Wednesday, March 31, 2021

The Baby Next Door (Indiana Amish Brides, 7)

The Baby Next Door

(Indiana Amish Brides, 7)

Mass Market Paperback – EBOOK

March 30, 2021

Publisher : Love Inspired; Original edition

Mass Market Paperback : 224 pages

Some secrets are harder to keep…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman

Can she help her neighbor

without exposing the truth?

When Amish single mother Grace Troyer and her baby girl move back home, Adrian Schrock can’t resist the little family next door. But his plan to nudge Grace out of her shell by asking her to cook for Englischers on his farm tour doesn’t go over well. After all, Grace is worried the job will expose secrets she hopes to keep buried…

From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Indiana Amish Brides

Book 1: A Widow’s Hope

Book 2: Amish Christmas Memories

Book 3: A Perfect Amish Match

Book 4: The Amish Christmas Matchmaker

Book 5: An Unlikely Amish Match

Book 6: The Amish Christmas Secret

Book 7: The Baby Next Door

Marilyn’s thoughts: Nicole stole my heart from the start of this fun, humorous and faith story. Grace return to her parents’ home with Nicole is not all she anticipated. She felt isolated by her own choice to protect Nicole. Then Adrian enlisted her parents to have her cook for the new tour he developed for his Exotic Animal Farm along with other Amish stops. There are laughable, tender, tense and overall feel good moments as Adrian and Grace learn more about each other. The theme of family, faith, forgiveness and romance are prevalent throughout this heartwarming story. Will an incident with Nicole bring them closer where secrets are reveal, forgiveness asked and new beginnings?

I’ve enjoyed each book in Chapman’s Indiana Amish Brides series. The Baby Next Door is one of my favorite as Chapman gently weaved the story with the struggles of regrets, being a single parent, different life career, finding renewed faith and forgiveness that brought peace and so much more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts. I look forward to reading more of Chapman’s books as they are released.

ISBN-13 : 978-1335488770

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Near: Psalm 139 (Jesus Storybook Bible) Board book

Near: Psalm 139 (Jesus Storybook Bible)

Board book – ebook

January 5, 2021

by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Author), Jago (Illustrator)

ASIN : 0310768268

From Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, comes an uplifting new board book in a soft padded format that is a perfect fit for little hands. Inspired by Psalm 139—which begins, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me”—Near’s lyrical text reminds little ones that God is with them anywhere they go in God’s wide world.

God is my Father who made everything.

And I am a little explorer of the wide world.

He is near me

And he protects me.

He sees me

And he knows me.

He is strong

And he looks after me.He is with me—always!

Near:

Is written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, the bestselling author of The Jesus Storybook Bible
Contains lyrical text inspired by Psalm 139
Contains a reassuring message that helps calm kids’ nerves, soothe their anxieties, and ease their fears
Features a soft padded format that is a perfect fit for little hands
Is a great gift for a new baby, First Communion, or birthday

Publisher : Zonderkidz Board book :

20 pages

Reading age : Baby - 4 years

My thoughts (lvh): You will absolutely love NEAR as it reminds everyone that GOD is always with us no matter where we go. Written for babies and toddlers, it will minister to care givers with that important truth. MUST READ.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Painted Memories

Paperback – ebook

February 18, 2021

by A.M. Heath (Author)

ASIN : B08WTHKTXK

Publisher : Independently published

Paperback : 275 pages

ISBN-13 : 979-8575961598

She moved on when the love of her life died in the war, but what will happen when she finds out he’s alive?

Olivia Jernigan never thought she’d get over Grady. But three years after his death, she’s on the verge of marrying Kenneth Wade when she receives a new painting by her deceased fiance. Olivia flees home to learn what really happened to the man she thought died in the Korean War. The man she thought loved her enough to come home for her.

Grady Barnes woke up three years ago in a hospital room with no knowledge of his identity. The only memory to resurface is the image of a woman he can't stop painting. When she suddenly shows up at his painting class, she may help him discover where he really belongs or she may disrupt the life he was building for himself.

Olivia and Grady have a history. But now, they wonder if they still have a future … or perhaps, their love is just a painted memory.

Marilyn’s thoughts: I had marked Painted Memories to read when A. M. Heath first introduced it, so I’m thankful I finally was able to read the finish story. I was on the edge of my seat from the start thinking about all that could happen with Grady going off to fight in the Korean War. I appreciate the dual time line, the unique plot with the hero painting skills, an element of mystery, romance and beautifully and gently woven faith message that all things are possible with God. The special card Olivia received added more intrigue and element of wondering how Heath was going to bring this tale to an end. I knew she would do it in her creative style like all the other books I’ve read by her. I look forward to reading each release in Heath’s Art of Love series. However, this is a standalone book and not connected to Dance With Me, the first one in the series.

I received a complimentary e-book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.

