EmpowerMoms

I really enjoyed this book! I knew by reading the book description that it would be an emotional read but surprisingly I enjoyed it without being emotionally drained by the characters and events. (Sometimes realistic, real life situations in books really bum me out!)

I felt drawn to all the characters and could relate to each one and enjoyed reading events and thoughts from their own individual view points. I especially loved the element of a “guardian angel” in this book.

Steady, emotional plot with great christian elements like love, forgiveness and grace. I personally do not feel it would be suitable for young adults due to some adult themes like suicide and adultery; but its still a “clean” novel, tastefully done.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.

Purchase your copy here:

About the Author
Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Visit her online at CatherineJWest.com, Facebook: CatherineJWest, and Twitter: @CathWest.

“The Price of Jade” by Liz Hastings

I really enjoyed this story!! At times I felt confused with all the characters involved throughout the story, but overall I enjoyed it and kept up with everything.

I knew after reading the book description that I HAD to read this book! I was hoping for a good ending, although its not usually a good outcome when kids get kidnapped on foreign soil. The author did a wonderful job of describing the area, historical facts and landmarks in Guatemala, and keeping a good suspenseful pace.

Clean, christian story that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow along with Cathy and Matt as they look for their missing daughter.

There are religious references to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon) religion, but it is not the focus of the book. (For example, they take a “Book of Mormon” tour while in Guatemala.)

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
With its lush rainforests and awe-inspiring ruins, Guatemala has always played a central role in Matt Miller’s life. The stunning land where he once served as a missionary is now a vital part of his importing business, and after years of anticipating a trip to the exotic country with his wife, Cathy, and teenage daughter, Melissa, it’s finally happening. But what begins as a dream vacation soon spirals out of control as the Millers face every parent’s worst nightmare: their daughter has disappeared without a trace.
Every second counts as Matt and Cathy throw themselves into the most urgent search of their lives—a search that becomes frantic when a ransom note arrives. As Matt traverses dense jungle and remote villages, relying on the help of an unlikely band of Good Samaritans, it is clear that Melissa’s kidnapping was far from random. There is a network of greed and deceit that runs deep, and no one can be trusted. Desperate to protect his family, each step leads Matt closer to a ruthless killer. And what he discovers points to a greater deception than he could have imagined . . .

Purchase your copy here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the JustRead Publicity Tour’s BLOG TOUR for Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe.

MY REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this story!

“Falling for the Cowgirl” is book 2 in the “Big Heart Ranch” series but I didn’t read book 1 and wasn’t confused with the characters or plot so they obviously can be read as stand alone books.

I love a good cowboy/cowgirl story and this book exceeded my expectations! AJ was a great, strong woman character who had determination and grit to make it in a “mans ranching world”. I liked her work ethic, morals, and how she interacted with others. I loved the concept of the Big Heart Ranch and what it stood for and how they helped the community.

I would LOVE to see more books in this series focusing on different couples and experiences on the ranch. Clean, romantic story with some drama, intrigue, and laughs. I highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.