A Tale of Two Hearts (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #2) by Michelle Griep

Title: A Tale of Two Hearts (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #2)

Author: Michelle Griep

Pages: 192

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Christmas Romance

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary eBook copy of this novel through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     London, 1853: Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life, for there’s nothing more mundane than serving customers day after day. Every minute she can, she reads and dreams of someday becoming a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.

     William is a gentleman’s son, a charming but penniless rogue. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his scheming cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.

     William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t. So does William. Deceiving the old man breaks both their hearts. When the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.

     Can two hearts survive such deception?

My review:

     This is a delightful Historical Christmas romance!

     I love both of the main characters. Their hearts are in the right place, but their plans to go about achieving the desired results are very twisted. They needed to learn to trust that God was in control and would take care of things without their schemes. They each dealt with a lot of angst over the deception that they were undertaking. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each had a friend who was speaking encouragement and guidance to them along the way.

     The quotes from different books by Charles Dickens at the start of each chapter were great. Most of the books quoted I have never read. I did find myself adding many of them to my to-be-read list.

     It was fun to learn about some of the traditions of 1800s Christmas time. I’m very glad that the author included some notes at the end of the book about them.

     I have decided to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I’m highly recommending it. You don’t have to be a die-hard Dickens reader to enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Jamberry by Bruce Degen

Title: Jamberry

Author: Bruce Degen

Pages: 32

Year: 1982 (original publication date)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Publisher: HarperFestival

Format: Available in Hardback, Board Book, and Kindle

     This post has a story behind it. I want to share it with all of you.

     We purchased this book for our newest grandson for Christmas. He is 4 months old and absolutely adorable! (Every grandma says that about each of her grandchildren.) We had it shipped directly to them and chatted online about the gift. I’m including that conversation and photos.

     Thanks for the book, Grandma and Grandpa! I'll read it to Mommy and Daddy right now! (book review to follow)

     Well JJ,  we’re waiting for the book review. You need to post it on Grandma’s blog. (Grandpa had to chime in.)

Guest Review by Baby JJ: (with help from his mom)

     Jamberry, by Bruce Degen

      A review by Baby JJ

     Jamberry, by Bruce Degen is a lovely tale of berries, a boy, and a bear. Without wanting to give too much away, I can tell you that there are words, pictures, a beginning and an end. For out three part scaling system - readability, durability, and taste-a-bility - Jamberry holds its own. Despite a lack of opportunity for Mommy to make silly voices, there is a certain whimsy to the flow of rhymes throughout that allows for many a cute baby reaction. The sturdy pages hold up well to sticky fingers and spit up while providing a lovely flavor for teething mouths. I do have to deduct one baby giggle, for although the taste is delightful, and I have no frame of reference, I’m pretty sure this is not what berries taste like. All in all, a perfect gift for any baby. 4 out of 5 baby giggles.

My review: (the boring grownup one)

     This is a delightful book for pre-schoolers!

     I read this MANY time to my own children (including JJ's mom, she squealed when they opened the gift) when they were little. I have loved buying it for each of them when they have a baby. I've lost track of how many copies I've purchased over the years but it never loses its charm.

     A boy and his bear friend are romping through the pages looking for berries of all kinds. The pictures are beautiful! They are bright and colorful and keep a child's attention very well. The words rhyme even though sometimes it feels like a word had to be made up to do so.

     I am obviously giving this wonderful book a 5-star rating and highly recommending it.

Christmas Hideout (McKade Law #3) by Susan Sleeman + A GIVEAWAY

Title: Christmas Hideout (McKade Law #3)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 224

Release Date: November 1, 2018

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion. 

About the book:

     Cowboy lawmen make the best protectors.

     A McKade Law novel.

     Fleeing from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, on-the-run single mother Nicole Dyer takes refuge in a cabin—and is discovered by the ranch owner, Deputy Matt McKade. It’s easy to fall for the handsome lawman and his kind family, but staying at the ranch endangers them all. When everything Nicole loves comes under direct fire, can Matt keep her—and her heart—safe?

My review:

     This is an incredible adrenaline rush romantic suspense novel!

     I loved this third visit to Lost Creek and the McKade family. The story stands alone but we get an update on the main characters from the previous books in the series.

     In this wonderful book Matt steps up and takes the lead trying to catch the man threatening Nicole Dyer. The characters are so well developed that I felt like I could just step into the main house at Trails End Dude Ranch for a visit with good friends.

     The plot was fantastic! I was caught up in it from the very beginning. The danger had me holding my breath a number of times. I couldn’t wait for Nicole to finally be out of danger.

     Both Matt and Nicole had definite emotional journeys to go on before the end of the book. The need to grow in their trust of God was a huge part for each of them.

     There is a delightful little girl thrown in. Her antics kept making me smile just as much as it did all of the McKades.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I’m highly recommending it.

