A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society) by Melissa Jagears

I love a good series.  I can honestly say that some books get better and better as the series progresses and this is one of them.  

When I got my copy I was so excited.  The cover is gorgeous!  I just admired it for awhile and then dived into another great book by Melissa Jagears. 

From the back: "Heartwarming and sweet . . . compelling . . ."--RT Book Reviews on A Love So True 

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

"The third book in Jagears' Teaville Moral Society series is a delightful addition with its wonderful message about God's promises for the future and the closure of one's past. . . . The characters are complex, and their struggles are realistic and believable, as are the details of the early 1890s time period. The romance is sweet and lovely, and Jagears knows how to pull heartstrings. If you are a historical inspirational romance reader, this is a fantastic read in an enjoyable series."--RT Book Reviews

Ok, let's start with the fact that this author home schools three kids and still manages to write amazing stories.  I home school and am lucky I can match socks most days.  This impresses me just as much as the story does. 

These books can stand alone, but I think you should read them all.  Characters from previous books pop in and it just makes it a richer experience if you have read the past ones.  

It's hard to pull off a repentant bad boy, but Melissa Jagears does a good job.  Aaron is a likable character and realistic.  I found myself cheering him on in the story and enjoying his path as he tries to make things right. 

Mercy was a bit difficult for me to like, but the reality is, she was bullied and the way she responded to Aaron is realistic and people can react that way.  She was hurt and that can impact you.  

This is a rich story and typical of the author's style the characters are realistically portrayed and sensitive topics are discussed.  We live in a fallen world and bad things happen.  I love the way they are dealt with in the story.  

With great characters, good major and minor story lines, and just a really great book I have enjoyed this series.  So pick up your copy today and dive into a great read.  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Ellie and the Prince (Faraway Castle #1) by J.M. Stengl

If you follow this blog you find that I love a good retelling.  I grew up in the Disney world of fairy tales and frankly, Cinderella wasn't my favorite.  She was a passive, meek, goody two shoes.  It was when I grew up and discovered the true tales and retellings that fairy tales came to life for me. 

J.M. Stengl entered the retelling scene and fairy tales may never be the same.  She already has two prequels out.  Cinder Ellie begins this story.  

From the description:  Don't miss this stunning Golden Phoenix Award-winning novel!

Serving as Controller of Magical Creatures at the illustrious Faraway Castle resort, Ellie Calmer knows her place. She is a servant, and she has no business thinking about handsome Prince Omar, a regular visitor at the resort, much less talking to him!

But then a unicorn on the resort grounds attacks a party of riders, frightening the guests, and a band of young and adventurous nobles decide to hunt it down. Suddenly Ellie needs Omar's help. She knows something must be wrong to have driven the unicorn to such desperate extremes. Can she and Omar find the unicorn before it's too late? And will she somehow protect her heart against the irresistible attraction she feels for the kind and gentle prince?

Ok let's start with what I loved,  Ellie is amazing.  This is not some meek female who lets the mice get the job done.  Sometimes having such a strong character can wash out the scenes and other characters.  Ms. Stengl does a good job of balancing it all out and letting the minor characters shine.  The story flows well and we meet more magical creatures.  I also see where the story branches out and begins to weave into other tales.  I felt strong connections to the characters and have eternal thankfulness that no singing mice were involved.  

My son, of course, loved the Cinder Sprites!  (I preferred the unicorn, but apparently, when you are a 10 year old boy a glowing horse is nothing compared to something that bursts into flames.)  He thinks they are still the most amazing magical creature, ever.  (Side note, our poor Guinea pig is being casted to play a Cinder Sprite)

I would have liked to have seen Ellie's reunification with her parents.  I think it would have been neat.  Plus the way Stengl described the mom I was interested to see how the mother/daughter relationship would function.  I also would have loved to have heard her guardian's side of the tale.   There are some other loose ends like the director of the resort that were left hanging.  I'm hopeful that they are in a future stories because they are worthy to be told.  

Overall, this is probably my favorite retelling.  With vibrant characters, Cinder Sprites galore, and a flowing story line, this book will have you under it's spell.  So plan on picking up your copy when it comes out!  In the mean time, pick up the prequel.  You can get it here!  Happy Reading!


Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Twice Loved by Wanda Brunstetter

We did a secret sister in one of my online groups and my sweet sister sent me this little book after I had posted that it had been a tough week.  

This was such a nice surprise and a Wanda book I hadn't seen before!  

Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter brings you a touching story of a single mother widowed after World War II. Bev Winters’s new job is an answer to prayer and just in time for Christmas—until her boss’s kindness awakens an old longing. Will her pride allow love after loss? Also enjoy a collection of 1940s recipes and handcrafts along with stories and trivia about Christmas 1946.

This is a really sweet book and it reminds us that things happen in God's time and way.  

Dan was nice and made his wife a promise that he would keep the toy store running after her death.  Bev's husband died and she needs this job.  I found her a little blunt at times.  I enjoyed watching their romance unfold. 

The story was gentle and an easy evening read.  The wartime recipes at the end were fun I was able to adapt them to my dietary restrictions and make a few!  

So pick up your copy of Twice Loved and enjoy a fun read!  Happy Reading!  

A Home For Hannah (Book One in The Pontotoc Mississippi Series) by Amy Lillard

Sometimes, even when I am super excited for a new series and new cast of characters I get a bit nostalgic for the previous place that the author took us to.  I happen to love Wells Landing and following the series through became really invested in the place and the characters.  So I was a excited, but a little hesitant when Amy Lillard asked me to pack my bags and head to Pontotoc, Mississippi.  

