EmpowerMoms

The Innocent
by Ann H. Gabhart
She longs for peace–for her land and her heart–but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?

This story is set after the civil war in 1865. Carlyn is waiting to hear news about her Union soldier husband after being missing for 2 years. She gets kicked out of her house because she can’t afford to make the payments and wonders where she should go since she doesn’t really fit in anywhere in town. She begins to make new friends like a dog and the Sheriff, and decides to find her new home among the Shakers. She doesn’t feel like she fits in there either and questions their beliefs. When people start missing, Carlyn starts to wonder if she will ever find peace and God’s love.

I haven’t read anything by this author so I’m unfamiliar with the Shakers and their religion, and other Harmony Hill books. The story was well written but it didn’t particularly interest me. I didn’t like the Shaker religion and some of the things they believed, and although there was some mystery, it was at a slower pace. I did finish the book because I wanted to see if Carlyn had closure and a happy ending.

If you are familiar with this author and her books, you will probably enjoy this one as well!

Historical Christian fiction with some romance and mystery.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books, a division of of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the Book
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. The war ends without further word. Now penniless, in debt, and forced from her home, Carlyn seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, only to discover that they will not allow her to keep her beloved dog, an animal that has been her faithful companion since her husband went off to war. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie has pity on the lovely young woman and agrees to take the dog. Carlyn is just settling into life as a sister in the Shaker village when she receives a devastating letter confirming her worst fears. As she wrestles with whether to commit herself fully to the Shaker life, mysterious deaths begin to occur, and Carlyn comes under suspicion. Can Sheriff Mitchell help her expose the true culprit?

About the Author
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home, Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

You can buy the book here:

Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story (A Year of Weddings Novella Book 7) Kindle Edition
by Melissa McClone

They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

This novella (short story) was cute but I had a hard time getting into the flow of the story because of how the dialogues between the characters went back and forth. It just seemed awkward to me. I also didnt’ feel that the main character, Jenna, was a strong enough character in the story.

I did like that Jenna overcame a very personal break-up and relied on her faith in God to renew her love for life and other people.

This romantic, christian, book is about love, forgiveness and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book:
When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God’s plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton’s heart still hasn’t recovered.

It was me. His younger sister’s three words turn Ashton’s world upside down. He must ask Jenna’s forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

About the author:
Melissa McClone has published more than thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

You can purchase the kindle copy of the book here:

Beyond the Ashes: The Golden Gate Chronicles – Book 2 – by Karen Barnett

This story takes place in California is the early 1900s. The main character, Ruby, decides to join her brother in his effort to help people in the hospital after the big San Francisco earthquake and firestorm. At first she has a hard time fitting in because she wasn’t use to the devastation, sickness, and poverty of the area. It was interesting to read about Dr. Gerald’s-a fellow doctor-work with xray machines and early cancer research and treatment.

I didn’t really care for Ruby because one minute she would be likeable and calm, and then the next minute totally rude and emotional. I had a hard time getting into the flow of the story and I didn’t particularly like the ending. I did like reading the medical and history part of it though.

This was book 2 if The Golden Gate Chronicles but can be read as a stand alone book. Clean, romantic, christian book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

About the book:
Beyond the Ashes (Abingdon Press, June 2015)

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?

Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love.

Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed.

Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

About the author:
Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

You can purchase the book from Amazon here:

*32 pages long with pictures
*Used NIV bible references
*recommended for ages 4-8
*Level 2 for developing readers (reading with help)

My 5 year old loved reading this book with me! We have read it several times before bed and have also brought it to church as one of our “sunday quiet books” to read.

The words are big enough for smaller readers with pictures on every page which kept my sons interest. I am so glad that they make reader books from the scriptures! It makes it easier for children to learn bible truths and for them to understand at their level.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

Book Description
Noah’s Voyage tells the story of a brave and faithful hero of the Old Testament. Written in the I Can Read level two standards, with age-appropriate vocabulary and concepts, young readers read about Noah, a simple man with great faith and trust in God. When God asks Noah to follow his directions, build an ark, and put two of every animal on it, Noah and his family do what they are asked, knowing God would not steer them wrong.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Did You Know ”.

About the Author
Born and raised in Michigan, David spent his childhood sloshing through creek beds, climbing trees, and creating numerous baked goods. That spirit of adventure and curiosity often finds its way into his illustrations through quirky characters and hidden surprises. After spending a decade in Philadelphia and New York pursuing his artistic dreams, David has moved back to the familiar surroundings of Michigan. Now, when he’s not drawing and painting he still enjoys a good romp through the woods.

You can buy it here: