Aloha Summer Adventure

Dreaming of a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, but financially it is not possible? Try a staycation reading Wanda E. Brunstetter's new novel "The Hawaiian Discovery." Journey to Hawaii with Mandy and her husband, Ken, when they receive a call that Ken's dad has had a heart attack. Mandy's young Amish friend, Ellen Lambright, is left in charge of running their B&B until Mandy and Ken decide to stay in Hawaii helping his mom. Then, tragedy strikes Mandy and Ken again. Ellen still trying to figure out what to do with her life volunteers to go to Hawaii once she receives the Amish leaders permission. Her life is forever changed. So grab a lemonade, a comfy chair, and start enjoying this adventure to Hawaii. It could be life changing journey for you as well! I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Trust and Believe

Genealogical saga of the Lytton family continues with the adventures of Mercy Lytton, who is part Mohawk and English in "The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep. Mercy, independent and strong-willed, is a scout for the American army. Her assignment, along with Captain Prinn, is to transport a load of captured gold to Fort Edward but there is a hitch. The gold will be buried among boxes of home goods and she is to be married to one of the prisoners, Elias Dubois, at Fort Wilderness so that it looks like homesteaders are returning east. The general's son will make the fourth person to go on the trip. Many unforeseen dangers plaque this trip, one of which is her heart being captured by a condemned man. A second danger is admitting her trust in God. A gripping story-line for historical fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Hope for New Beginnings

"A Breath of Hope" continues the Carlson family saga in Minnesota. In this second installment, the reader finds Nilda Carlson wanting to come to America and Uncle Einar has agreed to send her the funds in return for working for him on the farm. But, before she can leave the family works to save enough money for her brother, Ivar, to accompany her on the trip to America. Meanwhile, Rune and Signe continue to help Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd on the farm. Uncle Einar does not let anything stop him from working even after suffering a fall. Nevertheless, his ambition and independent nature maybe his downfall. I found this second book in the series to be more interesting to read than the first. I look forward to the next book to see what happens with the Carlson family. I received a complimentary copy of his book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review.

Forgiveness

Melissa Jagears captures the reader in this third volume of the Teaville Moral Society series, "A Chance at Forever." Mercy McClain, along with her brother and sister-in-law, have been put in charge of the local orphanage. There she spends her days helping to take care of the children. She also is on the school board and it is here that she encounters someone from her past - her tormentor - George Aaron Firebrook. Better known in her childhood as the class bully. Now he was applying for a teacher's position. Would this be her chance to get even or would she live up to her name granting mercy? George Aaron Firebrook returns to Teaville, Kansas a changed man. However, he has his work cut out to show everyone, particular Mercy, that he is a new person. While waiting for the school board to decide on who the new teacher will be he is offered a job at the orphanage as the grounds keeper. This is a chance to prove himself and gain Mercy's forgiveness and friendship. Jagears does a great job exploring forgiveness and second chances in this latest novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BethanyHouse and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Creative Prayer Journal

"The Prayer Map for Women: A Creative Journal" is wonderful and encouraging for women wanting to begin or even deepen their prayer life. The journal is spiral bound making it easy to lay flat and journal on it's delightful pages, each having a scripture and topics to help a person along on what to write. Sometimes that is the stumbling block - what to write or how to write it. Now its really easy as you follow the format provided. And if another stumbling block is time. This book is small enough to fit in a purse or tote bag so you can jot down your thoughts/prayers where ever you are. I have been meaning to start a prayer journal but never did it. Now with this little gem I have no excuse. There is even room for my doodling! Happy journaling! I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A Lifestyle that Promotes Well-being and Health

The lifestyle a person lives affects not only health in general but more specifically it affects the cellular health. Chronic stress and inflammation damages cellular health which in turn affects ones immune system according Deepak Chopara, M.D. and Rudolph Tanzi, PhD in "The Healing Self." Dr. Chopara explains how important it is to protect our immunity to realize a healthy life. Our environment is full of deadly pathogens and toxins to name a few. Each person must take responsibility for his/her own health and not rely others. They write, "On its own the body knows how to survive, it's up to us to teach it how to thrive (p. 16)". The mind-body connection has never been shown to be more prevalent then between these pages. The book is divided into two parts: the investigation/research and a seven day action plan. The latter gives recommendations for each day of the week for a person to follow as he/she make lifestyle changes to better his/her overall health. If you want to take control of your health and well-being, I highly recommend reading this book and start working on the action plan provided. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books and was under no obligation to post a review.

Seeking Asylum

Jocelyn Green delivers a beautifully written historical novel, "A Refuge Assured," set during the eighteenth century in France, and then, in America. Vivenne Rivard is a lacemaker for the Queen of France until the revolution when, after her mother's death, she escapes to America to avoid being sentenced to death. But before leaving France a chance encounter brings her face to face with the father she never knew. Once in America, Vivenne tries to make a living working at a tavern where she meets William Delaney, a militiaman. She also befriends a French noblewoman who was part of the Queens court and her young son, Henri. As Vivenne tries to assimilate into living in Philadelphia, she finds herself the guardian of Henri after the death of this mother, and apart of something more sinister than she realizes while the tensions for the Whiskey law mount. Does going to the French settlement of Asylum as suggested by her father offer her the safety and peace she is seeking in her life? Read this exciting novel to find the answer and more. Greens historical details and characters make the reader feel like part of this adventurous story. I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.