Holiday Gift Ideas for Children from Barnes & Noble!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Looking for the perfect gift idea for kids who loves books?

Well head over to Barnes & Noble! They have a bunch of gifts for kids - from exclusive editions of new releases, like How to Catch a Snowman and The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid to great boxed sets! Barnes & Noble is THE go-to destination for holiday gifts for kids!

I received a really cute holiday book, How to Catch a Snowman and it will be enjoyed by kids for years in my preschool classroom!

Here is the synopsis:

Our heroes’ entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life—and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they’ll never forget? Who snows!

It is a fun to read, rhyming book and is perfect to read all winter long!

And to go along with my favorite holiday movie, I also received these cute Grinch with Max plush! It is so fun for kids to snuggle this plush while reading or watching the Grinch movie!

I had a lot of fun looking through all the gift ideas from Barnes & Noble and you will too!

Buy It:

You can purchase these gift ideas and MORE from the Barnes & Noble online store and local stores near you.

Disclosure: A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Book Review: Growing Kids with Character

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book: 

Through Hettie Brittz's famous tree metaphors, parents will discover how to let their kids excel at being who they naturally are as they grow in their unique purpose in the world.

Author and speaker Hettie Brittz helps readers identify their kids' natural bent and understand how that affects the parenting journey. Parents will learn how to:
-Cultivate each of their kids' unique way of encountering, following, and worshiping God
-Disciple and discipline based on each child's blueprint
-Help their children celebrate God's individualized design for others

Brittz offers tools to parents for recognizing their kids' God-given personalities, guiding them on their spiritual journeys, and establishing their identity and purpose in Christ.

MORE ABOUT HETTIE BRITTZ

Hettie Brittz is a South African-born author, international speaker, and a foremost voice in parenting advice and personality styles. She is the author of "(un)Natural Mom," the developer of the Evergreen Parenting Course, and the codeveloper of Tall Trees Profiles. She heads up Tall Trees Consulting (USA).

Find out more about Hettie at http://hettiebrittz.com.

My Opinion

I don't normally read to many Self-Help or Parenting books but this book came at the perfect time when I was struggling with some behavior issues with one of my children.

So I immediately opened it up and devoured all the great info in it! I really loved learning all the different children's personalities and getting to know my children even better so I can be an even better mom to them! It was easy to read and full of great info!

Buy It:

You can purchase Growing Kids with Character from Amazon for $17.09


HAVE YOU EVER WISHED YOUR KIDS CAME WITH AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL? HETTIE BRITTZ'S NEW BOOK, GROWING KIDS WITH CHARACTER, PROVIDES A RESOURCE TO UNDERSTAND A CHILD'S NATURAL BENTS NOT ONLY TO EXCEL IN LIFE BUT ALSO TO FIRMLY ESTABLISH THEIR IDENTITY AND PURPOSE IN CHRIST BETTER. THROUGH HETTIE BRITTZ'S FAMOUS TREE METAPHORS, PARENTS WILL DISCOVER HOW TO LET THEIR KIDS EXCEL AT BEING WHO THEY NATURALLY ARE AS THEY GROW IN THEIR UNIQUE PURPOSE IN THE WORLD.


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ENTER TODAY BY CLICKING THE ICON BELOW. BUT HURRY, THE GIVEAWAY ENDS ON APRIL 3. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT HETTIE'S FACEBOOK LIVE PARTY. RSVP FOR A CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH HETTIE AND OTHER PARENTS, AS WELL AS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN OTHER PRIZES!

RSVP TODAY AND SPREAD THE WORD-TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY AND FACEBOOK LIVE PARTY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 3RD!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Keturah

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book: 

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined-and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisatawnbergren.com.

My Opinion

What stuck out to me about this book right away was the strong female lead characters! I love how independent, strong and smart these Banning sisters are in this book and I also love the adventure, perseverance and strength that they have as the face setback after setback!

I also love learning about the West Indies back in the 1700's when they were used for growing sugar. Lisa T. Bergren does such an amazing job painting the era and giving the reader such a vivid picture through words!

As always, Bergren comes through with a book that I didn't want to put down and didn't want to end! I can't wait for more!

Buy It:

You can purchase Keturah for $10.39 from Amazon.com

Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog!

*  Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents' Top 150 Questions

This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network. All opinions are 100% my own.

As a mom who had three children in 5 years, I definitely have had my ups and downs as a young mother! SO many days I had questions I needed answered but was too tired to do anything about it. I didn't know what sources to trust, who's advice to take and which direction to go. Parenthood really is one of the hardest jobs on earth and mostly because of all the decisions parents have to make!

One of the hardest issues I had to deal with all three of my children was breastfeeding successfully. For some reason, my body did not supply enough milk to help my child grow. Although I have nothing against bottle feeding and formula, I really want breastfeeding to work and it was extremely frustrating that my body didn't work well enough to nourish and help my baby grow! I struggled with this issue for years trying everything until I was exhausted! Finally, I had to realize and accept the fact that I need to supplement. It was a hard road but I am proud of doing my best no matter how I fed my baby!

