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28 July 2016

Bonnie reviews 'To Follow Her Heart' By Rebecca DeMarino

To Follow Her Heart
TO FOLLOW HER HEART 
Revell (July 19, 2016)
Reviewed by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****


July 24, 1664 - Southold, Long Island

Just returning from a voyage on his ship, The Swallow, Captain Jeremy Horton is shocked upon entering the church sanctuary and finding himself in the midst of his own memorial service.

Since being shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados more than a month prior no survivors have been found, friends and family have given up any hope he has survived. All EXCEPT Patience Terry - who believes so strongly he is alive, she - in defiance - wears a purple gown trimmed in white lace to the memorial service rather than black as have the other ladies in attendance.

On his last visit, she had begged him to give up sailing and make a home in Southold - a home she had hoped would include her as his wife. Overjoyed he has returned, Patience is soon disappointed to learn that even though he promises to marry her - Jeremy is once again leaving. This time to lead the troops in support of an attack on New Amsterdam by the British Crown.

Life continues to be less than "smooth sailing" for their relationship as Jeremy's sense of duty and other obstacles continue to come before their marriage. As Reverend Joshua Hobart's attraction to Patience increases, she makes a decision that could forever change the course of her life.

'To Follow Her Heart' is the third and last novel in The Southold Chronicles series by Rebecca DeMarino, based on the lives of her ninth great-grandparents, Mary Lanton and Barnabas Horton. Each novel can be read as a stand-alone, the reader's enjoyment enhanced by the reading of all three. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the three novels, being enticed by the first to read the other two - 'A Place in His Heart' and 'To Capture Her Heart'.

'To Follow Her Heart' is a beautiful, warm, family story woven with a thread of faith throughout - realistic characters, compelling history, engrossing suspense, and sweet, poignant romance. I look forward to Rebecca's next novel, which again will be based on the lives of real people.



*I was provided a copy of 'To Follow Her Heart' by it's publisher in return for my honest opinion - which I have given.

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You may find this book at these places and others for purchase: Amazon; CBD; BAM; B&N

GIVEAWAY: We are grateful to Rebecca DeMarino for providing a paperback copy of 'To Follow Her Heart' to one blessed commenter! Please comment and leave an email address written with (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers - for contact purposes, should you be our winner of Rebecca's novel.

26 July 2016

Noela reviews TEA SHOP FOLLY by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Tea Shop Folly

Tea Shop Folly (A Teacup Courtship Novella)
Forget Me Not Romances, July 1, 2016


What do teacups and romance have in common? Quite a bit in this charming, sweetly-brewed novella!

When poverty-stricken Lilly Smith becomes heir and executor of her Aunt Lillian’s estate, she travels from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Northern Michigan to move into her eccentric Aunt’s home and begin sorting through things. The house is bursting with her Aunt’s collection of tea cups, so what’s Lilly to do when the handsome Theo, an engineer, comes looking for the perfect teacup for his mother? For one thing, she doesn’t correct his thinking it’s not a tea shop, for then she may not see him again! That little error in judgement leads to all sorts of problems which sorely tries Lilly’s patience and may even land her in hot water. Without the tea! Will this folly bring together Theo and the feisty Lilly, or will it ruin their chances of a promising courtship?

This delightful story kept me drinking from the pages right until the delicious end! I so enjoyed the fascinating historic details scattered throughout, the touches of humor, and the delightfully diverse characters. And the best thing was, it was just as satisfying as a good cuppa!

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You may purchase 'Tea Shop Folly' from: AMAZON

GIVEAWAY: We have TWO giveaways of 'Tea Shop Folly' for two blessed commenters ~ A Kindle copy of the book, and when the printed version is released, a paperback copy!! 
*Leave a comment below to enter, and your email so we can contact you should you win. Use (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

21 July 2016

Noela Nancarrow's Testimony in "Trusting Him When Life's Messy," by Charlotte Holt - Review by Bonnie Roof



Trusting Him When Life's Messy, by Charlotte Holt, is a compilation of testimonies from 15 people, including Charlotte, herself - relating how God guided them through trials, hardships, and messy situations. His hand is seen in the simple everyday frustrations of life as well as the more serious issues: conquering fears, financial problems, drug addiction, dementia, sexual abuse, infidelity, physical abuse, insecurity, guilt, unworthiness, rebellious children, disease, etc.. Each story is followed by comments from Charlotte and a prayer.

