God's Word For Families Devotional ~ Book Review

July 31, 2023

I think I may have found a family devotional to start doing this year… God’s Word For Families is a 365 day devotional with different activities. It’s designed with different learning styles in mind which is great since not everyone learns the same! My favorite part is how they break it up for a day to day lesson on the Bible passage for that week!

Weekly Overview:
✨Sunday – Introduction (an age-appropriate version of the week’s Bible passage)
✨Monday – “Why?” (activities that show the purpose behind the Bible study)
✨Tuesday – Analytic Learning (“Fun Facts!” and “Did You Know?” activities to dig deeper into Scripture)
✨Wednesdays – Worship (a featured lyric video and other Apostolic songs)
✨Thursday – Real-life Application (a present-day story to illustrate the Bible lesson)
✨Friday – Discussion (questions for parents and kids to ask each other about our faith)
✨Saturday – Family Project (an activity for the family to do to put our faith in action)

Doesn’t that look so good? Definitely will keep everyone engaged every day of the week! I like the family project at the end!

🥳 GIVEAWAY

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/the-family-devotional-book-giveaway.html

Thank you @familydevotional @pentecostalpublishing and @frontgatem for the copy of this devotional to review. All views expressed are my own.

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The Amish Nanny's Promise by Amy Grochowski ~ Book Review

July 25, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Amish Nanny's Promise

Author: Amy Grochowski

Genre: Amish Romance

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: July 25, 2023

She’ll do what it takes

To keep his family together…

When her dearest cousin passed, Fern Beiler made her a promise—to look after her two young children and keep her memory alive. The obvious solution is a marriage of convenience to their father, widower Nick Weaver. But when spending time together causes lines to blur, can two childhood friends overcome feelings of guilt for a chance at happiness…together?

My Thoughts

Once again Amy Grochowski has transported me to Amish life and I loved every minute of it. Although this book is quite short don't let it fool you it has everything you need in small package. You cannot go wrong with a marriage of convenience, friends to more and second chance at love trope. Yep, she has beautifully combined all three into one and it was amazing! You read the story from both main characters but it is not chopped up like some stories can be rather it flows so easily as you get a peek into their thoughts for each other.

Fern and Nick were such great characters. I really liked how they maneuvered to make sure the kids always came first and that their memory of their mother was not lost. Their relationship developed very realistic throughout the story which is always good. They both had some things to workout for themselves and with God so it was neat to see that growth throughout the story.

One of the things I have loved about this author is how her faith threads are so solid. It was present from beginning to end. I have read all of Amy's books and loved all of them. I cannot wait to read more from her especially from this town of Promise. I would love to see a story on Fern's brother!!

If you enjoy Amish stories with romance and a strong faith element then I definitely recommend you pick this one up and all of her other books!

My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Amy's deep appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. She is a member of ACFW and Word Weavers Int'l.

Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real-life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.

After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder. Learn more at amygrochowski.com or follow Amy on Facebook.

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Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill ~ Book Review

July 18, 2023

About the Book

Book: Counterfeit Faith

Author: Crystal Caudill

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 3

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Publisher: Kregel

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She'll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she's determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don't like to be crossed--and they're willing to kill to get their way.

Gwendolyn knows she can't quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.

Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble--and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he's truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.

As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible--if they can live through this case. At the same time, he's put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

My Thoughts

Counterfeit Faith was the last book oof the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series and it was perfection! I was so sad to see this series end because the characters and the storyline is so well done. I have enjoyed getting to know these characters even more as they each get their own storyline and Josiah's was so good. Josiah is investigating a counterfeit ring and his sources bring him to the Final Chance House of Refuge where not only does Gwendolyn is matron of, but his nieces and nephew have been placed in without his knowledge. So he has a double investment towards this case.

I absolutely loved the camraderie and love between these two characters. Granted that they are not without past lives. Josiah has been married before to the love of his life, so we see him opening up his heart to someone new. Unexpected for him but he can't help falling in love with Gwendolyn. They both learn a great deal of faith throughout the story.

One of the things I really admire about Ms. Caudill is that she doesn't waver when it comes to the faith threads/elements in her stories. They are solid and make you stop and think. She does it in a way that truly flows with the storyline and doesn't feel forced which tells me that her belief in God is genuine and not something that she has to pen but naturally flows from her.

