A Simply Enchanted Life

Quilted by Christmas: Quilts of Love Series by Jodie Bailey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Christmas Fiction, Christian Fiction

 

Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:15+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

 

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:14+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Holy moly! This series just keeps getting better! I literally sat up until 4:30 a.m. just to see how this concluded and then I walked around like a zombie all day—it was well worth it! This author has a way with words that just pulls me into the story. I just can’t get enough of these characters!

There’s a bit of edge to these stories but of course, so tastefully done that no one could complain. In full disclosure, there’s mention of an affair that resulted in a child as well as a one of the ladies lamenting that she had given herself to someone before marriage. It is not explicit and thus, it is of my opinion that this is safe for teens. As a lot of parents follow my blogs to find appropriate literature for their teens—I felt the need to have a full disclosure there.

All in all, I love this book. I love this genre and I absolutely love this author’s writing. I really hope there is another installment in this series.

Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:13+ Genre:Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, WWII Fiction

Oh goodness! This book was fantastic! It sure put me in the Christmas mood and it’s only October! Shhhh, don’t tell anyone but I found a Christmas station on Pandora that is getting a lot of use!

All three of these stories are fantastic and filled with a strong Christian message and I can’t really pick a favorite out of the three. There were so seamlessly written and enjoyable.

I was also able to share this book with my thirteen year old daughter and she enjoyed the story very much.

There were a lot of serious moments but there was also love and humor in this book. I suppose, being in the WWII genre, it would be nearly impossible for there to not be a more serious overtone but amidst the loss, the fear and even war—love still exists.

If you’re looking for an easy read that will put you into the upcoming holiday spirit—I strongly suggest this book!

The Magnificent Tales Bible Story Collection by Kelly Pulley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


★: Didn't Like it
★★: It was Ok
★★★: Liked it
★★★★: Really liked it
★★★★★: It was amazing

Suggested Age:4+ Genre: Children's Bible Storybook

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Four Weddings and a Kiss by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 14+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

It took me a bit to get into this book…I’m not sure why because once I got started, I really enjoyed it. I thought the book had a pretty fast pace to it but I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I’d hoped. I think maybe because the four stories were nearly stand alone and were only tied together by the prologue and epilogue. That’s the only thing I would have changed about this book. I would have made the story flow a bit better together.

Spitfire Sweetheart by Mary Connealy

Maisy MacGregor’s reckless ways injured rancher Rylan Carstens, endangering his livelihood. So she signs on as his caregiver – but just until he’s well enough to run his ranch. Maisy’s tender care soon has Ryan falling hard and fast. Can these two willfull souls give up their solitary ways to embrace love?

My thoughts: I am not sure why but this one bugged me. I felt like Rylan was a bit too overbearing and only changed his ways to get what he wanted, Maisy. The story was well written but I found Maisy and Rylan both to be a bit overbearing

A Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher

Molly Everton writes the most popular features in her town’s newspaper. When newcomer Jack Ludgrove is named the new editor, Molly is flabbergasted. She wants the position for herself and will do what it takes to get it. But Jack is not easily intimidated. He’s determined to change Molly’s mind about him – and win her heart too.

My Thoughts: I thought this story was okay, a bit rushed but I really liked Molly and Jack. As it is a short story, I understand why it felt so rushed but I really wanted to slow things down and get to know these likeable characters a bit more.

A Cowboy for Katie by Debra Clopton

Katie Pearl must rebuild her ranch after the tornado, but she can’t do it on her own. Treb Rayburn is a cowboy with a serious case of wanderlust. He signs on to help Katie so he can afford a new horse. But once Treb gets to know Katie, will his desire to stay drown out the call of the open road?

My Thoughts: This one was my favorite! I really enjoyed this story and I nearly wish it’d been a full novel. I felt so much for Katie and I appreciated that Treb was willing to take care of her without wounding her pride. Wonderful plot and story.

Courting Trouble by Margaret Brownley

Grace Davenport is a young widow in a heap of trouble. When her son asks attorney Brock Daniels to take on her case, Brock wants to say no, but then he meets the lovely Grace. As Brock and the boy work to free Grace, Brock discovers that her arrest may be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

My Thoughts: I know, I said that ‘A Cowboy for Katie’ was my favorite but this one is a very close tie! There was a bit of humor and just a sweet simple romance. It didn’t really read like a cowboy tale like the rest of the stories but it was a very pleasant read.