Sunday, March 28, 2021

The Faith Of A Child By Jenna V Hilton

I met this puppy, a hound dog. He was about eight weeks old. His owner was in the youth group and their mom had dropped him off at the church because she had an appointment. They decided to drop him off at a doggie daycare instead, but not before the puppy had made rounds through the entire youth group. The tiny little thing never got scared. And that got me to thinking. We are just as safe with God as that puppy was with his owner. And yet, we tend to freak out WAY too easily. It’s easy to forget somehow that God is in complete control of everything. He’s God the whole world in his hands. So, why do we worry? Why do we feel the need to control everything around like we have that power? We all need to remember to trust God with our lives, because He loves us and will never hurt us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your love and care for us. Help us to trust you with our lives and everything we have. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jenna V. Hilton is nineteen, and lives in Arkansas with her parents, two sisters, a brother, and dog. She is a senior in high school and planning to attend college to become a veterinarian.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Candace's Playful Puppy Hardcover – Picture Book

Candace's Playful Puppy

Hardcover – Picture Book, Ebook

January 26, 2021

by Candace Cameron Bure (Author), Christine Battuz (Illustrator)

ASIN : 0310769027

Publisher : Zonderkidz

Hardcover : 32 pages

Reading age : 4 - 8 years

Candace’s Playful Puppy is for every boy or girl who has ever wanted a dog and every parent who knows the responsibility that goes along with caring for a new pet. Written by New York Times bestselling author and actress Candace Cameron Bure, laugh along with this story of a little girl who visits a pet shelter to adopt a cuddly new dog and comes home with a rambunctious pup instead.

Candace’s Playful Puppy is a picture book for ages 4 to 8 that teaches kids:

How to be faithful to your commitments
To never give up when you face a tough situation
That patience is a skill that takes a lot of practice and hard work

When Candace’s new pup, Freckles, doesn’t pay attention to her instructions, Candace’s patience is tested and her excitement over the new pet quickly fades. Freckles escapes … but ends up making a muddy return. Candace realizes that being a great dog mommy isn’t as easy as she thought.

If you enjoy Candace’s Playful Puppy, check out Candace Center Stage and Grow, Candace, Grow.

my thoughts (lvh): This fun book is all about getting a new puppy and some of the work that goes into training it. Her puppy even plays what my kids call the running game--when the puppy gets loose and runs away. Children will love looking at the pictures and maybe even learn something. It was also fun to look for the hamster. Recommended. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my oown.

Friday, March 26, 2021

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Heaven (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights: A Faith Story)

Paperback – Picture Book, ebook

January 12, 2021

by Mike Berenstain (Author)

ASIN : 0310764475

Publisher : Zonderkidz

Paperback : 24 pages

Reading age : 4 - 8 years

Young children are encouraged to ask big questions about heaven in this inspiring addition to the Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series. As they read about Sister Bear and her curiosity about what heaven is, readers have the perfect opportunity to ask their own questions and discuss what heaven is, where it is, how you get there, and more.

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Heaven—part of the popular Zonderkidz Living Lights series of books—is perfect for:

Early readers ages 4–8
Reading out loud at home or in Sunday school classrooms
Sparking meaningful conversations about heaven

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Heaven:

Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family
Continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain in this Berenstain Bears series of books
Is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date

My thoughts (lvh); This sweet story discusses what the bears think Heaven will be like. Not totally accurate Would be good for Sunday school discussions or children's ministries, or if your child is curious. Recommended. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Valentine's Day Treats Board book

Valentine's Day Treats

Board book – Illustrated, EBOOK

December 29, 2020

by Tara Knudson (Author), Pauline Siewert (Illustrator)

ASIN : 031076839X

Publisher : Zonderkidz; Illustrated edition

Author Tara Knudson and illustrator Pauline Siewert—the team behind Christmas Cookie Day and Easter Egg Day—offer these sweet rhymes, illustrations, and a cherry on top … a recipe to make your very own heart-shaped cake with your little one!

From sparkly cards to heart-shaped cakes to a party with friends, Valentine’s Day Treats captures the joy and fun of holiday traditions. The fun, read-aloud rhymes and bright, adorable illustrations are perfect for evoking favorite holiday memories and—with the included recipe to make your very own heart-shaped cereal treats—creating new ones!

Valentine's Day Treats:

Front cover sparkles with glitter
Back cover includes instructions on how to make your very own heart-shaped cereal treats
Is a perfect Valentine’s Day reading tradition for kids ages 0 to 4
Will find a home in preschool, kindergarten, Sunday school and daycare, with its hands-on. Kid-friendly baking activity

Stencils, stamps,
For designs-
Let's create,
Valentines!

Trace and paint,
Sparkly heart,
Cut and glue,
Works of art!

Board book : 18 pages

Reading age : Baby - 4 years

My thoughts (lvh): This adorably cute Valentine's Day board book for children is written in rhyme and has colorful, eye-catching pictures to engage conversation. This is sure to be an annual favorite to share with your little people and you'll want to recreate the fun. Recipe included in the back of the book. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Unknown Threat (Defend and Protect)

Unknown Threat

(Defend and Protect #1)

Paperback – ebook, audio, hardcover

March 2, 2021

by Lynn Blackburn (Author)

Publisher : Revell

Paperback : 352 page

ISBN-13 : 978-0800737955

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn pulls out all the stops in this brand-new romantic suspense series that will have you holding your breath one minute and swooning the next.

