Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

Kristy Cambron

ISBN: 9780718095499

Publisher's Synopsis:

When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend's vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks--a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple's fledgling marriage--it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend--and once, for herself--is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom's family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to upend the trip from the start. It's in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland's majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own--and a heart afraid to trust again--Laine must determine how much she's willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself, and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.

Set in three time-periods--the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland's turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day--Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin's storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland's stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: given the choice between the fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith--which legacy would you choose?

"Fairy-tale weddings never included..."

MrsK's Review:

Laine has arrived in France for her best friend's wedding. The "Sleeping Beauty" castle with a winter wedding will be a "fairy tale" wedding come to life. At least that is what Laine imagined. "Enchanted" with the allusion of a castle wedding, the beauty of a landscape that time has not erased, as well as the historical intrigue that beckons to every aspect of Laine's antiquarian roots. As for this day, the only thing missing is her faith in an enduring love. Laine soon realizes that the prospect of a castle's ruins and a manor house might just be what would put a smile on her daughter's face, after all "who knew what treasures might be housed in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland? Will she follow the "persistent whispering" that beckons her to follow a path she never intended?

Ellie begins her wedding day as a "peaceful " bride. One of the most endearing aspects to Ellie's wedding day countenance is her graciousness. A graciousness that has been woven within her by her Granma Vi, as well as a determination to face life with a quest for truth. 

Issy is not what a true Irish lady is expected to be in the year of 1915. Politically minded is not just a strength but a determining choice that could prove fatal. With her newly purchased Autographic Kodak in hand, she will follow her heart and do so much more than taking shots of the "sea and sky."
Yet, will Issy allow her "grit" guide her through the streets she knows in order to run dispatches through to those who are fighting for the cause? 

One winter's night in 1797, on the sea cliffs of Castle Chryn, Maeve discovers a motionless thief who is hunted by many and a fool in her estimation. Is the clan O'Byrne really using their castle ruins as a beacon as a smuggling effort against the crown or is it something more sinister? Neither Castle Chryn, nor Ireland would "bleed for naught." Can Maeve's hope forge peace in their land?

As a reader, there were many advantages for reading this novel. Castles...check, Ireland settings...check, quick historical romance...check, and from a trusted author...check!
Enjoy this moment within a time that spans generational love, devotion, and inner strength, because "failth isn't prepackaged... it's messy at times."
MrsK

"Live every moment...

Fix every second of this night in your heart...

Protect it...

Visit it often."

An adventurous outing... A woven legacy worth saving... Delightful!

         

Read MrsK's "Lost Castle" review

Meet the Author:

   
KRISTY CAMBRON is a vintage-inspired storyteller, writing in the space where history, art, and faith intersect. She's an award-winning author of Bible studies and historical fiction—including her bestselling debut, The Butterfly and the Violin.
A self-proclaimed history nerd, she loves to chase all things research—going behind the scenes at a Ringling Bros. Sarasota mansion, touring a former TB sanitarium, making bee friends at a working honey farm, or embarking on a back roads jaunt across Ireland being a few. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and spent 15 yrs in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 corporation, partnering with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup before stepping away to pursue her passion for storytelling.

Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can be found teaching verse mapping and penning her next stories in a beloved coffee shop corner with kayaks on the wall. To join on the story road, sign up for Kristy's WRITING DESK newsletter at: http://kristycambron.com, and visit the Verse Mapping Bible Study Community at: http://versemapping.com

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble

ISBN: 9780718085841

Publishers Synopsis:

Running for her life in the wake of her mother’s murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of—a remote, dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides. Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of a dangerous human trafficking ring. In an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down.

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava, who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager. An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey—with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister’s case—is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava.

"Bailey opened the burgundy cover and glanced at the first picture.

She blinked as she struggled to take in the reality of the photo..."

MrsK's Review:

Bailey Fleming enjoyed working with the elderly. To Bailey, those she served were her family members she had always wanted. Loving and caring for them came naturally. When one revelation leads to another, Bailey is forced to run for her life. Every step forward becomes twisted by deceivers. Doubt becomes fear, and fear becomes a strength that leads Bailey to a cross roads of possibilities or death.

Kyle Bearcroft should have been Bailey's prince charming. The truth became clear once Bailey discovered that he was a bigamist. With determination, Bailey decides to move beyond her illegal marriage to Kyle. Yet, Kyle is driven to control Bailey for reasons that Bailey could never have known.

