Carolina Gold Review

Charlotte Fraser, the lead character in Carolina Gold, is determined.  With the passing of her father and the end of the Civil War she heads back to Fairhaven, her family home. She knows she will need to plant rice crops to provide a living for her and to pay back debts. The only thing that she has is the property at Fairhaven but even that is questioned since the land deed in her father's name is missing.

When Charlotte arrives at Fairhaven, there is no live stock and the fields where her family grew rice is desolated. Charlotte must figure out how to plant and harvest the rice crop when there are few men and no slaves to provide the labor. The only few men remaining realize that they can charge Charlotte whatever the going rate is to restore some of her crops. She soon bands together with a neighboring family to hire a group of men to help plant their rice crops.

Nicholas Betancourt moves back to his estate, then he tries to hire Charlotte to tutor his two young girls while he attempts to get his affairs in order to start over. Nicholas is hoping that having a woman's presence back in his daughters lives will help them adjust to life after the death of their mother. Even though, not a teacher, Charlotte accepts the position to earn money to restore her family home.

Will Charlotte find the deed and restore her family home? Will Nicholas discover Charlotte’s presence helps him to adjust to a life after the death of his wife? A very good read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Dorothy Love is a talented author who I enjoy reading and am sure you will too.

I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Gunpowder Tea Review

Gunpowder Tea is the last of three novels in Margaret Brown’s Last Chance Series. In my opinion, it is the best of the three (each book is a good read though!)

The story starts off similar to the other books in the series, in that the author establishes the back ground of the main character-a hopeful heiress to the Last Chance Ranch. This time however, the main character-Annie-is not truly interested in obtaining the ranch as a means of support for she is a Pinkerton detective. She has been sent to the ranch in hopes of discovering the identity of the mysterious Phantom who is terrorizing victims through train and bank robberies. Clues about the Phantom have led the Pinkerton Agency to the Last Chance Ranch as well as a Wells Fargo detective. Neither detective knows the true identity of the Phantom or each other for that matter. All people on the ranch are considered suspects. Both detectives are surprised by the identity of each other, neither being a true ranch worker.

Unwillingly, they team up to discover who the Phantom is, only to discover a strong attraction between themselves. Do they find out who the Phantom is? Do they acknowledge their feelings about each other? Will Annie change her mind and truly try to become the long sought out heiress of the Last Chance Ranch? Please read the wonderfully written book. I don’t want to ruin the ending for you!

I was given this book free of charge by Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest opinion.

You'll Get Through This Review

You’ll Get Through This Review

You’ll Get Through This is Max Lucado’s most recent book. He takes the story of Joseph from the Bible and parallels it to modern life. Evil, Satan plans for us, is always turned to good by a gracious God. The reader sees this in the story of Joseph. Joseph was favored, hated, sold, enslaved, falsely accused, imprisoned, forgotten and then exalted. So many of us go through similar situations that leave us feeling the way Joseph did at times. Did our God abandon us when bad things happened? No. He is always there, He is always working to turn evil to good. He loves us.

    Max Lucado has long been a favorite author of mine. He is talented in writing the books for the everyday person to understand who God is & what He does. Biblical understanding is a blessing the reader can receive by reading Mr. Lucado’s book. I was not disappointed by this book. Jesus is the one who receives the glory in the story of Joseph. My favorite part is the parallels Max wrote between Joseph and Jesus.  An ordinary man (Joseph) went through one hardship & trial after another yet he remained faithful to God. Can’t we do the same? 

 Booksneeze gave me this copy free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Bride for All Season's Review

A Bride for All Seasons Review

  A Bride for All Seasons is a novel composed of four short stories about the marriages of four mail order brides-one for each season. 

   The first story is written by Margaret Browley and takes place in Spring. It is the story of Mary-Jo Parker and Mr. Garrett. Unknown to both characters, the agreed upon union is based on information tampered with by the mail order catalog owner, Melvin Hitchcock. 

   Both characters uncover the truth about their correspondences but somehow seem to make a workable relationship in which both discover love and happiness. Margaret Brownley weaves this story with her usual wit and humor much to this reader’s delight.

   In the season of Summer, the reader discovers the story of Melvina Smith and Matthew McConnell. Once again, letters have been tampered with by the catalog owner and both characters are in for rude awakenings when they discover the truth of one another’s desires for a mate. This story is written by Debra Clopton. This was a first time read of this author but definitely not the last! This was my favorite story in the book.