My thoughts (lvh): UNKNOWN THREAT is easily the best romantic suspense I read so far this month. Nonstop action, a long-standing feud, and heart-pounding attraction all tied together to make this a book you won't want to put down. Plenty of surprises and twists too, even though who-dun-it seems pretty cut and dried.

I fell in love with the characters in this book and can't wait to read more of the series. Ms Blackburn is relatively knew on the market, but has quickly earned a spot on my favorites list.

Grab a copy of UNKNOWN THREAT today. You'll want to read this.

I was given s copy free. All opinions are my own.

Monday, March 22, 2021

An Unexpected Amish Proposal (Surprised by Love) #preorder

An Unexpected Amish Proposal

(Surprised by Love 1)

Mass Market Paperback – ebook

March 30, 2021

by Rachel J. Good (Author)

Publisher : Zebra

Mass Market Paperback : 384 pages

ISBN-13 : 978-1420150360

Sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places--as three blessed men will discover in Rachel J. Good's heartwarming Amish romance series, set in a bustling Pennsylvania community...

When an organic farm causes rents to skyrocket at the Valley Green Farmer's Market, Fern Blauch's family baked goods stand is driven to the edge of eviction...Until a mysterious temporary reprieve. Fern is confused when she discovers the benefactor is barbecued chicken stand owner--and her longtime crush--Gideon Hartzler. She's grateful, but pridefully tells him she intends to pay him back. If only she can find a new place to sell her wares...

To stay competitive, and help as many others as he can, Gideon expands his stand to provide full meals--including dessert. That's where Fern comes in. As the two work long hours, side-by-side, business booms--and so does their attraction. Still, the demands of caring for aging parents and struggling relatives cause them to hide any feelings beyond friendship. But as new challenges emerge and Gideon and Fern turn more deeply to their faith, and to each other, will love find a place at their table?

Marilyn's thoughts: This is a unique and exceptional story by Rachel J. Good. The drama that unfold in the first chapter continues throughout the story. Fern, Gideon, Nick stands at the Farmer Market are generational family ones until the new owner decide to put them out of business. Gideon being a caring man and always looking out for others had a brilliant idea. The problem was the owner of the market was overbearing and outspoken only trying to pad his pockets until Mrs. Vandenburg confronted him. The vandalism, drama, secrets discovered, jealousy and a budding romance found in this tale gave way to not being able to stop reading. There are several interwoven themes throughout the story that should inspire readers to be more caring, forgiving, see the best in others and offering hope and faith when life looks dark.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an early copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts. I look forward to reading more books by Rachel J. Good in the future including the next one in this new series, Surprised by Love.

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Texas Target Standoff Kick-Off Package and #giveaway!!!

About the Book

Book: Texas Target Standoff

Author: Virginia Vaughan

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

A sniper lurks closer…

and only a navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

My thoughts (lvh): This book starts slow and without a good hook, but hang in there because the action does start, and once it does, it doesn't stop.

Who-dun-it and why? Good questions! I had a hard time figuring it out. And the attacks were vicious. I wouldn't have survived. There is a faith message, and like I said, non-stop action.

If you like romantic suspense, grab your copy today.

I was given a copy of this book free. All opinions are my own.

nClick here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

More from Virginia

As writers, we discover many new and interesting things while researching a story. For TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF, I decided I wanted the hero to have a dog so I started looking at different photographs of dogs online until I found the one image I wanted to use—a sweet little border collie I named Bullet. He helps my navy SEAL hero find comfort and friendship while he’s recovering from injuries at his family’s ranch. But looking at dog photos on the internet did more than help my character grow, it also inspired me to adopt a dog of my own.

My home had been pet-free for many years since my beloved dog Miss Duchess died from cancer five years ago and, although the ten-year-old nephew I’m raising had been asking for a dog for about a year, I hadn’t reached the point of pulling the trigger and bringing another one home. Only the research I did for this book reopened that desire inside of me for canine companionship. In September of 2020, my son and I searched the shelters in search of a family dog and, when I spotted this adorable border collie mix, I knew we had to bring her home. We named her Ivy and, since joining our family, this sweet girl has brought us lots of love and laughter, plus a new adventure—dog training. I’ve never trained a dog in my life and little Ivy is a stubborn one. I’ve scoured YouTube for videos, taken classes, and worked daily on the simplest of commands like sit, wait, lie down. Slowly, we are making progress although barking, jumping, and walking on a leash are still some areas where we’re struggling.

I’d love to hear about your pets or your best training tips! To learn more about my family, including my training journey with Ivy, follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter at the links below. And look out for the next book—little sister Kellyanne’s story—in my Cowboy Lawmen series coming June 29, 2021.

Blessings!

Virginia