Motherhood is definitely a hard road but so rewarding with the love you receive from your children. But I sure wish I would have had a book in my early years that I could just open up and get all my biggest questions answered!

If you are a new mother or parent, YOU are in luck because there is a great new book that does answer your top 150 questions about your new baby and toddler! It's called Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents' Top 150 Questions and it really is a great comprehensive book that can help you navigate those early years of being a parent!

From fever to stomachaches, injuries, safe travel, allergies, vaccines, safe sleeping and everything in between (including problems with breastfeeding!), Baby and Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents’ Top 150 Questions (AAP, February 2018) , the upcoming book by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ spokesperson, leading practicing pediatrician and top-selling author, Tanya Altmann MD, FAAP answers Parents’ Top 150 Questions about babies and toddlers based on her over 20 years in practice.

I really like the format and how easy it is to find the answers to the questions you have...even with a lack of sleep! The simple, clear Q & A layout makes searching for answers just as fast as an internet search, but with immediate expert advice that parents can fully trust. Baby & Toddler Basics is like having a “portable pediatrician” in one’s diaper bag, on the nightstand or on one’s mobile device (for parents who prefer e-book), always ready with reassuring answers, immediate expert advice that parents can fully trust.

Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP (known as “Dr. Tanya”) is a renowned practicing pediatrician who founded Calabasas Pediatrics and an assistant clinical professor at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA. She is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson and is the author of several books.

My advice to new parents?

Don't be afraid to ask for help on those really tough days, get a great baby/toddler book like Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents' Top 150 Questions to help answer all the questions you are sure to have and be ready to accept that things won't always go the way you planned!

Buy It:

You can purchase Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents' Top 150 Questions for $11.56 from Amazon.com

* This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network. All opinions are 100% my own.*

Book Review: The Melody of the Soul

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Anna has one chance for survival-and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe-a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

About the Author:

Best-selling novelist Liz Tolsma is the author of several World War II novels and prairie romance novellas. She also works as a freelance editor. She lives in a semirural area of Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. Her son serves with the US Marines. All of their chidlren came to them through international adoption. Her other passions include walking, gardening, camping, and reading.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.

My Opinion

Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite authors of all time and I literally search for a new book from her whenever I am at the library! So I was SO SO SO excited to read this latest book, The Melody of the Soul.

As always, this book was AMAZING! It was heartbreaking, moving, historical and I literally couldn't put it down until I finished every page and found out what happened.

I love that this book is based on real people who went through these devastating events in our world's history. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring and reminded me that I am so blessed because people have literally gone through hell and back. Liz Tolsma is just such a gifted storyteller and I HIGHLY recommend this book and ALL the books she has written!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Melody of the Soul for $13.26 from Amazon.com


Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don't miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna's flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz's prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of The Melody of the Soul
• A garnet bracelet
• A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Christmas at Grey Sage

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

This Christmas, there's plenty of room at the inn.

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There's plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn's owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year's guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won't be the relaxed vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues-and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends-proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

About the author:

Phyllis Clark Nichols believes everyone could use a little more hope and light. Her character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions from within the simple lives of small town communities you just know you've visited before. With a love for nature, art, faith and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment, often through surprisingly serendipitous events. Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Now she lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband, where red birds and axis deer are her ever-ravenous neighbors. She is an English major and classically-trained musician, seminary graduate, concert artist and co-founder of a national cable network for the health and disability-related programming. After retiring as a cable network executive, Phyllis began leading mission teams to orphanages in Guatemala and now serves on three non-profit boards where she works with others who are equally passionate about bringing hope and light to those who need it most.

My Opinion

There is nothing than a good book to read on a cold winter night! If you are looking to relax during the holiday season and get away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy holidays, grab a copy of Christmas at Grey Sage!

This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions as I learned about each guest and their stories. I loved being reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and that we need to let joy, love and peace reign this time of year and every day of the year!

Buy It:

You can purchase Christmas at Grey Sage for $12.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Gift of Christmas Past

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them.
Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

About the authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is the "New York Times" and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's "Nightline" and the "Wall Street Journal." Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.

My Opinion

Does it get any better than a cozy warm fire, snuggly blanket and a good book on a cold winter night??!!

It does get better if you have The Gift of Christmas Past in your hand while doing all those things!!!

Cindy Woodsmall is the queen of Amish fiction books so it was so fun to see her team up with Erin Woodsmall and write a Southern Romance! And as always, the book was a great read and so perfect for a cold winter night curled up by the fireplace!

I love the romance, the character development and interaction, what I learned about speech therapy, and the Christmas theme! This is a must-read this Christmas and would make a great Christmas gift idea as well!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Gift of Christmas Past for $6.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Christy

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

New edition of Catherine Marshall's inspirational classic!

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.
But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her - and her one-room school - as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy's determination and devotion be enough?