Overall: A very solid 4 star
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**Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and has written for a TV soap opera. @margaretbrownley

**Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. She is the author of over seventy novels and her work often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher

**Mary Connealy is an award-winning author of romantic comedy with cowboys. Mary and her Nebraska rancher husband have four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren. @MaryConnealy

**Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra's first book-to-movie aired on ABC Family and starred LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for 'Four Weddings and a Kiss' please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 17+
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction

We’ve always heard the scripture in the Bible about rendering to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar. Have you ever really stopped to think about that for a moment? Have you stopped to think that Cleopatra, Mark Antony and Herod the Great were all leaders at the same time? I guess I just didn’t think. I appreciate that Higley researches things so well and brings history alive to me. Her stories help me understand the political and religious situations of ancient history. I am forever thankful to this author for bringing history to life!


When we first meet Lydia we are swept away to ancient Egypt. When her story begins, she is the handmaid of Cleopatra and a nurse to her young son, Caesarion.

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Cleopatra is a cruel and hard woman but Lydia is still fearful when she is traded to Herod. Mariamme is to marry Herod and he has procured Lydia to be her handmaid.

It may be Herod who takes her into the Holy City, but, it is the dying requests of her mentor that makes Lydia question what she is doing in the city. She has been charged with delivering the scrolls of the prophet Daniel, to the temple on a set day of the year. Why are these scrolls so important and could there really be just one God for all men?

It had been Simon’s wish for Lydia to know the One God of Israel but Lydia is confused about what she should believe. It doesn’t help that the dark arts of Herod’s sister, Salome are influencing the people of the palace. Lydia’s life is in danger and the scrolls are at a risk of being found.

As Lydia tries to serve Mariamme as faithfully as she can, the cruelty and malice of the political leaders of the day are becoming more apparent. Secrets whispered about a promised Messiah have stirred fear and unrest among the nobles.

As the story progresses, the instability and hatred that Herod is capable of becomes more apparent and at the pinnacle of his madness, Lydia must make a decision to either embrace darkness or find her faith and salvation.

This story is so intricately woven into actual historical facts. Some were fascinating, others were scary and some were downright heartbreaking. The life of Herod and the genealogical details of that family are so confusing that I had to refer to the family tree on more than one occasion. The author so graciously provided the family tree in the front of the book for easy reference.

If you’re looking to better understand the time in which Christ was born and the political unrest that plagued His world, this is a fantastic book. I was enthralled from the first glance of the cover and the story inside did not disappoint. Another fantastic book from Tracy Higley!
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Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at the age of eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored nine novels, including Garden of Madness and Isle of Shadows.

Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures. See her travel journals and more at TracyHigley.com

I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for The Queen's Handmaid please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 12+
Genre: Christian,Amish Fiction

I really enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher as an author. I also really enjoyed the first part of this series, The Letters. I was very excited for this book and while it wasn’t a disappointment I do feel that it wasn’t as good as book one.

I felt that the ending was a bit rushed and there were questions I wanted answered and I’m afraid I’ll forget those questions by the time book three comes out. Little things like if Jimmy got his horse back.
Overall the story was enjoyable and I very much liked the spinster sister’s role in the story. I thought they added a bit of humor and they made me smile.

Though I didn’t enjoy the book as much as book one I did still like it. Such is life; you’ll sometimes like one book better than another. It is still worth reading!


Bethany Schrock has a childhood secret and she’s determined to solve the mystery before she allows herself to settle down.
She can’t figure out why she feels so melancholy and she has a feeling that figuring out exactly where her mother is and why she abandoned her will answer her questions.

I had this really bad feeling and even though it’s a book my heart just sank when I started putting the pieces together on that situation. A good author evokes emotion in her readers and I certainly was worried about Bethany when I read about the anxiety that plagued her.

As if this dark secret wasn’t hounding her—Jake is still causing her quite a bit of grief and turmoil. I’m curious how all of that is going to wrap up. I have to say—I got chills when I read about Naomi’s perception of him!

Bethany is pretty likable and she’s spunky. Overall you’ll really be rooting for her and also for her to get with Jimmy. As I got to know her more I simply couldn’t imagine him with anyone else!

As always, I am impressed with the nuggets of wisdom and scriptures that Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves into her stories. You can tell that she knows her Bible verses! Overall I give this story a solid three stars and I will definitely be picking up the next installment!
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Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.

