"He's Not Just Teasing!" by Jennifer Licate

 "He's Not Just Teasing!" by Jennifer Licate

Publisher: Boys Town Press

My Rating: 4 stars

My thoughts....

If you're looking for a great teaching tool to explain the difference between teasing and bullying, look no further!  This (short) book would be a great resource to use as a read-aloud in a classroom, counseling session, or as a bedtime story.  

"Get of my Lawn!" by Michael Garland

"Get of my Lawn!" by Michael Garland

Publisher: Boys Town Press

My Rating: 4 stars

My thoughts....

This book is full of absolutely beautiful illustrations!  From the realistic and vibrantly colored flowers to the clothes the ethnically diverse children are wearing, the pages are a color palette playground for your eyes!  Easy flow text weaves its way through the story gently teaching children a much needed life lesson on “asking permission” and “making an apology”.  Never preachy, and easy to understand, you’ll want to share this title over and over with any young ones you may have in your life!

"Herman Jiggle Go to Sleep!" by Julia Cook

"Herman Jiggle Go to Sleep!" by Julia Cook

Publisher: Boys Town Press

My rating:  4 stars

My thoughts...

Anyone with a child, grandchild, or who knows a child, knows one thing…bedtime can be a time that children are full of questions!  Herman is no different.  From the beautiful illustrations to the carefully written text, this book is sure to delight both adults and kids alike.  Be sure to check out the helpful tips at the back of the book along with the list of other titles.

Inspire Catholic Bible

Pages: 1740

Publisher: Tyndale House

Publication Date: November 6, 2018

From Amazon:

Introducing Tyndale’s newest addition to the bestselling Inspire line, and the first―and only―Catholic coloring Bible. The Inspire Catholic Bible features over 450 beautiful Scripture line-art illustrations to color plus two-inch-wide lightly ruled margins with extra space to write notes and reflections or to draw and create original art. Inspire’s generous 8.65-point font is larger and more readable than most other journaling Bible fonts, and the high-quality white Bible paper is great for colorers and creative Bible journalers of all skill levels.

Inspire Catholic Bible’s New Living Translation text has been approved by the Catholic Church for personal reading and features the official Imprimatur. The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, communicates God’s Word powerfully to all who read it, and Inspire is a wonderful legacy Bible for readers to record their faith journey.

My thoughts:

First of all, I LOVE the cover of this Bible!  I actually gave it to one of our teen daughters to use and she seems to be quite happy with it.  It doesn't hurt that the cover's pink...her favorite color!  🌝  We would definitely recommend this Bible to others.  We give it 4 stars!

**I was provided a copy of this item in exchange for my honest review.**

Her Secret Daughter by Ruth Logan Herne

Pages: 224

Publisher: Love Inspired

Publication Date: January 16, 2018 

Josie Gallagher has been living with a secret for the past six years. Imagine her surprise when she meets Jacob Weatherly, the man who works for the company that bought out her restaurant property and with him, Addie, the sweetest little girl she has ever seen. In fact, the same little girl that just so happens to be the daughter she gave up for adoption all those years ago. Time and circumstances have brought them together and Josie is going to do everything within her to right the situation. First, there are questions that need to be answered. What happened to the couple that Josie signed away her rights to? How did Addie end up with Jacob, a single father trying to raise Addie on his own? Finally, just how does Jacob propose that Josie can save her restaurant and not give up her dream of a lifetime?

Author Ruth Logan Herne has written a beautifully scripted story that will pull at the heartstrings of many readers. In today’s world, almost every single person has been touched by adoption and should find this novel relatable. A strong story line with well-developed characters are the beginning to any great piece. Background information from previous books in the series is not a necessity, Her Secret Daughter is skillfully written and Herne has succeeded in creating a book that could stand-alone on its own. Void of profanity and any questionable material, this Love Inspired book will quickly draw the reader in and engulf them with a warm and fuzzy feeling by the end of the book. 

