Review Copy Clean-up 4.0

Yay, yay, yay! Vicky and Celine are hosting Review Copy Clean-up again during the month of February! This is a GREAT challenge and really motivates me to get some of those review books read! Sign up here if you want to join in the fun!

My goals for the month?

Read 15 review books

Write 10 past-due reviews (Gulp! Most of these are from books I requested from Net Galley, so it will be nice to get these taken care of!)

I'm hoping to read some (if not all!) of these books ...

Friend Me
Shadows of the Past
Smitten Book Club
Once Upon a Winter's Heart
Distortion
The Dream Dress
The Paris Connection
Wrongly Accused
The Husband Campaign
Kisses from Katie
Big Sky Bachelor
Betrayal
A Talent for Trouble
Heart of Lies
With Autumn's Return
Princess Ever After

(Yes, I listed 16 books. I know.)
Hopefully, I'm going to read a mix of books that have been lingering in my piles for a while, ones for tours/reviews this month, and maybe even a few to help me get ahead for next month!

Shadowed by Grace by Cara Putman (Blog Tour & Review)

Shadowed by Grace
by Cara Putman
Christian Fiction / Historical
Available January 2014
B&H Books
352 pages

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About the Book

She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

Cara Putman's Shadowed by Grace gives readers a unique glimpse into a part of World War II that I would guess most readers are not familiar with. This novel follows the journey of Scott, a lieutenant in the US Army whose mission is to track down and protect priceless works of art in Europe. We also get to meet Rachel, who is sent to Italy to photograph the war (a bit unusual for a female during this time) and is searching for the father she has never met. So it's quite a different perspective on World War II, and I was looking forward to seeing how it played out!

The book moved at a slower pace, building slowly rather than being packed full of action. As the story gradually built, I became engaged. While the story interested me, I felt that it wasn't always developed as fully as I would have liked. I felt this problem across the board, with character development, plotting, setting development, etc. Rachel had some issues that were introduced early on, but I never felt like things were fully explained or that we got to see her full character. Additionally, with her search for her father, that story line seemed to be a major one to the book but wrapped up very quickly in the last few pages. As far as the story itself, there were times when I wasn't fully caught up in it. It seemed the author was telling me what was happening more than drawing me in. I wanted to fully engage, but I just couldn't. I also felt that the story was a little "modern." Without the specific references to WWII, this could have been just about any wartime setting. There were several times when I just wanted ... more. One last "complaint" would be that the romance seemed a bit unlikely at times. There were several instances of great danger/trauma followed immediately by a passionate kiss. I just wasn't sure how probable that would have been in the midst of war and in the 40s.

Despite these things, I still enjoyed the book. I enjoyed my "visit" to Italy (who wouldn't?!) and thought the art history details were neatly woven into the story. I felt that these tidbits enhanced rather than detracted from the story, and now I'm itching to go check out some of this art for myself! I'm also very intrigued to learn more about the Monuments Men and will definitely be seeing the movie that releases next month. Readers who enjoy WWII novels, art, and/or sweet romance will enjoy Shadowed by Grace. [3.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from B&H Books through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women's ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.

Cara Putman Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

Cara Putman celebrates her Monuments Men novel, SHADOWED BY GRACE, with a Past & Present Giveaway!

Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun "Past & Present" giveaway! 

One winner will receive:

• A Polaroid Instant Camera
• A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
• Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
• Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced February 10th on Cara's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara's blog on the 10th to see if you won.

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron (Blog Tour & Review)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Scraps of Evidence
(Quilts of Love, #14)
by
Barbara Cameron
Available January 2014 from Abingdon Press
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romantic Suspense
240 pages
About the Book

A quilt holds the clues to life and death.

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

This is a hard review to write because I have such mixed feelings about this book. I immediately got wrapped up in this story. I loved the set-up of Tess and Logan being new partners on the police force and having an attraction for one another. And the mystery of the serial killer was interesting as well. I was itching to know who the killer was and see how they were going to solve this case that started so many years before! Every time I had to set the book aside (you know ... for real life things like work!), I wanted to get back to it ... and quickly!

However, three-fourths of the way through the book, everything changed drastically. The plot in the last fourth seemed completely disconnected from the rest of the book, and the writing style totally changed. I almost felt like the last 60 pages were written by someone else. It didn't make any sense at all. There was also a huge shift in focus and Tess's aunt and her quilt became major factors in the book—when the aunt was a mere mention early on, and the quilt was completely absent. It was just confusing.

