Review and Giveaway: Happenstance Farms A New Home by S. McMichael Illustrated by Justo Borrero

 

 

Join Us for This Tour:  January 11 to January 31, 2022

Book Details:

Book Title: Happenstance Farms: A New Home by S. McMichael
Category:  Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Ek-9 Solutions & Services, LLC
Release date:   January 2022
Content Rating:  G -Suitable for everyone.

 

Book Description:

​Change can be difficult, especially for Savanna. When she gets a new trainer at a new barn, she can't help thinking about how much she'll miss Colts & Company. More than that...she's a little scared. What will happen when Savanna swallows her fear and takes a chance on Happenstance Farms?

A fun, relatable story about a girl and her pony, your child will love keeping up with the adventures at Happenstance Farms. With charming characters, lots of laughs, and social-emotional learning, this book is the perfect addition to any home or classroom library.

My Thoughts:

I don't really know anybody who likes change and is not a little bit fearful of it. Some changes are for the better, but sometimes change happens when everything was going just fine. Then what? This story shows us how one little girl goes through such one and how it ends up.

Savanna must now take lessons riding her pony Coffee at a new place, Happenstance Farms. She has some trepidation as she really liked her other instructor, but that instructor moved away. Now Savanna will be going someplace new for riding lessons and she kind of feels like she is starting over. What about her friends and is she at the same skill level with the other riders? Or will they feel she is holding them back? Savanna gets these questions answered and learns valuable life lessons along the way.

The book was beautifully illustrated, and the lessons inside should help any child dealing with change. I personally don't like change so I could definitely relate to Savanna and her fears. And this book has the cutest little German Shepherd character in it. He was just too cute.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

 

Meet the Author:

McMichael serves as the Senior Manager and Information Technology Business Partner for Training Solutions and Global Training Systems & Services in Boeing Global Services. She is a disabled veteran with more than 16 years of domestic and international experience in air traffic management and operations.  

McMichael holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a master’s certificate in project management, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Southern Illinois University.  She is a recipient of The

Boeing Company CTO Technical Excellence Award, Women of Color in Technology

“Rising Star” award, U.S. Air Force Air Traffic Training Achievement Award, and the International William A. Parenteau Memorial Award from the Air Traffic Control Association.  McMichael serves on the Advisory Board of SSM St. Charles Health Center, and the Missouri Hunter Jumper Organization board.

 

 

Tour Schedule:

Jan 11 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 11 - Character Madness and Musing – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 11 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Jan 12 - Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Jan 13 - @bujos_n_books – book review
Jan 13 - A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Jan 14 – @jayme_reads – book review
Jan 18 – Sandra's Book Club – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Jan 19 - @twilight_reader – book review
Jan 20 – Older & Smarter? – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 20 - The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
Jan 21 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Jan 21 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Jan 24 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 24 - Books for Books - book review
Jan 25 – Kam's Place – book review
​Jan 25 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Jan 26 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 26 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Jan 27 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Jan 27 - The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 28 – Lisa's Reading – book review / giveaway
Jan 31 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

 

HAPPENSTANCE FARMS: A NEW HOME Book Tour Giveaway

 

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Elinor by Shannon McNear

 

About the Book

Book: Elinor

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Christian/Historical/Romance

Release date: December 1, 2021

A Journey Full of Hope…
Escape into a riveting story based on the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . .
The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

The Lost Colony of Roanoke has long been a mystery to history, and I have been intrigued by what happened to the people left behind as well. The author certainly gives us a detailed account of the colony, the people, and even the Native Americans who lived near them, both friendly and the enemies.

I cannot imagine leaving my home for an unknown and dangerous land, but this is what Elinor has done. Along with her husband and her father, John White who is also governor of the colony. I also understood the plight of the Native Americans who felt their home was being invaded by these colonists, who sometimes did not treat them well and often times brought diseases with them. However, in this story we are taken on a journey where certain eyes are opened, and bridges of nationalities can and may be crossed.