  Robin Lee Hatcher wrote the third story for Fall. I was quite disappointed in this story of Luvena Abbott and Clay Birch. The story line was very different from the other three-not really holding to the theme of the old West. 

  Mary Connealy wrote the final story taking place in Winter. Megan McBride and David Laramie are the only couples to unite in matrimony shortly after meeting. After the wedding, Mr. Hitchcock’s interference is uncovered. Mary Connealy is a talented author. Once again, she has created a male character that this reader can picture and admire. 

Overall, this book was a very good read. I look forward to more stories by these authors.

Booksneeze gave me this ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook Review

We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook is a joint effort of a mother & her daughter. They are opposites in personalities as well as their taste in food. Becky, the mother, is the "normal" one in my opinion as far as food goes. She likes meat! She eats meat! She provides recipes for the reader that contain meat. Rachel, the daughter, & her husband try the vegan diet after listening to an audiobook on the diet. She offers recipes for this lifestyle. Some may find the recipes worth trying, myself included, but this reader has no intentions of this type of diet taking root. Not when God declared all foods clean and acceptable to eat. 

Personal stores of each author accompany the recipes which comes at the end of the chapters. Their faith is spoken in soft but unmistakable ways much to a Believer's delight. It should still appeal to the lost readers out there as well. 

The book had humorous moments and testimoies of one's faith, so that makes it worth a read.

This book was provided free of charge in exchange for my personal opinion through Booksneeze.com.

Unrivaled Review

Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell

I am not usually a fan of historical fiction that does not take place outside of the West, but Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell was a good read. Siri Mitchell is a talented author who told a story around candy-a fulfillment of the American dream. Lucy Kendall is the daughter of a candy maker who lost his business and his most famous candy recipe. Lucy is determined to restore her father's business when his health prevents him from making candy. 

Charles Clarke reunites with his father to help in the candy business as well as make up for lost time. Charles and Lucy meet unaware that each other are competitors in the candy business. A strong attraction between the two main characters is woven throughout the book despite feelings of betrayal over candy recipes, candy promotions & underhanded business practices.

As both Lucy and Charles try to help their fathers, they learn lessons in God's grace and His love. God's love is greater than their sins but both characters must learn this truth through their circumstances. Charles must learn to forgive the father who walked away years ago & accept the fact his past cannot keep God from loving him. Lucy must learn to rely on God, not herself, to help those she loves. Read the book to discover how sweet candy and God's grace is to those who accept it.

Waiting for Morning Review

Waiting for Morning is the second book in Margaret Brownley’s series “The Brides of Last Chance Ranch”. Readers are introduced to the next heiress applicant, Molly Hatfield. Molly sees Miss Walker’s ad for an heiress and travels to Last Chance Ranch in Arizona with her disabled brother in tow. Being a singer in a saloon who sees the worst side of men and the only living relative to take care of her brother, Molly doesn’t mind the “do not ever get married” stipulation Miss Walker requires of her heiress.

An exciting introduction to the town’s doctor, Caleb Fairbanks, leaves Molly more determined to become the heir of Last Chance Ranch. Despite the presence of her brother, Molly convinces Miss Walker to give her a trial period in which she hopes to prove herself capable of running a cattle ranch.

Unlike the first book in the series, where the ranch duties take precedent in the character’s trial period, the author now focuses on the more personal lives of the town doctor, the disabled brother and Molly. 

Donny, Molly’s brother, learns to become more independent through the help of the easy going, easily likable Dr. Fairbanks. Molly learns through trying situations on the ranch and dealing with Donny, that she is loved by God; truly loved. She learns to accept and return the love of Dr. Fairbanks, but does she love the ranch more? Which will she choose?

Margaret Brownley is a talented, Christian author who is fun to read. This book was given to me free of charge in exchange for my honest review through Booksneeze.com.

The River Review

The River is Michael Neale's first book. It is a book about a child's tragic loss of his dad & his journey to forgiveness & hope. 
Gabriel is five when he witnesses his dad die by trying to help another person. For years, he stays away from the river.His life is one of existence, not life. He is haunted by his day's death which seemingly controls the everyday events of his life.
Fifteen years later, he is invited on a trip that will change his life. Reluctantly, he travels back to the river with his best friend. Gabriel learns to face the tragedy & finds forgiveness in his life. Meeting a special girl helps to show him there is hope for his life as well. At long last, he is free from the pain that controls his life & finds the meaning of true forgiveness.
Though this book was exciting from the start, included well developed characters & had a good message, I found it a slow read. I think it's just my personal preference for historical fiction, not modern fiction.
I received this book free from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest review of the book.