Readers looking for a happy ending will not be disappointed!

*I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it*

Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms

Pages: 224
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Publication Date: September 1, 2018

About the book:

Do you feel like you’re drowning in the everyday stress-pool? . . .

Wish you could make busy-ness a business so you’d be a millionaire? . . .

Welcome to the maternal order of slightly sagging sisters of the 'hood. The motherhood.

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, popular inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of moms drowning in the churning stress-pool of busyness. In her beloved mom-to-mom, grin-provoking style, Coty offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help you hear Papa God’s still, small voice through life’s chaos.

Whether you're struggling with stress related to attitude, time-management, guilt trips, patience, or something in between. . .this humor-filled volume will deliver a much-needed smile and equip you with simple-to-implement tips for attaining the peace we all crave—the peace that passes all understanding.

My thoughts:

The cover...is wonderful!!  I love the colors, the flowers, and the font!  What mom wouldn't want to pick up a copy of this book?  Or better yet, who wouldn't love being gifted a copy of this book?

Giveaway:

No one is immune to stress, least of all moms.  That's why Debora M. Coty, author of the best-selling Too Blessed to be Stressed series decided it was time to write an edition specifically addressing the stresses and needs in the daily life of moms.  In Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms (Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing), Deb offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help frazzled moms of all ages hear God's still, small voice through life's chaos.

To celebrate the release of Too Blessed to be Stressed for Moms and to bless a mom that needs to de-stress, Deb is giving away a "Take a Day for Mom" $75 VISA Cash Card.  The card can be used by a mom for a day of pampering or just getting away and enjoying a day to herself.  Do you need a day away or know a mom who does?  (Is that a trick questions?)  Then, enter the giveaway and share it with all your friends.  (Another little secret...you don't have to prove you are a mom in order to win!)

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Things I Never Told You - Beth Vogt

Pages:  432
Publisher:  Tyndale
Publication Date:  May 8, 2018

About the book from Amazon:

It’s been ten years since Payton Thatcher’s twin sister died in an accident, leaving the entire family to cope in whatever ways they could. No longer half of a pair, Payton reinvents herself as a partner in a successful party-planning business and is doing just fine―as long as she manages to hold her memories and her family at arm’s length.

But with her middle sister Jillian’s engagement, Payton’s party-planning skills are called into action. Which means working alongside her opinionated oldest sister, Johanna, who always seems ready for a fight. They can only hope that a wedding might be just the occasion to heal the resentment and jealousy that divides them . . . until a frightening diagnosis threatens Jillian’s plans and her future. As old wounds are reopened and the family faces the possibility of another tragedy, the Thatchers must decide if they will pull together or be driven further apart.

My thoughts: 

First of all, let's talk about the cover of this book.  I love it!  The simplicity of it, with the model looking down, goes perfectly with the title.  You can tell she has some secrets that she's not sure about sharing.  

Readers not familiar with Vogt are in for a treat.  She's a seasoned writer who handles sensitive topics and relationships delicately.  Great character development, vivid imagery, and an intriguing story-line are just a few of the delights you will find.  

I highly recommend this book for every female reader and would definitely recommend it as a gift. I give this book a 4 star rating.

**I was provided a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

Just Sayin'

Pages:  192
Publication Date:  August 8, 2018

About the book from Amazon:  

Just Sayin’ tells the story of an almost-blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. 11 year-old Cassie Callahan is staying with her grandmother while her mom, Jennifer, recovers from a difficult breakup from her fiancé, Trent. Cassie, along with Trent’s kids, Nick and Julie, are trying to figure out why their parents’ relationship ended so abruptly and searching for a way to bring them back together. Meanwhile, the kids get caught up in a game show that encourages the “art” of insults, and learn along the way that our words have much more power than they think.

In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God’s word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!


