Summer By The Tides By Denise Hunter

Summer By The Tides By Denise Hunter

A Summer of Low Tides Could Expose Years of Family Secrets
When her grandmother goes missing from the family beach house, Maddy and her estranged sisters converge in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma in the home where their family broke apart is a struggle Maddy is not in the mood to face, especially since she’s recovering from her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal.
As the sisters wait for word of their grandmother, they begin to pack up the family belongings—and unpack memories of the idyllic summers of their childhood. But with those memories come long-buried secrets, and Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven. Meanwhile, Gram’s neighbor, Connor Sullivan, seems overly interested in Gram’s whereabouts. Maddy is drawn in by his quick smile and steady gaze in spite of herself.
Undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the family under again, maybe for good this time. As tensions rise, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become—and Maddy must decide if falling in love again is worth the potential heartbreak.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Denise

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including "The Convenient Groom" and "A December Bride" which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an almost empty nest.



My Thoughts: 

Summer by the Tides is the perfect book to get away and let your mind take a break as you read the story of three sisters who have had some difficulty in their relationships. There might even be a bit of a spark between two characters who find romance. This book is full of faith, family, forgiveness and love. I am a huge fan of Hunter because her books are those that you can sink your teeth in and forget about the world around you. This book is a 5 star read. Don't miss your opportunity to order this book and enjoy a great beach read! 

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

All Manner of Things

by 

Susie Finkbeiner 

About:

When Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. 

In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike's safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family's home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined. 

My Thoughts:

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner is worth more than just read. This book will sneak its way into your heart and become a book that you decide to keep. It isn't just a book or a story, but one that as a reader you can decide for yourself if it's a way of life. Finkbeiner has a way of writing to the depths of the hearts of readers to bring out emotions so deep, that as a reader, you leave changed. Each book she writes, gets better and better. Without a lot of spoilers, this book was set during the Vietnam War and gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the Jacobson family. With letters between family members, you will sure need some Kleenex and honestly, while I could not put this book down, I also wanted it to slow down at the same time. It was an amazing read with intense emotions. You will love this book. Pick up a copy, it is worth every penny! 

About the Author:

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home

Her most recent novel, All Manner of Things, releases in June, 2019 with Revell. 

She serves on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women's events across the state. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan

My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love by Amanda Barratt

My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love

by 

Amanda Barratt

About:

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison

Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.

Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.

Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.

With their deep love comes risk--and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.

Based on detailed historical research and including photos from both Maria's and Dietrich's lives, this is a true love story at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life. 

About the Author:

ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical novels and novellas, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. Her novel My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love, releases from Kregel Publications in June 2019.

She’s also the author of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey, as well as seven novellas with Barbour Publishing. Two of her novellas have been finalists in the FHL Reader’s Choice Awards. 

Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.

Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at amandabarratt.net.

My Thoughts:

Wow! My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love by Amanda Barratt is a stunning read! It is one that is unforgettable and this is a book that I want to savor because the journey of this book is impeccable! Really, it is! Trust me. It is so beautifully written. 

In the scenes of the book, I felt that Amanda did a fantastic job of giving the reader intricate details, so the reader can place themselves in the story. The plot and characters have depth, while the reader is learning about history through the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a fiction way. As a reader, I was so moved by this book. 

This is a book that will be on my shelf forever, that I will visit from. time to time. This is just a phenomal read! Grab your copy today, you will be changed by the power of this book! I promise. 

The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Brides of the Big Valley: 3 Romances from a Unique Pennsylvania Amish Community by

Wanda E. Brunstetter

About:

3 Short Stories of Love in a Unique Amish Community

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which 3 distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

My Thoughts:

If you have never read any books by Wanda E. Brunsetetter, but love Amish fiction novels, I highly recommend you picking up any of her novels. All of her book are great and have elements of faith and family tied into her stories. The Bride of Big Valley are three Amish Romance stories featuring three different Amish groups living in Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The three groups have practices that set themselves apart from one another. This book is composed of three novellas written by Wanda, her daughter in law and granddaughter. All three novella are captivating and quick reads. From Widows, to characters dealing with insecurities and overcoming fear, all three of these stories are great reads!  The three Brunstetter ladies have written a great novella collection that you will enjoy. Christian amish romance fans will adore this collection. 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

Murder in the City of Liberty 

Goodreads:  Murder in the City of Liberty (Van Buren and DeLuca #2) by Rachel McMillan

Rating: Just Okay
Source:  Blog Tour

Description:  Determined to make a life for herself, Regina "Reggie" Van Buren bid goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expected her to marry and escaped to Boston. What she never expected to discover was that an unknown talent for sleuthing would develop into a business partnership with the handsome, yet shy, Hamish DeLuca.
Their latest case arrives when Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues, hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police shove off as a series of harmless pranks. Errol believes these are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe, and he's afraid for his life. Hamish and Reggie quickly find themselves in the midst of an escalating series of crimes that seem to link Boston to Hamish's hometown of Toronto.

