The Hidden Side

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston's Freedom Trail.  She writes women's fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category.  She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Two women from different centuries become trapped in the depths of their secrets...

New York 2016

Every day Natalie Abbott offers sage advice to hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But away from the comfort of the studio, she struggles to connect with her family; with an out-of-control daughter and an uncommunicative and isolated son, Natalie takes solace in the daily woes of others, turning a blind eye to the pressing issues mounting at her doorstep. Her carefully constructed world implodes when a member of the family commits an unspeakable act. Known as the woman with all the answers, for the first time Natalie questions her way forward.

New York 1776

Mercy Howard watches in abject horror as the man she loves, her fiancé Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, Mercy sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly challenging as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.   

Mercy’s journals offer comfort to Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and well-kept shame—and wonder how deep God’s mercy truly extends. 

My Thoughts:

Occasionally a book comes along that completely undoes me emotionally and one that I can't forget for long past the turning of the final page.  Chiavaroli's The Hidden Side was one of those books. Weaving past and present, Chiavaroli tells the story of two women rife with emotion, heartache, and pain like no other.

Chiavaroli's present-day story touches on the school shooting issue but she addresses it from such a tender place...the heart of the parent and family including siblings.  Multilayered with such depth, Chiavaroli tells both past and present story in The Hidden Side from various characters' point of view.  

Grab a box of tissues and brace yourself for a story that delves into the depths of the human heart and will leave you thinking differently about life and the ones you love.

*I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

Where Hope Begins

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda.  When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids.  She and her husband have two grown children.

Visit her online at catherinejwest.com, on Facebook at CatherineJWest and on Twitter @cathwest.

Sometimes we're allowed to glimpse the beauty from within the brokenness...

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents' lake house in the Berkshires, and it's the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her.  Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman's wisdom, a little girl's laughter, and a man who's willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can't run away from:  forgiving the unforgivable.  Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she's sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.

My Thoughts:
West is a master at deep characterization and drawing readers into her stories...from the very first lines...

"My husband is leaving me.  The thought, the reality, presses against my throat as I stand outside and take in the view from the back patio of our home."

I was invested deeply in Savannah's story just a couple of pages in.
West allows readers to get a multi-dimensional view by allowing the perspectives of a number of characters to shine through.  Having my parents' divorce as part of my personal story made reading Savannah's children's view emotionally challenging.

As West weaves Savannah and her husband, Kevin's, story my heart beat so heavy with emotion that I simply had to lay the book down and walk away at times while reading.  And the ending, well you won't see it coming but it will wreck you in the most achingly beautiful way possible.  I'm not sure I have a word to describe what I felt.  All I know is that this is the most beautiful story I have read in a while...one that has stayed with me and will go on the keeper shelf right beside West's other novels, The Memory of You and The Things We Knew.


*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions stated here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

In His Image

Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher.  She has a background in women's ministry, and has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts.  She is the author of Women of the Word and None Like Him.

Connect with Jen:
Facebook
Twitter

Sometimes we ask "What is God's will for my life?" when we should really be asking "Who should I be?"  The Bible has an answer:  Be like the very image of God.

By exploring ten characteristics of who God is - holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise - this book helps us understand who God intends for us to be.  Through Christ, the perfect reflection of the image of God, we will discover how God's own attributes impact how we live, leading to freedom and purpose as we follow His will and are conformed to His image.

My Thoughts:
I have done a few of Wilkin's Bible studies and have great respect and appreciation for her high view of God and the study of His Word.  I'm reading/studying my way through her most recent book, In His Image, and I can tell you it is NOT one to miss out on.

"All of God's attributes are defined by His holiness and should not be emphasized above or apart from His holiness."

Wilkin's writing is robust in its content but as inviting as a chat with a friend.  Her desire for the reader to know and love God and then adjust one's life accordingly comes through strong.  

Each chapter covers a characteristic of God that we as believers are to adopt and live out.  Wilkin speaks to practical ways we can do this.  Included at the end of each chapter is a list of Scriptures for further study/reflection of the characteristic covered and questions for further discussion.  The book is great for personal/devotional reading but would also be an awesome resource for small group studies.  I can not recommend In His Image highly enough!

