Remembrancy

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken – Review

August 8, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 6 Comments

About the Book

Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she’s assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor’s next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck–Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission–posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Terrance. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

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Wally’s Misadventure by Chrys Wimer – Review

August 7, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 2 Comments

About the Book

Wally had been cooped up all winter and was ready for a great adventure! His chores came first, then after his father reminded him of the rules, Wally was off. The first rule was to never go exploring alone, but when none of Wally’s friends could go, he was determined to go anyway. Look inside to find out what Wally faces on his adventure!

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Can’t Wait Wednesday: You Belong With Me

August 7, 2019 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

I am so looking forward to this debut from Tari Faris. Why? Because I adore friends-to-more romances, and this one has gotten a lot of early buzz! What’s your favorite romance trope?

About the Book

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn’t one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map–and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah’s mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts–not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah’s restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is–and who he was.

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Hope for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin – Review & Giveaway

August 6, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 5 Comments

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour (and Giveaway!) for Hope for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hope for Tomorrow
Author: Michelle De Bruin
Publisher: Mantle Rock Publishing
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. During his stay, he discovers his mother’s struggle with finances and his younger sister’s struggle with grief. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago ready to teach high school but her position is eliminated so she accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen begins a new career to replace the trust she lost in her own father who had been in ministry when she was a child.

Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord to serve him, but neither of them expected that one day they would do it together.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

IN MY OPINION

Hope for Tomorrow is reminiscent of classic Christian fiction such as those favorites written by Janette Oke and Grace Livingston Hill. As Logan and Karen endeavor to find their footing after both their lives take unexpected turns and their paths cross, friendship forms and grows.

Michelle de Bruin stuffs her story with lots of conflict—a grieving and jealous sister, an unwanted but persistent suitor, a home on the brink of foreclosure, and a wagonload of romantic tension. And while there were a couple parts that felt a bit preachy (but with a main character whose profession is a preacher, it isn’t a surprise), at no point did the pace get bogged down.

With the variety of genres and spectrum of faith content in Christian fiction today, the nostalgia of some of my first introduction to Christian fiction made this a sweet read.

My Rating:

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle De Bruin is a worship leader and spiritual services provider. She lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always looking for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: Website | Facebook | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize pack that includes a print copy of Hope for Tomorrow and a $25 gift card plus a set of handmade quilted hot pads and Dutch chocolate.

Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 5, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 12, 2019. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Love on the Beach by Kerry Evelyn – Review & Giveway

August 6, 2019 by Suzie Waltner 3 Comments

About The Book

After quitting her job at a high-profile magazine in Boston, idealistic journalist Shelby Porter retreats to her hometown of Crane’s Cove, Maine, to regroup and refocus. As the pastor’s daughter, she’s welcomed back with open arms and opportunities to serve. However, the solace and support from the townspeople isn’t enough to soften painful memories or bring her closer to her goals. Shelby’s plans run up against another obstacle when the new guy in town walks into her life. Despite their connection, she resolves to not let love get in the way of fulfilling her purpose.

Tragedy drives Detective Damon Saunders from his job in Atlanta to the tiny resort town. Wanting to escape the ugliness of the big city, he now patrols the peaceful streets of the seaside community. The hardest part of his new role is earning the trust of the locals—especially Shelby. He’s drawn to her quiet strength and desire to help people, but she has plans that’ll take her far away from the place where he’s trying to plant new roots. Maybe falling for her will complicate his life, but he’s willing to take that chance.

Shelby denies her growing feelings for Damon, but when her four-year-old nephew is in danger, he’s the only one who can help. Can Damon overcome the shadows of his past to save a child and win her—and the town’s—heart?

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