Overall it was a great ending to the series and very bittersweet that it is over. However... I am looking forward to her next book and I hope and pray that she has many more coming! If you enjoy mystery, romance and faith filled books then I definitely recommend you read the whole series and do it in order!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

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With Every Memory by Janine Rosche ~ Book Review

July 6, 2023

About the Book

Book: With Every Memory

Author: Janine Rosche

Genre: Women's Fiction

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 6, 2023

After a tragic accident robs her of the last nine years of memories, Lori Mendenhall comes home to a family completely different than she remembers. As her memory returns and past secrets resurface, it will take all of them to repair what's been broken and find a new future together.

My Thoughts

If you have read other books by Janine Rosche, you will find that this one is very different. This is definitely a women's fiction novel with a touch of romance. I'll be honest and say that it took me a few chapters to truly get into the book. It was hard connecting to Lori. She is a character that has suffered tremendous loss and some memories of the past are completely forgotten to her. It was interesting to see how her character developed throughout the story. Lori's daughter Avery is also struggling with a lot of emotions but I think she was a bit more relatable than the main character.

Like I said this is a different book for this author. The topics of that were mentioned may triggers for some but I think the author did a great job at handling it tactfully. She definitely helps you bring forth your feelings wether good or bad towards certain characters.

The only thing I needed a bit more of in this book was a stronger faith thread. There were SO many opportunities I felt like were missed to expand on God's understanding and working in these characters lives. The characters do attend church and they mention someone praying but that was it. So that is my only negative if you see it that way. Again totally my opinion.

Overall I thought it was a good book and very well written. Being it was something new for me from this author I think she did a very good job with the topics she wrote about. If you enjoy Women's fiction then I suggest you grab this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her novels. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

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What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson ~ Book Review

July 5, 2023

About the Book

Book: What Happens Next

Author: Christina Suzann Nelson

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 17, 2023

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. When she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing-person case on her podcast, she uncovers desperate secrets and must face the truth before she can move forward.

My Thoughts

WOW... this book had be enthralled from the very first page. It was like a Dateline Cold Case show but in book form. Let's see if I can tell you about this book without giving it away...

First of all this is my very first book by this author and I was completely impressed. The characters are so real and believable. They can truly be your next door neighbors type of familiarity. The story is being told in three different perspectives but you can follow easily and not get lost. We see the story through Faith, Dora and Heather.

Faith is a middle aged woman who is recently divorced and trying to cope with her daughters being shared with their father. She is a mystery podcaster and out of the blue she hears from her friend's sister to see if she can help solve and shed more light into Heather's disappearance to bring closure to the mom.

Dora has been living in a standstill since her daughter went missing and she has definitely let life pass her on by. She has become somewhat bitter at God and her family. My heart ached for her. I just could not imagine going through what she has gone through.

Heather brings us to the past throughout the story and we catch glimpses of the 80's. She was spunky and quite the character. I really enjoyed getting to know what that summer was like for her.

The author truly makes you second guess yourself and work in trying to figure out who might be connected to Heather's disappearance. I have to admit I had a few guesses but none were correct. It was a bittersweet story but definitely a page turner. The faith thread was light but it was there and very different for each character.

Overall I thought this was a great story. Definitely one of those that will keep you up because you want to find out what really happens!! I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, and More Than We Remember. The Way It Should Be releases February 2, 2021.She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.

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Colter Sons Series by Karen Baney ~ Book Spotlights

Colter Sons series JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the first three books of the Colter Sons series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: The Reluctant Cattleman
Series: Colter Sons #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: August 19, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Coming of age story set in Prescott, Arizona in 1887.

As Sam Colter takes on more responsibilities at the family ranch, he believes he is a disappointment to his father. He feels like the misfit of the family. When a journalist shows up to interview his mother, secrets from the past threaten his fledging sense of security. Can he overcome his fear and doubts to accept his role as a cattleman and rancher? Will he allow himself to love the woman who turned his life upside down?

Ellie Mae Thatcher moves to Prescott to start her career as a writer. When she misleads the Colters about her identity, she hurts the man she is falling in love with. Can she win back his trust and his heart?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Title: The Roaming Adventurer
Series: Colter Sons #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Shotgun Wedding, Main Character Disguise Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1890 – 1891.