Giveaway Information:

     Susan Sleeman graciously provided a second signed copy of this book for me to giveaway. Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win this wonderful book. Please include in your comment your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. Suggested format: debbie (at) yahoo (dot) com

     I will leave it open for one week. Next Friday, December 28, 2018, I will use Random.org to draw the winner. I will then send an email to the winner to get their mailing address. I will give them 3 days to contact me before drawing another winner. I plan to mail the book out within a week of receiving the address. After confirming the winner I will announce their name here on my blog in a comment on this post.

     Good luck.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Who I Am With You (Legacy of Faith #1) by Robin Lee Hatcher

Title: Who I Am With You (Legacy of Faith #1)

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Pages: 320

Release Date: December 11, 2018

Genre: Time-Slip (Contemporary/Depression Era)

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.

     Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

     Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.

     When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

     Who I Am With You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.

My review:

     I loved this incredible time-slip romance novel!

     The two time periods in this book are contemporary and Depression Era. The main characters in each period are fantastic. Their depth pulled me into both stories and captured my interest and emotions. I was caught up in their difficulties and heartaches. I was rooting for all of them to sort out their problems and move past them as they matured because of them. 

     They grew in their faith and learned to trust God more. The journey to forgiveness was wonderful. It is something that we all struggle with at some time in our lives. We can learn from seeing how these characters progress on their emotional journeys.

     I was captivated by the idea that Jessica was led through her journey partially by reading notes that her great-grandfather had written in his bible. I don’t write many things in the margins of my bible, yet when I received my father’s bible the first thing I did was to look and see if he had.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Comfort & Joy: Christmas Light Collection 2018 + A GIVEAWAY

About the Book

Book: Comfort & Joy  

Author: The Christmas Lights Collection: Alana Terry, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig  

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance, Cozy Mystery, Suspense, Christmas  

Release Date: October 16, 2018

The third-annual Christmas Lights Collection is pleased to present: Comfort & Joy–four Christmas Novellas. From contemporary romance to cozy mystery and suspense, this diverse collection celebrates the comforts and joys of Christmas.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Review

This is a great novella collection of Christmas stories.

The stories in this book are very different from each other. That is one of the things that I usually enjoy in novella collections. All of the stories were well written and filled with characters that were well developed.

I expected light entertainment when I picked this book up. I was very surprised at the heaviness of the first story, Frost Heaves, by Alana Terry. This was only because of the subject matter it included. I loved Dez’s childlike faith in Jesus and in the power of prayer. 

I was ready for a lighter story when I started Deck the Shelves, by Toni Shiloh. I was not disappointed. This was a charming contemporary romance. Each of the main characters had emotional baggage that they had to work through. Deuce is a delightful little boy and I loved reading about his antics.

Each story has a wonderful child as a very special character. They are all fantastic. In my mind you can’t go wrong having a child placed in the middle of any romance. They are great for comedic effect with the funny things that they all seem to come up with.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the Authors

Alana Terry: Pastor’s wife Alana Terry is a homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second. You can find her at alanaterry.com  

Toni Shiloh: Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. You can find her at tonishiloh.wordpress.com 

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the president of the ACFW Virginia Chapter.  

Cathe Swanson: Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin with her husband of 32 years, and the long Wisconsin winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again. You can find her at catheswanson.com  

  
Chautona Havig: Amazon bestselling author of the Aggie books and Past Forward, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave desert where she uses story to connect readers to the Master Storyteller.

Guest Post from Chautona Havig

Why Do So Many Christians Love to Celebrate Christmas?

“We don’t celebrate Christmas because we were ordered to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. We were never commanded to celebrate His birth.” 

Something about that statement didn’t sit well with me, but I was honest enough with myself to admit that it might be because I happened to love Christmas, and the idea of not celebrating it didn’t sit well with my twelve-year-old mind. 

No, I didn’t go in for the Santa thing. I never had. As later my children were taught to say, Santa wasn’t “invited to our family celebration.” But still, the family, the joy, the music, the spirit of the thing moved me. 

So, I did what I always did when I didn’t understand something. I asked Dad. “Why do we celebrate Christmas?” 

If I recall correctly, Dad took a sip of coffee and watched me for several long seconds before he said, “What is Christmas?” 

Ever the teacher, Dad had to put on his Socratic robe and make me work for it. I answered. “What we call the day Jesus was supposedly born. His birthday.” 


“Okay. So, we celebrate Christ’s birthday on Christmas—on Christmas.” 

“Yes.” 

He gave me that slight smirk that always meant something good was coming. “And what did God do when His Son was born?” 

Dad stumped me there. I blinked. “I don’t know.” 

“He sent out the biggest birth announcement ever known to man—a star, angels, music.” Then Dad continued his leading questions. “He…” 

I got it. “Celebrated the birth.” 

“Yes.” Sometimes Dad was a man of few words.

But I couldn’t be satisfied—not yet.

“So, why do we give presents to each other if it’s Jesus’ birthday? Isn’t that backward?” 

“Isn’t all of Christianity backward to the fallen mind?” When I didn’t answer, he smiled again. “What does Christ say about doing things for others?” 

It wasn’t word-for-word Scripture—not even close. Just as he would have prompted again, I remembered Jesus’ story of the man who was fed, clothed, and given a drink. “When you do things for others, it’s like you’re doing them for Jesus.” 