My thoughts:  

Super fast read from a well-known author, perfect for that tween in your life.  Well written and full of adventure, the fun part of this book is that it's written in "letter" style, you know, snail mail.  (Which could be a new concept to some techy kids)  The downfall?  Some of the handwriting is difficult to read.  

Today's blast from the past super fast review gets a 4 star rating from me!

**I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts**

A Prairie Girl's Faith The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder - Stephen W. Hines

Pages: 224
Publisher: Waterbrook
Publication Date: February 6, 2018

About the book (from Amazon):

A Prairie Girl's Faith provides the first extended, in depth discussion of the Christian faith of one of America's most beloved pioneer women--Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although the faith of the Ingalls' family pervades books in the Little House series, the more specific details of Laura's faith have never been fully explored. It took extraordinary pluck for anyone to survive the harshness of frontier life--from the heartbreak of sudden crop losses to murderous storms to unrelenting loneliness. This book reveals how in surviving, the brave Laura drew not just on her character, but found encouragement, strength, and hope in her relationship with God.

My thoughts:

Anything related to Laura Ingalls Wilder or Little House on the Prairie is definitely bound to grab my attention.  From the moment I caught my first glimpse of the television show as a child, I longed to be Laura; running free through the prairie fields spending time with Ma and Pa, and even Mary.  I was so excited to see this book become available for review!

While I'll admit I have never fully researched the life of the real Laura Ingalls Wilder, I do know that some of the details from the show were not historically accurate.  I did find this book easy to read and the words flowed flawlessly across the pages.  I'm not here to debate facts, I'm here to tell you if you're looking for an interesting faith-filled read, you'll want to make sure to pick this one up.  Oh...and the cover...I LOVE the design and the layout, it's absolutely beautiful (in my opinion)!

I give this book 4 stars.

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

"Total Christmas Makeover" by Melissa Spoelstra

Pages: 208

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Pub Date: October 3, 2017

From Amazon:

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season. 

My thoughts:

This is  great study or book to work through right before (or during) the holiday season.  I liked the "practical approach" and "reflection questions" the best.  I don't know necessarily if I would do this during the holiday season, I don't feel as if I would be able to devote a lot of time to it.  I think I might spread it out throughout November and December though and give it a try.

I give this book 4 stars and was given a copy inexchange for my review and promotion.

About the author:

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women's conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the "First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree," "Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness," and "Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible" studies and "Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home" book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

Find out more about Melissa at http://melissaspoelstra.com.

The Mountain Between Us - Charles Martin

So I'm not a big male author fan, I normally try to steer clear of those books.  I lead a book club at the library where I work, and most of the members are huge Charles Martin fans.  So I thought, why not check this book out since the movie would be releasing soon.  And I have to admit...I enjoyed the story-line.  There was just enough romance and adventure to keep the pages turning most of the time.  There were some lulls throughout, but overall I would give this book 4 stars and recommend reading it.

"He Calls You Beautiful: Hearing the Voice of Jesus in the Song of Songs" by Dee Brestin

Publisher: Multnomah
Pages: 240
Pub Date: July 11, 2017

About the book (Amazon):

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine...
-from the Song of Songs

Did you know that God loves you with a passion - and He wrote a love song to help you experience that love in a personal way?

Tucked away in the pages of Scripture is o e of the most fascinating and most misunderstood books of the Bible: the Song of Songs.  Although the Song of Songs details a passionate, earthly love story, it is intended to illuminate the best love story, the intense love God has for us, His beloved.

In He Calls You Beautiful, Bible teacher Dee Brestin explores this love song from God to reveal transformative truths for each of us, whether married, single, or widowed.  With rich contemporary illustrations and insight from biblical scholars, Dee shows how God uses poetry and exquisite images to illuminate the intimacy that Jesus longs to have with you.

God calls you to know His love not only in your head but also in your heart.  He sings over you a song of love, a song of salvation, a song of hope.  A Song of songs.