There was much, what I call, desperate prayer in this story. I certainly understood that, and that John White knew their survival depended only on God. Unfortunately, with man, mistakes and greed and all manner of evil can and will prevail, making the lives of all involved much harder to bear.

The author did her research of the times and of the land and the reasons why they landed on Roanoke instead of where they were first planning too. There seemed to be much political intrigue going on behind all of it. I appreciated the notes in the beginning and at the end. They were most helpful, and the atmosphere felt very authentic because of them. This was a good fictional account on what might have happened to that lost colony that seemingly just disappeared.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

 

More from Shannon

Why did I write this story? Well, God shoved the opportunity under my nose, and I didn’t want to be guilty of taking the easy way out, by saying no. 😊

Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.

Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.

And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4

Joanna Bair, January 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Rebecca Tews, January 5

For the Love of Literature, January 6

Remembrancy, January 6

Texas Book-aholic, January 7

Betti Mace, January 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8

Inklings and notions, January 8

For Him and My Family, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

deb’s Book Review, January 10

Labor Not in Vain, January 10

Blogging With Carol, January 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11

Connect in Fiction, January 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12

To Everything There Is A Season, January 12

Mary Hake, January 12

Bizwings Blog, January 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Connie’s History Classroom, January 14

Splashes of Joy, January 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, January 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Pause for Tales, January 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/15d5e/elinor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Broken Together by Brenda S. Anderson & Sarah S. Anderson

 

About the Book

Book: Broken Together

Authors: Brenda S. Anderson & Sarah S Anderson

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: December 1, 2021

How do you persevere when you have no more will to fight?

Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, that dream—along with their family—is shattered.

After years of fighting for Chad’s release, Jennifer finally breaks free from her shame, anger, and hopelessness, and forges ahead with the dream the two of them once shared. With the help of their college-aged twins, she begins to move forward.

Without Chad.

When their lawyer arrives with news of evidence that may prove Chad’s innocence, a strange mixture of emotions overtakes her. Does she want Chad to return home? He isn’t the same man he once was, and she certainly isn’t the same woman. She’s worked hard to piece the remnants of their family back together, and his coming home could fracture the family once again.

It all comes down to one question. She loves her husband enough to fight for his release from prison, but does she love him enough to fight for their marriage?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Wow, this was a very different read for me. I don't believe I have read a story quite like this one before. This is about a married couple, Chad and Jennifer Taylor who have twins, a boy and a girl, and their share of problems. Especially since Chad is in prison for a murder he did not commit. When we begin this story, it has has been about six and a half years, and their lives look nothing like they had imagined they would.

The author did a really good job on showing both sides of the relationship. The fact that Jennifer was in a way stuck, her husband was not dead, nor did they have a normal marital relationship. She and her children were judged right along with him by so called friends and even family. They were in a type of prison as well. And when Jennifer decides to give up her teaching job, move out of her parent's home, and to open a coffee shop, she feels like she is moving on without Chad.

Chad is trying to survive in prison and keep out of trouble so that he can have his case looked at again. He is not like the other prisoners as he is actually innocent. But his time in prison has changed him and he is dealing with quite a few demons that will affect him and his marriage quite possibly for the rest of his life.

Then there is the twins, Jason and Chloe. They are adults now, but they did miss having a dad during their teenage years. They also are dealing with the aftermath of all that happened and some of their choices are not what their parents had hoped for.

This was a riveting and a heartbreaking story of a family that is what the title says, broken together and yet the author shows that even in all of this that faith can be strong. I enjoyed seeing the ways in which this family grew out of all they had been through. Theirs was not an easy road, but their family was worth piecing back together. I have not read about a married couple who were separated due to a wrongful conviction, and I cannot even imagine what that would be like to go through. 