From the back: Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s been since Hannah McLean set foot in the Amish community where she was raised. Through it all her heart has never forgotten Pontotoc—or Aaron Zook, her first love. Now widowed, and left with little more than her hurting teenager and her prayers, she returns home, even knowing she and her son may be turned away.

When Aaron learns Hannah has returned, he nearly falls to his knees. He’s a strong man, but lately the care of his three motherless children and family land have been more than he can handle. Now providence has delivered the first woman he loved, and with her, the rush of feelings they once shared. But will his simple, removed way of life leave Hannah longing for something more, or can they begin anew, finding a new way forward together?

One thing I love about Amy Lillard is her ability to make places come alive.  It's one thing to have a good story line, but breathing life into the background it's set in really brings the story to life and adds an extra dimension.  After diving in you really felt drawn into Pontotoc.  The town lived.  

Hannah's son, Brandon, really stood out in the story.  His story line was really strong and powerful.  I'm hoping he will be in other stories in the series. I also really liked the bishop.  He was a pretty smart guy and for a minor character, stole a lot of the scenes.  

Hannah's biggest problem is wanting to control all of the situations she is in.  She's been hurt so often, trust is hard.  You see throughout the story that God is there, gently guiding her.  Characters are put in her path throughout the book that light the way.  

The book moved at a really good pace until we got to the end.  I felt like it was a little rushed and there were still some things that didn't get resolved. I'm hoping they tie together in the second book.  

A Home For Hannah comes out on February 27th.  You can get your copy here.  So come join me on a new adventure in Pontotoc, Mississippi!  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Set Free to Choose Right byJosh McDowell

In today's world we are bombarded by culture and while some things have gotten better, some are a little scary to think about as a parent to tweens and teens. 

In Set Free to Choose Right, Josh McDowell offers advice on how to empower your loved ones to make the right choices.  

Popular Author, Speaker, and Founder of the Josh McDowell Ministry Speaks Out on the Popular, Culturally Relevant Topic of Right vs. Wrong

Directed to parents and gatekeepers of today’s youth, renowned speaker and author Josh McDowell focuses on the how-to’s of teaching teens and pre-teens to make right moral choices. 

Set Free to Choose Right will help you come to understand:

why today’s kids feel they have the right to determine what is “right” or “wrong” for themselves

how culture reinforces that there are no universal truths and. . .

where this misconception historically originated

how to motivate kids to make good choices

it is God’s character and nature that makes right, right and wrong, wrong


Engaging stories and helpful illustration are provided to model how a person (of any age) can distinguish between right and wrong and make the right choice—every time!

When we are bombarded by porn and children are starting to see it younger and younger we are setting the stage for permissiveness.  It is becoming less shocking and more the norm. 

The statics in the book were staggering and a lot of good research went into what Josh McDowell was talking about. Using information from the highly respected Barna group’s report, “The Porn Phenomenon: The Impact of Pornography in the Digital age” we see the impact that this is having on our culture. 

With solid advice, examples, and tools as a parent I feel like I can tackle this issue when it comes into our home.  I wish I could say I'll never need the advice in the book, but the reality is, I probably will.  So if you are looking for a good solid book on how to handle pornography as a parent pick up your copy today.  Happy Reading.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. 

His Indentured Bride (The Captive Brides Collection) by Angela Breidenbach

I really enjoy getting collections from Barbour Books.  They look so pretty.  I'm doing something a little different and splitting two stories so each writer gets their own post.  There were nine stories but I'm picking the two that I thought stood out in the book.

Love Brings Freedom in 9 Historical Romances


Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life's greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love?

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach - Pennsylvania, 1774-1776 
Leaving Scotland for a short indenture with her betrothed, Maire Gree's contract is sold when disaster strikes her kindly owner, and then extended through cruel circumstances. Can Kirk Lachlan's service in the American Revolution save her or will she lose love and freedom forever?

This story was the other unique story in the book.  I will point out that I enjoyed the touch of Scottish brogue that ran through the story. It made it fun to read and helped it stand out. The plot was engrossing and moved at a good pace.  

It was interesting to see these two together and they were already a couple at the beginning so the build up wasn't as big and grand, but overall it was still a good read.  

So pick up your copy of The Captive Bride's Collection and enjoy some really great short stories!  Happy Reading!  




Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Love's Escape (The Captive Bride's Collection) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I really enjoy getting collections from Barbour Books.  They look so pretty.  I'm doing something a little different and splitting two stories so each writer gets their own post.  There were nine stories but I'm picking the two that I thought stood out in the book.

Love Brings Freedom in 9 Historical Romances


Journey along as nine historical women are about to make their escape from some of life's greatest challenges. Can their captive hearts be freed to dream, to dare, to love?

Love's Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels - Virginia, 1850

With her life in peril, Lettie seeks escape from slavery. When Nathan offers to "conduct" her North via an unusual segment on the Underground Railroad, will his efforts help or do them both harm?

This story stood out from the group.  I don't read too many stories about the underground railroad and this was a nice change of pace.  Carrie Pagels is really great short story writer.  People will tell you that short stories are easy, but they aren't.  You have to cram a lot into a very small amount of pages.  Carrie Pagels is very good at this.  

I really enjoyed following along with Lettie and Nathan's journey.  The story was emotional and good clean read.  It moved at a nice pace and even though the ending was something easy to figure it it was a delightful read and I truly enjoyed it.  

So pick up your copy of The Captive Bride's Collection and enjoy some really great short stories!  Happy Reading!  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*