My other issue was that the copy on the back of the book didn't match with the story. At. All. I don't want to be rude, but it seemed like the back cover was written by someone who had not actually read the book. (Note: The "about the book" section above was taken from the publisher's website, which matches up more closely to the plot than the back cover.) Also, Tess's aunt is named Aunt KATHY, not Aunt Susan (as listed on the publisher's website and the copy on the book).

Had the first two-thirds to three-fourths of the book not been so intriguing, I would probably have given this book 1 or 2 stars. However, the story started off really strong, earning it an extra star. But the end was a disappointment. [3 stars]

(NOTE: While I did receive an advance copy of this book, it was the finished product and not an uncorrected proof.)

I received a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the author of more than 35 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Barbara currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.

Barbara Cameron Online

Website  |  Amish Living Website  |  Facebook

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?!

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

This was a strange reading week. I started several books but didn't finish many of them. The two I did finish were GREAT! Both are five-star reads! And again, I've already posted reviews of both ... yay!

What I'm Reading Now ...
Like I said, I started quite a few books this week! Hoping to finish all three by the weekend!

Audio
LOVING this one and will finish it this week!

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

I'm looking forward to all three of these as well!

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

Celebrate with Christian Bookshelf Reviews!

Melanie from Christian Bookshelf Reviews is celebrating her 3rd Blogoversary with a party on February 1-9! 

Melanie has become a great blogger friend over the past couple of years! We have similar reading tastes, and she has encouraged me to check out some new authors/books through her reviews. Plus, we've had a blast participating in several read-a-thons and challenges in the past year.

Melanie throws a great party, so be sure to stop by to see what she has planned!

Blog Tour & Review | Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman

Dare to Love Again
by Julie Lessman
The Heart of San Francisco series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available January 2014
Revell
416 pages

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About the Book

She's a sassy socialite burned by love. He's a jaded cop burned by the upper class. When sparks fly . . . will love catch fire again?

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she's no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison's cared for? Or is he the one who will let her dare to love again?

Award-winning author Julie Lessman brings the glamour of Gilded Age San Francisco to vibrant life in this journey to find a love that never fails.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

Julie Lessman's Dare to Love Again is another home run! The second installment in the McClare family saga, readers get to know Allison McClare better and catch up with the rest of the family as well. Lessman does a beautiful job portraying a contentious relationship between Allison and Nick. They both struggle to overcome past hurts and rebuild their relationships with God. I loved watching the two happen simultaneously! The romance was so sweet too!

The other thing I love about this series is that the entire family is part of the story. I loved being able to continue reading about Jamie and Cassie and the rest of the siblings and am anxious to see if Caitlyn and Uncle Logan will ever find their way to each other! I loved that Lessman centered so much of this book around the McClare's new school in the Barbary Coast, and Miss Penny and the orphans under her care (especially Lottie!) were a nice addition as well.

I'm so looking forward to reading another book in this series and am wondering who will be featured next time. There are so many wonderful possibilities to continue this series!

Fans of historical romance/drama and/or family sagas will enjoy this series. I highly recommend! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston series and the Winds of Change series The recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards, as well as many other accolades, Lessman was chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 and 2012 Readers' Choice Awards. She resides in Missouri with her family.

Julie Lessman Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

World Watch List | Somalia

Each year Open Doors publishes the World Watch List. The World Watch List (WWL) is a ranking of 50 countries where persecution of Christians for religious reasons is worst. First of all, the list covers persecution of Christians of all denominations in the entire country. The focus is on persecution for their faith, not persecution for political, economic, social, ethnic or accidental reasons.

The newest World Watch List was released earlier this month. Each Sunday I will post information on one of the countries listed to provide information about the situation that Christians in this country face as well as to encourage us to join together and pray for those facing persecution around the world.

Will you join me in praying for persecuted Christians in Somalia?