I was touched by Noela Nancarrow's moving testimony, "Breaking the Chains", relating the fear she and her siblings experienced while growing up in a home with a father who displayed almost daily outbursts of raging temper and physical abuse. One evening, at the age of 13 years, during one of her father's rages - she retreated to her bedroom seeking solitude and calming quietness. Feeling an immediate overwhelming peace when entering the room and not wanting to disturb that peace - she was sitting on her bed in total darkness when she experienced a vision of a man who appeared to be enclosed in light. Although she and her family weren't Christians and her religious experience was limited to Sunday School classes when she was very young, she had no doubt she was seeing Jesus. 

She related further experiences of His using more visions, as well as help from friends, to guide her through difficult situations during her teen years and into adulthood, marriage, and the rearing of her children - by using her childhood experiences to help break the chains of her past. A beautifully inspiring story of God's perfect plan fulfilled through His love and using Noela's trials for her good. A significant scripture in her story: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 (KJV)

Trusting Him When Life's Messy is a wonderful encouragement that God will see us through all of life's "messy situations" because He loves us. 

Other books in the Trusting Him series:
Trusting Him in the Midst of Medical Madness
Trusting Him With Your Addicted Child
Trusting Him - Life After Divorce
Trusting Him in Your Grief 

Giveaway: An ebook copy to one blessed commenter on Bonnie's review! Be sure to leave an email address written (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

19 July 2016

Audiobook Review of From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden


Another Hit From Elizabeth Camden!
Five Stars *****
By Carrie Fancett Pagels

This turn of the century historical suspense and romance is another stellar example of Elizabeth Camden's skill as a story teller who pulls you in and keeps you in the story to the end!  The dandy Romulus White is one of the owners of Scientific World. For years, he's hoped to have Stella West, the famous lithograph artist, contribute to his magazine.  His partner at the journal, his cousin, Evelyn, has been estranged from her engineer husband for years. He reappears on the scene to help with the building of Boston's new subway

When Stella returns from London, to investigate her sister's suspicious death, she and Romulus soon becoming entangled in a testy relationship that pits her needs against his. Danger seems to lurk everywhere.

The narrator was not the best, but she was ok. Her male voices were cringe-worthy at times. But Elizabeth's story shines and expert characterization overcomes the performance.

I have an audible.com membership and downloaded the book.

Highly Recommend!!! From This Moment is a book you will love!

Giveaway: Paperback copy of the book. Leave a comment about why you love late 18th century books!

14 July 2016

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews NO OTHER WILL DO by Karen Witemeyer,

NO OTHER WILL DO (Ladies of Harper's Station Book #1)
Bethany House Publishers 2016

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews
5 Stars****

In this sweet story talented author, Karen Witemeyer, introduces us to some amazing characters; Emma Chandler, her two aunts and Malachi Shaw.

Emma Chandler, even as a child was tender-hearted and fill with compassion for those in need. That is one reason why she decided to build a town of refuge for abused women and another reason is, she was raised by two of the feistiest women alive, who showed her a woman doesn’t have to have a man to survive.

Malachi Shaw, was one of those needy people that a certain little angel named Emma rescued from freezing to death when he was a thrown away orphan. Since that night, he lost his heart to her, but someone as sweet and kind as his angel deserved so much more than what he could give. So Malachi left her behind and the aunts that had become his family, to make his way in the world.

Running a town for women was not an easy task but Emma was proud she was the one that answered that call. There were so many women that had been battered by life or the men in their lives, that Emma was proud to be the one to help make their lives a little easier. She was determined to do whatever it took to protect these ladies, even if it meant going toe-to-toe with the person who has been terrorizing her town. When things seem to be getting more dangerous, Emma decides to call on the only man she knows she can trust with her life—Malachi!

When Malachi receives Emma’s telegram asking for help, he leaves behind his exciting job as an explosives expert with the railroad and heads to Harper’s Station to protect his angel! 

Karen Witemeyer has once again thoroughly entertained me with her expert writing skills, and amazing talent I can barely wait until she presents us with yet another charming story.  