About the author:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), The New York Times best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel Christy. Based on the life of her mother, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in A Man Called Peter. A decade after Dr. Marshall's untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of Guideposts, forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine's enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

Find out more about Catherine at http://gileadpublishing.com/christy/.

My Opinion

I don't know how I haven't heard of Christy until now but I am so glad I finally got a chance to read it 50 years after it was published! It is definitely a classic and once you read it, you will know how it has stood the test of time and been loved by many generations!

I especially love the setting of the Smoky Mountains and her hometown of Asheville - a place my husband and I have always dreamed of living! I was caught up in this book from the very first pages and I love even more that it is based on a real person and the stories she shared!

If you haven't read Christy yet, pick it up and don't let another 50 years go by without reading it!

Buy It:

You can purchase Christy for $17.38 from Amazon.com

Some stories are evergreen, their themes and lessons standing the test of time and connecting with readers generation after generation. Reconnect with Catherine Marshall's beloved Christy as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new edition! As nineteen-year-old teacher Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home of Cutter Gap, some see her-and her one-room school-as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove. Yearning to make a difference, will Christy's determination and devotion be enough?


Celebrate the new 50th anniversary edition of Christy by entering to win one of TWO $50 Visa cash cards (details below) and by attending a Facebook Live party on December 5!

TWO grand prize winners will receive:

• One copy of Christy
• One $50 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5. The winner will be announced at the Christy Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with authors who've been impacted by Christy and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Many Sparrows

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob's life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do-be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

About the author:

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of "Burning Sky," recipient of three Christy Awards, "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn," Christy-nominee "The Wood's Edge," and "A Flight of Arrows."

Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.

My Opinion

This was a really interesting book with insight and a look into a time period in our country's history before even the Revolutionary War. The battles with Native Americans were happening and it was a sad time.

This book gives a really great look into people from that time period and how some white people integrated with Native Americans and vice versa.

It was an interesting read, slow at times, but in the end kept my attention waiting for the resolution to all of Clare's dilemmas. It reminded me to trust God above all things and no matter what happens in life. We don't always know why God allows things to happen but he always works things out for our good! This book was a great reminder of that!

Buy It:

You can purchase Many Sparrows for $10.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Bringing Maggie Home

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book:

Decades of loss, an unsolved mystery, and a rift spanning three generations.

Hazel DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.

Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who can't understand her mother's overprotectiveness and near paranoia. While Diane resents her mother's inexplicable eccentricities, her daughter Meghan-a cold case agent-cherishes her grandmother's lavish attention and affection.

When a traffic accident forces Meghan to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel's painful secret, will Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family mystery and help both women recover all that's been lost?

About the author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

Find out more about Kim at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.

My Opinion

This book by Kim Vogel Sawyer was so complex and deep and had so many facets! However, it was written so well that you could keep all the stories straight and it was such a great book!

It was filled with suspense, drama, mystery, love and faith that withstands it all! It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to read and read until I found out what happened! It was definitely a great read and I recommend!

Buy It:

You can purchase Bringing Maggie Home for $10.39 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Mercy Triumphs

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God.

Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it.

Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

About the author:

Author of the captivating novel "Side by Side," Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After 13 years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

Find out more about Jana at http://www.janakelley.com.

My Opinion

This is the 3rd book in the series and you definitely want to read the first two before reading this one! I did and they are all so good and will help you know the background of the characters.

Learning about the culture in Sudan and Saudi Arabia were so interesting and eye-opening to me. This book was a great finale to the series! This series really was life changing and made me be thankful for the little things in my life that I often take for granted!

Jana Kelley is a great author and it is so amazing that this book is based on true events! What a life she has led!

Buy It:

You can purchase Mercy Triumphs for $15.97 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: My Daughter's Legacy

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last.

Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love-whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

About the authors:

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Mindy Starns at http://mindystarnsclark.com.

Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

My Opinion

I really like the format of this book and how they talk about history and present day characters. These two authors are phenomenal and I knew this book would be good and it was!

I really wish I would have read the first two books in the series because I think they would be helpful as background for these books. But after reading this book, I am searching and reading the first two because if they are as good as My Daughter's Legacy then I can't wait to read them!

Definitely recommend My Daughter's Legacy!

Buy It:

You can purchase My Daughter's Legacy for $12.74 from Amazon.com

My Daughter's Legacy' Blog Tour, Author Chat Party, and Giveaway

Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould's new book, My Daughter's Legacy. Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of My Daughter's Legacy
• One $75 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Grounded Hearts

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

About the author:

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Find out more about Jeanne M. at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.

My Opinion

Grounded Hearts was a book like nothing I have read before! I have never read a book based in Ireland during WWII and it was SO INTERESTING!

I learned so much about how Ireland stayed neutral during the war and arrested anyone from either side if they crashed or landed in Ireland. It was so interesting!

But besides the historical element being amazing, so was the other sides of this book! I love the romance element between Nan and Dutch and I also liked the midwife element.

Overall, this book was one of the best books I have read this year!

Buy It:

You can purchase Grounded Hearts for $9.21 from Amazon.com

Win It:

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*