Simply Grilling Review

Simply Grilling Review

I have never been one to cook on a grill even though I love the taste that only charcoal can bring to food. After reading Simply Grilling, I’m not as intimidated by the grill as I was before reading this book. The author, Jennifer Chandler, not only makes grilling over charcoal seem easier that I originally thought, but she includes helpful tips for gas grilling as well.

 The recipes include easy to find ingredients one can obtain in any well stocked grocery store. Bright, clear pictures enhance the appetite of the eye. We always eat first with our eyes! Simple, easy to follow directions to make even the most timid griller (me!) a success. I’ve enjoyed the recipes I’ve used and hope to go through the whole book before Summer’s end.

I was given a copy of the cookbook in exchange for an honest review by book sneeze and Thomas Nelson publishers.

Dawn Comes Early Review

Dawn Comes Early Review

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley is the first book in her new series “Brides of Last Chance. Dawn Comes Early is a story about Kate Tenney, a girl from Boston who heads west. Kate is deserted by her father & neglected by her mother. She deals with overcoming a hurtful childhood by getting an education & becoming an author. The only problem with her becoming an author is that her latest book is banned! The banning sets Kate in motion to the Arizona Territory in hopes of becoming an heiress to a cattle ranch. 

 Upon arrival, Kate is instantly put in danger by a local outlaw Cactus Joe. Fortunately she faints & is rescued by the town’s blacksmith Luke Adams. Despite warnings about Miss Walker, the ranch’s owner where Kate is trying to become an heiress, Kate heads to the ranch. She must prove herself able to run a ranch in four months time and agree to remain single.

Kate learns firsthand from Ruckus and other cowhands what it takes to perform daily tasks required of a ranch. Along the way, Ruckus also teaches Kate about God & His word. Thinking back to her father’s desertion, Kate finds it hard to trust God and men.  

 Luke Adams sees Kate when he works at the ranch or when she comes to town. Slowly, his feelings for her develop despite her fancy words and polished speech, which he finds annoying at first. Luke realizes his feelings when he helps search for Kate when she is kidnapped by Cactus Joe. Will Kate realize her own love for Luke & forsake the ranch? Read this delightful & funny book to find out!

I received this ebook through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beauty for Ashes Review

Beauty for Ashes written by Dorothy Love is a must read for the reader who’s read Ms. Love’s previous book, Beyond All Measure. Some of the characters appear in the second book of this series but it is focused on Carrie Daly. Mrs. Daly is a widow in Hickory Ridge looking to find happiness & purpose in her life after the death of her husband.

 Carrie lives with her brother until he marries a bitter, hateful woman with two undiscipled children. She is forced to leave her home to make it on her own.  Along the way, she meets Griff Rutledge. Griff is seen as a no-good gambler passing through town. The attraction between the two is instant even though Carrie is courted by the bookshop owner, Nate Chastain. When her brother loses his job & goes to Chicago to find work, Carries reluctantly moves back to help Mary, her now pregnant & sick sister-in-law.

Money is tight due to the recession. Mary’s lack of running the farm has the family in desperate times. Griff helps out, much to Mary’s & the town’s disapproval. Carrie, however sees more substance in Griff than the town’s gossip makes out. Grateful for his help, Carrie in turn helps Griff when he is injured. Through each crisis, the writer portrays Carrie has a normal, believable character. She relies on God but has her moments of doubt as to His purpose for her life & if she’ll ever be happy.

 By the end of the book, there is a change in Mary as well as Griff. Carrie is finally appreciated for her sacrifice & her work to help the family stay together. Griff comes to a peace with his father & his wanderlust subsides. He realizes his love for Carrie who he proposes to. Carrie, at last, has found happiness. A wonderful book for anyone who likes realistic characters that depend on God.

Grace of God Review

The Grace of God Review

    Andy Stanley is the author of The Grace of God. This is the second book I’ve read by him. I think he has been blessed with the ability to explain God’s Word in layman terms. 

