Perspective

It's the last day of 2017.  I've been thinking about that statement for the past hour and it simply astounds me.  How could the last 364 days just flown by me?

I'm also thinking about my word for the year--PERSPECTIVE.  God has taught me a lot this year about this word--many lessons I would have rather avoided, but combining the bad with the good--I know these are things  I needed to learn.

Looking at all of the changes that have happened this year--boyfriend, promotion at work, moving work locations due to promotion, travel, serious debt accumulation, clutter--I'm surprised that I'm still able to lift my head.  Thankfully, by looking at each issue separately, I've been able to gain a greater perspective for life and the changes I need to make going forward.  (I'm keeping the boyfriend, but working towards getting rid of the debt and clutter.)

I know this is such a serious post for the end of the year, but since I was remiss in actually posting on how I was doing with my word this year, I figured I should give you something.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year--Full of blessings and the wonder that is life.  See you next year!

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

About the Book:

Riveting new series offers legal suspense with a romantic twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything-even murder-to keep the case from going to trial.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. In addition, Rachel writes the Danger in the Deep South including "Lethal Action" and "Devoted Defender," which appeals to fans of edge of your seat romantic suspense. Rachel also writes the Windy Ridge series including "Trial & Tribulations" and "Fatal Accusation." These legal thrillers with elements of spiritual warfare are great for fans who enjoy books by Peretti or Dekker. "Trial & Tribulations" was a Selah finalist in 2016. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids-two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers.

Find out more about Rachel at http://www.racheldylan.com.

Dynamic Uno here:   Murder, suspense, and a love connection--count me in!  Deadly Proof starts off with high intensity action and drama that doesn't stop until the last page. 

I was drawn in by the main character, Kate, as she rallied for justice for her victims.  As a lawyer, rather than take the bait and blow off the case underhandedly, she followed the rules and did everything above board on the case. (Lawyers and honesty? What a concept!) This not only gave me a better picture into how the justice systems works, but also made me respect her integrity and made me care about her and the craziness surrounding the case.  I especially liked how honest and open she was about how God has used her wayward past to make her into the compassionate woman she is in the story.  You can see His love in her actions and I love it when the characters live out their faith.

Deadly Proof is the first book in the Atlanta Justice series and I can't wait to read the others!  If you enjoy legal thrillers with a bit of romance, this is the book for you!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

After nearly a decade of being apart, tragedy brings together Hadley and Monroe. Take a break from the holiday busyness and settle in for a story of young love lost and second chances in Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall’s The Gift of Christmas Past. Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family. Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

ABOUT THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS PAST

The Gift of Christmas Past(Woodsmall Press, October 2017)

Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.

Promises shattered.

Lies spoken.

She was arrested.

He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy.

ABOUT CINDY AND ERIN WOODSMALL

Cindy Woodsmall is the “New York Times” and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s “Nightline” and the “Wall Street Journal.” Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA. ||**|| Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.

Dynamic Uno here:   Wow!  Talk about a book that grabs you by the throat and sucks you into the story... Hadley's life as a teenager had me in tears.  To live such a crazy life as a foster-kid, never knowing if you were going to be allowed to stay in your home or be forced into another place must have been horrible.  Then, to compare your life with that of your boyfriend who grew up with a silver spoon...I can only imagine the sense of unworthiness and frustration she felt.

Learning about the foster care system and how rough it can be was eye-opening.I have always assumed that once your kids were taken away, that you didn't get the chance to have them again.  Reading about Hadley's experience in the system was heart-breaking because it seemed like she never had a fighting chance.

Meeting Hadley and Monroe as adults, I was interested in learning more about their work with children who have speech and language problems.  As a former teacher, it has always fascinated me how crazy our bodies really can be when it comes to trauma and other added stressors.  I could see on a daily basis the issues these could cause my students--and to think that Hadley lived through many of them.  Yikes!

The unique relationships between the characters and the amazing backdrop of Asheville, North Carolina, make for a wonderful tale of perseverance and forgiveness.

Let me know what you think about the book in the comments section and Happy Reading!

A Small Book About a Big Problem by Edward T. Welch

What happens when our daily irritations and frustrations rise again and again? Start your journey to find peace and a plan to change with Edward T. Welch’s new book, A Small Book about a Big Problem.Ed, a Biblical counselor and psychologist, invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life’s difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated?

While you might not think about it often, if you look closely at any day most everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes. Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?

Anger is so common—yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger—loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships—give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.

But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life’s difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.

Learn more, read a sample, and purchase a copy here.

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a Ph.D. in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions.

Find out more about Edward at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.