She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about the blog tour for The Calling please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow, just…wow. That’s how I’ll describe this one. Ruth Reid is quickly becoming a favorite and I love her “supernatural” twists that she incorporates.

I do want to say that some people may be put off by mentions of violence or crimes against women in Christian books.

I give this warning simply because I wouldn’t want someone to pick up this book on my recommendation without me making them aware that there are some violent situations presented.

This book is beautifully written, intriguing and kept me up all night because I could not put it down.

Lindie is pregnant out of wedlock and her brother is eager to cover up her “indiscretions” and arranges a marriage with a widower in another church district.

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Lindie agrees and steps into the role as stepmother to Josiah Plank’s daughter, Hannah. Hannah is deaf and Lindie is struggling to learn sign language while dealing with debilitating morning sickness.

Josiah has vowed to never love again but he needed a mother for Hannah and he can’t help but be concerned for Lindie’s health. She barely eats and can’t keep anything down. When he accidentally walks in on her as she bathes he realizes that she has become dangerously thin and takes her to the doctor. This is one of the events that begins to change the dynamics of their relationship.

Josiah is secretly falling in love with Lindie and with her baby; something he vowed not to do. Lindie is also falling in love with Josiah but she fears that he will never understand her secret and may reject her.

All the while, Lindie has noticed that Hannah seems to have the ability to talk to God in a way that most people cannot and when Hannah predicts a tragic event—Lindie begins to turn to God in earnest. She is looking for a miracle that only He can provide.

I don’t want to spill too much more because I want you to sit in sheer anticipation of the next twist the way that I did!

If you’re looking for Amish fiction with a twist then I suggest reading books by this author. I’ve noticed that she has gotten better with each book that has been released. As a newer author on the market I knew that she was one to keep my eye on and so far she has not disappointed. I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!
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Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.
I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. This giveaway is being sponsored by Litfuse
as part of a blog tour for A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I adored the first book in this series but I think this one may be even better.

Then again, I do like a bad boy in my fiction and William is a perfect balance between bad boy and good guy.

If you liked Graham in book one then you will love William. His character is written so well that you’ll keep turning pages until you finish the story.

Don’t pick this story up unless you have a lot of time because you will not want to put it down.

I do have one complaint but it isn’t enough for me to bump down the rating: I wanted to find out what happened to Helena from book one and felt for sure I’d have learned more with book two. I even confused Isabella for Helena at one point and had to pick back up the other book to check it out. I felt that her story conclusion needs to be explored but since it wasn’t addressed at all in this book I fear that I will never know.

Patience has lost her father, her brother has deserted her and her mother isn’t handling all the change that well.

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Patience has had to step up and fill the role as headmistress for the girl’s school that her father started. She feels that she has done her best and yet when her brother returns he makes feel inadequate and unappreciated.

Graham has made her acquaintance and though he is intrigued by her—he has a past that could threaten her safety.

There is also a mystery that Patience wish to solve—the parentage of one of her young girls in her school. I felt this particular story part of the tale was a bit too predictable. I knew from the get go how that was going to wrap up so I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a huge surprise of some sort.

Overall, this is still a fantastic book and I can’t wait to read book three.
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The Heiress of WinterWood|The Headmistress of Rosemere|A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

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. 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.

Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.



I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. This giveaway is being sponsored by Litfuse
as part of a blog tour for The Headmistress of Rosemere. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here

Aloha Rose by Lisa Cox Carter

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I was so interested in this book.

I’m a sucker for a good story about adoption or children.

To be honest—I’m a sap and I enjoy pretty much anything that tugs at the heart strings.

I really looked forward to and wanted to enjoy this story. It seemed to have everything I was looking for in a great story.

However, I am going to admit that I couldn’t bring myself to finish this book. The description sounds fantastic and I've loved every other book that I've read in the Quilts of Love series. This one just wasn't a hit for me.

I don’t always read Christian literature but when I do, I expect a higher standard. I was rather surprised to see the acronym “snafu” and the term “flipping” and “bimbo” used in the Christian genre. I was a big turn off to me to the point that I had to walk away from even finishing. Had this not been a Christian book I would have been able to overlook but I feel that it was highly inappropriate for the genre.
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When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love.
Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness.

Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more.


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Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense and Christian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters.

Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. To view other reviews and learn more about this tour please visit the Litfuse group by clicking here