    Grace is the foundation for salvation. God’s desire to draw man to Him is based on grace-Jesus died for our sins so we could be reconciled to God. Period. There is no way to earn this gift. Mr. Stanley does a good job explaining this simple but profound truth. He explains this truth through Bible stories- beginning with Creation all the way through the New Testament.  He chose stories most are familiar with since our childhoods. The complexity of God’s Word is so amazing! A child can understand & learn the stories yet as adults, we continue to learn more & more in each layer of the stories. God’s Word is alive & active. No one can exhaust His Word. It by grace you have been saved-this is made very clear in the book.

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest opinion. The opinions I’ve written are my own. 

Spring for Susannah Review

Spring for Susannah

This book is a debut for author Catherine Richmond. It is a great book for those who love historical fiction based on faith in the one & only God like I do. The story begins right after the Civil War with the lead character Susannah needing someone to take care of her. She becomes a mail order bride & heads west to North Dakota territory.

 Her husband, Jesse, is patient man who encourages her to be comfortable in his love for her. Susannah begins to realize that God truly did bring the two of them together to be husband and wife. They go through trials that many married couples who live on the prairie experience. Emotional battles in each person help unite them as a married couple as well. Their faith in God is deepened & strengthened through their trials.

 I really enjoyed this book & hope to read more by this author. It’s so refreshing to know there is faith based books to read. I was given this book free in return for my honest opinion. Thank you Booksneeze!

How to be God's Little Princess Review

My Review: I received the above book through my membership with Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger program. I receive this book for free and will give my honest opinion for the review.

This book for younger girls who are just beginning to look at fashion as an identity for themselves. Fortunately, Sheila Walsh does a great job in directing young girls to appropriate behavior while leading them to the knowledge that who they are depends on the inner beauty, true beauty according to God’s word, not the outer.

Shelia Walsh reminds girls that first and foremost, they are princesses and should act like one at all times. That means putting others first & using good manners. Bible verses that support each chapters’ content point young girls in the understanding that God created them, therefore they are special & unique. No wrong decision or behavior will separate them from His love. “You are loved by your Heavenly Father” is a strong & recurring statement throughout the whole book. How I wish I had this book when I was growing up! I can’t wait to share this with my child as she reaches the appropriate age.

The book is filled with Bible verses I hope my child will write on the tablet of her heart. There’s even a section in the back teaching how to organize “Beauty Essentials” which is a recipe box filled with index cards containing Bible verses. It also has quizzes to ensure understanding, journaling areas for personal thoughts,”What’s Wrong with this Picture?” sections to help understand the difference between what’s right or wrong, and crossword puzzles with must know vocabulary words. It is a very girly book & encourages the reader to be very girly in a way that pleases God. (Being very girly doesn’t mean no to athletics-there’s even a section on that too!)

God's Wisdom for Mothers Review

God’s Wisdom for Mothers Review

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10. This is just one of the NKJV verses used in God’s Wisdom for Mothers complied by Jack Countryman.

The cover of the book is very feminine with colorful tulips. The size is compact enough to fit in a purse to read on the go. It’s also small enough to fit in a Bible cover so devotional materials can be kept together.

This is a great gift book for any mother no matter what age. There are several sections pertaining to different aspects of wisdom that have been organized together for quick Bible verse reference. There is a section on God’s Wisdom, The Crown of an Excellent Mother, God’s Wisdom with Children,God Teaches a Mother to Walk in His Word (comforting for me since I’m the one constantly teaching my little ones), God Delights in Mother Who Are, God Walks with Mothers, God Encourages Each Mother, God Teaches a Mother How, God Gives a Mother. Each section has Bible verses that support the section’s topic. This is a great resource for praying Scripture over oneself or her children. True wisdom-Godly wisdom is the star of this book.

The Truth about Dating, Love and Just Being Friends Review

Dating/Relationship Truths

The Truth About Dating, Love and Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham was an interesting read for me. The author has a great sense of humor while speaking on a teen’s level. I have a tween whom I’m trying to prepare for this exciting time in her life. I find this book to be a good resource. Biblical based dating is the only way to go!

The author provides real situations that teens experience & offers ways to deal with them. Then he makes it personal to the reader by including fill in the blank exercises. As a parent, I want to spare my child hardships due to poor decision making because she simply does not have experience. While I understand I can’t enclose her in a glass bubble & protect her from all wrong, the book gives real life situations I hope she will learn from through choices others have made.