Lance Phoenix might be a FBI agent, but right now he is driven in his desire to get and take down the lead sex-trafficker in the Pacific Northwest. Every life mattered, yet Lance has a special agenda. Ava had to be found! 

Even though King "feels a little inconspicuous" in Seattle, he must find out where Bailey is hiding. He knows that she is a "loose canon." One that he should have taken care of. 

Lily lives close by to the cabin that her father built in 1936. Given the troubles with her health, ability to take care of herself, and a memory that floats in and out, Bailey decides to watch over her. Maybe this new life will help her overcome the nightmares of being on the run.

Expertly woven are many of the previous characters from the first two books in this series. New threads are attached to the mysterious tapestry that was begun in Lavendar Tides. As with any seasonal change, these novels will provide page-turning adventures before the holidays arrive.
MrsK

Will Bailey bring an end to this saga?

A consuming, unraveling legal thriller!

    

Lavendar Tides Series

Meet the Author:

   USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter

ISBN: 9780718090548

Publisher's Synopsis:

After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader—and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.

Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster—until she meets TJ.

Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.

Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace.

"...A woman who loves me and

a woman I can love and cherish in return."

MrsK's Review:

Daisy is a perfect name for the owner of a florist shop. Not only was her shop a "sensory" delight, it was always a welcoming spot for everyone who entered. Quick and often witty conversations were exchanged in the every day life Copper Creek's florist. Daisy has always been sensitive to anyone in need, especially the girls who have no where to go other than the Hope House. She longs for someone to love, commitment, and security. With the passing of her father, Daisy has had a difficult time with letting go and moving forward. If it wasn't for Pastor Jack, Daisy wasn't sure how she would be taking her mother's news.

Pastor Jack knew that Daisy was the one, the one who brought joy to his day and the one he took special breaks just to walk into her shop. He hated being tongue-tied around Daisy, what could he do, Daisy was out of his league. Everyone adored her and rumor had it that she was listed on one of those on-line dating sites. Why would she think of him as anything but her pastor? Well, thanks to his friend, Daisy will discover the man behind the podium. As TJ, Jack had a glimmer of hope.

Julia is a visitor to Copper Creek. The florist shop would be her step in discovering the truth about a family she never knew. Now that her mother has passed, it was time for her to discover where she came from. When Julia's life takes a turn, she decides that she doesn't need to return home until the summer is over. Maybe by then she would be ready to move on.

 With a sweet small town setting, that resembles the best of America, these characters quickly find a way of bringing a comfortable smile to your face. Conversations are well crafted and full of every day living.

Get comfortable, relax and take a moment to meet those in Copper Creek,
MrsK

"There's only one who will never let you down..."

Welcome to Copper Creek!

Meet the Author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 30 novels, including "The Convenient Groom" and "A December Bride", which have been made into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest. In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber

Mary Weber

ISBN: 9780718080945

Publisher's Synopsis:

Trapped on the ice-planet of Delon, gamer girl Sofi and Ambassador Miguel have discovered that nothing is what it seems, including their friends. On a quest to rescue her brother, Shilo, a boy everyone believes is dead, they must now escape and warn Earth of Delon’s designs on humanity. Except the more they unearth of the planet and Sofi’s past, the more they feel themselves unraveling, as each new revelation has Sofi questioning the very existence of reality.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Sofi’s mom, Inola, is battling a different kind of unraveling: a political one that could cost lives, positions, and a barely-rebuilt society, should they discover the deal made with the Delonese.

But there’s a secret deeper than all that. One locked away inside Sofi and ticking away with the beginnings, endings, and answers to everything. Including how to save humanity.

"Lord Ethos, Inola, please... let's just all calm down.
I'm sure none of us intended it to go this far."

MrsK's Review:

During the "taking," Sofi dealt with her father's death, her mother's abandonment, and her little brother's kidnapping. Normally that would be more than anyone could handle. For Sofi, her life on the farm, her family's survival after the fourth world war, and now her survival and quest to save her little brother would consume her heart, detour the rescue, and use all of her mental intelligence to stop the evil plans of the alien Delonese. 

Inola is the mother of Sofi and Shilo, but more importantly she is earth's CEO of Corp 30. She is a woman of calculated risks. Her raising up a society after the devastation of the war has offered her a status and  following that brings her to the point of life or death. With her daughter being hunted, Inola seeks an ending to the contract with the Delonese. Of course there will be a cost and Inola will need to decide to what lengths will she push and/or at what price will she pay.