Boisterous Boone Colter settled into his career as a surveyor when his older brother approached him to survey a route for a new railroad. When Boone hires Jack Bennett, he never expected to be forced to choose between his desire for independence and protecting Jack. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he find a way to strike a balance?

Jaclyn “Jack” Bennett spent the last six years apprenticing as an assistant surveyor under her father. When her father asks her to give up her dreams, settle down, and get married, Jaclyn disguises herself as a man and flees to Prescott, Arizona. Except she never thought through how her choice would destroy the lives of those around her. Will she find a way to reconcile broken relationships?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Title: The Railroad Magnate
Series: Colter Sons #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1891 – 1893.

James Colter was a successful entrepreneur and businessman in the railroad industry. As he watches his younger brothers marry and start their families, his loneliness deepens. He has everything, except the one thing he longs for the most: a wife and family of his own. When he dances with the daughter of an older friend, was it love at first sight, or will he put his personal dream on hold again to pursue his professional aspirations?

Keri Glassman wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She dreams of becoming a contract attorney. When a handsome suitor invites her on a train ride, the course of her life is rewritten. Like her mother, she wants it all, a career, a loving husband, and a family. Can she find her own way or will her desire to please her parents threaten to destroy her hope for a lasting love?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

Excerpts

Book 1: When Sam Meets Ellie Mae (Sam Colter’s Point of View)

Sam Colter and his mother were on the front porch of their ranch house when they saw his younger
brother, Boone, riding fast toward the house.

“Incoming female rider,” my brother Boone announced.

“Are we expecting anyone?” Mama asked.

I shook my head. E. M. Thatcher, a journalist, was the only person we were expecting. Not some woman.

My heart raced a little faster than normal. The only women who visited the ranch were close friends or
relatives.

As she came into view, I noticed her sandy colored hair, which was pulled back into a knot just below the
base of her straw wide-brimmed hat. I couldn’t see her eyes yet, as the shadow of her hat hid them. Her
lips were full, which was something I never noticed about anyone. It perplexed me why I might think
about it then.

Mama asked me to help her, so I did.

When the stranger put her hands on my shoulders, I held her waist and helped her down. The smile on
her lips stole my breath away. Her nutmeg eyes sparkled with life.

As I eased her to the ground, I noticed everything about her. She smelled like the rain after a monsoon
storm, sweet and beckoning. Her fair skin looked smooth. The sunlight streaked her sandy hair with
honey gold. She was the most gorgeous woman in Arizona.

I wasn’t sure how long I stood there holding her. Shoot, she was holding onto my shoulders for just as
long, and I really liked it.

Book 2: Boone Colter introduces himself to the readers

I could tell you my name, but growing up at my house, I thought it was almost a curse word.

If Mama said my name, Boone, with her hands raised in the air and let them fall to her side, I knew I

pressed her to the point of frustration that day.

If Mama said “Boone” with a low growl like a snarling dog going after a jackrabbit for its supper, the next

words outta her mouth were something like: wait until my father gets home. It was an odd thing to say.

We lived on a ranch, and he was always within earshot of a rifle.

If Mama said my name and wrung her hands at the same time as her eyebrows scrunched together, she

just witnessed me do something highly risky that probably caused her heart to lodge up in her throat.

Like the time I jumped outta the hay loft hanging onto a rope that wasn’t properly secured to anything. I

should have busted up something. I had more lives than a cat.

Book 3: Boone Colter introduces himself to the readers

I could tell you my name, but growing up at my house, I thought it was almost a curse word.

If Mama said my name, Boone, with her hands raised in the air and let them fall to her side, I knew I pressed her to the point of frustration that day.

If Mama said “Boone” with a low growl like a snarling dog going after a jackrabbit for its supper, the next words outta her mouth were something like: wait until my father gets home. It was an odd thing to say.

We lived on a ranch, and he was always within earshot of a rifle.

If Mama said my name and wrung her hands at the same time as her eyebrows scrunched together, she just witnessed me do something highly risky that probably caused her heart to lodge up in her throat.

Like the time I jumped outta the hay loft hanging onto a rope that

About the Author

Karen Baney

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win all 6 books in the Colter Sons series (winner picks paperback or ebook)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!