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic, gritty, life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live music and theater, walking the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband. Together, they plan to travel across the United States, checking items off their bucket list, beginning with a bus trip to Niagara Falls.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

A former barista, Sarah S. Anderson loves all things coffee, so when her mother asked her to help with a book set in a coffee shop, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” When not creating imaginary coffee shops, Sarah spends much of her time at the theater, either on stage acting, singing, and dancing, or offstage as musical director. She lives near the heart of Minneapolis with her two cuddly kitties.

 

More from Brenda

Why I Wrote Broken Together

Years ago, I watched a late-night interview with a woman who’d fought to free her husband from prison, and she finally won that fight. Near the end of the show, when the interviewer asked how she and her husband were doing now, she replied that they were divorced. It shocked me that she’d fought so hard for him, but then couldn’t hold their marriage together. I knew then that I needed to explore, through fiction, how that could happen.

I’d put off the idea for years, fearing the topic was larger than I could handle, but the story kept pushing its way through.

My daughter, Sarah, and I had often talked about writing a story together, one that would be set in a coffee and cocoa shop, and Broken Together seemed to be the perfect match. As a former barista, Sarah brought the coffee expertise to the story. As a non-coffee drinker, I insisted equal billing for non-coffee beverages.

Then the legal director for the Great Northern Innocence Project graciously offered to walk me through the many the legal hoops someone has to go through to be released once evidence is found.

With her help, I could no longer avoid writing Jenn and Chad’s story. It was a difficult one to write, but it’s also a story filled with hope.

 

Chad’s Choco-Latte Recipe

Ingredients

2 shots of espresso

3/4 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons of milk chocolate (chips or sauce)

2 tablespoons English toffee sauce (Chad’s secret recipe)

Whipped cream

 

Instructions:

1. Steam milk with chocolate chips or sauce to 150°F
2. Pull 2 espresso shots (Make sure your shots don’t sit longer than 20 seconds or they will expire!)
3. Add English toffee sauce to the bottom of your cup or mug
4. Add espresso shots to your toffee sauce
5. Pour steamed milk into your cup or mug, making sure the milk hits the far side of your mug to help incorporate the ingredients
6. Stir if needed
7. Top with whipped cream and extra English toffee sauce if desired

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

An Author’s Take, January 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 6

By the Book, January 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 8 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 13

The Sacred Line, January 13

deb’s Book Review, January 14

For Him and My Family, January 15

Spoken from the Heart, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Brenda and Sarah are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1718c/broken-together-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: Sometimes When I'm Sad by Deborah Serani, Psy.D. and Illustrated by Kyra Teis

 

Book Description:

"Sometimes When I'm Sad" is a sensitive and supportive story to help young children recognize and cope with sadness. Written by psychologist, Deborah Serani, Psy.D. and illustrated by Kyra Teis, this award-winning children's book is also an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, caregivers and other mental health professionals. "Sometimes When I'm Sad" has been endorsed by Jo Frost, The Supernanny and pediatric depression expert ,Dr. Joan Luby.

 

Buy the Book:
FreeSpirit Publishing
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Indiebound ~ Walmart

My Thoughts:

Sometimes When I'm Sad is another very useful and helpful book that takes a look at helping a child deal with sadness. Just like the the "Mad" book, this helps simplify to a child the way they are feeling. It puts into words what a child may not be able to express yet. These feelings and emotions are normal with most everyone, even adults. Just like the other book, I have benefited and think most adults would also benefit from this book.

I liked the creative and yet simple tips on ways that we or a child can try to cope with the sadness. All very helpful, useful, and productive. These exercises show a healthier way to deal with the sadness, which hits us all in some form or another at times.  And again, the artwork is absolutely lovely. In the last pages of the book is the expanded resources and more explanations on the helps, tips, and coping mechanisms. All very useful.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:  
​

Deborah Serani, Psy.D. is psychologist in practice over 30 years. She is also a senior professor at Adelphi University and has been published in academic journals on many psychological subjects. Dr. Serani is a go-to expert for psychological issues. Her interviews can be found at ABC News, CNN, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post and USA Today, and affiliate radio station programs at CBS and NPR, just to name a few. She is also a TEDx speaker and has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Serani has worked as a technical advisor for the NBC television show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - where a recurring character, Judge D. Serani, was named for her. Dr. Serani is an award-winning author, writing about psychological topics in many genres.

