, and face shields. For every other crisis from poverty to aging, we have government programs and non-profit organizations. I don’t have to sacrifice or take selfless risks.
But the human heart is where our greatest enemy to a society resides. Fear is the safest way to do nothing at all.

“Perfect love casts out fear.” I John 4:18 NASB


This is the first book being given away, Healer of Carthage.


A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year medical resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings uses her father’s bizarre summons to escape her tragic mistake.
While Lisbeth searches her father’s haunted archaeological dig, she falls through a hidden portal. The currents of time spew her into third century Carthage where she awakens the object of a fierce bidding war.
Unable to escape slavery, Lisbeth becomes the property of Cyprian Thascius, a wealthy Roman entangled with a group of people under siege from political persecution and a deadly plague.
Lisbeth resists divulging her medical skills until she stumbles upon a buried secret. To save her family, she must unite with Cyprian to save Carthage from an epidemic. But every revolutionary step in the past threatens the future.

The second book, an ARC of Return to Exile. 



How far would you go to save the ones you love?

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl helps alleviate the pain, but at night when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He’s lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian’s true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spellbinding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in this electric continuation of The Carthage Chronicles.



You can purchase Lynne's books on the following sites


Who are these for? 
This set of books is great for someone who loves fiction with a twist. Where else can you get a modern day woman traveling back in time to Rome? Ladies, gents and even teenagers will enjoy these.
The Giveaway!
One reader will win both Healer of Carthage and an ARC copy of Return to Exile. These are great to keep as a gift for yourself or give as a gift. The giveaway will end 11/11. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. USA ONLY!!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Kids Academy Learning Apps with #Review #MomBuzz #FreeKidsApps



I recently had the opportunity to review three different apps from Kids Academy. Below I will tell you about each title and what I found enjoyable. These are to help your children learn their alphabet, numbers, etc. So these would be great for the homeschooling youngsters or even those who are just learning their alphabet.


This game is probably my favorite out of the ones by Kids Academy. Your children learn as they sing the fun silly song, B-I-N-G-O that I believe everyone knows. One thing I like is the words are clear and crisp and the music isn't rocky but very fun sounding. This is an excellent game that will be very useful. Definitely would suggest!!



This app was a close second to the Bingo one. The only reason I like the Bingo app better is that it is one song, and repetition really helps children. But this one employs different songs to teach. My favorite part of this app is the system to reward children. For every one they trace correctly, they receive a star. In this way, they learn AND get rewarded. The letters are first traced and then they are allowed to do it by themselves. Great for children!!


To start off, I will only be reviewing the free section of the Kid's Academy App. But what I have seen so far makes me eager to try the rest. This is an app that works great for young children learning to read, do their numbers, etc. The favorite section hands down was the part where you learn the alphabet. This area brings up the letter and then gives several instances of words that start with that letter. So if the letter is B, there is a bee, a bridge, and so on. You can click around the screen and a person will sound it out. Another section allows the child to trace the letter with stars and lines, then without the lines. One thing I noticed was this only allows the child to follow exactly what is given. So on the A, if they want to do the stick in the middle first, they can't do that. It must be done as it is shown. Great for some children while others may not care for it. There is also a section for learning/tracing numbers. As they learn these, there is a jar that is filled with fireflies. So it makes it fun, not just boring work of tracing numbers. Overall this would be great for young ones learning to read and write. Makes things fun and interesting. I like the new features available and they seem to be fast about updating and taking care of bugs. 




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Some Additions to my #Holiday Gift Guide!

Just wanted to give you some updates on additions I have had to my gift guide! These came in and I figured you all might like seeing some of the other products to be featured:)

FunBites R&G

Majesco Games R&G





**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Valentia Even Glow Serum #Review



A few weeks ago I received this bottle of Valentia Even Glow Vitamin C Serum. I got it for review but I have to admit, I am the type of person who hates planning ahead and trying to see what will happen in the future. I just don't like trying to stop wrinkles or get that glow when I don't exactly have trouble with it right now. But after using this product and seeing how easy it is to incorporate this into my daily regimen, I may not be so wary of it.