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Dynamic Uno here:  I did not sign up to review this book, although after reading about it, I probably should .  If you're interested in learning what others think, check out further reviews here.

The Gift by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 



About the book:

The Gift: The Amish of Hart County(Avon Inspire, November 2017)

A special Christmas story about love and blessings in the next book in the Amish of Hart County series

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous "accidents" that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it's not the Schwartz family's fault, but he can't help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can't stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna's father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She's fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Dynamic Uno here: The more I get to know the characters in Hart County, the more I want to get to know them.  The Gift is book three in the series of The Amish of Hart County and the suspense of who was causing the accidents is what grabbed me from the start.  After all, in a "sleepy little Amish town" everyone knows everyone else.  Why would someone try to deliberately hurt their neighbors?  

As I continued to read and get wrapped up in the plot, I enjoyed getting to know the characters even more.  It seemed like Amanda had never met a stranger (much like my sister) and Suzanne was a bit more reserved and quiet (like I am).  Reading about their family dynamics and seeing how close-knit their relationships were, made me long for the same with my own relationships.

The themes of forgiveness and trust are prevalent throughout the novel.  Once forgiveness had been granted, it paved the way for Suzanne to trust Neil more resulting in a beautiful friendship between the two characters.  And really, isn't it that way in life?  God forgave us (for our sins) and as long as we trust Him, we have a beautiful relationship too?

I enjoyed reading The Gift.  Between the "who done it" suspense and the relationships of the characters, I had to keep reading to find out what happened next!

Even if you're not a fan of Amish fiction, but enjoy a mystery with a touch of romance, you'll enjoy this book.  It is book #3 in a series, but can stand alone if you haven't read Her Secret or His Guilt.  Give it a try today--you'll love it!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Called and Courageous Girls Live Webcast

Join the movement to inspire the next generation of godly women!

Meet God's Called and Courageous Girls, Bible heroes who inspire your child's faith in God. Harvest House's new series just launched with the release of the first book! To celebrate the release of A Brave Big Sister, you're invited to join authors Rachel Spier Weaver and Anna Haggard for a live webcast on September 7 at 2 PM EDT (1 PM CDT/12 PM MDT/11 AM PDT).

Join top Christian speakers and the creators of the Called and Courageous Girls series for this live one-hour event to equip and encourage parents how to teach their kids about the women of the Bible. Explore how God is calling women to serve him today in exciting ways. There will be plenty of prizes to win, too, so stop by on your lunch break and join in the conversation.

Guest speakers and topics will include:

• Peter Greer on framing our biblical and faith narrative in a way that invites girls to join God's story.
• Katelyn Beaty on how mainstream and church cultures impact girls' understanding of their role in God's plan for the world.
• Chris Horst on the Christian narrative and the significance of women in scripture.
• Carolyn Custis James, Kate Wallace Nunneley, with Rachel Spier Weaver and Anna Haggard, the authors and creators of the Called and Courageous Girls series of children's books.

Don't miss this chance to learn how to shine the spotlight on the heroic women of the Bible for your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, sisters, and Sunday school classes! Click here to learn more and to register for the webcast by inputting your email address for a reminder using the pink "Register" button!

Also, check out the special preorder offer on A Brave Big Sister: A Bible Story About Miriam. Learn more here.

His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

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?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author of the Seasons of Sugarcreek series, the Sisters of the Heart series, and the Families of Honor series. She lives with her family in southern Ohio, where she writes full time. Before her work in the inspirational market, Gray wrote several novels as Shelley Galloway. During this time her books appeared on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, and she won "RT Book Reviews'" prestigious Reviewers' Choice Award

Dynamic Uno here:  I couldn't put this book down.  Seriously.  I picked up His Guilt and was swept into Mark and Neeta's story almost immediately.  

I wanted to learn more about Mark's horrible home-life growing up that led him to become the man he is today.  I also wanted to find out more about Neeta and her family since they all seemed to get along so wonderfully; quite the contrast with Mark's background.

When the violent beatings started that left the victims half-dead, I was surprised because I never really expect that type of behavior from the Amish community-even though I'm sure it happens more than I realize or even want to know.  From that point on, I was trying to figure out who was responsible for causing this terror in the town and managed to narrow my suspicions to several characters.  (I really did want to be a detective like Nancy Drew when I was little.)  As it turns out, I was right!  *happy dance*  

You'll have to read the book to find out what happens between Mark and Neeta, as well as all of their friends and family, in this second suspense-filled book in The Amish of Hart County series.    Don't worry if you haven't read book one, Her Secret (my review here), His Guilt could also read as a stand-alone book.

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!