Connect with the author:  ​​website ~twitter ~facebook ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Jan 4 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 5 - Kam's Place – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 6 – Splashes of Joy – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 6 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 7 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 7 - Kam's Place – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 10 –Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 10 – Rockin Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 11 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 11 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 12 – Pause for Tales – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 12 - She Just Loves Books – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 13 – Pause for Tales – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 13 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 14 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 18 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 18 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 19 – Rockin Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 20 –Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 21 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 24 - She Just Loves Books – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD

Review: Sometimes When I'm Mad by Deborah Serani Psy.D. and Illustrated by Kyra Teis

 

 

Join Us for This Tour:  January 4 to January 24

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Sometimes When I'm Mad by Deborah Serani
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Free Spirit Publishing, 40 pages
Release date:   January 2022
Content Rating:  G.  Rated G.

 

Book Description:
​​

Award-winning author and psychologist Dr. Deborah Serani and illustrator Kyra Teis team up again for a companion to "Sometimes When I’m Sad" that tackles the difficult feeling of anger. "Sometimes When I'm Mad" describes a child's experience with anger and the many ways it can surface, along with ways children - and adults who love them - can use anger management techniques.

 

Buy the Book:
Free Spirit Publishing
Amazon ~ Walmart

My Thoughts:

Even though this is a child's book, I found this very helpful for a parent or teacher to help with a child who is dealing with being angry. Sometimes, like all of us, a child gets mad and lashes out. This book shows the child that it is completely normal to have these feelings and gives some helpful tips on how to deal with the anger or make amends for angry outbursts and hurtful words.

I really liked how this book talked about the feelings, the possible reasons for them, and like I said before, some ways to cope with them. At the back of the book is more resources for parents and these pages go into greater detail with the topics and tips this story talks about.

The artwork is beautiful, and I found this book in all of its simplicity with its content and meant for a child, even helpful for adults.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

Also Available from Dr. Deborah Serani:

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Sometimes When I'm Sad by Deborah Serani
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Free Spirit Publishing, 40 pages
Release date:   April 2020
Content Rating:  G.  Rated G.

---

Book Description:

"Sometimes When I'm Sad" is a sensitive and supportive story to help young children recognize and cope with sadness. Written by psychologist, Deborah Serani, Psy.D. and illustrated by Kyra Teis, this award-winning children's book is also an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, caregivers and other mental health professionals. "Sometimes When I'm Sad" has been endorsed by Jo Frost, The Supernanny and pediatric depression expert ,Dr. Joan Luby.

 

Buy the Book:
Free Spirit Publishing
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
Indiebound ~ Walmart

 

 

Meet the Author:  
​

Deborah Serani, Psy.D. is psychologist in practice over 30 years. She is also a senior professor at Adelphi University and has been published in academic journals on many psychological subjects. Dr. Serani is a go-to expert for psychological issues. Her interviews can be found at ABC News, CNN, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Reader's Digest, The Washington Post and USA Today, and affiliate radio station programs at CBS and NPR, just to name a few. She is also a TEDx speaker and has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Serani has worked as a technical advisor for the NBC television show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - where a recurring character, Judge D. Serani, was named for her. Dr. Serani is an award-winning author, writing about psychological topics in many genres.

Connect with the author:  ​​website ~twitter ~facebook ~ goodreads

---

Tour Schedule:

Jan 4 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 4 – Rockin Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 5 - Kam's Place – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 6 – Splashes of Joy – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 6 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 7 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 7 - Kam's Place – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 10 –Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 11 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 11 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 12 – Pause for Tales – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 12 - She Just Loves Books – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 13 – Pause for Tales – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 13 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 14 – The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 18 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 18 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD
Jan 19 – Rockin Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 20 –Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 21 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M SAD
Jan 24 - She Just Loves Books – book review of SOMETIMES WHEN I’M MAD

 

 

Review: Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About:

Facing death takes courage. Facing life takes even more.