***I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers 
in exchange for my honest opinion***

GIVEAWAY: Karen Witemeyer has graciously offered a paperback copy of this jewel to one blessed commenter. (US ONLY)  Leave a comment to enter and please leave your email address so we can contact you should you be that blessed winner! Also, to protect yourself against spammers, please use (at) and (dot). 


12 July 2016

Noela reviews NO OTHER WILL DO by Karen Witemeyer

No Other Will Do
No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper’s Station, Book #1)
Bethany House Publishers (June 7, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars ***** 

A dynamite adventure and romance!

Karen Witemeyer is one of my ‘constant’ authors... Which means I unfailingly enjoy every book of Karen's—so they are always confidently anticipated! Sometimes even with a little drool. But ‘No Other Will Do’, wasn’t as constant. It easily exceeded any lofty expectations I already had!

The unequivocally selfless and compassionate Emma Chandler, has established a colony for struggling and abused women at Harper’s Station in Baylor County, Texas. These women were resourceful and intelligent, and got along just dandy without men. That is, until some threats against them began to get a whole lot more threatening. Emma knew only one man she could trust to come to their rescue.

Ten years ago, Malachi Shaw was rescued by a young angel named Emma when he was an orphaned, freezing, and hungry, homeless kid. Emma and her Aunts gave him a second chance at life and a future. He’s now a successful explosives expert for the railroad, but upon receiving a cry for help from his angel in a telegram, Malachi has no hesitation in dropping everything (not the explosives!) and races to save Emma from whatever trouble she’s found herself in. This ‘trouble’, however, soon escalates and the women must choose whether to stay and fight alongside of him or flee to safety. Malachi’s life isn’t the only thing at stake. The angel that has always held a piece of his heart—is now snagging the rest. Unfortunately, they both have very different lives and purposes. But will any other do for them? And can Malachi be his angel’s savior or will everything blow up in his face?

Author Karen Witemeyer has a cracker of a wit which pretty much guarantees, and delivers, outbursts of laughter in ‘No Other Will Do’.  As for the romantic tension, forget about the characters being breathless… I was the one holding my breath! Expect also to be buoyed spiritually while reflecting upon God’s promises in helping to defeat our enemies—and the knowledge that we are not alone with our burdens. Highly recommended!! 


*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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You may find this book for purchase at these and other places: AMAZON, CBD, BAM, B&N

GIVEAWAY: Karen Witemeyer has generously offered a giveaway of a paperback copy of 'No Other Will Do' to one blessed commenter below! (US only)
*Leave a comment to enter and be sure to leave your email for contact purposes should you win, using (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers.

10 July 2016

Overcoming Depression - Interview with Debut Author Rebecca Nightsong


 
Debut Author Rebecca Nightsong

Rebecca, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. Congratulations on your debut!!! 

Rebecca is a member of Tidewater Area Christian Writers and I've had the privilege of meeting with her in person and I've gotten to hear about her debut book! We're glad to introduce Rebecca to our OWG readers!

Would you tell us about the one of the most difficult things in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
Depression has been one of the most difficult things I’ve had to overcome.  I have struggled with infertility issues for a decade.  I describe infertility as an on-going loss. It’s very difficult to resolve loss that keeps happening. And that unresolved grief can quickly mushroom into depression.

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Psalm 42:8 “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life.”
Is 65:24 “It shall also come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” 


What helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty?
When I pray and read God’s Word every day, He gives me new promises and a new purpose that is fresh for that day.
One of my favorite things to do is write in my prayer journal the worries and sadness I feel in that moment.  Then I ask God:  “What is your heart in this right now?” I write down the verses He brings to mind, and then I ask Him:  “What do you mean by that?”
He is always faithful to speak words of specific direction and comfort to my heart.  That is consistently the fastest way to peace for me, and it lasts all day. 
One of my favorite sermons is by Charles H. Spurgeon, titled “Small Things Not To Be Despised.” He points out that God’s works start small, and we should never ignore them.
I’ve discovered that for me, depression is most potent when I am not nurturing the small quiet ways God works in my heart. Focusing on even the very small ways that I can see God moving and working in my life has given me so much hope—it keeps me connected to Him.
Daily time with Jesus reveals the ways He is working in my life—both small and large.  His voice in scripture always re-sets my hope in Him.  This is why I chose ‘Nightsong’ as my pen-name; because even in the darkest night, Jesus has always given me a song.  


Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
Not currently, but I plan to have every book available in audio format very soon.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
In “Love on the Range,” Marlee has a tight grip on her pride. It blinds her to some of the blessings God wants to bring into her life, because she can only see that her own plans are failing. When our plans or our bodies fail us, we come face to face with pride and our own limitations. But those things can be a doorway to God’s work in our hearts and lives, if we will let Him. It would be therapeutic write about your own limits as a place to meet with God. When we come to the end of our own strength, that is when we get to see Him in action.

Question you’d like to ask readers:
What are the many “small things” you see God working in your life?  Have you been blind to any of them because of your own plans or limitations?



Bio: RebeccaNightsong grew up under the wide-open skies of Idaho, where she spent long days in fluffy petticoats and lace, chasing geese and riding goats (since sadly, she had no horses).
As a bossy sister in a large family of all boys, she may or may not be guilty of making her 3 year old brother lie down on a hard strip of lumber in the middle of the pasture to take a pretend nap when playing “pioneer families.”
Today, Rebecca lives with her husband, who is a constant source of inspiration. 
She spends her time in her quirky fictional world of Looking Glass Lake, bossing around characters who frequently boss back.   
You can find her at:  www.rebeccanightsong.com

Giveaway: Rebecca is looking for new readers as a debut author!!! She has a site that can put a FREE download right into our OWG readers’ hands!!! Go to  http://dl.bookfunnel.com/raxn4ii9m2 and follow the directions for the download!


07 July 2016

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd Audiobook Review


Blurb: For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.


Carrie's Audiobook Review

It is so difficult to find a good Christian fiction new release audiobook to listen to, so was I ever thrilled when I learned Sarah E. Ladd's newest Regency from Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins was available as a download from Audible.com! I have a membership and I promptly downloaded it and listened!

SPOILER: I love a rags-to-riches story and I've written some myself. Isabel is such a sympathetic heroine, orphaned and working in a girl's school. One begins to realize, pretty quickly, that all is not well at Emberwilde.

This story includes elements of extreme betrayal and avarice as well as criminal behavior and murder. For Isabel, almost no one is beyond suspicion. She's a strong young woman who takes a while to "push back" at some of the nonsense being hoisted upon her. But she eventually does rise to the occasion.

This was a very good listen! Narration was good but could have been better, but it wasn't a deterrent to the listen.

Note: I did receive a paperback from the publisher but am under no compulsion to post a positive review. As mentioned, I purchased my own audiobook copy and listened.

Giveaway: A Paperback copy of Sarah's lovely Regency, Dawn at Emberwilde (a gorgeous cover on this paperback!) Leave a comment as to why you enjoy Regency stories.  I like them because some of my ancestors lived in England during Regency (my great-grandparents immigrated to Michigan later) and because I loved Jane Austin.  

05 July 2016

BONNIE ROOF reviews Promise Of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper


1790 - Deer Run, Massachusetts

Twenty-six year-old Corp. Nathaniel Stearns is a man with a wounded spirit. Returning home ahead of his father Sgt. Benjamin Stearns, at the end of the American Revolution, he found a note from his mother revealing his younger brother Ethan had passed away. No longer able to maintain their farm, she and Nathaniel's three sisters had moved to Boston to reside with her sister Abigail and husband. 

Now seven years later and still feeling Ethan would be alive if Nathaniel had not gone to war, he is burdened with guilt. Frequent nightmares and day visions resulting from the trauma of seeing his friend Isaiah have his face blown away by the enemy, a previous betrayal by a childhood sweetheart, his belief his father will return home, and his aloofness cause townspeople to feel Nathaniel is quite "strange". His conviction that his father will return compels him to restore the family farm and is the impetus to sustain him amidst the hardships. Finding surprise baskets of fresh bread at his doorstep are unexpected treats to a man who wonders if God has forgotten him.

Nineteen year-old Sarah Thomsen has admired Nathaniel since his kindness of sneaking her food while she was in stocks as punishment for her disobedience and boldness of paying a visit to a boy's school when she was eight years-old. So strong was her desire to attend school!

