Forever Friday

 

 

About The Book:  Every Friday, a postcard.  Every Friday, a love poem.  Every Friday for sixty years.  Adam Colby is just doing his job, sorting through the unsold Alexander belongings after the estate sale. He is unprepared for what he finds in an old photo album, overlooked by the bargain hounds and treasure hunters—six decades of postcards and poems from Gabe Alexander to his wife, Pearl. The mystery of the Alexanders’ love entices Adam, a man unhinged by divorce and puzzled by the depth of commitment that he finds in the unabashedly romantic cards.  Forever Friday invites you to travel back in time to the early twentieth century Texas Coastal Bend where a young couple—Gabe and Pearl Alexander—are swept up in a miraculous love. As the heartwarming, pulse-quickening story of their relationship develops through Gabe’s poems, the Alexanders reveal a new way to consider what it means to be truly devoted to each other. Could the secrets of their love affair, laid to rest twenty years ago, hold the key to one man’s future?  Want to read an exerpt?  (Click here.)  If you would like to view a clip on you tube click here.

About The Author:  Timothy Lewis is an author and playwright.  he has authored more than twenty musicals/plays.  In addition, he teaches a beginning novel writing class at West Texas A & M University and co-directs a summer writing academy.  Timothy is also a professional speaker, cowboy poet, actor, and sngwriter.  He drew inspiration for Forever FRieday from the postcards sent between his great-aunt and great-uncle over a period of sixty years.  He lives with his wife near Amarillo, Texas.

My Thoughts On The Book:  As a big estate sale lover I found this book very intriguing.  Many years ago my mom and I attended a sale, bought a sealed box, opened it and found a picture of two young women (one from the 1940's and one from the 70's), a series of letters to a man who was in the servie, and a picture of a couple.  The box was fascinating and we began to see if we could find the young girl.  A year later a salesman friend was visiting our house, I told him the story, he asked to see the box, and it turned out the young woman was his wife.  The couple was her grandmother and grandfather.  He died during WWII.  His story broke my heart and so did this one. Forever Friday is a great love story about two people who care about each other deeply. I couldn't put it down. It has a good moral and a great ending. I think this was an amazing book!! Lewis is quite a wordsmith and the book was well-written. Lewis provides his readers with insight into both Adam's life and the couple who wrote the postcards. I had the same warm fuzzy feeling I felt with Nicholas Spark's book, The Notebook.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a touching love story about enduring love.
Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!

Prairie Song

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:  The first step in a challenging journey is often the one that means the most. Though it means saying goodbye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boones Lick Company wagon train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although the unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.  During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and avoiding God’s calling on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed her from the beginning— independent, beautiful trouble.  Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts toward God’s grace and the promise of a new home?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Over the last twenty-five years, Mona Hodgson’s publishing credits have grown to include nearly thirty children's books, contributions to more than ten books for adults, and four historical novels, including her debut, Two Brides Too Many in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. Mona is a popular speaker for women's groups, schools, and educators’ and writers’ conferences. She lives in Arizona with her husband and has two daughters and several grandchildren.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK:  Ms Hodgson did an outstanding job in the development of the plot and characters in this story. She had me from the first page and held me tightly in her clultches until the last page. The characters were so realistic that I felt as if I were traveling with them.  Hodgson brings the wagon train to life.  This story had it all.   There was some suspense, romance, hardships, history, and encounters with God. I cannot remember when I have enjoyed a story and liked the ending. I cannot wait for the next book in the series so that I can continue the journey with all my new character friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wild Goose Chase

 

About The Book:  Most of us have no idea where we're going most of the time. Perfect. "Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit-An Geadh-Glas, or `the Wild Goose.' The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it's like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something....Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure." --from the introduction.

About The Author:  Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington, DC's National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America's most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC'ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

My Thoughts On The Book:  If you are looking for a feel good book, this is not it.  This book is a get in your face kind of book that makes you made enough to make some changes.  Batterson definitely challenged me to come out of my cage and chase the Wild Goose.  My favorite part of the whole book was the challenge given at the conclusion of the book:  "Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.  Set God sized goals.  Don't take the easy way out.  Expand  your horizons.  Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.    (My favorite) Take off your sandals.  Blaze new trails.   Don't make a living.  Make a life.  Quit makeing excuses.  Chase the Goose!  Ready or not goose....here I come. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Christmas in Apple Ridge

About The Book:  What a great way to experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these three touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

The Dawn of Christmas
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

 

About The Author:  Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of ten works of fiction and one work of nonfiction, whose connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media and throughout Christian news outlets. She lives outside Atlanta with her family.

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  I read all three of the books in two day. All of the books are centered around Christmas and it really put me in the mood for the true reason of that season. The novellas all center their activity in Apple Ridge, PA.  Each novella is a story about men and women whose life circumstances must be overcome and dealt with.   Accidents that leave a person crippled not just in body but in spirit. A cheating fiance found out the day before the wedding and how many didn't believe the truth. Serious life threatening disease that causes a man to pull away from the woman he loves to protect her from the pain of loss. Parents with life threatening diseases. A young business that burns down because of the owners carelessness that causes her whole life to be turned upside down. But it is also about a community in Apple Ridge that pulls together to help, nurture and encourage.  You will fall in love with Beth and her aunt Lizzy, Jonah, Mattie, Gideon, Sadie and Levi.  Woodsmall makes all her characters come to life on the page.  While reading each story I found myself laughing out loud one minute and being at the point of tears the next.  If you love Amish books then read these.  They are amazing!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

The Widow of Saunders Creek

About The Book:  Corrie Saunders grew up in a life of privilege. But she gave it all up for Jarrod, her Army husband, a man she knew was a hero when she vowed to spend her life with him. She just didn’t expect her hero to sacrifice his life taking on an Iraqi suicide bomber. Six months after Jarrod’s death, Corrie retreats to the family home her husband inherited deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She doesn’t know how to live without Jarrod—she doesn’t want to. By moving to Saunders Creek and living in a house beloved by him, she hopes that somehow her Jarrod will come back to her. Something about the house suggests maybe he has. Corrie begins to wonder if she can feel Jarrod’s presence. Jarrod’s cousin Eli is helping Corrie with the house’s restoration and he knows his dead cousin is not what Corrie senses. Eli, as a believing man and at odds with his mystically-oriented family members, thinks friendly visits from beyond are hogwash. But he takes spirits with dark intentions seriously. Can he convince Corrie that letting go of Jarrod will lead to finding her footing again— and to the One she can truly put her faith into?

About The Author:  Tracey Bateman lives in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks which provide much of her inspiration for the books she writes. She has approximately one million books in print. Tracey loves to hear from readers and you can find her on facebook.

My Thoughts On The Book:  Bateman's writing was well done, sharp, and brings the story to life. She is a master with words.  This book reminded me of the Christy movies and her adventures among the mountain folk with their superstitions and traditions. Corrie had a great deal to adjust to when she came to Saunders Creek.  There were a number of very interesting and rare characters.  I've read several books dealing with ghosts, mediums, séances, and the like, but never one with this kind of Christian perspective.   This book was very Frank Perettieque. Very eye-opening for those interested. I definitely plan to read more by Bateman in the future.  I can't wait to read her again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as Part of their Blogging for Books  Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”