When Loves Arrives

Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs.  An accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer, she lives near Memphis, TN.

You can learn more about Johnnie at her website:  johnnie-alexander.com.

Dani had planned to spy on Brett - so how did she end up on a date with him?

Dani Prescott can't believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media.  During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani's mother.  But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother's reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him.  But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date.  Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something - but he's got his own secrets to keep.  What will happen when he discovers who she really is?




My Thoughts:
When Love Arrives is the second book in Alexander's Misty Willow series.  The first book was Where She Belongs.  We first met leading man Brett Somers in book one.  To be honest, I didn't like Brett very much in the first book.  It was nice to witness his transformation in When Love Arrives.  I appreciate the multi-dimensional nature of this story.  Alexander smoothly continues the storyline from the first book by focusing on a different character and not retelling the first so that the book could be read as a stand alone.  Of course, the experience with this series will be deeper if Where She Belongs is read prior to this one.
Brett and Dani's story is a stark reminder that it is the Lord Who directs or steps.  He often turns our plans upside down in order to lead us to something far better and way beyond anything we could think or imagine.  I was struck often while reading When Love Arrives with such emotion.  Alexander is a master of drawing her readers into the story.  I was fully invested in the characters and the story just a few pages in.  I can't wait for the third book in the series coming Summer 2017!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer

This Road We Traveled

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling author of nearly thirty books, including A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center.  She is also the winner of the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for Historical Fiction.  Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry.

Connect with Jane at her website www.jkbooks.com.

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon - even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party.  After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Alon with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings.  The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope.  With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid.  What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life - and the greater part she had to lay in history.



My Thoughts:
I'm not sure anyone writes historical fiction quite like Jane Kirkpatrick.  Jane has a particular gift of bringing history to life and replays it in living color through her description and characters.  She transports readers to a different time and place and makes them feel as if they are a part of the story and not just an observer.
This Road We Traveled is Jane's 25th Historical Fiction novel and is based on the life of Tabby Moffatt Brown, known as  The Mother of Oregon.  Jane brings depth to this story by allowing the reader to see the journey unfold from different points of view.  Her writing draws the reader in and holds the attention until the last page is turned.  You won't be sorry for time spent within the pages of this latest book from Jane Kirkpatrick and will find yourself desiring to drink in her other offerings as well.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Waves of Mercy

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide.  She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions.
Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live in Michigan.

Connect with Lynn at her website:
www.lynnaustin.org.

You can also connect with Lynn:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Haunted by the unknowns of their pasts, two women search for answers along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiance.  Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of  emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago.  As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys.  Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

My Thoughts:
Several years ago I read the book While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin.  It was my first book to read by Lynn, but I knew I would read more. Soon after came All Things New. Then she had me mesmerized with The Restoration Chronicles, which included Return to Me,  Keepers of the Covenant, and On This Foundation.  
Her recent Historical Fiction novel, Waves of Mercy, tells the story of Geesje de Jonge and Anna Nicholson.  The story is multi-dimensional, where you get a story within the story.  I was intrigued by the characters, Geesje in particular, from the very beginning.  Lynn's characters are complex and the plot is well thought out.  She seamlessly writes of the past and the present bringing the two together to tell a story of faith, forgiveness and yes, wave after wave of God's mercy.
I appreciated how Austin weaved the gospel - God's grace and mercy - and God's sovereignty throughout Geesje and Anna's stories.  God is always working out His purposes and His plan often behind the scenes.  Waves of Mercy portrays this idea so well.
When you get to the end of a book and you turn the last page breathless and wanting more, you know you've just finished an inspiring story.  Waves of Mercy is a story you won't want to miss!

*I received a copy for review.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Experiencing God Through His Names

Sheryl Giesbrecht has written three books, hundreds of articles, blogs, and columns. A nationally syndicated radio host, Sheryl is a sought after inspirational speaker who facilitates leadership training for thousands internationally.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

Experiencing God Through His Names (Bold Vision Books, June 2016)

What's in a name?

Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects. Names are powerful. A person's character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name. God's attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names. If we comprehend the meanings of His titles, we can know God more intimately. In Experiencing God Through His Names, Sheryl Giesbrecht walks with you on an exciting journey to discover and absorb the truth about God's character. In the next 31 days, God wants you to get to know Him. Are you ready?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2cLBOPE

My Thoughts:

I've always been intrigued by studies and devotionals centered around the different names of God used in Scripture.  Experiencing God Through His Names offers readers 31 days of devotional thoughts on the names of God.  Geisbrecht's thoughts each day are a blend of personal story, teaching, and reflection on one particular name.  She references Scripture but does not give one focal Scripture to reflect upon.  She does include a prayer at the end of each day.  I missed having reflective/application questions at the end of each devotion.  This is a really good "beginners" look into the names of God.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of giving an honest review.

Blessings,

Jennifer