Miguel is a man of honor. Those who are his friends are family. Those he is placed in charge of are his to protect. As an Ambassador for Corp 30, he will not let anything keep him from his assignment. Sofi must be brought safely away from this alien ship, if only there wasn't such a bothersome ache that is causing a delay in his thoughts.

Most readers and movie goers are aware of the good vs. evil in any Sci-Fi conflict. Yet, when an author weaves together our current realities with a futuristic outcome, your skin begins to crawl. You begin wondering "what-ifs." Sofi Snow will not be denied. Her mental strengths and skills will be tested before the end of this saga. Miguel will need to rely on his heart-moves and ability to overcome physical weakness. All of earth's survivors will need to rebel or...

Warning, do not try this book until you have the freedom to read well into the early light! This story line is understandable as a stand alone read due to the seamless weaving of both stories. The quest pushes the reader to "go back" and reread as a way of dealing with the plot twists. The climax will have all readers engaged with powerful emotional outbursts!

Be ready, Sofi Snow is reclaiming her life and future,
MrsK

"That we are alive at all is a testament to the ingenuity of our forefathers...

Because arrogance at its worst masquerades as goodness.

It deceives itself and others that it is for the people.

But my friends..."

A chilling look into what our future might become!

Click here to find out more...

Meet the Author:

  Mary Weber is the multiple-award-winning author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series (all by HarperCollins). An avid high school, middle school, and conference speaker, Mary's passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she's not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Comic-Con, and the ocean.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

If I Live by Terri Blackstock

Terri Blackstock

ISBN: 9780310332541

Publisher's Synopsis:

Casey is hiding again—in Memphis this time—but it’s different now. She knows without a doubt that Dylan believes her and is doing all he can to help bring Brent’s killer to justice. He’s become an unexpected friend . . . and even, maybe, something more. Hope makes everything more bearable.

Casey makes a deal with the DA to turn over all the evidence she and Dylan have gathered against Keegan and Rollins—only to discover that the DA is in league with them too. After a desperate escape, who can they possibly turn to now?

Time is running out for Casey, but master suspense writer Terri Blackstock will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the last, utterly satisfying page.

"When I stand, my image in the mirror startles me,

as if someone I don't know is in the room with me."

MrsK's Review:

Casey Cox is on the road, running from law enforcement. Being on the run is getting tiring, yet she can not afford to bring any more death to those connected to her. It wasn't the smartest move to flee the scene of her friend, Brent, but she was in shock and knew there were too many questions about the "who" killed Brent.

Dylan Roberts quickly changes his hunt for Casey once he discovers someone in law enforcement isn't exactly working with him. Could Casey's case not be on the up and up? With the help from Dex, Dylan begins an investigation board while taking a step in faith that Casey will be killed unless he can get to her first.

With "page-turning" intensity, Casey's run will leave you breathless and sleepless. Each character is well defined and crucial to the unraveling of Brent's murder. How can so many be so corrupt? Well in today's world evidently more than we could imagine. Yet, for Casey the end of her journey will be determined by her grit, determination, quick thinking, and a "blink of an eye" timing.

Completely consuming... be ready for a sleep-deprived race against time,
MrsK

"No! You have to get out of there,"

 "A chilling series that keeps you running out of time!"
   
Series link

Meet the Author:

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over six million copies sold worldwide. She is the winner of two Carol Awards, a Christian Retailers Choice Award, and a Romantic Times Book Reviews Career Achievement Award, among others. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist.
Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

"I received this book from the Fiction Guild for this review."

It Happened in Scotland by Patience Griffin

Patience Griffin

ISBN: 9780451476401

Publisher's Synopsis:

After pulling herself out of a three-year fog of grief over the loss of her husband, Joe, Rachel is bringing their five-year-old daughter to see his hometown of Gandiegow and visit with his grandfather. But Rachel wasn’t planning on running into Joe’s cousin, the man who made her have second thoughts at the altar...

Brodie has come home to help his grandfather’s fishing business, but he’d prefer not to see Rachel. Although she did break his heart six years ago, the grip she has on him hasn’t faltered. If they can stop butting heads long enough and learn to overcome the past, they may find new love in the new year.

Christmas in the sleepy Scottish fishing village of Gandiegow this year is a time for quilting, 

patching up broken hearts, and rekindling an old flame...