The bottle I received is small, a little over 1 oz. and I was worried that it wouldn't last very long. After all, there is only so much product in that small thing:) But you only use a tiny amount and after using it morning and evening for two weeks, I am nowhere near halfway through. It lasts forever! Okay not really but it takes such a little bit that it will last quite a while. I love the scent of the serum and it is a bright citrus aroma and man alive, it makes my skin feel awesome!! I totally love this part of it. I use it after I wash my face in the morning and before I put on my moisturizer. You have to apply it and then allow it to dry which takes a minute or two. I put this on my face and neck area. Then I applied it again in the evening. In the time I have been using it my face feels softer, I have noticed this glow and a more even skin tone and lastly, my face smells great!! It really makes me feel better about not only the future and how I will keep the wrinkles away, but it helps with how I see myself now. Loving this!!




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

How Majestic!! Kim Collingsworth Majestic DVD Review & #Giveaway #FCblogger

I have to tell you, music is something that draws me. It speaks to the heart like nothing I know. So when I saw the new DVD by Kim Collingsworth, I just knew it would be a great addition to my music library. And believe me, Majestic is absolutely wonderful!!



As I said above, I am partial to music. It can be soothing and sweet but then turn right around and rouse the mind and body all the while speaking to the heart. And that is exactly why I like Kim Collingsworth. Her style of playing is different from most southern gospel pianists and it almost has a classical sound. Don't get me wrong, she can plunk out a southern tune too, but overall I would say her flair is towards classical. The filming is very well done and we see her fingers flying across the keys or Kim singing along to the playing. I have been at a taping before and there is so much that goes on behind the scenes but I think this turned out superb!!



The songs range from quiet and meditative to rousing military tunes or jazzy southern gospel classics. We also see not only Kim and her family but other well known pianists Tim Parton and Stan Whitmire. And believe me, I love seeing them play. But I also found the lesser known guests to be quite a delightful surprise! This includes Jesse Keep, Brian Keaton and the Keep girls. Boy are those girls little angels! Loved their part in the DVD. But I have to say, one of my favorite parts was hearing Jesse lay Great is Thy Faithfulness. Wow!! His story is amazing but his playing is superb. It was also a joy to hear Tim and Stan battle at the pianos.

I thoroughly enjoyed this but even better is, I will be able to give this as a gift!! I have a younger sister who loves Kim Collingsworth and she has been dying to get the new DVD. Talk about awesome!! Now, one of you will also be able to win your own copy. You can either keep it for yourself or maybe even give it as a gift! USA ONLY. This giveaway will end 11/10. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

CFBA Tour for Finding Mercy W/ #Review




This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Finding Mercy

David C. Cook (October 1, 2014)

by

Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.


****


Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.



ABOUT THE BOOK



When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she's from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Finding Mercy, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS-I found this historical novel to be quite a delightful read. It reminded me of Gilbert Morris which is saying quite a bit as I am a huge fan of Gilbert Morris. The characters are quite human in their errors and faults but also quite interesting. Captain Hale is one of those southern gentleman that you adore. And Mercy I found to be stubborn, hard headed and yet at the same I also saw a young woman who was scared and determined to find out the truth. I did see at least one swear word just to warn you. Otherwise a great read!!




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

2014 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide Sports Chocolates Soccer Stadium Review & #Giveaway!

Today I am so pleased to introduce Sports Chocolates. This company is super neat and I am excited to feature them during my gift guide. Do you have a sports fanatic in your home? Maybe someone who you feel like you constantly buy them the same ole jersey or ball? Well, you don't have to feel that way any more!! Sports Chocolates is my new go-to gift shop for the sports lover in my life.



I received the Soccer Stadium for my review. This came encased in a nice tin that shows the love of soccer:) Love the outside!! But once I opened my tin, I fell even more in love. Look at this!


The top of the stadium. 

Soccer Balls Inside



THE INSIDE BASE





The chocolate is smooth and rich but the detail to it was what made my day. Check out how intricate the inside of the stadium is. The balls are cute but the base itself is amazing. The whole stadium is built of chocolate and the balls are total chocolate. I really liked the design. They have different styles for different sports. Golf, hockey, football, soccer, etc.

WHO ARE THESE FOR?
This would make a great gift for sports fans but also for anyone who enjoys a good game. Teenage boys and girls, men and also those women who love sports:)

THE GIVEAWAY
So anyone interested in winning one of these stadiums? Sports Chocolate is giving one winner a stadium. This is USA ONLY. Giveaway ends 11/5. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Where Treetops Glisten by Goyer, Putnam & Sundin Book #Review

Where Treetops Glisten


The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime
Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas
Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.
In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.
Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?
In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.
The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?