When an act of violence hits too close to home, Hamish is driven to a decision that may sever him from Reggie forever . . . even more than her engagement to wealthy architect Vaughan Vanderlaan. 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Rachel

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My Thoughts:

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan is a historical mystery. I have read several books by Rachel before and love them. This book, did not do it for me. I had a difficult time connecting to the mystery and also keeping the characters straight. This book has an awesome setting and started off with some actions, but as I progressed forward into the plot, I found myself day dreaming and even when I tried to get back to the book, I could not stay with it. The story, with the characters did not connect to me and I could not find myself interested in the book. This book and series might interest you, but it was my taste. Don't take my word on it, grab your copy today and you might love this historical mystery. Again, I have read several books by Rachel before and have loved them. Give this one a shot, despite my review. You might like this book.

About the Author:

Rachel McMillan is the author of the Herringford and Watts mysteries, the Three Quarter Time series of contemporary romances set in opulent Vienna, and the Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries praised for bringing an authentic 1930’s Boston world to life while normalizing the fictional conversation surrounding mental illness. Her first work of non-fiction, described as a romantic’s guide to independent travel, releases in 2020. Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reluctant Belle (Daughtry House #2) by Beth White

Reluctant Belle

(Daughtry House #2)

by 

Beth White

About:

Joelle Daughtry has a secret.
By day, the impoverished Southern belle has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of constructing a school for former slaves. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

Loyalties shift when Schuyler Beaumont, childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry House renovation, takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office. Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?

My Thoughts:

Reluctant Belle is the second book in the Daughtry House series by Beth White. I did not read the first book in this series and while I think that would be helpful, this book can be read as a stand alone. There are some details that are mentioned in this book from the first novel, but it is not necessary to read the first book in order to understand this one. 

This novel is set after the Civil War, so it is written during the time when racial discrimination was prevalent and the tension was very high. The author does a great job at respecting this time period and bringing it to light in a way that the reader can comprehend in a way that is possible through the lens of reading. The main character of this novel are awesome and I love their hearts. You will fall in love with them, especially with the fact that they want educate those around them who are marginalized. This book has elements of faith, which I think is done exceptionally well. I love when the characters talked prayer and God. Overall, I felt the author wrote with a lot of heart and that was what I took away from this novel. 

About The Author:

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Beth White teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but her real passion is writing historical romance with a Southern drawl.

A native Mississippian, she is a pastor's wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two--so far. 

Also published as Elizabeth White, her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. 

Heart & Home By Victoria Duerstock

Heart & Home By Victoria Duerstock

Heart and Home is a short devotional book with daily devotions for 90 days. The devotionals seek to draw clear connection between the basics of interior design and scripture that encourages spiritual growth within our hearts. The devotionals inspire women to have a captivating heart and home. Included in each devotional is an applicable design tip and photographs. Example devotional topics include unity and harmony, negative space, flow, focal point, and balance.

This devotional includes four-color photographs of home interiors throughout the book.

My Thoughts: 

I loved this little book! It has amazing and fabulous interior design with 90 devotions. I love that each devotion also contains scripture and prayers as well. This would make the perfect gift of an awesome gift to give away for a baby shower. This is a perfect coffee table or devotional and I loved the content. 

About the Author:

Victoria Duerstock wears many hats. None are more important than wife and mom, but she has certainly dipped her toe in a variety of interests and jobs through the years. She's been known to read everything under the sun, even a manual or two! With her nose in a book, she’s always learning so that she can figure out the next thing and writing has become her most recent passion.

Little did she know that her experiences that began over twenty years ago would influence her writing life today! After marrying Rob, she began working with him in the Interior Design industry. From managing the office of a retail design center, to assisting designers on their condo and house projects, Victoria was immersed in the retail design world for several years. Going to markets with him has been a perk that she has enjoyed through the years, not to mention the various samples and goodies from around the world that find space in their home. Access to furniture markets, trends, magazines have continued to fuel her interest and knowledge and she shares her thoughts with a monthly spot for www.just18summers.org combining home trends and parenting ideas, and at her personal blog www.everythingsgravy.com. 

Serving in their church body remains an integral part of their family life. Many roles have been filled through the years and Victoria has especially enjoyed those times when she has been able to minister to women. She has a heart for women and her mission statement includes the following – Intentionally seeking to inspire hope and ignite bigger dreams for God’s purpose and His glory in each of our stories. 

To this end, Victoria has not only enjoyed speaking to various women’s groups and conferences, but has also found success over the last couple of years writing short devotional anthologies with other amazing authors with Worthy Publishing. In the midst of this, the idea for this current book came to mind. Connecting the basic principles of Christian living, with the basic principles of Interior Design seemed to be a no-brainer!

Heart & Home: Design Basics for Your Soul and Your Living Space does just that. Publishing in April of 2019, this short devotional presents 90 days of Scripture, application, prayer and design tips into one full color volume. A devotional book that can be displayed in both the gift and inspirational markets, the full color photos make it beautiful to look at as well.

