Jody Hedlund Giveaway!

Fun Giveaway!

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/hearts-made-whole-jody-hedlund

Married 'til Monday - Denise Hunter

Married ‘til Monday – Denise Hunter

            

            After reading this book I am sad…..very sad!  I loved this series and didn’t want it to end.  (However, I am excited about the new series!)

            Ryan comes from a big loving – in your business – kind of family.  Abby didn’t have a similar growing up experience.  Ryan and Abby have been divorced for over 3 years.  It seems like they both should have moved on, but they didn’t.  

            Abby’s parents are celebrating their 35^th wedding anniversary, and Ryan tags along because….. (I don’t want to spoil it for you!)  You will have to read this story to see how the trip works out.

            What I loved about this story:

-       Well, it was written by Denise Hunter, and I have LOVED all her books.  (I finished this one in two days.  I was thankful for a 3.5 hour wait at an appointment!)

-       I love the McKinley family.  I love how they are “in each other’s business”.  Seriously, I don’t have that in my family, and I think I might like it?!?!

-       I love how the past stories are continued a little in this book.

-       Who doesn’t love a good reconciliation story?  In our society there isn’t enough reconciliation.  People get mad and hang on to that feeling for years!  Bitterness develops and well….that is UGLY!  People don’t want to work through the hard stuff because it is UGLY!.  It is probably easier to just walk away.  Love it when people are willing to risk it for a possible new beginning.  A quote I loved was, “….You’d be surprised at what can spilt apart a sacred union.”  TRUTH!

-       People are flawed.  We ALL are in some way or another.  Some MORE than others, but we all have issues we could improve!  Another favorite quote was, “ We’re human.  We make mistakes.  The smart ones learn from them.”  LOVE this truth!

-       I love when Gillian speaks truth about Abby’s parents.  (UGH!  They frustrated me!)

Married ‘til Monday is a great read.  I was given this book in exchange for my honest review!

Now and Forever - Mary Connealy

Now and Forever – Mary Connealy

            Connealy is truly a funny – somewhat quirky – writer.  Now and Forever is the story of Shannon Wilde, a truly independent woman, and Matthew Tucker, a mountain man who is sure he doesn’t want to spend his life with a woman.  Or does he?  Boy, do they find themselves in a mess at the beginning of this book.  How will they survive?!  Both of their families are at wits end trying to search for them.

            Action, adventure, and God’s truth is woven into this fun story.  You will also find a bit of mystery.   I thought this was a clean easy read. 

            I didn’t read the first book in the series, and that may have helped me understand some of the other characters in the book.

            I received a copy of this book as an advanced reader in exchange for my honest review.

The Midwife's Tale - Delia Parr

The Midwife’s Tale  - by Delia Parr

            When I received my copy of The Midwife’s Tale, I was so excited.  I loved the premise of this story.  I loved the cover art.  I was ready to dive in to this wonderful story.  

            I opened the book and from the first several pages, I thought I had found a new favorite book.  However, my excitement faded quickly.  It wasn’t the story.  Honestly, it was me.  I really do not enjoy reading books for fun that are written from a third person perspective.   I love reading all the thoughts going on inside the heads of the major characters.    If I had a super power – and it is a good thing I don’t – it would be mindreading.  I am fascinated by what makes people tick.

            I made it to my “Five Chapter Rule” in the book.  AND I really do think MANY if not MOST will love this story.  I loved how the women worked together to help others.  I love it when people stand up for their beliefs.  I just evidently have personal problems that kept me from enjoying this story.

I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom (Adapted by Elizabeth and John Sherrill to a Young Reader’s Edition)

The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom (Adapted by Elizabeth and John Sherrill to a Young Reader’s Edition)

            The Hiding Place is such a hard story to read.  I believe it is hard because the persecution of Jews is just a difficult topic.   Another reason would be that I ask myself if I would have put myself in danger for another people group.  I would hope so, but who really knows unless you are facing the unimaginable!

            This Young Reader’s Edition (geared towards ages 9-12) is a wonderful adaptation of the life, love, beliefs and hardships faced by the Ten Boom family.  This family read, believed and lived God’s word.  Their story is somewhat condensed in this Young Reader’s edition, but not watered down.  It doesn’t stray from the true story, or candy-coat the hard details.  I love the pencil illustrations that are seen throughout the book.

            Buy this book!  Read it aloud with your children.   Thank you Chosen Books for the copy I was given in exchange for an honest review.

Hearts Made Whole - Jody Hedlund

Hearts Made Whole – Jody Hedlund

            After reading Hearts Made Whole, Jody Hedlund keeps her spot on my favorite authors list.   

            Caroline is the dutiful oldest daughter who finds herself in the position of authority in her family.  Grace, worry and frustration fill her as she deals with raising her siblings, loses her job, and lives in her community.

            Ryan comes in to take over her job.  Haunted by demons in his past, he struggles with the right thing to do.

            What I liked about this book:

-       Caroline loves her family, and she grows frustrated with them.  That is real.  I do think she “got over” the frustration WAY easier than I would have, but at least it showed the struggle!

-       Ryan realizes he has major problems he needs to overcome, and he struggles through it.  He loses some battles, and he wins some battles!

-       Although Tessa works hard and seems to love her family, she is 18 and think she knows better.  TRUTH!  After she makes a serious mistake, she learns her lesson even though she is suffering the consequences of the mistake!

-       The bad guys lose.  Who doesn’t like it when the bad guys get what they earned?!!

I have yet to read a book by Jody Hedlund that I haven’t loved!  BUY this book!