*I was provided a complimentary digital copy of the book by the publisher.  All opinions here are my own.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Lone Witness

Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction, specializing in legal romantic suspense.  Rachel has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms.  She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories with a romantic twist.  A southerner at heart, she now lives in Michian withher husband and five furkids.  Rachel loves to connect with readers.  
You can find her at:

• Her website:  www.racheldylan.com
• Facebook
• Goodreads

She's the only witness to a brutal crime.  Now she can't outrun the target on her back.

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers.  She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings...but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.

With her life at risk, friends, and family convince her that she needs protection, and private guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard.  But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie know whom they can trust.

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost.  But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will st9p at nothing to keep her from taking the stand.  With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on.  But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both their lives.



My Thoughts:
I am really enjoying Dylan's Atlanta Justice Series!  The series follows the lives of three friends:  Kate Sullivan, Sophie Dawson, and Mia Shaw.  Lone Witness tells Sophie's story.  
Dylan is a master at writing a multi-layered story with riveting action and solid characters.  What I appreciated most about Lone Witness is that as a reader, I really got the action from so many different perspectives.  Dylan's romantic piece of the story is not forced and unfolds as a natural and believable part of the story.
Don't miss Mia's story in Breach of Trust slated for release in February 2019.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions stated here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

A Chance At Forever

Much to her introverted self's delight, ACFW Carol Award winner and double INSPY finalist, Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist.  She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and www.melissajagears.com.

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board.  When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged.  He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

My Thoughts:
Jagears offers readers a fictional story with gospel truth woven throughout in A Chance At Forever.  Aaron and Mercy's journey contains the beautiful picture of gracious second changes and where true identity is found.

"You shouldn't let the voices of your past or present define who you are.  Let God do that."  (Aaron)

Peppered throughout this book are reminders of God's work and challenges to what our motivations should be:

"The whole problem was sinful hearts, plain and simple.  From the men who took advantage of the pleasures of the district, to the idsdain and apathy of those who never stepped in to minister to those ensnared within it."

Jagears story here offers readers the most important reminder that we are all "soiled" or "crippled" in one way or another and that God's grace is sufficient enough for us all.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions stated here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

The Accidental Guardian

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies about cowboys.  She's the author of the Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, and Cimarron Legacy series, as well as several other acclaimed series.  Mary has been nominated for a Christy Award, was a finalist for a RITA Award, and is a two-time winner of the Carol Award.  She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.  They have four grown daughters and four precious grandchildren.  
Learn more about Mary and her books at:

• maryconnealy.com
• facebook.com/maryconnealy
• seekerville.blogspot.com
• petticoatsandpistols.com

She's the only witness to a Wagon Train attack.  Keeping her safe, though means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago.  Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a heard - while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail.  He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer.  Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey.  His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling - yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter -but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

My Thoughts:
I've not read many books by Connealy but The Accidental Guardian, first in her High Sierra Sweethearts series, was a delightful read.  Connealy's characters, especially Trace and Deborah, had depth and were genuine and believable.  Their journey unfolded over the 293 pages of this novel like the unfolding petals of a beautiful rose.  Their navigation of the challenges they face and the eventual love that grew between the two was well constructed by Connealy.  The time period (1800's) was captured well by Connealy and as I read the "movie" played out in living color.  Great start to this series!
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

CSB Study Bible for Women and a Giveaway

I was blessed with a complimentary copy of the CSB Study Bible for Women from the publisher.

This Bible is aesthetically beautiful and very feminine in its layout.  The colors and design are not distracting but inviting.

Coupled with the rich CSB translation are features on key women in Scripture and discussions on hard questions and a short discourse on answers found in God's Word.

What I appreciate most, second only to the words of our Lord, are the rich study notes and the inclusion of word studies.

The copy I was gifted was the hardback/cloth bound.  My only negative is the quality of the pages...they are tissue thin.  I like to make notes and highlight during my study of Scripture.  I have been hesitant to do that with this Bible because the pages are so thin.

You can learn more about this beautiful copy of God's Word here:
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/products/the-csb-study-bible-for-women-hardcover


Follow this link to enter to win a copy of your very own:
https://www.blessedfreebies.com/csbwomensstudybible.html

Many blessings,
Jennifer