The Inn At Hidden Run By Olivia Newport

The Inn At Hidden Run By Olivia Newport

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees

Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time.

What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.

But none of that changes the fact that Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.

The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journey.

My Thoughts: 

The Inn at the Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree Life Series and I enjoyed reading this book. I found myself intrigued with the genealogy in this book, which made me want to learn more about my own.  The modern telling of Yellow Fever was very interesting, especially as the author weaved a dual storyline into this book. To be able to craft a dual timeline into a story and do it well, is writing craft and Olivia Newport did an amazing job! I recommend the read!

About the Author:

 Olivia Newport’s novels blend the truths of where we find ourselves now with insights into what carried us in the past. Enjoying life with her husband and nearby grown children, she chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.

The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face: a manual to overcoming life’s common distractions by Jonathan McKee

The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face: a manual to overcoming life’s common distractions

by 

Jonathan McKee

About:

Honestly?. . . 

"Why wait for something when I can enjoy it now?"

“These images don’t really affect me. . .do they?”

"How could smoking a little weed really be that bad when it's becoming legalized everywhere?”

“I’d like to tell you I don’t care what others think, but honestly, I want to be liked."

 
Maybe you're thinking, "I've had one. . .maybe even a few of these thoughts, and I don't know how to even begin to deal with them."
 
The good news? You're not alone. And there is a way to fight these battles head-on, overcoming the past, pressing forward, and becoming the person God designed you to be.
 
So what's a guy to do? . . .
 
Join youth culture expert and author of the popular Guy's Guide to God, Girls, and the Phone in Your Pocket, Jonathan McKee, as he gets real about the four common battles every young man will encounter in his life:
 
1: Sexual Temptation
2. Screens
3: Controlled Substances
4: Self-Esteem


With humor and honesty, McKee offers up practical, spiritual advice filled with real-world application helping you face today’s distractions.

My Thoughts:

Author Jonathan McKee writes The Guy's Guide to Four Battles Every Young Man Must Face which is a great book that cuts to the chase. It is an honest, authentic book that makes a young adult man look at themselves and ask hard questions through scripture and application. This book has short chapters, great stories and truth throughout the entire book. This book would be a great for Father's do with their sons. I highly recommend getting a copy, especially as Father's Day is just around the corner. 

Card of Kindness for Courageous Girls compiled by Barbour Publishing Staff

Card of Kindness for Courageous Girls compiled by Barbour Publishing Staff

Your heart will delight in spreading kindness and inspiration wherever you go with these shareable Cards of Kindness!

Flip each page to discover a positive life message that will both uplift and inspire your heart—and the hearts of other courageous girls just like you. Once you’ve read through the devotion and pondered the message of loving-kindness, tear out the card and pass it on to another girl . . who will then be encouraged to keep the “Courageous Girls Are Kind” movement going. . .by passing the card along to yet another courageous girl!

Each Card of Kindness will spark positive, faith-building discussions with other like minded girls. You’ll enjoy spreading kindness and God’s love, page by delightful page! 

Be blessed, COURAGEOUS GIRL!

My Thoughts:

I love this book for girls! Each page has a teaching with a scripture verse. On the other side is  a piece of encouragement for girls to dream big, heal pain, bring peace, etc. The pages are perforated so they can be removed and given away. These are perfect to encourage friends, daughters, nieces, etc. It would be great to throw in their lunches. This is just such a neat little book for girls! 

Powerful Prayers for Your Son: Praying for Every Part of His Life by Rob Teigen, Joanna Teigen

Powerful Prayers for Your Son: Praying for Every Part of His Life

by 

Rob Teigen, 

 

Joanna Teigen

About:

Parents know that their children need their prayers. But sometimes, they aren't sure where to start. For moms and dads who long to lift their kids up in prayer, Powerful Prayers for Your Daughter and Powerful Prayers for Your Son offer hope, encouragement, and practical help.

Rob and Joanna Teigen assure parents that just because they don't always understand their son or daughter, that doesn't mean that God doesn't. Collecting specific prayers parents can use, along with stories from other parents about how God has answered their prayers, Rob and Joanna give readers a strong foundation to build a lifelong habit of praying for their kids. They also explain what boys and girls need to learn as they grow up, including character, courage, modesty, self-control, forgiveness, and more, so parents can pray for every part of their kids' lives. 

My Thoughts:

Powerful Prayers for your Son is a such a great book with an important message on prayer. This book is filled with 88 different prayers and categorized by topics. The table of contents makes it very accessible to find a topic you are looking for specific prayers on. I think this book is a great tool to a powerful prayer life.

This book provides  a deep look into how parents can prayer for their sons, even when they cannot be all things to children. It gives renewed hope and supernatural strength to parents. This book is filled with reflections, quote and a story along with a special prayer . This book is great and is a truly a blessing.

I really enjoyed reading this sweet book! It would make a wonderful  gift for Father's Day!