My thoughts:

I love the setup of this book.  The stories that precede the study in each chapter are great attention getters and relevant in today's world.  While this could be read and studied on your own, I think a group setting (no matter how small) would be an excellent way to work through this.  After looking it over and reading a few pages, I decided that was exactly what I wanted to do.  So I contacted some friends and a study was born!  They even include notes for leaders and hints for group facilitators in the book!

**I received this book in exchange of my honest review, and give it a 4 Star rating**

When God Made You - Matthew Paul Turner

Publisher:  Waterbrook
Publication Date:  February 28, 2017
Pages:  48 pages

About the book (from the back cover)...

You, you...God thinks about you.  God was thinking of you long before your debut. 

From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in.  The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe will encourage them to spread their wings and fly.

through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God's divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

'Cause when God made YOU, somehow God knew 
That the world needed someone exactly like you!

My thoughts...

It's an okay book.  The illustrations are vivid, a tad wild and bright, and there is a lot going on that could capture a child's attention.  Or distract them from the story.  I'm not a big fan of the way the people are drawn in the book either.  Some have pointy chins, no chins, or oddly shaped heads.  It's not the worst illustrated book I've seen, but it's not the best either.

The story part of the book left a little to be desired also.  I like the meaning or the moral of the story, and was looking forward to reading it.  I had high hopes that this would make great baby or toddler gifts.  But sadly I think I'll have to pass.  According to Amazon, this book is geared toward preschool - 2 years of age.  I think the vocabulary is a little much for that age span.  While it rhymes and flows nicely like a song, I don't know that children will entirely enjoy it.

But don't take my word for it...check it out for yourself.  Amazon has some of the inside pages displayed on their page, and it currently has a 5 star rating.  Some great endorsements by popular Christian celebrities are also listed on the page (Amy Grant and Ann Voskamp).

*I was given a copy of this book for my honest review, and give it a 4 star rating.*

Everything Beautiful

Publisher:  Waterbrook
Publication Date:  Oct. 4, 2015
Pages:  96

About the book from Amazon:

Rediscover the beauty around you.

Open this coloring book and be reminded of splendor everywhere. Beauty abounds in the extraordinary and the ordinary…and even in the mundane. Whatever your circumstances, beauty is there, waiting to be noticed and cherished.

Allow yourself the time to stop and see the beauty our God has fashioned in creation, in one another, and in His grace.

Each perforated coloring page features an original design from one of nine different artists, beautifully illustrating an inspirational quote from hymns, Scripture, writers, preachers, and teachers.

So grab your colored pencils and your closest friends and take some time to relax and reflect on the beauty all around you.

To help set the perfect mood for worship, contemplation, and creative expression, a link to the “Everything Beautiful” Spotify playlist is included.

My thoughts...

I LOVE coloring!  My children are at an age (12, 12, 15) where they no longer sit and color in a coloring book.  With busy schedules we always seem to be on the go.  But there are still those rare times, usually Sunday afternoons, when I can grab my tween daughters and entice them to color with me.  "Everything Beautiful" is the perfect book for us to use!

Our girls are at the age where they have so much negativity coming at them that I love to be able to share some light with them.  The pages/pictures in this book are beautifully made, with scripture that jumps off the pages.  Not only are they getting a chance to relieve some stress, but they are quietly getting scripture breathed in to them.  And I don't know about you, but we LOVE listening to worship music while we color.  This book even comes with a link to a Spotify playlist!  If that seems to techie for you, feel free to just pop in your own worship cd, turn on the radio, or sing to your heart's content.

We give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to others!

*I was given a copy of this item in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Getaway with God" - Letitia Suk

"Getaway with God" by Letitia Suk

Genre; Nonfiction, Religion, Christian Life, Spiritual Growth
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Publication Date: November 27, 2016
Pages: 160

Interested in entering Letitia Suk’s ‘Getaway with God’ Giveaway?  Click here.

From the publisher:

What if a simple day away could transform your life?