Dad shrugged then. “Maybe it’s just justification for continuing a beloved tradition, but it brings me joy to give you gifts. And Christ had something to say about how fathers love to give good gifts to their children.”

That brought me back to the original question.

“What about the fact that we’re told to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus? We aren’t told to celebrate the birth. Does that make it wrong?” 

This time, Dad’s jaw hardened. I saw it twitch, and prepared for a blasting. After all, I had kind of argued with him. I hadn’t meant to, but I could see how it might be taken that way. 

“Chautona,” he said, “don’t ever put rules on yourself that God hasn’t. We may not be commanded to celebrate Christ’s birth, but we aren’t forbidden, either. We have God’s example to emulate, and we have this truth.” His voice gentled when he saw he’d startled me. “We would never have been able to celebrate Christ’s death if He had not been born. If that’s not a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.”

What does all that have to do with Christmas novellas (or “noellas” like I prefer to call them)?

Well, people ask me all the time. “Why do you write so many Christmas books? Why do these Christmas collections? Why focus so much on the birth of Jesus and the trappings of cultural Christmas when it’s inferior to the “big thing”—the Resurrection?” 

Dad’s answer is mine. Because it points to it. It draws attention to it. And because Christmas is one time of year—the only time of year in which you can walk into almost any building in America and still hear praises sung to God at some point. They slip in between love songs about giving away your heart at Christmas and rocking around Christmas trees to “Jingle Bell Rock.” 

And even the more “secular” versions that aren’t an outright praise to God like “Silent Night” or “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” sometimes throw in Jesus anyway because they can’t quite leave out, “Merry Christmas” in some place or another. 

So maybe our Christmas books are inferior to what “Easter” books could be. Maybe they are. But if Christmas trees, caroling, and “ghost stories” keep Jesus at the forefront of someone’s mind in October, November, or December, then I think that’s a pretty cool thing. 

Happy Birthday, Jesus. Thanks for coming.

Blog Stops

A Diva’s Heart, November 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 29

A Baker’s Perspective, November 29

Multifarious, November 30

Blossoms and Blessings, November 30

Bibliophile Reviews, December 1

Britt Reads Fiction, December 1

Vicky Sluiter, December 2

Remembrancy, December 2

Among the Reads, December 3

A Reader’s Brain, December 3

KarenSueHadley, December 4

Inklings and notions, December 4

Quiet Quilter, December 5

Lots of Helpers, December 5

God’s Little Bookworm, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7 (Mindy Houng)

Captive Dreams Window, December 7

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Janices book reviews, December 9

Carpe Diem, December 10

Bigreadersite, December 10

Kat’s Corner Books, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 11

Aryn The Libraryan, December 12

Josephine’s Bookshelf, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Christmas Light Collection is giving away a grand prize of a 6-month Kindle Unlimited subscription!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d62a/comfort

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Plum Blooms in Winter (Brands from the Burning #1) by Linda Thompson

Title: The Plum Blooms in Winter (Brands from the Burning #1)

Author: Linda Thompson

Pages: 366

Release Date: December 1, 2018 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink.

Format: eBook

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     A Prostitute Seeks Her Revenge—In 1942, Miyako Matsuura cradled her little brother as he died on the sidewalk, a victim of the first U.S. bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the war has reduced her to a street-hardened prostitute consumed by her shame.

     A WWII Hero Finds His True Mission—Dave Delham makes military aviation history piloting a B-25 in the audacious Doolittle Raid. Forced to bail out over occupied China, he and his crew are captured by the Japanese and survive a harrowing P.O.W. ordeal. In 1948, he returns to Japan as a Christian missionary, determined to showcase Christ’s forgiveness.

     Convinced that Delham was responsible for the bomb that snuffed out her brother’s life, Miyako resolves to restore her honor by avenging him—even if it costs her own life. But the huntress soon becomes hunted in Osaka’s treacherous underworld. Miyako must outmaneuver a ruthless brothel owner, outwit gangs with competing plans to profit by her, and overcome betrayal by family and friends—only to confront a decision that will change everything.

My review:

     This is a very well written historical fiction book!

     I am amazed at the depth of the characters. I have never read much based on the War in the Pacific during WWII. This book was quite an eye opener for me.

     There are two intersecting storylines. One of them is about a young Japanese woman in Osaka, Japan. The book begins with the bombing raid by Doolittle’s Boys. As an American I have always seen that as a victory. It was great to see it from the other side.

     The second storyline is about one of the young pilots who carried out the bombing raid. I was very interested in the information she included about how the Chinese people helped the men who had to bail out of their planes.

     The best part is the redemption that Dave found in Christ. His portrayal of the forgiveness that God gives is wonderful.

     This book is much heavier in the details given about life from 1942-1948 than I have read before. This made it a difficult book to read for me. I found myself having to take more frequent breaks to give myself time to process all of the my emotions. I’m very glad that I read it and I look forward to the rest of this series.

     I am giving this book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it. I do suggest that you prepare yourself for a deeply moving and heartbreaking story.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*