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Though he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship due to his paralysis, Harrison cares deeply for Ellen and is desperately trying to save her life by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease--the same substance Ellen suspects is responsible for the deaths of her father and sister.

But Harrison is not the only one seeking the holy water. Dangerous criminals are mere steps behind, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to locate it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in this second breathtaking Waters of Time story.

My Thoughts:

I have been impatiently waiting for this second book in author Hedlund's Waters of Time series. I was pulled into the lives of this family from the first book, and I really wanted to get Ellen's and Harrison's story. What was going to happen to them now that they just have each other, and would Ellen ever see her sister or father again?

Now Ellen has a very serious disease that is killing her along with tumors that is making life really painful for her. She has lost her sister and father and only really has Harrison her best friend to see her through her final days.

Harrison is deeply in love with Ellen and has been for a long time. He never felt he could pursue a relationship with Ellen as he is about 12 years older and he also is in a wheelchair, not sure if he can be or wants to be a father. But he is desperate to save Ellen, but he is losing her each day to the disease that is wasting her away. So, he does what he can and makes her comfortable in his caste.

Then lo and behold the past breaks through to the present again, and Harrison now believes he has the cure for Ellen. But she won't believe him, so he uses it to prove to her the validity of her family's research. After that, the story picks up speed and races through time, past and present as very evil men want to get their hands on this miracle cure as well and Ellen and Harrison are even in more danger than before.

If you are looking for romance, time travel, medieval background, contemporary, familial relationships, this story is jam packed with all of it. I have been a long-time fan of author Hedlund, and I think this series tops everything she has written so far. Her time travel technique was both unique and fun to read about. And the romance between Harrison and Ellen was swoony as all get out and a memorable one.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

Review: Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings

 

About:

Only one person can give her the freedom she seeks--but is it worth the risk?

Maisie Kentworth is being forced to stay on her parents' ranch. After a short-lived relationship with the wrong man, she's worried about inflaming things further between her former beau and her protective family. Left to rue her mistakes, she keeps busy exploring the idle mine at the edge of their property, where she discovers a great treasure.

Boone Bragg is also stuck. With his parents on vacation, the management of Bragg Mining falls on him, and one of his advisors wants him as a son-in-law. One wrong move, and Boone will end up either offending an associate or marrying a woman he can't endure.

While closing up a spent mine, Boone gets two surprises. One is a spitfire farm girl who's trespassing with a pickax, and the other is the amazing crystal cavern that she's discovered. Suddenly Boone sees a way to overhaul the family business. With part of the cavern on Kentworth land, Boone makes Maisie a proposal that he hopes will solve all of their problems. Instead it throws Joplin into chaos, and it will take all of Maisie's gumption to set things right.

My Thoughts:

This was a delightful return to Joplin and to the slightly crazy, quirky, but full of love Kentworth family. What I think stands out the most in this story is the characters, especially Maisie and Boone. They were very unique people, along with their relationship, and their enterprise.

Maisie is practically a prisoner on her own property. Her ex-beau turned out to be a real loser, yet he insists that they are meant to be. She has seen through his immoral ways and yet his harassment continues much to her dismay and with possible dire ramifications to her family.  Her overprotective parents are not helping matters either and Maisie only wants to live her life her way. She can't help it if she is curious and trouble finds her.

Boone is a businessman who works with his men even in the mine. He wants his inheritance to grow and not to lose it. But he is constantly besieged by young women and their parents for dates and outings and all manner of silliness. In Boone's eye view at least. What's a bachelor to do?

Maisie has discovered something special on Boone's property and Boone needs to use Maisie's grandmother's property. So, they come up with a plan that seems to suit, until something better comes along that seems as though it would solve all of their problems.

This was a fun and quirky marriage of convenience story of two people who just want to be and find out that it might just be better to be together. I enjoyed this very much.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.