MY REVIEW-I am definitely getting in the mood for Christmas. And this book here helped me feel the cheer of snow and cold:) It also made me fall in love with these authors all over again. With a novel like this, three authors writing about the same people, things can feel forced or like they don't it together. Not with this book though!! I totally loved all three stories, even if I do have a favorite:D

The first story, and my personal favorite, is about Abigail. Her siblings are all doing things to help fight the war but she is working at a candy shop and taking classes at the local college. She feels left out and like she isn't doing anything. But one day she stumbles upon a man, actually a man who rescues her from getting hit by the bus, and they strike up a slight friendship. She sees he is carrying a heavy burden and does her best to lighten the load a little. She has a hard time trusting people but in the end helps Jackson save his family farm, along with falling in love. I loved her giving spirit and how much she wants to assist others in their journey.

The second story is about Abigail's brother, Pete. He is the black sheep of the family who turned his life around after seeing his brother die because of him. When he stumbles upon a little girl one night without her parents, he also stumbles upon one of the only things able to make him feel alive again. Linnie is a real sweetheart and I loved the way she talks to people. A handful for sure! Pete brings the little girl home to her mother, who happens to be a woman he tormented when he was younger. They slowly fall in love but when it comes down to it, Pete finds out that the only way to fill that hole he feels, is to allow the Lord to have control. This one came in as a close second for favorite. I just loved Linnie to death.

And the last story in here was about Meredith, or Merry. The sister of Abigail and Pete, she is a nurse out on the front lines doing what she can to help the soldiers. I enjoyed this one a lot and how Merry was so strong. I only wish I was more like her. And getting some of a back story just made her more brave to be going out amidst the battle. The ending was perfect, as all of Sarah Sundin's novels are. I think she did a great job of writing a smaller story compared to the length of her normal books:)




**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

New Regency from @SarahLaddAuthor AND a Kindle HDX giveaway!

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall || Whispers on the Moors series

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.
His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady’s companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she’s desperately hidden for years.
Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own – one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father’s position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he’ll never be free to find his own way in the world. He’ll never be free to fall in love.
When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?


MY REVIEW-Reading this book I was reminded of all the reasons I first fell in love with Sarah Ladd's writing style. The characters who jump out of the pages, plots that twist and turn, a writing that pulls you into the book and doesn't let you go! I seriously start one of her books and have to read through to the end in one day. It is hard to put it down and do anything else:)

The heroine of the story was the main pull for me. She is strong on the outside and yet so fragile inside. Cecily is one of those women that has just had it hard in life but she amazingly sticks to it and pulls through. Nathaniel was also a favorite of mine. He is steadfast and a rock throughout the story. I also loved how he took care of his family. His sisters are wonderful and reminded me of my own siblings. There is an air of mystery throughout, even though at times you aren't exactly sure what the excitement is about. Just another way in which Sarah Ladd draws the reader into the story. An excellent novel!! If you are a fan of regency era writing, pick this one up for sure. Reminds me of Jane Austen style books!!


THE KINDLE HDX GIVEAWAY!

Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series. A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.



ladywillowgrove-400-click

Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!


One grand prize winner will receive:


  • A Kindle Fire HDX

  • A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.


ladywillowgrove-enterbanner



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Author Party with Judith Miller!

The Brickmaker’s Bride

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia
Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

MY REVIEW-Judith Miller is one of those talented writers who can go from one genre to another. While I have read several of her Amana Colony novels, I think her other styles would be my favorites. Like this one here. The Brickmaker's Bride is probably my all time favorite from Mrs. Miller. Especially when it is written by her alone. I immediately connected with Laura. Her father has died and her mother wants to sell the brickmaking business that he built. It isn't done in a mean way at all but the daughter really connected with her father during work times and she feels close to the business. The two men buying it are as far apart as two men can be, even though they are related. Ewan is much more likable and I quickly took a liking to him. Now Laura's want-to-be fiance? I don't think I ever took a liking to him. Seemed decent but did not like him at all!

One of my favorite things about reading historical books like this is the facts you learn about. Like the hatred and distrust of the immigrants. Just because Ewan and Hugh are Scots-Irish they are disliked and thought to be not trust-worthy. And not saying that people aren't trust-worthy, but just because of their nationality people make disparaging remarks about them. I just found it interesting to see this and how in some ways things have changed but in other ways not all that much. The part about brick making was neat too. I felt like I learned things instead of just reading a book to get through it. Definitely enjoyed this one!!


THE KINDLE HDX GIVEAWAY!!

Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.

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 One winner will receive:


  • A Kindle HDX


  • The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller


  • Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!



    So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

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    Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!



    **DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**
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