Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line

Ladies of Harper Station #2

Karen Witemeyer

Grace witnessed her father's death and is now hiding from the man or men responsible. Harper Station is the perfect place to hide and try to figure out why her father was murdered. Her job as a telegraph agent allows her the anonymity that she desires while giving her the opportunity to create a friendship with another agent towns away. When her agent friend, Amos, hears of potential danger he runs to Grace's aid. Now the two must join with the residents of Harper Station to stay one step ahead of the killer before he can eliminate Grace and those dearest to her.

This was such a fun book. But then all the books by Ms. Witemeyer are fun. She is able to infuse humor into her stories while keeping them suspenseful and dramatic. The plot takes some unexpected turns and is full of trust, faith, romance, and the importance of friends. While being thoroughly entertained, I was also blessed by the message woven throughout the book. I recommend this book if you enjoy Christian fiction with a message of faith. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Positively Inspired

Colorful Creations Positively Inspired

Jess Volinski

This book was designed with a bit more than just coloring sheets. It also has positive quotes from various people on every page.  I thought this book was incredibly well put together and enjoyed coloring it. The book begins with some insights from the author on art and how to creatively express yourself. She shows some examples of different ways to use color and links the various color palates to emotions. There are several pages devoted to the color wheel and how to use it to get the look you want. Then the first few coloring pages have the color wheel, palette examples and a small space to test out your own palette choices. On the left is the quote surrounded by a floral design to color and has a place for notes. The right side is the full color sheet with each design featuring flowers, mandalas, or encouraging words. The book ends with some examples the author has given where she colored the pages herself. The color pages are adult coloring style, but aren't so intricate that a mature child couldn't also enjoy them. Each page is perforated so I was able to tear a few out and use them to occupy some kids while they were trying to sit still during church. Overall, if you love adult coloring books, this would be an excellent choice.

I received a copy of this book from Fox Chapel. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Stepping on Cheerios

Stepping on Cheerios

Betsy Singleton Snyder

Being a mother can be messy, hard, difficult, discouraging, and lonely. But it's beautiful, rewarding, heartwarming, and the hugest blessing. As mother's we often long to have a deeper connection with God, but aren't sure where to start when everything is so busy and chaotic.

The author pulls from her own messy, but beautiful life as a mother to write an encouraging book to all the mothers who yearn for God amidst the Legos, Cheerios, and mess that is parenthood. She's also a pastor and I felt the spiritual elements woven through everything she talked about. Her writing style is humorous, often tongue in cheek, but always points to Jesus. She shares honestly as she talks about her struggles with four tiny boys - three of them triplets and a heart condition. I loved the authenticity of her writing. She told stories, but also brought home some powerful truths about motherhood and how God fits into our lives. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Peace in the Valley

Peace in the Valley

Double S Ranch #3

Ruth Logan Herne

Trey owes his life to Sam Stafford. His uncle rescued him from filth and neglect when he was just a toddler. Then Sam adopted him. So the while the man he calls his father may not be the nicest person, Trey feels obligated to come back and help when his father is ill. Trey is the only one that didn't appear to lose his faith, even when his wife died. He's a well known and popular musician who doesn't seem to have let it go to his head. But when he shows back he makes a horribly bad first impression on Lucy, his neighbor, by crashing into her van. Now he must prove to her that all musicians are bad.

Loved this book. I've been waiting for the third book in the series to come out and am now sad that I've read the last of this family. While I think the book would work well as a stand-alone, I've read the other two so would highly recommend starting with them to get the full story. I loved how the author used broken characters and showed how God can use them for good. She made each character stand out in a unique way so I didn't get lost, despite the numerous people that came into play. The subtle yet strong elements f faith that were woven into the story were inspiring. The romance was sweet, clean and heartwarming. Loved this series and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Jaguar

Jaguar

Painter Place Saga #3

Pamela Poole

Caroline is abruptly kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity. Her husband Chad is helpless to rescue her and both of them must put all their trust in a man who goes by the name of Jaguar. He also happens to be an old boyfriend of Caroline. Even if Caroline returns home with her life, she'll never be the same woman she was before her abduction. The author describes her books as having a inspiring Southern ambiance, due to the faith elements and southern location and feel to her books.

This was a very fast paced and thrilling story. The author had a lot of details and parts going on, but was clear enough with the plot and characters that I never felt lost. The characters were well defined and the plot flowed smoothly. This is the third book in a series, but I was able to read this book without having read the previous two. I would recommend picking them up first if you are able, as it will provide more of a backstory to some of the secondary characters that I felt was missing in this book. Overall, this was a suspenseful, heartwarming, and family filled story that I enjoyed.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Writing Desk

The Writing Desk

Rachel Hauck

Tenley wrote an amazing best seller. Her father and grandfather were also best selling authors. So with the deadline for her next book looming, Tenley must make up her mind, go to Florida to help her estranged mother or go to Paris with her boyfriend. She needs inspiration to remove her roadblock. What she finds is nothing like she expected. An old desk with a stuck drawer, a local carpenter who wants the desk, and renewed relationships help change Tenley in ways she never imagined.

I loved this book. The cover is beautiful and the story captivating. The writer was able to convey the feelings of the main characters and write descriptive scenery that made me feel as if I was living the story with Tenley. The emotions were authentic and sometimes raw, but added depth to the plot. The characters were flawed, but the reader comes away from the book with a sense of understanding, conviction, and thoughtfulness. I felt some elements of faith woven throughout the book, but they were subtle. The author did a great job of weaving two stories, set in different times together. It flowed well and felt seamless. I think anyone who enjoys thought provoking, real stories will enjoy the story of this young author as she deals with family, writer's block, and conviction. Overall, a book that captivated me and I couldn't put down. Can't wait for her next book.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Ruth

Ruth

Drawn in Bible Study

Eugene H. Peterson

Each of us can learn from the stories presented in the Bible. Ruth shows us that we can rely on God and hold on to His hope. The bible study guide is designed to show the reader that each and every person has a place in God's beautiful story. The author begins with an brief introduction and then a chapter on how to get the most out of this study guide. Then each chapter contains some coloring pages that go with the theme, discussion questions, and the scripture passages from Ruth that fit with the questions. There are also little notes and thoughts inserted throughout by the author. At the end of each chapter is a section called Until We Meet Again followed by a Prayer. The book is designed to be colored, written in, and made personal by the owner. It can be used in a small group setting or for personal devotions.

I really liked this study guide. For some reason the cover didn't thrill me, but once I opened the pages I really started to enjoy it. The color pages are detailed enough so they feel perfect for an adult. The questions are thought provoking and insightful. I also really liked the author's thoughts interjected throughout. Overall, this was a nice book that I enjoyed using. But I also think it would make an excellent gift.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale. All thoughts expressed are my own.