I liked the way that the author offered advice, I think it will help readers (teens) make better decisions about their relationships. Understanding one’s worth does not come from acceptance of the world but from God goes a long way in helping a teen make the right decision about relationships. This is not an old fashion idea, but a Biblical one. I’m glad to see the author writes about this with clarity. He gives teens advice on dating, friendship and love. I hope to share this book with my child when she gets closer to the dating age.

The Principle of the Path Review

Andy Stanley, in The Principle of the Path, gives us the key for a successful life. Based on the Bible, the author gives the reader simple facts to be used to change the direction of one’s life.

The main idea of his book is: "Direction, not intention, determines destination." In the pages that follow, he outlines how we often brush off this statement in our lives as we believe that our desires and intentions are really what matter. Stanley reminds us - it only matters what we do, not what we hope or want or aspire to do.

Time is needed as well as a change in direction to get your life where it needs to be-hopefully to one pleasing to God. Andy Stanley doesn’t accuse you or point out your mistakes but offers Bible based knowledge that helps led a life honoring to God.

Mr. Stanley writes in a conversational style where the reader can easily feel like he’s speaking directly to the author as a friend. Everyone makes mistakes, finding the way to God is clear if one just seeks the Almighty God. He doesn’t make Himself unavailable to His children.

A Year With God Review

A Year With God is a nice addition to anyone’s devotional library. The days are labeled by number rather than date so one can begin the readings at any date desired. Most of the devotions are based on Old Testament Scripture in varying Bible versions. Some versions are not ones I prefer so it’s nice knowing I won’t have to read that one version each day. I always read the referred Scripture from my own Bible anyway to ensure accuracy. Some of these Scriptures are not ones I’ve focused one so it’s refreshing to dive into these parts of God’s Word.

A Year With God is also broken up into topics:

1. Hope and Fear

2. Love and Hate

3. Perseverance and Quitting

4. Faith and Doubt

5. Loyalty and Betrayal

6. Companionship and Isolation

7. Mercy and Judgment

8. Forgiveness and Anger

9. Joy and Sadness

Surely there is a devotion for every phase of one’s life that offers help & encouragement if not an introduction to new knowledge. These devotions are short but packed full of useful, insightful readings that bring one closer to God. This book is recommended to anyone who wants to grow closer to God.

Jesus is Calling Review

Jesus Calling is a devotional book for older children/adults. There are 365 devotions for the reader to have one per day. First a Bible verse is given & then explained through a story or personal type sharing experience then concluded with further verses to explore on the reader’s own. The writing is in first person with Jesus being the one speaking. I do not care for this format, but this is a personal thing for me. I can’t begin to imagine speaking for Christ!

The devotions are short but not without giving the reader something to think about. Beginning each day or ending each day with God’s Word is easily accomplished by using this book. A nostalgic feeling is given through this book’s cover design. It is intentionally made to look old & well read. Hopefully it will become a favorite book to share God’s Word with family or just increase one’s own closeness with the Lord.

The King's Christmas List

The children’s book “The King’s Christmas List” by Eldon Johnson, illustrated by Bonnie Leick is a book based on the Scripture of Matthew 25:35-40:

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

This book does a good job inspiring the reader to follow God’s Word & give to others in need. At the end of the book is an advertisement for World’s Vision and Blood:Water Mission along with a web address that gives links to opportunities to share.

In the story, a little girl & her dog are decorating for Christmas when they receive a special invitation to attend a birthday party for the King. They quickly search for a present & ready themselves for the trip. Wearing her warm cape, carrying a cake for the King & taking her favorite Teddy Bear, the girl & her dog set off in the provided carriage.

Along the way, they encounter a grandma/ grandson pair who are cold & hungry. The girl gives the couple her cape & her cake. Next, they encounter a poor family whose child has lost her only toy, thus the little girl gives away her Teddy Bear.

At last they reach the King’s party where they are warmly welcomed. She notices gifts are being given to the attendants, not the King. Curious, the little girl approaches the King to ask why. The King lovingly takes the girl onto His lap & explains they when gifts are given from the heart, it is really a gift to Him. She begins to explain about her cake gift when the King tells her He knows, then shows her the angels she helped along the way. He lets her know He received His gift when she helped others.

The story is well written but I do not like the illustrations. The illustrator portrays Jesus as a black man with light eyes. He does not look Jewish at all in my opinion. The next page, He appears more like a white man, then back to a black man on the following page. Jesus does not change; He is Jewish. He does not change His ethnicity to be an All to all.