MrsK's Review:

Rachel Granger has brought her daughter to Glasgow. Even though this is a trip she doesn't want to make, she knows it is time for Hannah to meet her great-grandfather. It had been years since she had been back in the village, a time when marriage to Joe was interrupted by a love not forgotten and the unwanted moment when she buried Joe. Neither time brought peace, nor a village that was kind to her. Yet, here she was. Would she find the elusive peace, joy, and love that her heart once walked away from? If confronted with a second-chance decision will she embrace it or walk away? 

Cait is the owner of the Kilts and Quilts retreat. During the plane trip, Cait befriended Rachel and has helped to alter more than hotel accomodations. Just what can one open-invitation of friendship do in someone's life...plenty!

"Ye're back."

Why hadn't Brodie's friend let him know that Cait was on the plane? Once again Brodie Wallace would have to move beyond his feelings, after all Cait is just another "heartless woman." Why is she back in Gandiegow? Years ago he gave his heart to Cait, now that she is back his unrest will bring either the greatest gift of a love rekindled or that of complete frustration with a decision to escape.

Abraham is Brodie's grandfather, a man respected by many but guilty of many life-changing judgements. Cait must stay with them for Christmas, now is the time for him to correct those past hurts.

Since this is my first book in the Kilts and Quilts series, I must say that I couldn't have been more surprised with these characters. They are strong-willed, they are "quirky" and they are so comfortable. Although quilting isn't the main subject, the value and passion for quilting is woven throughout the storyline with a final project that honors the tradition of a quilt to be treasured. Their lifestyle and village is a destination you want to come "home" to again and again.

Thank you Patience for such a wonderful retreat!
MrsK

Very enjoyable!

The type of journey you need every once in awhile,

especially when you want to feel like going on

a retreat with a friend.

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author Patience Griffin has been writing and sewing her whole life but didn't discover her love of quilting until her late thirties. She decided the best way to acquire her first quilt was to make one for herself. At nearly the same time, she started commuting three and half hours a day for her dream engineering job. To pass the time on the long drive, she got hooked on audiobooks-especially books with love stories. Within a couple of years, she was writing stories of her own. It was no surprise to her family and friends when she combined her love of quilting, her small town roots, and her obsession with Scottish romances into novels. She has gained some recognition with her September 11th Story Quilt which has toured the country as the property of the Pentagon. She has a master's degree in nuclear engineering but spends her days writing stories about hearth and home, and dreaming about the fictional small town of Gandiegow, Scotland.

"I received this book for this honest review by the author."

  BECAUSE WHAT YOU READ MATTERS

Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman

Beth Wiseman

ISBN: 9780529118721

Publisher's Synopsis:

Charlo­tte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she’s forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Soon she is entangled in a web of deception—and this time, she isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancée’s betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlo­tte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before.

Charlo­tte begins building a friendship with Daniel that she’ll need to lean on when more surprises surface from her past and she once again finds herself torn between two worlds. Will Charlotte’s friends in the Amish community be able to show her the power of redemption and lead her home? And can she help young Jacob realize that God offers second chances at happiness when she isn’t even sure herself?

"I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry."

MrsK's Review:
Charlotte's "visions" are getting more haunting. Unsure of what these images are trying to tell her, Charlotte knows that she is loosing grip on daily life. Could the stress of a break-up and then her brother's suicide be the "trigger" that is setting off these visions, the headaches, and the chest pains?

When Jacob leaves Lancaster County and arrives at Charlotte's doorstep, her communication with Hannah is rekindled. A friendship will always be a vehicle towards inner strength, that is if Charlotte will accept the invite to come and re-start her life in Lancaster. Is it possible to be forgiven?

Daniel is a man of strong principles. When Charlotte first came to Lancaster in search of answers, Daniel like Hannah wanted to help her. Once her deception became apparent, he knew she was not someone to trust. With her return, others might be willing to forgive but for him, her deception was his reason to stand convicted against her entering his life. If getting her brother's house readied for sale would get her further from Lancaster, then he would do what he could.

Shame, will cause much hurt. For Charlotte shame will bring an avenue for healing. For Jacob, shame will bring choices that could lead him home. And for Daniel, shame will open a door for discovering forgiveness and love.

"Never say never..."
MrsK

"Home. Charlotte wondered where her home was going to be."

Her Brother's Keeper

Another great story in the series!

Meet the Author:

 "I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."

Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box.

This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper. 

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."