Does spending time with God sound like just one more thing to check off an ever-increasing to-do list? How are you supposed to fit in anything that threatens to be more time-consuming? Too often there's simply no room to experience the intimacy, grace, and peace that God offers us.

Getaway with God does more than invite you to step away from life's pressures to take a personal retreat. It shows you exactly why you must--for your sake and for your family's.

With grace and warmth, Letitia Suk provides step-by-step guidance and the necessary tools to enable any woman on any budget to plan time away, whether it's a quick, half-day break or a weeklong time of restoration. You'll find detailed steps for preparation, including descriptions of different kinds of retreats and how to choose the best one for you, and you'll learn ways to bring the renewal you experience home with you. Practical appendixes identify retreat centers nationwide and provide exercises and prayers to kick-start your getaway with God.

No matter what your season in life, the time for retreat is now!

My thoughts:

An easy read, this book is a great tool for those looking to spend more time with God.  Many women long to getaway, but have no clue how to make it happen.  Taking the time to read this book, the author gently guides the reader in the steps needed to make it a possibility.  The cover is pretty, nice and inviting.  Restful, peaceful, and pleasing to the eye, the cover image is just the beginning of what the reader will find when purchasing this book.  Whether for yourself or a gift, this book would make a great read for this winter season.  Take your time working through the pages; plan a "Getaway with God" this spring or summer.  

Stop by Amazon and pick up your copy today.

*I give this book 4 stars and was given a copy of it in exchange of my honest review.*

Room for Hope - Kim Vogel Sawyer

Publisher:  WaterBrook
Pages:  352
Pub Date:  February 16, 2016

From Amazon:

In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
 
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
 
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
 
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?

My Thoughts:

I cannot even imagine what Neva goes through after her husband passes away!  To think you know someone so well, only to find out later that they were living a double life would be devastating.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a well-known christian author and many readers always eagerly anticipate her next book.  In this case, Room for Hope did not disappoint!  Strong writing, well developed characters, everything you have come to know and expect from Sawyer.  This book would make a great gift item; pick up a copy, along with a box of tea, and surprise gift a friend with this super fast read!

I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it.

About the Author,  Kim Vogel Sawyer:

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats. As a wife, mother, grandmother, song-singer, cat-petter, and active participant in her church’s music and women’s ministries, her life is happily full. But her passion lies in penning stories that share the hope we can all possess when we place our lives in God’s capable hands. She and her retired military hubby live on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s books. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, traveling with “The Hubs,” and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings.

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review**

Burning Proof - Janice Cantore

Genre:  Christian Fiction Suspense, Romance
Published by Tyndale House Publishers
Pages: 400
Publication Date:  March 1, 2016


From Amazon:

After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her.


“There is proof.” PI Luke Murphy can’t stop thinking about what Abby’s former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died. When he uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby’s parents and his uncle, he’s reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective.

A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart?

My Thoughts:

What a fast-paced story-line, I couldn't put it down!  Burning Proof is book 2 of the Cold Justice Series by Janice Cantore, and is just as exciting as the first book, Drawing Fire.  

Burning Proof delves further in to the lives of Luke and Abby, who have such great chemistry, it's hard not to like them both.  Cantore does an excellent job developing the story, placing the details bit by bit throughout the chapters.  Getting to know Luke and Abby a little more, pieces of the puzzle are gently put together answering the many questions that surround that fateful night all those years ago.

Fans of Christian Fiction Suspense will want to add this book to their reading pile, but not before placing the first book of the series at the top of their list!  I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion.

A Robertson Family Christmas - Miss Kay Robertson

From Amazon:

Hunter Clarke wanted one thing for Christmas: to spend it with his dad and his brother. He misses being included in any guy trips since his parents divorced and he went to live with his mom. So he’s less than happy when his mother tells him that he won a contest to spend Christmas in West Monroe, Louisiana, with a family named the Robertsons. For some reason, they’re supposed to be a big deal. How did he win a contest he didn’t enter? Besides, he’s never heard of them and sure doesn’t want to spend Christmas in a swamp with a bunch of strangers.