Somalia After many years of anarchy, elections last September paved the way for greater stability and growth in Somalia. The decreased violence, coupled with increased successes in the internationally supported fight to drive out al Shabaab Islamist insurgents, greatly improved the atmosphere in Somalia. This did not necessarily bring freedom for the church, but it did bring some welcomed consistency, and created "space" for increased discipleship - albeit still under great secrecy. However, the atmosphere is changing rapidly. The newly installed Somali government is increasingly challenged in its efforts to maintain stability. It was expected that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud would stamp out notorious clan politics, corruption and the "stubborn Islamist insurgency" of al Shabaab. But observers say his inexperienced government lacks funds and also the authority to get the job done. Additionally, in the absence of clear instruction from the provisional constitution, the government is battling to find a way to divide power between the center and the regions. Al Shabaab, in what they called their "Ramadan Offensive", went to great lengths to warn the government of President Mohamud not to underestimate the insurgents' power and influence. The month of fasting saw several attacks in Mogadishu. The Somali constitution continues to see Islam as the sole religion in the country, and the Quran and the Sunnah as the main source of the law within the country. Share This Story Quick Facts on Somalia Rank: 2 Previous Rank: 5 Leader: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Government: Federal republic Religion: Islam Population: 10.3 million (A few hundred Christians) Source of persecution: Islamic extremism Pray Christians in Somalia need your prayers. Post a prayer or word of encouragement. Share Be a voice for persecuted Christians in Somalia. Share their stories and make others aware of their plight Give Help us in assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Donate to help the persecuted church Your gift goes to Bible and gospel development, women and children advancement, and Christian community restoration.

Blog Tour & Review | Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Dear Mr. Knightley 
by Katherine Reay
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available November 2013
Thomas Nelson
336 pages

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About the Book

Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.

Growing up orphaned and alone, Sam found her best friends in the works of Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The problem is that she now relates to others more comfortably as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre than as herself.

Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we care about most.

But life for this twenty-three-year-old is about to get stranger than fiction, when an anonymous benefactor (calling himself “Mr. Knightley”) offers to put Sam through the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s program and peers force her to confront her past, she finds safety in her increasingly personal letters to Mr. Knightley. And when Sam meets eligible, best-selling novelist Alex Powell, those letters unfold a story of love and literature that feels as if it’s pulled from her favorite books. But when secrets come to light, Sam is – once again – made painfully aware of how easily trust can be broken.

Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

This review was due in November. My apologies to the author, publisher, and publicist for the delay in posting.

Let me preface this review by saying that I didn't initially like this book. In fact, after reading the first 50 pages, I was ready to DNF it (in other words, not finish it). It wasn't that the book was badly written—it wasn't. It's just that I really had a hard time connecting with the main character. Weird, right? Since the main character is a bookish nerd ... just like yours truly! But I'm clueless when it comes to Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters, and I've never read Jane Eyre or Pride and Prejudice. Sam (the main character) loves her some bookish quotes, and I just wasn't getting it. So I started scouring other reviews to see if anyone else agreed with me. Much to my surprise, I realized that 99% of the reviews were positive. And ALL of my blogger friends who have similar reading tastes to me LOVED it. Like, seriously gushed over it. So what's a girl to do? A few people mentioned that things really picked up around page 100, so I skipped ahead. (Yes ... I nearly died. I'm a "read every page" kind of a gal.)

And. I. Loved. It!

Katherine Reay is an extremely talented author! She took a simple romance story and gave it a twist by telling almost the entire story through a series of one-sided letters. By the end, I was wondering, "How in the world did she do that?" Once I connected with Sam, I literally could not put the book down. Even though the majority of the letters are from Sam, they really do tell a complete story.

The friendships that develop throughout this book are just beautiful. This is more than a romance. It's a great story! Sam learns from and grows because of her relationships with people ... actual people, not just books. And it's a beautiful thing.

Dear Mr. Knightley certainly taught me about giving a book a second chance! (And to top it all off, she's inspired me to give some of those old classics a second chance too!) I'm so glad I finished this book! (And don't worry ... I went back and read the pages I skipped over!) Katherine Reay has a bright future ahead, and I'm anxiously awaiting her next book! [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in Focus on the Family and the Upper Room. Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle. Dear Mr. Knightley is her first novel.

Katherine Reay Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Blog Tour & Review | The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

The Headmistress of Rosemere
by Sarah E. Ladd
Whispers on the Moors series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available January 2014
Thomas Nelson
320 pages

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About the Book

Patience Creighton has dedicated herself to the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. But the return of the enigmatic master of the estate puts everything she loves at risk. 

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she invests herself in teaching at her father’s school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to make the school successful.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin’s edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of property -- including the land where Rosemere School is located -- but possesses little money to manage its upkeep. When debtors start calling, he is desperate to find a new source of income, even if it means sacrificing Rosemere.

When a fire threatens the school grounds, William must decide to what lengths he is willing to go to protect his birthright. And when Patience’s brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience suddenly finds herself unsure of her calling. After a surprising truth about William’s past is brought to light, both William and Patience will have to seek God’s plans for their lives—and their hearts.

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

Wow oh wow! The Headmistress of Rosemere is another beautiful story from Sarah Ladd! This review will most likely come across as gushing ... but I don't know how else to write it!