Sarah has suffered loss also - her father having died in a drowning accident prior to her birth, she fears the possibility of being unworthy of love and becoming a spinster, left living alone. Prone to blurt out what is on her mind and reacting to circumstances without first considering the consequences - Sarah is thought to be self-willed and obstinate (although "bringing the sun with her wherever she goes") by her mother/midwife Ruth Eaton, and having a natural spirit for adventure and truth by her sickly step-father Myles Eaton.

The 'Promise of Deer Run' is book 2 in the Deer Run Saga by Elaine Marie Cooper. Having read book 1, 'Road to Deer Run' - the story of Sarah's sister Mary - it was such a treat to revisit the members of the Thomsen family. Characters and events from the first book were fully explained in the second, providing enjoyment and clarity for those readers new to the saga. Elaine's realistic characters and adeptly woven historical detail and fascinating customs of the era were written in a simplistic, yet beautifully worded style. 

The hardships of the era portrayed through the births, illnesses, deaths, and the struggle to survive, along with the added suspense of slander by a hopeful-to-be suitor, episodes of PTSD, and an attack by a vagrant - are exciting additional elements in this story of romance. Faith plays a huge part - making 'Promise of Deer Run' a captivating, engrossing story of family, hope, love, perseverance, suspense, forgiveness, and God's grace. I look forward to reading book 3 in the saga: 'Legacy of Deer Run', releasing December, 2016.


I was provided a PDF of 'Promise of Deer Run' by the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have provided.

Giveaway: An ebook copy of Promise of Deer Run. Leave a comment to enter. 

03 July 2016

When You Can't -- God Can! By Carrie Fancett Pagels




I blogged last week about some packing suggestions for folks with autoimmune or other chronic health issues. I haven't made any more progress with our packing, I confess, but this week I was enabled by God to transport my son up and down the road to the College of William & Mary for an ID Tech Camp. Isn't that a great statue, above? It's in the lovely business building where my son took classes!

To many people, commuting a child may not be a big deal. It didn't used to be to me -- or rather I didn't think it was until during an arthritis flare I fell asleep in the parked car after commuting my then-elementary school aged daughter to horseback lessons. But I've learned since then what some of my limitations are. So in this case, the weekly experience for my son was something I thought -- I will just stay out in Williamsburg all day and drive him back later rather than  thirty to forty minutes up (and returning - for a sum total of about two and a half hours driving for the day). And I did pray about this camp before we enrolled Clark. I quickly discerned that staying all day up in Williamsburg was going to be more physically taxing than attempting a double round trip drive. Hubs also offered to go up and get Sonny if I couldn't. 

To make a long story short -- I don't believe I could have commuted my son up and back every day, twice a day, without God's help. The first three days I did it, praise the Lord! The fourth day, my husband picked up our son afterwards. And on the fifth day, we both drove up together to attend his graduation, during which he received his certificate and they had a "Graduation Ceremony" which was fun!


That same day I learned my novella, The Substitute Bride, was a Maggie Award finalist for Published Authors in the Romance Novella category!!! My book is the only Christian fiction among the five finalists, and again that is just a God thing! Winners will be announced in October at the RWA Georgia conference. The fortunate Maggie winners will receive that gorgeous medallion pictured above left!!!

Tea Shop Folly by 
Carrie Fancett Pagels

My new novella, Tea Shop Folly, in A Teacup Courtship collection (Forget Me Not Romance, July 2016) is about what happens when you can't do something but God can. Here's the blurb:

Almost destitute, Lilly has run out of hope when she inherits her great-aunt’s home -- but it’s not the Tea Shop that a handsome young gentleman thinks it is. Lilly’s inherited house is crammed full of tea cups. Theo, a Soo Locks engineer, visits frequently in the hopes he will find the perfect antique teacup for his mother and is charmed by the lovely 'Shoppe owner.’ Lilly can’t turn the bachelor away when he persistently peruses her aunt’s collection, which she’s trying to pack up and remove from the house. Is the man only interested in the teacups, or in her? When Theo begins referring people to Lilly, and the genuine Tea Shoppe owner sets the police on Lilly for her lack of a business license, sparks fly!
  Maggie Award Finalist The Substitute Bride 

Giveaway: A copy of The Substitute Bride (choice of format) and Tea Shop Folly (ebook only - print releases in August.) Answer this question -- Has God ever done something for you that you knew you couldn't do under your own strength? 

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