Korie Robertson is excited to open her heart and home to Hunter and show him what the Christmas season looks like for the Robertson family. And like it or not, Hunter experiences it firsthand. From duck-hunting disasters with the bearded guys, to learning to cook with Miss Kay, Hunter quickly discovers what it’s like to live with this boisterous, yet loving family. Putting on his headphones and ignoring them is not an option. Before long, Hunter begins to let his guard down. But with Christmas and the end of his trip fast approaching, will it be too little, too late? Or will Hunter be open to the greatest gift of all?

My thoughts:

If you're looking for a fun, clean read, then this is the book for you. Fans of Duck Dynasty will enjoying this fictional story Miss Kay has written about a young man spending time with the Robertson clan. Written in true Miss Kay form, if you're a fan of Miss Kay, you'll be a fan of this book!

This would be an excellent gift idea for that Duck Dynasty fan who has everything!  I give this book 4 stars.

*I received this item in exchange for my honest opinion*



Hiding Places - Erin Healy

Hiding Places by Erin Healy
Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Inspirational Fiction, Contemporary Women
Published by Thomas Nelson
Pages: 368

From Amazon:

The Harrison lodge is full of hiding places where young Kate can discover all the secrets no one wants her to know.

Eleven-year-old Kate keeps her knowledge to herself—one sister’s stash of marijuana, the other’s petty cash pilfering, her grandfather’s contraband candy bars. She protects her mother and Gran, too, screening out critical comments from the hotel suggestions box. But suddenly the stakes are raised; her grandfather’s best friend is murdered the day after Kate heard the two men arguing.

At the same time, far from the quiet mountain resort, a homeless man sees a robbery gone wrong . . . a gang member seeks revenge for the death of his son . . . and a boy chooses the worst time to wield spray paint on a store window. In a strange and spiraling sequence of events, their disparate worlds collide at Harrison Lodge.

Kate offers shelter to one of them, unaware of the terrible consequences to the family she loves. But people can hide in all kinds of ways, sometimes even in plain sight . . . and some secrets are just waiting to be exposed.

My Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of Erin Healy.  I requested this book the moment I heard about, and could not wait for it to arrive!  I've tried on several different occasions to read the book, with this last time getting the furthest through it, which is equal to about 1/3 of the book.  I wanted to like it...I really tried.  But for some reason I just could not get in to the story-line, or connect with any of the characters.  It could be everything I have going on in my life right now, or maybe I just wanted to like it too much (does that even make sense?).  Regardless, this is a very well-written book and my feelings toward it have nothing to do with Healy's writing. Sometimes a story connects with the reader, and sometimes it doesn't   I still would recommend this book to others to try, but would suggest borrowing it from your library first.  With that said, I give this book 4 Stars and look forward to Healy's next novel!

**I received this item in exchange for my honest opinion**

Mammoth Secrets - Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig

Paperback:  344 pages
Publisher:  White Rose Publishing
Date:  February 27, 2015
Purchase:  Amazon

About the Book:  

Mammoth's new pastor is starting over. Using the pseudonym, Jake Gibb, he plans on staying far from his infamous father's shadow. When Jake meets the misunderstood Lilah Dale--a woman in the midst of a divorce and with nothing to hide thanks to the local prayer chain--he is convicted in the choice he's made to hide his true identity. With mutual deceptions marring their future, Jake and Lilah must form a careful relationship, and together learn that only the truth can set you free.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet, small town romance.  What a surprise this turned out to be! Because I was given this book to review from Library Journal, I had no prior knowledge to this author, let alone to the story line.  Due to contractual obligations, all I can tell you is that this is one book you'll want to add to your reading list!  It would definitely be a fun, summer (or Spring Break) read!  

**I give this book 4 Stars**