I was blown away by Sarah's debut (The Heiress of Winterwood) last year, but I think her latest offering is even better! The story is rich and came alive to me. It's not often that a historical novel becomes real to the point where I can almost see it playing like a movie in my mind, but this one did. I could easily imagine what the characters looked like, how their voices sounded, what Rosemere and Eastmore looked like, and the scenes played out before my very eyes. The neat thing, though, was that I didn't feel like the author over-described things. She just wrote in such a way that the story came to life for me.

The romance in this book is also one of the most beautiful I can recall reading in recent months, perhaps years (and I read a lot of romance!). It's very understated, but somehow a touch, a glance, a conversation were thoroughly romantic! I was completely giddy at points.

I loved Rosemere and wasn't nearly ready for it to be over when I turned the last page. I know it's only January, but this book is a serious contender for my "Best Of" list for 2014!

Readers who enjoy historical fiction, regency-era novels, or sweet romantic stories will surely enjoy this story. The Headmistress of Rosemere is an incredible book, and I would highly recommend you check it out for yourself! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Sarah E. Ladd Online

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

The Headmistress of Rosemere “School” Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Don't miss Sarah Ladd's latest Regency novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere. She is celebrating the release of book two in her Whispers on the Moors series with a fun "School" Your Desk Kindle Fire Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!
 

Between January 17–28, visit Sarah Ladd's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win a Kindle Fire grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 28th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

RSVP today for Sarah's The Headmistress of Rosemere Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your Regency trivia skills, announcing the winner of the "School" Your Desk Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at the next book in the Whispers on the Moors series!

So grab your copy of The Headmistress of Rosemere and hope to see you on the evening of January 28th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
 

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 28th!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

I would say this was a pretty successful week! I finally finished my first audio read of the year, finished two books I started earlier this year, and started and finished two more.
Grand total ... five books!

What I'm Reading Now ...
I'm ALMOST done with this book (just in time to post a review for the tour). Check back for my review this week.
 

Audio
 I've only just started this book, but I'm very intrigued so far!

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

I'm hoping to read several of these books this week. They all sound SO good!

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

World Watch List | North Korea

Each year Open Doors publishes the World Watch List. The World Watch List (WWL) is a ranking of 50 countries where persecution of Christians for religious reasons is worst. First of all, the list covers persecution of Christians of all denominations in the entire country. The focus is on persecution for their faith, not persecution for political, economic, social, ethnic or accidental reasons.

The newest World Watch List was released last week. Each Sunday I will post information on one of the countries listed to provide information about the situation that Christians in this country face as well as to encourage us to join together and pray for those facing persecution around the world.

Will you join me in praying for persecuted Christians in North Korea?

North Korea There is no other country in the world where Christians are so fiercely persecuted because of their faith. Like other North Koreans, Christians live under one of the most oppressive regimes in recent history. They have to deal with corrupt officials, horrific policies, natural disasters, diseases, and starvation. On top of all this, they must hide their decision to follow Christ. The regime is anti-Christian for two main reasons: All other religions are seen as harmful to North Korea's Juche ideology, which stresses the importance of man's self-reliance. Because the people are forced to worship their leaders, there is simply no room for other gods. Christianity is the religion of North Korea's enemies. Christians are seen as spies of the "imperialist Americans" and the "treacherous South Koreans." North Koreans are told that Christians use religion to poison their "glorious nation." As a result of this, the church has been completely pushed underground. It consists of 200,000 - 400,000 believers. Of these, between 50,000 - 70,000 are held in Nazi-like concentration camps and prisons. "Christians have to teach their children the principles of the gospel without using words such as God, Jesus or the Bible," shares Chin Ho, a Christian from North Korea. "They make up stories with Christian values. Once the children are old enough to keep their faith secret, the parents explain to them the full gospel. This usually happens when the children are between ten and fifteen years old." Despite being the most difficult place to be a Christian, the underground church in North Korea continues to grow- even in the prison camps. *Names, photographs and other information have been changed for security purposes Share This Story Quick Facts on North Korea Rank: 1 Previous Rank: 1 Leader: Kim Jong-Un Government: Communist dictatorship Religion: Atheism/traditional beliefs Population: 24.5 million (300,000 Christians) Source of persecution: Communist oppression/ Dictatorial paranoia Pray Christians in North Korea need your prayers. Post a prayer or word of encouragement. Share Be a voice for persecuted Christians in North Korea. Share their stories and make others aware of their plight Give Help us in assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Donate to help the persecuted church Your gift goes to Bible and gospel development, women and children advancement, and Christian community restoration.