A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren

What a great addition to another outstanding series. This book in turns develops the story of each member on the team and their exciting rescues. Filled with heart pounding action and great character development this book is just as good as the previous ones in the series.
I loved the character of Gage and found the betrayed love aspect to be interesting. This book was well written and exciting, it certainly made me feel like I was doing the daring rescue missions along with the team!
The character of Ella took a little bit to grow on me and it was hard getting past what she did to Gage, but by the end of the book you are definitely cheering for them and hoping things will work out.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard

At last some closure in this great series! After not being sure who Serena would end up with in this book you finally get your answer and I couldn't be more pleased! This book takes readers to the shores of Martha's Vineyard where Serena and her eclectic family are supposed to be taking a vacation for a old friend's wedding but when the friend ends up dead and there is evidence of an antique smuggling ring Serena gets pulled in and gets in over her head. When both Nate and Tanner show  up she gets more confused than ever before.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Grounded heartsby Jeanne Dickson

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Grounded Hearts (Waterfall Press, July 2017)

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.
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Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

My opinion: I was so eager to read this book, the premise sounded amazing and it is set in Ireland so how could you go wrong? Well unfortunately it didn't quite live up to what I was hoping. While the story line had a lot of promise it just fell pretty flat to me. I felt like there wasn't as much going on with the story and that there was just too much romance and not a whole lot else going on.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Evicted by Matthew Desmond

As a sociology major in college I was beyond thrilled to get this book to review as it looked right up my alley and it has been far too long since I have read a good book in my field of interest.
This book was utterly fascinating, heartbreaking and very well written. This book follows 8 families in Milwaukee who try to keep their homes during the housing crisis. This book puts a face to the names of the countless people who suffer and make them seem like so much more than a mere statistic.
I can see why this book has been garnished a bunch of awards, it is no wonder seeing how well written and poignant it is. It definitely sticks with you long after the last page is read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Letter from Lancaster County

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A Letter from Lancaster County (Harvest House, July 2017)

Two sisters get a second chance at life and love

Angela—Her mother’s untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.

Rose—Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn’t happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn’t be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?

* * *

When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother’s Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose’s romance with a new beau.

Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

My opinion: What a delightful book with a lot going on. I loved the engaging characters and how each one grew and developed throughout the book. The sisters relationship was very real and it was good to see how they started to build a better relationship as the book progressed.
I have not read a book by this author previously but this was certainly not your run of the mill Amish fiction and I am certainly going to try out more books by Kate Lloyd in the future!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion,

A journey to victorious praying by Bill Thrasher

I was intrigued about this book from the very title, like many Christians I struggle with my prayer life and I loved how this book not only talks about finding discipline but also finding delight in ones prayer life as that is what I long for.
Although this book isn't very long it is a very insightful and packed with Biblical principles and really tackles many of the misconceptions that there are about praying and really strives to point out just how very important prayer really is. I know too often when there is a situation I think that prayer is about the only thing I can do but this book stresses how prayer is so vitally important and how much we truly underestimate it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

I love books that can seamlessly weave together the past and present tying it all together in one beautiful story and this book certainly achieved that. Weaving together the Revolutionary war and present day this book is a quick pace, hard to put down book.
In present day we meet Annie David who survived the Boston Marathon bombing only to struggle with guilt and being able to move. When she finally tries to repair relations with her sister and her niece who lost a leg during the bombing she also is able to uncover who her mystery hero from that day is. Tied together by a ring he gave to her after the bombing they dig to uncover the past together and find more than they bargain for.
In Boston in 1770 we meet the beautiful Liberty Caldwell who struggles with her feelings for a redcoat while her brother fights for freedom from England. When her brother ends up dead and Liberty is brutally assaulted by a British officer it seems like a happily every after is far off for Liberty, but what will her future bring?
Written with intense historical detail and vivid descriptions this book is a wonderful read.
I received a copy of this from Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion.

The promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

This gorgeous cover was enough to make me want to read this book and I am glad I did! I have to say that Tyndale books have some of the best covers I have seen, maybe that is why they are one of my favorite publishers.
Set in the lawless Mississippi set in the late 1700's this book is a literary delight with a rich story line that includes a feisty heroine and a handsome Irish man that start out odds with each other but grow to trust and love each other through the hardships they face. I loved getting to know the characters and really enjoyed reading about Isabella and Conner. The villain in this book was definitely villainous and I thoroughly did not like him.
I loved the careful detail but into this book, the research and attention to detail was amazing!
This book certainly did not disappoint and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

His guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

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His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, July 2017)

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…

Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

My opinion: Filled with riveting suspense and engaging characters this book is a real page turner and it kept me on the edge of my seat until the very edge.  This book has interesting characters and a sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well written and utterly engaging this book is a great read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The treasure principle by Randy Alcorn

What a fascinating and engaging book! I am a big fan of Randy Alcorn's works but have never read this book before so I was excited to get this in the mail and I am delighted I got a chance to read it!
This book is a great little book on stewardship and what our responsibilities are as Christians to help those around us.
Rich and insightful this book packs a lot into a very few pages.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The only negotiating guide you'll every need by Peter Stark and Janet Flaherty

This book is such a great read with such valuable insight and information that can help one succeed in life in general.  Written in an engaging and informative way this book is an easy enough read packed with great resources written by people who really know their stuff! This book would not only come in handy in the business world but in negotiating in ones day to day activities, one can implement these tips in so many areas of your life!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Dragon Seed (New Growth Press, June 2017)

An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background.

Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!

This page-turning, young adult fiction story invites older children and teens into the real-life struggles of Nick. But it also ushers them into an imaginative exploration of the life of the young man Jesus saved as he wandered through the tombs. Best-selling author Marty Machowski uses both stories to introduce the reality of spiritual warfare and how its shadows affect and change us.

Machowski, a trusted teacher for children of all ages, presents a thoroughly biblical view of spiritual warfare that emphasizes the importance of humility and dangers of pride. Teens will be drawn to the story of Nick and his struggles and will learn, as they read, to also identify the shadows in their own life and turn from them. While the biblical teaching is evident throughout the narrative of Dragon Seed, Machowski also includes a twelve-lesson Bible study at the end of the book to help teens ground their understanding of spiritual warfare on biblical principles.

Youth pastors, leaders, and parents will also want to explore with teens the small group study at the end of the book with its unique take on spiritual warfare that emphasizes the biblical theme of humility. This is a perfect book to read with a group and discuss together the implications of Nick’s struggles for their lives.

My opinion: Rarely have I read something so utterly enthralling and engaging as this book. Written in an engaging and easy to read manner this book really brings so many important issues to the forefront without being pushy or preaching about, he just weaves it seamlessly into an enthralling read that will keep you on the edge of yours seat until the very end. I love how this book appeals to a wide age group, sure to endear young and old readers alike. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

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The Captain’s Daughter(Bethany House, June 2017)

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

My opinion: This book was a great read, well written and with engaging characters this book was a thoughtfully written and well researched book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I love a good  novel about the Victorian era and this book was certainly what I was looking for. This gives a vivid glimpse into the world of theater and the military which I loved.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

How we love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich

I was very excited to read this book as I always love books that help you discover more about yourself and why you react and act the way you do in your life. This book certainly was insightful in helping identify ones love style and how it affects how you interact with your spouse, however I don't feel like the book just helps with ones marriage but in other relationships as well.
I love how this book helps you learn more about yourself and improves in your relationships as well, this is certainly a must read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.