Happy Anniversary!

According to the calendar it's only been a year, but my heart knows it's always been you.  Happy Anniversary my handsome man!  

I can't wait to live more of life's adventures with you!

Happy Birthday Handsome Uber-Marine!

Happy Birthday my handsome man!  You "Level-Up" well! 

 I love you!

An Avalon Valentine by Darien Gee

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through Kate Tilton's Book Blogger's Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 





About The Book:

In Avalon, Illinois, Valentine’s Day is less than a month away but for five women, will it be a day of loneliness or love? 

Jilted at the altar, Lucia Blake now spends her days making chocolate in an effort to keep some sweetness in her life while hoping for her own happily ever after. Former professional cellist Hannah Wang is uncertain about her future with boyfriend Jamie Linde when her ex-husband re-appears in her life, intent on winning her back. Tea salon manager Connie Colls is planning a Valentine’s Day surprise for Eli, her busy veterinarian boyfriend, in the hopes of spicing things up, but she’s unprepared for who shows up. For young Gracie Evarts, first love comes in the form of know-it-all Finn O’Neill, whose big idea for a kissing booth might succeed, but only with Gracie’s help. Goldie and Edward Love have agreed to a 50th anniversary celebration, but when their daughter uses one of Goldie’s old journals as inspiration for the party, Goldie knows it’s time to confess a long-held secret.

An Avalon Valentine is funny and full of heart, shedding light on what it means to love and to be loved.

About the Author:

Darien Gee is the bestselling author of four novels that take place in the small rivertown of Avalon, Illinois, as well as an award-winning book on writing the memoir. Her books have been translated into 14 languages and are selections of the Doubleday, Literary Guild, and Book of the Month Club book clubs.

Website/ Facebook/ Pinterest/ Twitter

Dynamic Uno here:  I would first like to give a shout-out to the author, Darien Gee, for being so accommodating and helpful when I was having issues downloading the book so I could read it on my phone.  She finally sent me a copy through Amazon so I could read it through the Kindle app.  THANK YOU!!!  An Avalon Valentine was well worth it!

I usually read a lot of Christian fiction, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I first start An Avalon Valentine as it was touted as a women's fictional romance.  There was no need to worry as there was no sex scenes and everything was light-hearted and heart-warming.

The town of Avalon seems like any other basic small-town in America.  Everyone knows one-another and is always looking out for each other.  At first the book was a little hard to follow because there were four different storylines going at once and I couldn't keep them straight.  However, after reading further they all started to make sense and I was drawn into the characters and their lives--or should I say love stories since Valentine's Day is all the rage in the town of Avalon?

I loved how the characters' stories were interwoven and that at the end of the day, true love and friendship always wins!  (Of course, chocolate treats and different varieties of friendship bread didn't hurt either.)
If you're looking for a great read that values friendship and romance, this is the book for you.  I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Avalon series!
Let me know what you think in the comments section and Happy Reading!

True to You by Becky Wade

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.” 


ABOUT THE BOOK:

True to You (Bethany House, May 2017)

It’s the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite!

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She's the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

    

Dynamic Uno here:  Becky Wade has quickly become one of my new favorite authors.  I can relate to most of her characters (aside from being wealthy) and they're always full of spunk, which makes reading their adventures that much more enjoyable.

Nora is definitely my favorite character in True to You.  She epitomizes librarian and even seems to dress the part--at least until her sister gets ahold of her.  Since I'm a public librarian, I really enjoyed her take on the research process that I use with my customers every day.  Although my focus is not genealogy and I would certainly never agree to meet one away from the library to assist them in their search unless s/he was a really close friend, I admire her dedication to helping her customers--especially a certain hunky former Navy SEAL.

Another element that I thoroughly enjoyed was the setting of the book.  I'm headed to Maine for a few days soon and even though everything took place in Washington (with a few side trips elsewhere), the scenery described is exactly what I'm seeing as I research the Maine area.  In fact, one of the places described (the lodge) is almost like where I'm going to be staying--overlooking the trees and the water with a huge balcony!  But enough about me...  

I feel like the characters in True to You are my friends.  I realized that I was really starting to care about Nora and John and their friendship/attraction towards each other.  I wanted to know why John was so reserved, despite his military background, and why Nora seemed to take on the role of spinster despite her young age.  As they reveal bits of their past throughout the book, it only drew me in more because I wanted them to realize what the other one felt and that they would be perfect for each other.  Now that I'm done with their story, I keep thinking about how they're doing.  (Does anyone else do this?)  The Bradford Sisters Romance series is off to a great start and I can't wait to read about Willow and Britt!

Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!